7-Day Cultural Exploration of Vietnam: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 19, 2025

10:00AM

Hoan Kiem Lake

Begin your adventure at Hoan Kiem Lake, a tranquil oasis in the city center, renowned for its stunning views and refreshing ambiance.
USD0, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy a delicious bowl of traditional Bun Cha at this well-known local eatery, where even President Obama once dined.
USD5, 1 hour

1:30PM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore the diverse cultures of Vietnam through fascinating exhibits and artifacts at this unique museum.
USD2, 2 hours

4:00PM

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Stroll through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, filled with markets, street vendors, and local shops.
USD0, 2-3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Sample the local dish of Cha Ca, grilled fish with turmeric and dill, at the iconic Cha Ca La Vong restaurant.
USD15, 1-2 hours
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Day 2: Exploring Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a steaming bowl of Pho, a Vietnamese staple, enjoyed at the highly-rated Pho Bat Dan.
USD3, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an important landmark housing the preserved body of the revolutionary leader.
USD0, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at KOTO

Dine at KOTO, a restaurant providing training for disadvantaged youth in Vietnam, offering a taste of local cuisine.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Temple of Literature

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, showcasing beautiful architecture and rich history.
USD1, 1-1.5 hours

4:00PM

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Experience a traditional Vietnamese performance at the Water Puppet Theatre, a unique cultural highlight.
USD10, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Enjoy authentic home-style Vietnamese dishes in a cozy setting at Home Restaurant.
USD20, 1-2 hours
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Day 3: Halong Bay Day Trip

Halong Bay, Vietnam on March 21, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel before departing for Halong Bay.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Halong Bay

Enjoy a scenic drive through northern Vietnam, taking in lush landscapes on your way to the beautiful Halong Bay.
USD15, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on the Cruise

Savor a fresh seafood lunch on board your cruise while enjoying stunning views of the bay’s limestone karsts.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Experience the natural beauty of Halong Bay up close on a kayaking adventure through its emerald waters.
USD10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi, reflecting on the day's breathtaking scenery.
USD15, 4 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Hanoi Social Club

End your day with a delightful dinner at The Hanoi Social Club, known for its eclectic menu and laid-back atmosphere.
USD15, 1-2 hours
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Day 4: Fly to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on March 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before preparing for your flight to Hoi An.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Flight to Da Nang

Catch a short flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, followed by a drive into the charming town of Hoi An.
USD50, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Dine at Morning Glory for a taste of authentic Hoi An cuisine, celebrated for its local specialities.
USD15, 1-2 hours

2:00PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander through the beautifully preserved ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with lanterns and history.
USD4, 2-3 hours

5:00PM

Lantern-Making Workshop

Participate in a hands-on lantern-making workshop, a unique experience that reveals Hoi An's cultural heritage.
USD20, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Market Street Food

Savor local flavors at the vibrant street food market with various vendors offering traditional dishes.
USD10, 1-2 hours
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Day 5: Relax in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on March 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe 43

Start your day right at Cafe 43 with an excellent range of breakfast options and local coffee.
USD5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Cooking Class

Join a Vietnamese cooking class that includes market shopping and hands-on experience preparing traditional dishes.
USD30, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the cooking class

Enjoy the delicious dishes you've prepared during the cooking class for lunch.
Included, 1 hour

2:30PM

An Bang Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon at An Bang Beach, soaking in the sun or taking a leisurely swim in the ocean.
USD0, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mango Mango

Dine at Mango Mango, known for its fusion of Vietnamese and Western cuisines with a riverside view.
USD20, 1-2 hours
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Day 6: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, enjoying aerial views of the landscape.
USD50, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy a bowl of famous Pho at Pho 2000, a popular spot known for its delicious varieties of this national dish.
USD5, 1 hour

2:00PM

War Remnants Museum

Visit the War Remnants Museum to gain insight into Vietnam's history, particularly the Vietnam War.
USD2, 1.5-2 hours

4:00PM

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Admire the stunning architecture of Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, a famous landmark in Ho Chi Minh City.
USD0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quant

Experience a farm-to-table dining experience at Cuc Gach Quan, known for its home-cooked Vietnamese flavors and style.
USD25, 1-2 hours
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Day 7: Final Day in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Natraj Indian Restaurant

Start your day with a fusion breakfast at Natraj, which blends Indian and Vietnamese flavors.
USD8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts at the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, an essential experience for any visitor.
USD0, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yoko Sushi & Grill

Enjoy a fresh lunch at Yoko Sushi & Grill, a popular dining spot offering a mix of different cuisines.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Cu Chi Tunnels Trip

Explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network used during the Vietnam War that provides deep insight into Vietnamese strategy.
USD10, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Return to the city in the late afternoon to freshen up and prepare for your departure.
USD0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Final Dinner at El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse

Enjoy your farewell dinner at El Gaucho, an upscale steakhouse that offers a fine dining experience to end your trip.
USD40, 2 hours
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