8-Day Adventure Itinerary in Vietnam: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your adventure with a traditional bowl of pho at this local favorite, known for its rich broth and tender meat.
Walk or taxi to the restaurant.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, soaking in the atmosphere and discovering hidden cafes and shops.
Walking tour throughout the Old Quarter.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy a delicious serving of bun cha, a local grilled pork dish that Obama famously tried during his visit.
Walking distance from the Old Quarter.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Relax by the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple, and learn about the legends surrounding the area.
Short walk from the lunch spot.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor the famous cha ca, a Hanoi specialty of grilled fish served with fresh herbs and vermicelli noodles.
Short taxi ride from Hoan Kiem Lake.
VND 150,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Water Puppet Show

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique form of entertainment that dates back to the 11th century.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
VND 100,000, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Indulge in a famous egg coffee at this iconic café, known for its creamy and rich taste.
Walk to the nearby café.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and learn about the history of Vietnam’s beloved leader.
Short taxi ride to the mausoleum.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the One Pillar Pagoda

Admire the architectural beauty of the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hanoi.
Short walk from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Koto

Enjoy a meal at Koto, a restaurant that trains disadvantaged youth in hospitality.
Short taxi ride or walk.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse cultures of Vietnam at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, featuring interactive exhibits.
Taxi ride to the museum.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Old Quarter and Shop

Stroll through the colorful streets of the Old Quarter and shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Taxi back to the Old Quarter.
Free, varies based on purchases., 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dive into Vietnamese street food with a variety of dishes all in one place at this popular restaurant.
Walking distance in the Old Quarter.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Scenic Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing for Halong Bay.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Halong Bay

Begin the journey to Halong Bay with a scenic drive through beautiful landscapes.
Book a shuttle service or travel via organized tour.
USD 30, 4 hours

12:30PM

Cruise Lunch on Boat

Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch aboard the cruise while taking in stunning views of limestone karsts.
Lunch provided by the cruise.
Included in cruise package., 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Explore the hidden lagoons and caves while kayaking through the emerald waters of Halong Bay.
Kayak equipment provided by the cruise.
Included in cruise package., 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Discover the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites as part of your cruise tour.
Guided tour as part of the cruise.
Included in cruise package., 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner on Boat

Continue enjoying your cruise experience with a sumptuous dinner served on board.
Dinner provided by the cruise.
Included in cruise package., 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening Entertainment

Relax on the upper deck and partake in evening activities like squid fishing or karaoke under the stars.
Enjoy the facilities on the cruise.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 4: Explore Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast on Boat

Start your day with breakfast onboard while enjoying the sunrise over the bay.
Provided by the cruise.
Included in cruise package., 1 hour

8:30AM

Tai Chi on Deck

Join a morning Tai Chi session on the deck, embracing the serenity of the surroundings.
Available on your cruise boat.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Return to Harbour and Transfer to Ninh Binh

Conclude your cruise experience with a transfer back to the harbor, then continue to Ninh Binh by bus.
Shuttle service or arranged transport.
USD 30, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tam Coc Garden

Savor a delicious meal at Tam Coc Garden, featuring local specialties and fresh ingredients.
Taxi to the restaurant.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Boat Tour in Tam Coc

Take a leisurely boat ride through the stunning rice fields and limestone karsts of Tam Coc, often referred to as 'Halong Bay on Land.'
Arrange a boat tour upon arrival.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore the beautiful Bich Dong Pagoda, a series of three temples set on a hill with panoramic views.
Short bike ride or taxi from Tam Coc.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Thuy Linh Restaurant

Enjoy local cuisine at Thuy Linh while reflecting on the stunning beauty of Ninh Binh.
Taxi to the restaurant.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historical Hue

Hue, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before heading to Hue.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Hue

Transfer to Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam, known for its historical sites.
Take a bus or train.
USD 20, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Experience Hue’s famed bun bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup at this popular local spot.
Short walk to the restaurant.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the stunning Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the city’s royal past.
Walking distance from restaurant.
VND 150,000, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the breathtaking Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, an iconic symbol of Hue.
Taxi or boat ride from the city center.
Free or VND 50,000 for boat, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Cochinchine

Dine on French-Vietnamese fusion food in a beautiful garden setting in the heart of Hue.
Short taxi ride from Thien Mu.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at your hotel.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hoi An

Take a morning bus to charming Hoi An, known for its well-preserved Ancient Town.
Bus or private transfer.
USD 15, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cao Lau Ba Le

Relish the unique local dish, Cao Lau, at this well-known eatery.
Short walk from the bus station.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through the beautifully preserved streets of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with lanterns and heritage architecture.
Walking tour through the Ancient Town.
VND 120,000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Lantern Making Workshop

Take part in a lantern making workshop and create your own Hoi An lantern as a souvenir.
Book a workshop in advance; easily reachable.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Morning Glory

Savor Hoi An street food favorites in a lively setting, sampling dishes such as white rose dumplings.
Walking distance from the workshop.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Buzzing Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before flying to Ho Chi Minh City.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch a morning flight to the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.
Book a flight in advance.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive and check in at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Direct transfer from airport to hotel.
Included in flight package., 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy pho at this restaurant where Bill Clinton famously dined during his visit to Vietnam.
Short walk from the hotel.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into the impact of the Vietnam War at this poignant museum in the heart of the city.
Taxi ride from lunch.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and experience the vibrant local market atmosphere at Ben Thanh.
Short taxi ride from the museum.
Free, varies based on purchases., 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Indulge in traditional Vietnamese dining in a beautifully designed restaurant filled with local art.
Short taxi ride from Ben Thanh Market.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Historical Insights

Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel, savoring local flavors one last time.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Cu Chi Tunnels

Make your way to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
Book a guided tour for convenient transportation.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Explore the historical Cu Chi Tunnels and gain insight into their significance during the Vietnam War.
Guided tour includes transportation.
USD 15, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Stop at a local eatery for a casual lunch of banh mi or spring rolls.
Part of the organized tour.
USD 5, 1 hour

2:30PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Return to the city, reflecting on your adventure through Vietnam.
Part of the organized tour transportation.
Included, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Last Minute Shopping

Enjoy some time for last-minute shopping or exploring before your departure.
Walking distance from your hotel.
Free, varies based on purchases., 2 hours

6:30PM

Departure Dinner at K restaurant

Celebrate your adventure with a farewell dinner featuring a mix of traditional and modern Vietnamese dishes.
Short taxi ride from your hotel.
VND 200,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability