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

Viewed by 71 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2: Cultural Day in Ho Chi Minh

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

Visit the Reunification Palace

Explore the historic Reunification Palace, a symbol of the end of the Vietnam War.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the cafe.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this beautiful Chinese pagoda.
A 15-minute taxi ride.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy another delectable bowl of Pho at this local favorite renowned for its flavors.
A 10-minute walk from the pagoda.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Fine Arts Museum

Discover Vietnam's contemporary art scene in a lovely French colonial building.
A 10-minute walk from lunch.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Dong Khoi Street

Wander down this upscale shopping street, filled with boutiques and cafes.
A 5-minute walk from the museum.
Free (shopping costs vary), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at 38 Degree

Try some finger-licking seafood at this hidden gem.
15-minute walk from Dong Khoi.
VND 80,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

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 the 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
Find Hotels in Hanoi

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

Check-in at Halong Bay Hotel

Settle into your hotel and freshen up before dinner.
Many cruise options will offer hotel transfers.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel or Local Restaurant

Indulge in seafood, the local specialty known for its freshness and flavor.
On-site at hotel or nearby local dining options.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 5: Explore Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before heading out.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Visit this magnificent cave, known for its stunning rock formations.
Take a boat from your hotel or cruise ship.
VND 100,000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Ti Top Island

Enjoy a short hike up the mountain for panoramic views of Halong Bay.
A boat ride, included in your tour.
VND 40,000 (entrance fee), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch on Board

Savor a delicious seafood lunch while cruising through the bay.
Onboard your cruise.
Included in cruise cost, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Kayaking Experience

Paddle through the serene waters, discovering hidden lagoons and beaches.
Offered as part of your cruise itinerary.
Included in cruise cost, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel to relax after an adventurous day.
Boat back from kayaking point to your hotel.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Local Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood at a restaurant known for its local catch.
A short walk or ride from your hotel.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 6: Travel Back to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Halong Bay, preparing for the journey back.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Bus Back to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi, taking in the scenery once again.
Book a round-trip on the same bus service.
VND 200,000, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at KOTO

Enjoy a hearty meal while supporting a good cause at KOTO, a famous social enterprise.
A 10-minute walk from the bus station.
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
Find Hotels in Hanoi
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Time To Explore Presents: Vietnam Discovery Tour (5N / 6D)
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