11-Day Itinerary in Vietnam: Explore the Beauty from North to South in May

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 1, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with the famous Hanoi Pho at Pho Bat Dan, known for its delicious beef broth and rice noodles.
USD3, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the bustling city, perfect for photos and local interactions.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit the Old Quarter

Wander through the lively streets of the Old Quarter, lined with shops, cafes, and street food vendors.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork served with rice noodles and herbs at this local favorite encountered by Obama.
USD5, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an important memorial to the father of modern Vietnam.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Tour the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university, a beautiful complex dedicated to Confucius, with stunning gardens and architecture.
USD1, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a charming outdoor setting, known for its authentic flavors and local specialties.
USD10, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 2, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Daluva

Start your day with a delicious Vietnamese breakfast at Daluva, famous for their smoothies and poached eggs.
USD4, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Experience Vietnam's diverse cultures and ethnic groups through engaging exhibits and an outdoor traditional village.
USD2, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy Cha Ca, a unique grilled fish dish cooked right at your table, an essential culinary experience in Hanoi.
USD8, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore the Hanoi Opera House

Take a guided tour of the historic opera house, showcasing French colonial architecture.
USD5, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Coffee at Cafe Giang

Indulge in a cup of famous egg coffee at Cafe Giang, a local legacy for a sweet afternoon break.
USD2, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Shopping at Dong Xuan Market

Explore the largest market in Hanoi for unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and tasty snacks.
Free, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at The Hanoi Social Club

Experience a cozy atmosphere with a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes, perfect for a relaxed evening.
USD8, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Halong Bay Trip

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 3, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to Halong Bay.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Departure to Halong Bay

Travel to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands.
USD25 (transportation), 4 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch on the cruise

Board a cruise and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch while soaking in stunning views.
USD40 (cruise cost), 2 hours

2:00 PM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Explore the breathtaking bay by kayak, getting up close to caves and floating fishing villages.
Included in cruise, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Discover one of the largest and most impressive caves, known for its stunning stalagmites and stalactites.
USD5, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi from Halong Bay.
USD25 (transportation), 4 hours

9:00 PM

Dinner at The Green Tangerine

After returning to Hanoi, enjoy upscale Vietnamese cuisine in a chic dining atmosphere.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 4, 2025

7:30 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to Hue.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Train to Hue

Travel by train to Hue, known for its historic architecture and royal heritage.
USD15 (train cost), 3 hours

11:30 AM

Explore the Imperial City

Visit the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, once the center of the Nguyen Dynasty.
USD10, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Bun Bo Hue

Savor Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup that Hue is famous for.
USD5, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Explore this serene pagoda located on the banks of the Perfume River, a symbol of Hue’s spirituality.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Take a boat ride on the Perfume River

Enjoy a traditional boat ride on the Perfume River, getting picturesque views of Hue.
USD7, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Taste authentic local dishes with a great view of the river, specializing in Hue cuisine.
USD10, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 5, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Hoi An.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Hoi An

Drive to Hoi An, a well-preserved ancient town known for its mix of cultures and colorful architecture.
USD15 (transportation), 3 hours

11:00 AM

Explore the Ancient Town

Wander through Hoi An's ancient streets, visiting historic buildings and vibrant markets.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Taste traditional Hoi An dishes, emphasizing fresh local ingredients in a charming setting.
USD10, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

See this iconic structure built by the Japanese community in the 18th century, a symbol of Hoi An.
USD1, 30 minutes

3:30 PM

Paper Lantern Workshop

Join a lantern-making workshop where you can create your own beautiful Hoi An lantern.
USD12, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Cargo Club

Enjoy an exquisite dinner with options for local seafood and classic Vietnamese fare.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Relaxing in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 6, 2025

8:30 AM

Breakfast at Nantes Cafe

Start your day at this cozy cafe, known for great coffee and breakfast options.
USD4, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit An Bang Beach

Spend a relaxing morning at An Bang Beach, known for its soft sand and local seafood shacks.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Tan Thanh Cafe

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at this local gem, known for its beachside view.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Vietnamese Cooking Class

Participate in a cooking class to learn about Vietnamese culinary traditions and create your own dishes.
USD30, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Hoi An Night Market

Stroll through the vibrant night market, featuring local crafts, food, and stunning lantern displays.
Free, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Cao Lao

Enjoy a unique Hoi An specialty called Cao Lao, delicious noodles with various toppings.
USD5, 1 hour
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Day 7: Beach Time in Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam on May 7, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before departing for Nha Trang.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Nha Trang

Travel to Nha Trang, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
USD20 (transportation), 4 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood and Vietnamese coffee at Lanterns, popular among travelers.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Relax at Nha Trang Beach

Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on the beautiful sandy beaches of Nha Trang.
Free, 4 hours

5:30 PM

Visit Long Son Pagoda

Check out this stunning Buddhist temple featuring a giant white Buddha statue.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Story Beach Club

Dine at Story Beach Club, offering great seafood with a views of the sunset.
USD15, 2 hours
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Day 8: Adventure in Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam on May 8, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast in preparation for an adventurous day ahead.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Vinpearl Land

Spend the day at Vinpearl Land, an amusement park with rides, beaches, and attractions.
USD30, 6 hours

4:00 PM

Return to hotel for relaxation

Take some time to unwind after a day of thrilling attractions and activities.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at the Sailing Club

Experience an upscale dinner with a beachfront view at the Sailing Club, famous for its vibrant nightlife.
USD20, 2 hours
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Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 9, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel your body with a hearty breakfast before exploring Ho Chi Minh City.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Board a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling economic center of Vietnam.
USD50 (flight cost), 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit The Independence Palace

Tour this historical landmark significant to Vietnam’s history, showcasing its architecture and exhibits.
USD2, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy a bowl of world-famous Pho in a local eatery frequented by celebrities.
USD5, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore the War Remnants Museum

Witness powerful exhibits about the Vietnam War and its aftermath, providing significant insight into history.
USD2, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Shopping at Ben Thanh Market

Experience Ho Chi Minh City's bustling market scene while searching for souvenirs and local goods.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Kachou

Dine at an elegant restaurant offering a mix of traditional and modern Vietnamese cuisine.
USD15, 2 hours
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Day 10: Historical Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 10, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a satisfying breakfast at your hotel before continuing your exploration.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Marvel at the stunning French architecture of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, an iconic symbol of the city.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore the Saigon Central Post Office

Visit this historic post office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, showcasing impressive architecture.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Cuc Gach Quan

Savor contemporary Vietnamese dishes made from fresh local ingredients at this cozy venue.
USD10, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Take a guided tour of Cu Chi Tunnels

Explore the underground Cu Chi Tunnels, learning about their significance during the Vietnam War.
USD10, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Head back to the city and relax at your hotel.
USD10 (transportation), 1 hour

7:30 PM

Dinner at The Loop

End your day with delicious Vietnamese comfort food at The Loop, accompanied by lush garden views.
USD12, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 11, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Savor your final breakfast in Vietnam at your hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Last-minute shopping

Take advantage of your last hours in Saigon to pick up any souvenirs or local goods.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Check-out and transfer to the airport

Prepare for departure by checking out and heading towards the airport.
USD15 (transportation), 1 hour
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