Explore Vietnam: A 12-Day Immersion in Culture, Cuisine, and Nature

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 9, 2025

9:00 AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, filled with shops, cafes, and street vendors.
0, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy the serene atmosphere at Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngọc Sơn Temple located on an island.
10, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Try the famous Bun Cha - grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs, a local favorite.
5, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore this historic temple dedicated to Confucius, a great spot to learn about Vietnam's education history.
1, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Water Puppet Show

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique cultural art form native to Hanoi.
4, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a variety of local dishes in a beautiful garden setting, sampling different flavors from across Vietnam.
10, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 10, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Savor a bowl of traditional pho at this local gem, renowned for its aromatic beef broth and tender noodles.
3, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay respects to Vietnam's founding father and explore the impressive mausoleum and surrounding park.
0, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore the Fine Arts Museum

Discover Vietnam's rich art scene through a variety of traditional and contemporary exhibits.
1, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Delight in the signature dish, Cha Ca, with grilled fish seasoned with turmeric and herbs, served at your table.
12, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Stroll through the Botanical Gardens

Relax and unwind among the beautiful flora and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the gardens.
0, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Evening Cooking Class

Join a local chef to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes and enjoy the meal you cook together.
25, 3 hours

Day 3: Halong Bay Adventure

Halong Bay, Vietnam on March 11, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before your journey to Halong Bay.
10, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Departure to Halong Bay

Travel to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning limestone karsts.
20, 3 hours

11:00 AM

Cruise Halong Bay

Embark on a cruise through Halong Bay, enjoying breathtaking views and visiting floating fishing villages.
40, 5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore the impressive Sung Sot Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
5, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner on Board

Savor fresh seafood dinner while cruising through the beautiful bay, surrounded by stunning scenery.
20, 2 hours

Day 4: Ninh Binh Exploration

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on March 12, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast on the Cruise

Enjoy a light breakfast served on deck while taking in more magnificent views of the bay.
5, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Experience the bay up close by kayaking through its tranquil waters and exploring hidden caves.
15, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Return to Port and Depart for Ninh Binh

Travel back to the mainland and then to Ninh Binh, known as 'Ha Long Bay on land'.
15, 3 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Tam Coc Garden

Dine at a serene restaurant offering delicious Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful garden setting.
12, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Boat Tour in Tam Coc

Take a scenic boat ride through rice paddies and karst landscapes, often referred to as 'Inland Halong Bay'.
10, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore this stunning pagoda built into the limestone cliffs, offering great views of the surrounding area.
1, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Dinner at Local Street Food Stalls

Experience authentic Vietnamese street food by trying various dishes from the food stalls in the town.
5, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Phong Nha Region

Phong Nha, Vietnam on March 13, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast, perfect for a day of exploration ahead.
5, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Phong Nha

Head to Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, famous for its impressive caves.
15, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Explore Phong Nha Cave

Take a boat ride through the stunning Phong Nha Cave, filled with impressive rock formations.
10, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Phong Nha Farmstay

Enjoy a delicious local meal at the cozy Phong Nha Farmstay while soaking in the nature around you.
10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Paradise Cave

Walk through the breathtaking Paradise Cave, known for its largest caverns in the world.
10, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Savor local specialties in a laid-back environment, perfect for recounting your day's adventures.
8, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on March 14, 2025

7:30 AM

Bánh Mì Breakfast

Start your day with a delicious Bánh Mì from a local vendor, a must-try Vietnamese sandwich.
3, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Hue

Enjoy a scenic drive while heading to Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam.
15, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Indulge in Hue-style dishes like Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup full of flavor.
8, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Imperial City, filled with history and beautiful architecture.
5, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Cruise on Perfume River

Take a boat cruise on the Perfume River, enjoying scenic views and tranquility.
10, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Experience a mix of traditional and modern Vietnamese dishes in a lush garden setting.
15, 2 hours

Day 7: Cultural Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on March 15, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Morning Glory

Enjoy a delightful breakfast of Hoi An specialties in a lovely setting.
5, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Hoi An

Travel to the charming town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
10, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Walking Tour of Ancient Town

Discover the historic architecture and culture of Hoi An on an engaging walking tour.
0, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Mermaid Restaurant

Delve into a variety of local seafood dishes and traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
12, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Cycling to Rice Fields

Cycle through picturesque rice paddies and quaint villages surrounding Hoi An.
2, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Cooking Class at Red Bridge

Learn to cook authentic Vietnamese dishes and enjoy the meal you prepare for dinner.
25, 3 hours

Day 8: Another Day in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on March 16, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Field Restaurant

Relish a farm-to-table breakfast featuring fresh ingredients and local flavors.
8, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit My Son Sanctuary

Explore the ancient Hindu temple complex of My Son, a fascinating glimpse into Cham civilization.
10, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Nu Eatery

Sample Vietnamese fusion dishes in a cozy setting, perfect for a laid-back lunch.
10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Unwind at An Bang Beach, known for its white sandy shores and clear waters, ideal for sunbathing.
0, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Phuong Bread

Savor Hoi An's famous Bánh Mì that will leave you wanting more.
2, 1 hour

Day 9: Da Nang Day Trip

Da Nang, Vietnam on March 17, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast in Hoi An before heading out to Da Nang.
7, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Da Nang

Journey to Da Nang, a city known for its beaches and modern attractions.
10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore the stunning Marble Mountains, featuring caves, temples, and panoramic viewpoints.
5, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Mi Quang Ba Mua

Taste the local specialty, Mi Quang, a flavorful noodle dish from Da Nang.
5, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Relax at My Khe Beach

Take some time to relax at My Khe Beach, known for its stunning coastline and clear waters.
0, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit the Dragon Bridge

Marvel at the impressive Dragon Bridge, a symbol of Da Nang, especially stunning at night.
0, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Beach House

Enjoy a beachfront dinner with seafood specialties while watching the sunset.
20, 1.5 hours

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 18, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before heading to the city.
7, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a short flight to the bustling metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.
60, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Wander through Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest and busiest markets in the city.
0, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Ngon Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of Vietnamese dishes at this popular spot in Ho Chi Minh City.
8, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam's history at this powerful museum showcasing the impact of the Vietnam War.
5, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Savor contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in a charming and rustic setting; a blend of traditional and modern.
15, 2 hours

Day 11: Mekong Delta Discovery

Mekong Delta, Vietnam on March 19, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Energize your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before heading to the Mekong Delta.
7, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Depart for Mekong Delta

Travel to the Mekong Delta, famous for its lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
15, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Boat Tour of Mekong Delta

Experience the vibrant life of the region by taking a boat tour through the waterways.
10, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Local Homestay

Enjoy home-cooked meals made from local ingredients in a cozy homestay setting.
10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda

Explore the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda, famous for its impressive architecture and serene surroundings.
2, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at a Riverside Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood and local specialties with a view of the Mekong River.
15, 1.5 hours

Day 12: Departure from Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 20, 2025

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Vietnam with a selection of delightful dishes at your hotel.
7, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Last-minute Shopping

Take some time for last-minute shopping in the markets or boutiques for souvenirs.
0, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Lunch at Hoa Tuc

Enjoy your last meal in Vietnam, with a wonderful blend of traditional and contemporary flavors.
15, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Transfer to Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your unforgettable journey in Vietnam.
0, 1.5 hours