A Week in Enchanting Vietnam

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Giang Cafe

Start your day with the famous egg coffee at Giang Cafe, a traditional spot beloved by locals.
VND50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple for a glimpse into Vietnamese folklore.
VND20,000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore the rich diversity of Vietnam's ethnic groups in this fascinating museum filled with artifacts and exhibitions.
VND40,000, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy an authentic dish of Bun Cha, a grilled pork noodle dish, at the restaurant famously visited by Anthony Bourdain.
VND80,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Old Quarter Exploration

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, filled with shops, street food, and local culture.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Water Puppet Show

Cap off your day with a traditional water puppet show that showcases Vietnam's rich folklore and culture.
VND100,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Indulge in Cha Ca, a northern specialty of fried fish and herbs served at the historic Cha Ca La Vong restaurant.
VND150,000, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Cultural Learning

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a steaming bowl of Pho, the national dish of Vietnam, at this famous eatery.
VND50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects at the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, a significant historical figure in Vietnam's history.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore One Pillar Pagoda

Visit this iconic Buddhist temple that stands on a single pillar, symbolizing Vietnam's unique architectural heritage.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at KOTO

Enjoy a delicious meal at KOTO, a training restaurant that empowers local disadvantaged youth.
VND90,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and admire its beautiful traditional architecture and serene gardens.
VND30,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Dong Xuan Market

Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Dong Xuan Market and pick up local handicrafts or souvenirs.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ngon Villa

Savor a diverse range of Vietnamese regional cuisines at Ngon Villa, showcasing authentic flavors.
VND120,000, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Scenic Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam on March 13, 2025

7:00AM

Transfer to Halong Bay

Depart from Hanoi for a serene cruise through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its emerald waters and limestone islands.
VND250,000, 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Kayaking at Halong Bay

Experience the breathtaking views while kayaking through the stunning karst formations of Halong Bay.
VND200,000, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch Onboard

Feast on fresh seafood during your cruise, enjoying the picturesque views of the bay.
Included in cruise, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Explore Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay with stunning rock formations.
VND50,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax on the Deck

Enjoy some leisure time on the cruise deck while soaking in the stunning scenery of Halong Bay.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner Onboard

Enjoy a delightful dinner served on board with a variety of Vietnamese dishes.
Included in cruise, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Stargazing

End your day with an enchanting stargazing experience on the deck of your cruise among the beauty of Halong Bay.
Free, 1 hour

Day 4: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 14, 2025

7:00AM

Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City

Return to Hanoi for a quick flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest metropolis.
VND1,500,000, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Ba Duc

Relish a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Banh Mi at Ba Duc, a popular local spot.
VND50,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam's turbulent history at the War Remnants Museum, filled with powerful exhibits.
VND40,000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Savor a delicious bowl of Pho at Pho Hoa, one of the best Pho restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.
VND60,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Browse Ben Thanh Market

Spend time in Ben Thanh Market, a bustling marketplace where you can find local crafts and souvenirs.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Admire the stunning architecture of this French-colonial church built in the late 19th century.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at Cuc Gach Quan that uses fresh local ingredients.
VND150,000, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Historic Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam on March 15, 2025

8:00AM

Transfer to Cu Chi Tunnels

Head out early to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a fascinating network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
VND100,000, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Tour the Tunnels

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels while learning about their historical significance and how they were used in warfare.
VND90,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Enjoy a simple yet flavorful Vietnamese meal at a local eatery near Cu Chi Tunnels.
VND50,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Head back to Ho Chi Minh City for some afternoon exploration.
VND100,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda

Immerse yourself in culture at Jade Emperor Pagoda, a highly revered Taoist temple known for its stunning architecture.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Explore Bui Vien Street

Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Bui Vien Street, filled with bars, restaurants, and street performances.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Banh Xeo 46A

Try the crispy Banh Xeo, a Vietnamese crepe filled with shrimp and pork that is a local favorite.
VND70,000, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on March 16, 2025

8:00AM

Transfer to Hoi An

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang and transfer to Hoi An, a well-preserved ancient town.
VND1,500,000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town of Hoi An, admiring its beautiful architecture and lantern-lit streets.
VND120,000, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Enjoy a traditional meal at Morning Glory featuring local specialties, including Cao Lau.
VND80,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An's rich trading history.
VND30,000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Take a Boat Ride

Enjoy a serene boat ride on the Thu Bon River and witness the charming scenery of Hoi An.
VND50,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Nu Eatery

Savor a delightful meal at Nu Eatery, known for its fusion dishes that blend traditional Vietnamese with modern techniques.
VND150,000, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Relax in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on March 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe 43

Have breakfast at Cafe 43, famous for its hearty local dishes and excellent coffee.
VND60,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit An Bang Beach

Spend a leisurely morning at An Bang Beach, enjoying the sun, sand, and sea.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hai San 1

Feast on fresh seafood at Hai San 1, a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
VND120,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Tailor Shops

Visit the world-famous tailor shops in Hoi An and consider getting custom-made clothing.
VND300,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Riverside

Take some time to relax by the river, enjoying the tranquil views and capturing beautiful photos.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Field Restaurant and Bar

Conclude your week in Vietnam with a memorable dinner featuring both traditional and contemporary dishes.
VND150,000, 1.5 hours