7-Day Budget Adventure in Vietnam: Nature, City, and Volunteering

Day 1: Exploring Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Patella Café

Start your day with a delicious Vietnamese omelette and fresh coffee at this popular local spot.
Walk to Hoan Kiem Lake afterwards.
VND60000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy a peaceful stroll around this scenic lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the island.
Continue walking to the Old Quarter.
VND30000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the vibrant streets filled with markets, food stalls, and charming shops.
Then head to a local eatery for lunch.
Free, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Relish the well-known Bun Cha dish, the best place to taste this local specialty.
After lunch, take a bus to the Temple of Literature.
VND85000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam's first university, with its tranquil gardens and historic architecture.
Next, head back to your accommodation to relax.
VND50000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Sample Cha Ca, a unique dish featuring grilled fish and herbs served with rice noodles.
Return to your accommodation to get rest for the next day.
VND120000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Hanoi Cultural Immersion

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Enjoy a hearty breakfast of sticky rice, served with various toppings at this local favourite.
Head towards the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
VND55000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore the diverse cultures of Vietnam through fascinating exhibits and traditional houses.
Take public transport to West Lake.
VND40000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Banh Mi 25

Sample one of the best Banh Mi sandwiches in the city, filled with fresh ingredients.
Walk to West Lake afterwards.
VND40000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit West Lake

Stroll around the lakeside, take in the sights, and if you're inclined, rent a bicycle.
Next, make your way to the Hanoi Opera House.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Hanoi Opera House

Take a guided tour or just admire the French colonial architecture from outside.
Head back to check into a volunteering programme.
VND30000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Volunteering Orientation Meeting

Meet with your volunteer group for an introduction to upcoming activities.
Dinner afterwards with the group.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at local market stall

Enjoy affordable local dishes cooked by vendors in the night market.
Head back to your accommodation after dinner.
VND80000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Adventure in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at hostel

Fuel up on a light breakfast provided at your accommodation before heading out.
Take a bus from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
VND200000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Cruise through Ha Long Bay

Board a budget cruise and enjoy the stunning limestone karsts while sailing.
Lunch is included in the cruise package.
VND800000, 5 hours

2:00PM

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Explore the hidden caves and lagoons by kayak for an unforgettable experience.
Return to your cruise boat afterwards.
Included in cruise package, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to hotel

After a day of adventure, disembark and return to your accommodation to unwind.
Dinner out near the marina.
VND50000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at the Beach

Enjoy fresh seafood at a beach-side restaurant while soaking in the sunset.
Stroll along the beach after your meal.
VND150000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Nature in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast at your local hotel before setting out.
Catch a bus to Ninh Binh.
VND70000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Tam Coc

Take a scenic boat ride through the stunning limestone caves and paddies.
Lunch at a local eatery afterwards.
VND150000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Riverside Restaurant

Savor delicious dishes featuring local ingredients while overlooking the river.
Head over to Bich Dong Pagoda afterwards.
VND90000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Bich Dong Pagoda

Visit this fascinating ancient pagoda set in a beautiful landscape.
Make your way back to your accommodation to prepare for dinner.
VND50000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Quan Co

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese meal with local specialties at this charming diner.
Return to your accommodation to relax.
VND120000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Exploration in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Early Breakfast at your hotel

Have breakfast at your accommodation before heading out to catch a flight to Hoi An.
Take a morning flight to Da Nang, then a bus to Hoi An.
VND150000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check into Hostel

Drop off your luggage and prepare for a day filled with culture.
Walk into the ancient town.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander through beautifully preserved streets and visit the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Lunchtime soon at a highly rated restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Com Ga Hoi An

Taste the local chicken rice dish that Hoi An is famous for.
Stroll around the markets after lunch.
VND50000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

Participate in a cooking class where you’ll learn about organic farming and make a local dish.
Bike ride or walk back to town.
VND400000, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Morning Glory

Enjoy a delightful meal of Hoian specialties in a beautiful setting.
Head back to your accommodation for a rest.
VND120000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Volunteer and Relax in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a provided breakfast before heading out.
Make your way to the volunteer site.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Volunteer activity

Engage in meaningful work helping at a local school or community project.
Lunch break afterward.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch with the Community

Share a meal with your fellow volunteers and local community members.
Continue volunteering until late afternoon.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Continue Volunteer Work

Participate in afternoon activities that support local initiatives.
Wrap up for the day and relax.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mi Quang 1A

Enjoy a bowl of Mi Quang, a famous noodle dish originating from Quang Nam region.
Spend your evening at leisure.
VND90000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Final Day in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a nourishing breakfast as you prepare to travel to Ho Chi Minh City.
Take a bus from Hoi An to Da Nang airport for your flight.
VND150000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

Check into your accommodation and freshen up.
Head out to discovery the local area.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Savor the iconic Pho at one of the best spots in Ho Chi Minh City.
Visit the War Remnants Museum afterwards.
VND80000, 1 hour

2:00PM

War Remnants Museum

Gain deeper understanding of Vietnam's history through compelling exhibits.
Make your way to Reunification Palace.
VND40000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Reunification Palace

Visit the historic site that marks the end of the Vietnam War.
End the day with a stroll on Bui Vien Street.
VND50000, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Secret Garden

Enjoy a delightful Vietnamese meal in a relaxing rooftop setting.
Return to your accommodation, reflecting on your incredible journey.
VND150000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability