10-Day Budget Nature & Culture Immersion in Vietnam

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Pho for Breakfast

Start your journey with a steaming bowl of Pho at Pho Gia Truyen, known for its rich broth and tender beef.
Located in the Old Quarter, it’s reachable by foot.
VND50000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hoan Kiem Lake

Post breakfast, stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, a central cultural spot of Hanoi.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Vietnamese History Museum

Explore Vietnam's rich history through its extensive exhibits at the Vietnamese History Museum.
A 10-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
VND20000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Bun Cha for Lunch

Enjoy Bun Cha, a famous grilled pork dish at Bun Cha Huong Lien, known for its local flair.
Take a 10-minute taxi ride.
VND60000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Wander through this inspiring Confucian temple and admire its stunning architecture.
A 15-minute taxi ride from lunch.
VND30000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Street Food Dinner

Dive into the bustling street food scene at the Night Market in the Old Quarter.
Walk back to the Old Quarter.
VND70000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Hanoi Cultural Delights

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Egg Coffee for Breakfast

Try the unique Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang, known for its frothy sweet flavor.
Short walk from the hotel.
VND40000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Hoa Lo Prison

Visit this historical site and learn about Vietnam's struggle for independence.
A 15-minute walk from the café.
VND30000, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Taste the local specialty, Cha Ca, a turmeric fish dish, at this popular spot.
A 10-minute taxi ride.
VND80000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Old Quarter

Explore the bustling streets filled with shops, restaurants, and history.
Walk around the area after lunch.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Water Puppet Show

Catch a traditional Water Puppet Show at the Thang Long Theatre for a unique experience.
A short walk from your location.
VND100000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at 49 Bat Su

Enjoy a cozy dinner at this local eatery known for rice paper rolls.
A 15-minute walk from the theater.
VND50000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Scenic Sapa Journey

Sapa, Vietnam

7:00AM

Travel to Sapa

Take an early morning bus from Hanoi to Sapa, passing through stunning landscapes.
Bus station is near your hotel.
VND230000, 6 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sapa Town

Grab a traditional meal at a local restaurant like the Sapa Lotus.
Walking distance from the bus station.
VND60000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Muong Hoa Valley Trek

Embark on a scenic trek through the stunning Muong Hoa Valley with picturesque rice terraces.
Hiking from Sapa town.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Local Night Market

Explore and sample food at the local night market, where vendors offer various local dishes.
A short walk from your trek’s end.
VND70000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Immerse in Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Homestay

Start the day with a hearty breakfast made with fresh ingredients at your homestay.
Available at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cat Cat Village

Explore this charming village and learn about the culture of the H'mong people.
20-minute walk from Sapa town.
VND50000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Savor a simple local meal at a nearby restaurant, trying dishes like grilled chicken or beef stew.
Walk back to Sapa town.
VND50000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Fansipan Mountain

Spend the afternoon hiking Fansipan, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia.
Book a guide or join a group trip.
VND700000, 5 hours (day hike)

6:30PM

Dinner at Homestay

Return for a delicious dinner served at your homestay, featuring local ingredients.
Just a short walk back to your accommodation.
Included, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Breathtaking Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Catch a bus from Sapa to Ha Long Bay, enjoying the beautiful landscapes along the way.
Leave from Sapa bus station.
VND300000, 5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on the Boat

Enjoy a seafood lunch aboard a day cruise, surrounded by stunning limestone islands.
Cruise organized through local tour operators.
VND500000, 2 hours

2:00PM

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Experience kayaking in the peaceful waters, surrounded by the breathtaking karst formations.
Kayaks supplied by the cruise.
Included in cruise, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, with its stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
Cave entrance near the cruise area.
VND40000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Return to Ha Long City

Head back to your hostel in Ha Long City after a packed day of adventure.
Back to the boat and then bus.
VND50000, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

Savor some local dishes at a nearby eatery.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
VND60000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Relaxing Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hostel

Enjoy a simple breakfast of eggs and bread to fuel your day of exploration.
Included at your lodging.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Cruise Around Ha Long Bay

Set out on a full-day cruise to explore the pearl farms and lesser-known islands.
Arranged through local tours.
VND700000, 8 hours

5:30PM

Dinner on the Cruise

Enjoy dinner while taking in stunning views of the sunset over the water.
Provided on the cruise.
Included in cruise, 2 hours

8:00PM

Return to Ha Long City

Head back to your hotel after a wonderful day at sea.
Back to bus after cruise.
VND50000, 1 hour
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Day 7: Cultural Charm of Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

7:00AM

Travel to Hoi An

Take a bus from Ha Long Bay to Hoi An, enjoying the southern scenery.
Depart from Ha Long city station.
VND350000, 12 hours

7:00PM

Dinner in Town

Dine on some local specialties at a cozy eatery in Hoi An.
Walk to the old town.
VND70000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your day with a local breakfast of Bahn Mi at Bahn Mi Phuong.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
VND40000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Ancient Town

Wander through Hoi An's charming streets lined with historical buildings and shops.
Walking tour around the old town.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy Quang Noodle, another specialty exclusive to Hoi An.
Head to a nearby restaurant.
VND60000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

Admire the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An.
Short walk from lunch.
VND20000, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Cooking Class

Enroll in a budget-friendly cooking class and learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Book through local tour operators.
VND100000, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hoi An Ancient Town

Savor a traditional meal at the popular restaurants in the Ancient Town.
Walking distance from your cooking class.
VND60000, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Take an early morning flight or bus from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City.
Bus or flight from Hoi An.
VND500000, 1 hour for flight / 22 hours by bus (overnight)

10:00AM

Breakfast at Pho 2000

Once in the city, enjoy some of the best Pho at Pho 2000, famous among travelers.
Near Ben Thanh Market.
VND50000, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into the Vietnam War through the impactful exhibits at the War Remnants Museum.
A short taxi ride from breakfast.
VND20000, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Grab lunch at a local eatery, trying famous banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes).
Nearby restricted budget-friendly eateries.
VND60000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Explore the vibrant market filled with local handicrafts, food, and souvenirs.
Walking distance from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Street Food

Finish your day with street food sampling, including fresh spring rolls and grilled skewers.
Head down to the street food district.
VND80000, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Final Day in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy a simple breakfast and cup of Vietnamese coffee at a local café.
Walk to a nearby café.
VND40000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Join a budget-friendly group tour of the famous Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about their historical significance.
An hour drive from the city center.
VND100000, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Return to the city and have lunch at a local restaurant serving pho or bun bo hue.
Back to the city center.
VND60000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Chinatown Exploration

Spend your afternoon exploring Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant Chinatown, visiting temples and markets.
Take a taxi to Cholon.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city.
Reserve in advance.
VND120000, 2 hours
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