6-Day Affordable Foodie Itinerary in Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Halong Bay with Cooking Class and Temple of Literature

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: 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

Cooking Class at Vietnam Cookery Centre

Learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes in a fun and engaging cooking class.
A short taxi ride from lunch (15 minutes).
VND 800,000, 3 hours

5:00PM

Explore Dong Khoi Street

Wander down this upscale shopping street, filled with boutiques and cafes.
A 15-minute taxi ride from the cooking class.
Free (shopping costs vary), 1.5 hours

7:00PM

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
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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 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

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore this historic temple dedicated to Confucius, known as the first national university of Vietnam.
Take a taxi from Hoan Kiem Lake (10 minutes).
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

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 temple.
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

4:30PM

Monkey Island Visit

Spend some time on Monkey Island, interact with friendly monkeys and relax on the beach.
Boat transfer from your cruise, which is usually included.
VND 50,000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

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
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cooking Class & 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

Cooking Class at Halong Bay

Engage in a hands-on cooking class where you will learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes with local chefs.
Offered through your cruise or a culinary institute in Halong.
VND 600,000, 3 hours

11:30AM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Visit this magnificent cave, known for its stunning rock formations.
Take a boat from your cooking class venue.
VND 100,000, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch on Board

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

3:00PM

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
View Hotel Availability

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
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