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Epic Vietnam Adventure: City, Nature, and Culinary Delights on a Budget

Viewed by 101 travelers

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Hoa

Start your adventure with a bowl of delicious Pho at this local favorite spot known for its rich broth and tender meat.
Located in District 3, take a Grab taxi from your hotel.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

War Remnants Museum

Explore the powerful exhibits chronicling the Vietnam War and its impacts in this haunting yet important museum.
From Pho Hoa, take a short 10-minute ride by Grab.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Delight in one of the best Banh Mi sandwiches in the city, packed with a variety of meats and fresh vegetables.
A 15-minute walk from the museum.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Admire the stunning architecture of this iconic cathedral, built by French colonists in the late 19th century.
Walk 10 minutes from lunch.
Free, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Ben Thanh Market

Dive into the bustling market atmosphere, perfect for souvenir shopping and tasting street food.
A 10-minute walk away from the cathedral.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a variety of Vietnamese dishes in an outdoor setting with vibrant food stalls showcasing regional cuisines.
Grab a taxi to the restaurant.
VND 100,000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Evening Saigon River Cruise

Take in the city skyline while relaxing on a budget-friendly river cruise, offering stunning views after sunset.
Walk to the river cruise pier, about 15 minutes.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2: Greater Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe 87

Fuel up with a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee and a light breakfast pastry at this local café.
Take a Grab taxi from your hotel.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Cu Chi Tunnels

Experience the remarkable underground network used during the Vietnam War and learn about guerrilla tactics.
Join a group tour or take a bus, approximately 1.5 hours from the city center.
VND 150,000, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Can Giuoc Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty lunch sampling regional Vietnamese dishes like rabbit fish hotpot and grilled seafood.
Taxi back to District 1 will take about 1.5 hours.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Bui Vien Street

Stroll through the bustling backpacker district known for its vibrant nightlife and colorful street art.
Take a Grab taxi, about 15 minutes away.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Enjoy a range of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a cozy yet lively atmosphere.
A short 5-minute Grab ride or 15-minute walk.
VND 120,000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Rooftop Bar

Cap off the night with cocktails at a rooftop bar, enjoying aerial views of Saigon's skyline.
Choose any nearby rooftop bar in District 1.
VND 200,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 3: Cultural Escape to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at your hotel before your flight.
Head to Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Flight to Da Nang

Fly to Da Nang, then a short trip to Hoi An.
About a 1-hour flight; followed by a 30-minute taxi ride to Hoi An.
VND 1,300,000, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Miss Ly Cafe

Indulge in local delicacies, including Cao Lau and fresh spring rolls at this famous eatery.
A short walk once you arrive in Hoi An.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Old Town Exploration

Wander through the UNESCO-listed streets of Hoi An’s Old Town, filled with historic buildings and shops.
Walking tour around the Old Town area.
VND 120,000 (entrance to various sites), 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Bale Well

Experience a DIY dinner of delicious Hoi An specialties, including the famed banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes).
It's a short walk from the Old Town.
VND 100,000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Night Market Visit

Stroll through the illuminated night market, sampling street food and admiring local handicrafts.
5-minute walk from dinner location.
VND 50,000 (for snacks), 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 4: Adventure in Nature

Hoi An, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at Nhan's Restaurant

Bustling eatery renowned for its fried rice and friendly service to kickstart your day.
Walking distance from your hotel.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bike Tour in Countryside

Join a guided bicycle tour to explore lush rice paddies, local villages, and stunning landscapes surrounding Hoi An.
Tour provider will pick you up from your hotel.
VND 300,000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Streets Restaurant

Partake in a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes, knowing that profits support at-risk youth.
Head back to Hoi An town center by bike, approximately 30 minutes.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Cooking Class

Engage in a hands-on cooking class to learn making local dishes like spring rolls and pho in a fun atmosphere.
Cooking classes available near the town center.
VND 400,000, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mango Mango

Savor contemporary Vietnamese cuisine with a riverside view at this chic restaurant.
Short walk back to the river near Old Town.
VND 180,000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Relax at riverside

Unwind by Hoi An's riverside with a drink, watching the lanterns reflect in the water.
Find a riverside café near the restaurant.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 5: Culinary Adventures in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast before taking the next flight from Da Nang to Hanoi.
Taxi to Da Nang Airport.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Flight to Hanoi

You will catch a quick flight to Hanoi this morning.
About 1 hour of flying time.
VND 1,000,000, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho Bat Dan

Relish a massive bowl of pho, a must-try while in the capital, acclaimed for its beef broth.
Grab a taxi to the restaurant.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque lake, enjoying the local atmosphere and beautiful views.
A short walk from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Old Quarter

Wander through the vibrant Old Quarter, where you can shop for handicrafts and enjoy diverse street foods.
Easily walkable from Hoan Kiem Lake.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Experience Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi dish prepared right at your table, creating an interactive dining experience.
Grab a taxi to the restaurant.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Street Food Tour

Join a fun street food tour to savor the best flavors the city has to offer, led by a local guide.
Meeting point will be shared when booking.
VND 300,000, 2.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hanoi
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