7-Day Budget-Friendly Vietnam Itinerary for MBA Friends

Day 1: Arrive & Explore

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 17, 2025

10:00AM

Arrival and Check-In

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, check in at your budget hotel in District 1.
USD50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Com Nieu Sai Gon

Enjoy delicious vegetarian Vietnamese food such as Com Nieu (claypot rice) at this popular spot.
USD10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Explore this bustling market for local crafts, souvenirs, and street food.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

War Remnants Museum

Learn about the Vietnam War from a unique perspective at this poignant museum.
USD2, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Pho Hoa

Try Pho, the famous noodle soup, with vegetarian options available.
USD7, 1 hour

8:00PM

Explore Bui Vien Street

Experience the vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and street vendors to try local beer and cocktails.
Cost of drinks varies, 2-3 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Vintage Cafe

Start your day with a filling vegetarian breakfast including pancakes and smoothies.
USD8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Visit this stunning French-colonial church and take stunning photos.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Central Post Office

Marvel at the architecture of this historic post office building designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at The Veggie

Indulge in a variety of vegetarian Vietnamese dishes, known for their fresh ingredients.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Discover the historic tunnels used during the Vietnam War, a fascinating insight into this era.
USD10, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse

Though mainly meat, they do have great vegetarian options to cater to all tastes.
USD15, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Rooftop Bar Experience

End the day with drinks and stunning sunset views at a rooftop bar such as Chill Skybar.
Cost of drinks varies, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam on March 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a basic breakfast at your hotel before traveling.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Da Nang

Take an early flight to Da Nang. The scenic flight takes about 1 hour.
USD50, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check-In and Rest

Check into a budget hotel and take a moment to rest and freshen up.
USD40, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Mì Quảng 1A

Savor the distinct taste of Mi Quang, a regional noodle dish with vegetarian options.
USD8, 1 hour

1:00PM

Marble Mountains

Explore this stunning natural attraction with hiking, caves, and temples.
USD1, 3 hours

5:00PM

Relax at My Khe Beach

Unwind and swim on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Da Nang Pizza

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian pizza in a casual dining atmosphere.
USD6, 1 hour

9:00PM

Explore Da Nang nightlife

Check out the vibrant riverside bars and take a walk along the illuminated Dragon Bridge.
Cost of drinks varies, 2-3 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Day in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on March 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Morning Glory

Start your day with local breakfast dishes, many vegetarian-friendly.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hoi An

Catch a quick bus to the beautiful town of Hoi An, known for its ancient architecture.
USD5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through the lantern-lit streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
USD6 (entrance fee), 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cargo Club

This riverside restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options in an elegant setting.
USD12, 1 hour

3:00PM

Tailoring Experience

Get custom-made suits or dresses, a unique experience in Hoi An.
depends on clothing, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

An iconic structure representing Hoi An, great for photos.
Free, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at Q Bar Hoi An

Delight in a mix of vegetarian dishes in a chic environment with live music.
USD15, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Night Market

Explore the vibrant night market full of local foods and handicrafts.
Free entry, cost varies for purchases, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Journey to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast before your travels.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hanoi

Take a quick flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.
USD60, 1 hour

11:00AM

Check-In and Rest

Check into your hotel in the Old Quarter and relax.
USD40, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Koto

This social enterprise offers delicious vegetarian dishes in support of youth.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

St. Joseph's Cathedral

Visit this beautiful Gothic cathedral located in the heart of Hanoi.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a leisurely walk around the lake, a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Ba Duc

Savor local vegetarian cuisine with a contemporary twist.
USD12, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Explore Hanoi's Night Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and shop for local crafts.
Free entry, cost varies, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Halong Bay Adventure

Halong Bay, Vietnam on March 22, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a filling breakfast before embarking on your tour.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Halong Bay Day Tour

Embark on a day tour of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and limestone islands.
USD50, 8 hours

4:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi after an unforgettable day.
Included in tour price, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Chay Hoa Dong

Enjoy delicious vegetarian options at this popular vegetarian restaurant.
USD10, 1 hour

8:30PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Discover the bustling pubs and street food stalls in Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter.
Cost of drinks varies, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Final Day and Departure

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel, reflecting on the journey.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Last-minute Shopping

Visit local shops for souvenirs and gifts in Hanoi.
Cost varies based on purchases, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Bun Chay

A lovely spot for vegetarian Bun without meat, very popular with locals.
USD6, 1 hour

1:00PM

Check-out and Departure

Check out and head to the airport for your flight back to Trichy.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability