7-Day Shoestring Budget Relaxation Itinerary in Vietnam

Day 1: Arriving in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a steaming bowl of pho at this local favorite, famous for its rich broth.
Walk or take a short ride to Pho Bat Dan.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and take photos of the iconic Turtle Tower.
It's a 20-minute walk from Pho Bat Dan.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Savor the flavors of Vietnam with a plate of bun cha, grilled pork served with rice noodles.
A 15-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first university and admire the beautiful architecture in this tranquil setting.
Take a bus or walk for 20 minutes.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Coffee Break at Cafe Giang

Indulge in traditional egg coffee at this cozy café, a local specialty you can't miss.
A short ride from the Temple.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Banh Mi 25

Enjoy a delicious banh mi sandwich, a delightful combination of bread, vegetables, and meat.
A 10-minute walk from Cafe Giang.
VND 40,000, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Giang Cafe

Wake up with a classic Vietnamese breakfast of rice and egg at this charming café.
20-minute walk from the hotel.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects to Vietnam's revolutionary leader at this significant site.
Accessible by bus or a 20-minute bike ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try the legendary cha ca, grilled fish with herbs and rice noodles in a bustling atmosphere.
Take a short walk from the mausoleum.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Stroll Through the Old Quarter

Wander through the narrow streets filled with shops and local vendors showcasing traditional crafts.
Walk from the restaurant, it's very close.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Water Puppet Show

Experience Vietnam's unique water puppet show, showcasing traditional stories using puppetry on water.
A 15-minute walk from the Old Quarter.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Com Chan

Enjoy a vegetarian dinner in this local eatery offering various rice dishes.
Short walk from the theater.
VND 60,000, 1 hour
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Day 3: Scenic Beauty of Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Bakery

Grab some delicious bánh mì from a nearby bakery for an on-the-go breakfast.
Buy local pastries nearby.
VND 25,000, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Travel to Ninh Binh

Take a local bus to Ninh Binh, a picturesque land of mountains and rivers.
Board the bus at My Dinh Station.
VND 70,000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Tam Coc

Experience a relaxing boat ride through stunning limestone caves and rice paddies.
Take a short bike ride from the bus stop.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tam Coc Restaurant

Savor local dishes while enjoying views of the surrounding landscape.
Right next to the Tam Coc pier.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

A beautiful pagoda built into a mountain, providing stunning panoramic views.
Take a bike ride to Bich Dong.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Ninh Binh Town

Bike back to Ninh Binh town and unwind at your accommodation.
Ride back to town.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

Enjoy a simple but hearty dinner featuring local specialties.
Find a nearby local eatery.
VND 50,000, 1 hour
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Day 4: Cultural Exploration in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cargo Club

Feast on breakfast platters in this iconic café with river views.
Walk to Cargo Club from your stay.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hoi An

Catch a bus to the ancient town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved heritage.
Board bus from Ninh Binh.
VND 150,000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hoi An Market

Delve into the bustling market scene and try some local street foods.
Explore the market area on foot.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander through the charming streets filled with historic architecture and shops selling lanterns.
Walk through the market to access the Ancient Town.
Entrance Fee: VND 120,000 (includes several attractions), 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Morning Glory

Indulge in the local cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
A short walk from the Ancient Town.
VND 80,000, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Evening Lantern Walk

Stroll around the old town, admiring the lanterns glowing in the night.
Walk around the Ancient Town.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 5: Relaxation Day in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

9:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in a cozy café, sipping local Vietnamese coffee.
Choose a cafe in your vicinity.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Cycle to An Bang Beach

Rent a bicycle and ride to the beautiful An Bang Beach to relax by the ocean.
Rent a bike from a local shop.
VND 30,000 for rental., 30 minutes

11:00AM

Beach Relaxation

Spend hours unwinding on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Walk to the beach from the rental bike spot.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at An Bang Beach Restaurants

Enjoy fresh seafood or local dishes at a beachfront restaurant.
Walk to nearby beachside eateries.
VND 90,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Hoi An Town

Bike back to town and explore any last-minute sights.
Ride back to the town.
Free, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at Cafe 43

Enjoy budget-friendly dishes with a homey feel and great flavors.
Short ride from the town center.
VND 70,000, 1 hour
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Day 6: Exploring Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Eatery

Start your day with fresh banh xeo or traditional rice at a nearby eatery.
Find a local place near your stay.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Da Nang

Take a local shuttle or bus to Da Nang for a day filled with exploration.
Board at Hoi An bus station.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Marble Mountains

Discover a complex of five marble and limestone hills filled with caves and temples.
Take a short taxi or ride-share from the bus station.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Sample local dishes, such as Mi Quang, in a cozy Da Nang restaurant.
Eat at a nearby local restaurant.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit My Khe Beach

Relax at one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam; enjoy sunbathing and swimming.
From the restaurant, it's a short drive.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Seafood Market

End your day with excellent seafood at a beachside night market.
Reachable on foot from the beach.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Farewell to Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho 24

Delight in a delicious bowl of pho to kickstart your last day.
At a local Pho spot near your hotel.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch a flight or bus to Ho Chi Minh City to experience its lively atmosphere.
Book transport ahead.
VND 500,000 for a flight., 1 hour flight / 4 hours bus.

1:00PM

Lunch at Ben Thanh Market

Explore the vibrant market and try various local dishes, including banh xeo.
Walk around the market area.
VND 70,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam's history through captivating exhibits.
Short taxi ride from the market.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting.
Ten-minute drive from the museum.
VND 90,000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Evening Walking Tour

Stroll through bustling Bui Vien Street; a vibrant experience of nightlife and culture.
Easily walkable from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours
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