6-Day Affordable Foodie Itinerary in Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Halong Bay

Day 1: Explore Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Banh Mi Breakfast

Start your day with a delicious Banh Mi from Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, a local favorite known for its fresh ingredients and crispy baguettes.
Head north on Le Thanh Ton street for about 10 minutes.
VND 30,000, 30 mins

9:00AM

War Remnants Museum

Visit this museum to understand Vietnam's historical background, featuring impactful exhibits from the Vietnam War.
A 20-minute walk from breakfast.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office

Marvel at these iconic French colonial landmarks, perfect for some photos.
A 10-minute walk north from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy a bowl of authentic Pho at Pho 2000, famously visited by Bill Clinton.
A short 15-minute walk from the post office.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Ben Thanh Market

Explore this bustling marketplace filled with local crafts, souvenirs, and street food.
A 10-minute walk from lunch.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

4:00PM

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Stroll along this lively pedestrian street and seaside area for some leisure time.
A 15-minute walk from the market.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Com tam Ba Ghien

Savor some Com Tam, broken rice with grilled pork, at this local joint.
Take a Grab ride (10 minutes).
VND 70,000, 1 hour
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Day 2: Day Trip to Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7:00AM

Quick Coffee & Pastry

Grab a Vietnamese coffee and a pastry at Trung Nguyen Coffee.
A short 5-minute walk from your accommodation.
VND 25,000, 30 mins

8:00AM

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history as you explore the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Join a bus tour that will take about 1.5 hours to reach Cu Chi.
VND 150,000, 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at La Cuisine

Indulge in a hearty meal at this affordable French-inspired restaurant.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City and take a Grab to the restaurant.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Saigon Skydeck

Get a panoramic view of Ho Chi Minh City from the Bitexco Tower.
10-minute Grab ride from lunch.
VND 200,000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Bui Vien Street Exploring

Walk around Bui Vien street to discover its lively bars and street performers.
A 15-minute walk from Saigon Skydeck.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at 38 Degree

Try some finger-licking seafood at this hidden gem.
15-minute walk from Bui Vien.
VND 80,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Fly to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Savor the authentic Hanoi-style Pho, an absolute must-try.
Grab a quick taxi to the restaurant, around 15 minutes.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Flight to Hanoi

Catch your budget flight to Hanoi, lasting just over an hour.
Head to Tan Son Nhat Airport (20 minutes via Grab).
VND 400,000 (avg), 1 hour

10:30AM

Hanoi Old Quarter Exploration

Stroll the bustling streets to experience street vendors and vibrant life.
Take a taxi from airport to Old Quarter (30 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha 34

Feast on Bun Cha, a local dish of grilled pork, at this well-rated place.
A short 10-minute walk.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Relax by the serene shores of Hoan Kiem Lake and check out Ngoc Son Temple.
A 10-minute walk from lunch.
VND 30,000 for the temple, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Water Puppet Show

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Show, an entertaining performance.
Walk 10 minutes to the venue.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor the unique Cha Ca, grilled fish with turmeric and dill, at this famous eatery.
15-minute walk from the show.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Day Trip to Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your accommodation, as you’ll need energy for the day ahead.
N/A
Included in stay, 30 mins

7:00AM

Bus to Halong Bay

Take a bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay, a beautiful journey lasting about 4 hours.
Book a tour or a one-way bus (many options available).
VND 200,000, 4 hours

11:30AM

Halong Bay Cruise

Hop on a budget cruise to explore the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.
Join your pre-booked cruise at the marina.
VND 500,000, 5 hours

5:30PM

Return Bus to Hanoi

Relax as you ride back from Halong Bay to Hanoi.
Grab the bus back to the original departure point.
VND 200,000, 4 hours

9:00PM

Late Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in a variety of Vietnamese dishes, all in one location.
15-minute walk from your accommodation.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Start your day with a local favorite, sticky rice topped with various ingredients.
A 10-minute walk will land you at this popular spot.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visit the mausoleum to pay respects to Vietnam's founding father.
A short taxi ride (10 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first university, a serene place filled with history.
A 15-minute walk from the mausoleum.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at KOTO

Enjoy a hearty meal while supporting a good cause at KOTO, a famous social enterprise.
A 15-minute walk from the temple.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore French Quarter

Wander through the beautiful colonial architecture and enjoy some cafes.
A 15-minute walk from lunch.
Free (cafe prices vary), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Bun Bo Nam Bo

End your day with Bun Bo, a rice noodle dish with beef, at this cozy eatery.
A short taxi ride (10 minutes).
VND 80,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Night Market

Experience the bustling nightly atmosphere with street food and local handicrafts.
A 10-minute walk will take you there.
Free (shopping costs vary), 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Culinary Tour in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Have a Hanoi specialty - Egg Coffee, paired with a light breakfast.
A short 10-minute walk to the cafe.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Cooking Class

Join a local cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Pre-book your class; they often pick you up.
VND 600,000, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Cooking Class

Enjoy the food you’ve just prepared for lunch!
N/A
Included in cooking class, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Hanoi Street Art

Wander through the vibrant streets to discover local street art and graffiti.
A short taxi or Grab ride from your class.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Final Dinner at Revolution Burger

Celebrate your last evening with a gourmet twist on Vietnamese street food.
15-minute Grab ride from street art.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening at the Opera House

Catch a glimpse of this beautiful structure, possibly attend a performance if available.
A 15-minute walk from dinner.
VND 100,000 (if attending a show), 1 hour
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