9-Day Vietnam Adventure: Culture, Cuisine, and Scenery

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 19, 2025

1:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Nikko Saigon

A luxurious hotel featuring modern amenities, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Perfect for relaxation after your flight.
USD 120, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

This museum provides a deep insight into the Vietnam War and its impact on the country. A must-visit for history enthusiasts.
USD 2, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pho 2000

Famous for its traditional pho, this restaurant offers a delightful local dining experience. Try their beef pho for an authentic taste.
USD 10, 1 hour

Day 2: City Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet at the hotel, featuring both Western and Vietnamese dishes.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

A bustling market where you can shop for local handicrafts, textiles, and snacks. It's an excellent spot to immerse yourself in local culture.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Com Nieu Sai Gon

Specialising in clay pot rice, this eatery serves up delicious and hearty meals in a local setting.
USD 8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Reunification Palace

An iconic symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, this palace depicts Vietnam's history and offers a glimpse of the country’s past.
USD 5, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening stroll at Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this pedestrian street filled with street performances and cafes.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

A restaurant offering a comprehensive selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a garden setting. Don't miss the spring rolls!
USD 20, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Move to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on March 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight to Da Nang

Take a short domestic flight to Da Nang, the nearest airport to Hoi An. Flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
USD 50, 3 hours with transfer time

1:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Sample local Hoi An dishes like cao lau and white rose dumplings at this well-regarded eatery.
USD 15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Check-in at Anantara Hoi An Resort

A charming riverside resort with an emphasis on relaxation and comfort, perfect for unwinding after your travels.
USD 150, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its well-preserved ancient architecture and vibrant lanterns. Perfect for evening strolls.
USD 5 (entry ticket), 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Cargo Club

A popular riverside restaurant known for its crispy squid and delicious desserts. Enjoy the sunset views over the river.
USD 25, 2 hours

Day 4: Culture and Relaxation

Hoi An, Vietnam on March 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a gourmet breakfast with a view of the river, featuring a selection of both local and international cuisine.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tailoring Experience

Visit a local tailor to customize a unique garment. Hoi An is famous for its tailoring, and this experience is a memorable souvenir.
Variable, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Banh Mi Phuong

Renowned for having the best banh mi in Vietnam, this sandwich is a must-try for all food lovers.
USD 5, 1 hour

2:00PM

Cooking Class at Green Bamboo Cooking School

Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes in a hands-on cooking class, including visiting the local market.
USD 30, 5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hừng Hừng

This restaurant serves a variety of local seafood dishes and has great waterfront views.
USD 30, 2 hours

Day 5: Travel to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before starting your journey to Hanoi.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Check out and travel to Da Nang Airport

Travel to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Hanoi.
USD 20 (transfer), 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Flight to Hanoi

A short one-hour flight to the capital city of Vietnam.
USD 60, 3 hours with transfer time

3:00PM

Check-in at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Another luxurious stay in the heart of Hanoi, offering exceptional service and comfort.
USD 200, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Relax by the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, and visit the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple situated on an island in the lake.
USD 2, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Famous for its grilled fish dish, Cha Ca, served with a variety of herbs and noodles. This is a must-try local delicacy.
USD 20, 2 hours

Day 6: Discover Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a lavish breakfast selection focusing on local flavours, enhancing your Hanoi experience.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay respects to the father of modern Vietnam and learn about its political history. Note: Closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the renowned dish Bun Cha, with juicy grilled pork patties and noodle. This place is particularly famous for its association with Barack Obama.
USD 10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through this vibrant area filled with narrow streets, shops, and cafes. A great place to shop for souvenirs.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Considered the oldest university in Vietnam, this site is stunningly beautiful and rich in history.
USD 1, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Tamarind Café

A cozy dinner spot with a mix of Vietnamese and international dishes. The chef's special curry is highly recommended.
USD 25, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Halong Bay Adventure

Halong Bay, Vietnam on March 25, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with a breakfast that combines Western and Vietnamese flavours, ideal for a day of exploration.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Halong Bay

Travel approximately 3.5 hours to Halong Bay, famous for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands.
USD 25 (transfer), 4 hours

12:30PM

Board overnight cruise

Check in and enjoy lunch aboard a cruise ship sailing through Halong Bay, offering breathtaking views.
USD 150 (all-inclusive), 1 hour

2:00PM

Kayak Tour around the Islands

Enjoy a guided kayaking tour through the stunning karst islands of Halong Bay.
Included in cruise, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner on the cruise

Feast on fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes prepared on board while enjoying scenic views.
Included in cruise, 2 hours

Day 8: Relax and Explore Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam on March 26, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast on the cruise

Have breakfast prepared on the cruise, enjoying the spectacular morning views of Halong Bay.
Included in cruise, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore this impressive cave system, known for its beautiful rock formations and striking scenery.
USD 5, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Relax on the deck

Take some time to enjoy the incredible views of the Bay while lounging on the deck of the cruise ship.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on the cruise

Savour another delicious meal aboard the cruise with local flavours and fresh ingredients.
Included in cruise, 1 hour

1:00PM

Return journey to Hanoi

Check out from the cruise and head back to Hanoi, admiring the views along the way.
USD 25 (transport), 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Green Mango

A Vietnamese restaurant that serves modern interpretations of classic dishes. The Pho here is exceptional.
USD 20, 2 hours

Day 9: Departure

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 27, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast selection before checking out.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Check out and last-minute shopping

Explore nearby shops for last-minute souvenirs and treats to take home.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Transfer to Hanoi Airport

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, carrying wonderful memories of Vietnam.
USD 15 (transfer), 1 hour