6-Day Affordable Foodie Itinerary with Sleeper Train from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi, 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

8:00PM

Night at the Train Station

Head to the Saigon Railway Station for your sleeper train experience. Get comfortable and settle in your compartment.
A 15-minute taxi ride from dinner.
VND 500,000 (for a sleeper ticket), 10 hours
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Day 2: Arrive in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

6:00AM

Arrival and Breakfast

Arrive in Hanoi and enjoy breakfast at a local cafe near the train station.
Walk to a nearby cafe (5 minutes).
VND 30,000, 1 hour

7:00AM

Hanoi Old Quarter Exploration

Stroll the bustling streets to experience street vendors and vibrant life.
Take a Grab to the Old Quarter (10 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Relax by the serene shores of Hoan Kiem Lake and check out Ngoc Son Temple.
A 15-minute walk from the Old Quarter.
VND 30,000 for the temple, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

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

1:00PM

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 from the temple.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore French Quarter

Wander through the beautiful colonial architecture and enjoy some cafes.
A 20-minute walk from lunch.
Free (cafe prices vary), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor the unique Cha Ca, grilled fish with turmeric and dill, at this famous eatery.
A 10-minute taxi ride.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Nibble on a quick breakfast at your accommodation in Hanoi, 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 4: 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.
VND 100,000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Kayaking Experience

Paddle through the serene waters, discovering hidden lagoons and beaches.
Offered as part of your cruise or tours available.
Included in cruise cost, 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

Swimming & Relaxation

Enjoy some swimming or relaxing time onboard as you soak in the beautiful views.
Cruising and available areas.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hotel

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

7:00PM

Dinner at Local Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant known for its catch.
A short walk or ride from your hotel.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Return 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

Depart for the Sleeper Train

Head to the train station for your return sleeper train to Ho Chi Minh City.
A 10-minute taxi ride from dinner.
VND 500,000 (for a sleeper ticket), 10 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel Back to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

6:00AM

Arrival and Breakfast

Arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy breakfast at a nearby cafe after checking into your hotel.
A walk to a nearby cafe (5 minutes).
VND 30,000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Morning at Bitexco Financial Tower

Visit the Bitexco Financial Tower for panoramic views of the city from the Sky Deck.
A 15-minute taxi ride from breakfast.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit the Saigon Opera House

Explore this stunning landmark and take some great photos.
A 10-minute walk from the tower.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Goc Vietnamese Street Food

Try a selection of Vietnamese street food favorites in this cozy eatery.
A short 10-minute walk.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Fine Arts Museum

Explore the contemporary and traditional Vietnamese artworks in this delightful museum.
A 10-minute walk from lunch.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Last-Minute Shopping at Ben Thanh Market

Head back to Ben Thanh Market for any last-minute shopping before your departure.
A 20-minute walk.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pho 24

Celebrate your final night with a delicious bowl of Pho at this well-known chain.
A Grab or walk to the restaurant depending on your accommodation.
VND 60,000, 1 hour
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