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11-Day Itinerary in Vietnam: Explore the Vibrance of Saigon and Day Trip to Da Nang in May

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Day 1: Arrival in Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 1, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Loop

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Loop, offering a mix of traditional and modern Vietnamese dishes.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Discover the vibrant local market bustling with vendors selling souvenirs, crafts, and street food.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy a bowl of famous Pho at this local eatery known for being a celebrity favorite.
USD5, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam’s history and the Vietnam War through powerful exhibits in this impactful museum.
USD2, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit the Independence Palace

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

5:00 PM

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Marvel at the stunning architecture of this iconic cathedral built during the French colonial period.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Enjoy a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a relaxed setting with beautiful ambiance.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 2, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Sisters Café

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at Sisters Café, known for fresh pastries and local specialties.
USD6, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Saigon Central Post Office

This historic post office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, showcases beautiful architecture and design.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore the Jade Emperor Pagoda

Visit this ornate temple dedicated to the Jade Emperor, filled with stunning carvings and statues.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Cuc Gach Quan

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

2:00 PM

Coffee at Trung Nguyen Coffee

Indulge in authentic Vietnamese coffee at this local favorite known for its robust flavors.
USD3, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Shopping at Takashimaya

Experience luxury shopping at the high-end Takashimaya mall in Saigon.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Chopsticks

Dine at this restaurant known for its fusion icon dishes and stunning decor.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam on May 3, 2025

6:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel before your day trip.
Included in stay, 1 hour

7:00 AM

Flight to Da Nang

Fly to Da Nang and start your day exploring this beautiful coastal city.
USD50 (flight cost), 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore the stunning Marble Mountains, known for their beautiful caves and pagodas.
USD5, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit My Khe Beach

Enjoy some time at My Khe Beach, relaxing on the soft sand and enjoying the beach views.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at La Maison 1888

Indulge in fine dining and exquisite French cuisine at this luxurious restaurant.
USD40, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Linh Ung Pagoda

Visit this stunning pagoda known for its towering Lady Buddha statue overlooking the sea.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Da Nang Airport

Head back to the airport for your return flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
USD10 (transportation), 30 minutes

6:00 PM

Fly back to Ho Chi Minh City

Return to Ho Chi Minh City after a day of exploration.
USD50 (flight cost), 1 hour

8:00 PM

Dinner at The Shin Cafe

End your day with dinner at this local coffeehouse and restaurant, known for hearty meals.
USD10, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Leisure Day in Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 4, 2025

8:30 AM

Breakfast at The Vintage Cafe

Enjoy an artistic breakfast at The Vintage Cafe, known for its cozy environment and great coffee.
USD5, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Binh Tay Market

Explore this lively market in Cholon, known for its Chinese influence and variety of goods.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Huong Lai Restaurant

Dine at this local gem, serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a focus on community support.
USD10, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Bitexco Financial Tower Sky Deck

Take in panoramic views of Saigon from the observation deck of this iconic skyscraper.
USD10, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore Phu My Hung Urban Area

Wander through this modern area of the city, known for its parks and lakes.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Kachou

Experience upscale Vietnamese dining that blends tradition with contemporary flair.
USD15, 2 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam on May 5, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

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

9:00 AM

Flight to Nha Trang

Catch your flight to Nha Trang, known for its stunning beaches.
USD50 (flight cost), 1 hour

10:30 AM

Check into hotel and relax

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take a moment to settle in.
Included in stay, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood and traditional dishes 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

6:00 PM

Visit Long Son Pagoda

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

7:30 PM

Dinner at Story Beach Club

Dine at Story Beach Club, offering great seafood with ocean views.
USD15, 2 hours
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Day 6: Adventure in Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam on May 6, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast in preparation for another exciting day.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Vinpearl Land

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

4:00 PM

Return to hotel for relaxation

Take some time to unwind after a whirlwind of excitement.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Sailing Club

Experience an upscale dinner accompanied by beachfront views at this popular dining spot.
USD20, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nha Trang

Day 7: Travel to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 7, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast for your journey to Hoi An.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Hoi An

Drive to Hoi An, a well-preserved ancient town known for rich cultural heritage.
USD15 (transportation), 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Taste traditional Hoi An dishes, emphasizing fresh local ingredients.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Ancient Town

Wander through the ancient streets of Hoi An, filled with historic buildings and rich culture.
Free, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Join a Lantern-Making Workshop

Participate in a lantern-making workshop to craft your own Hoi An lantern.
USD12, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at The Cargo Club

Enjoy an exquisite dinner with options for local seafood and Vietnamese fare.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Relaxing in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 8, 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 beautiful sandy shores.
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, and food, with 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 9: Historical Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 9, 2025

7:30 AM

Breakfast at hotel

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

8:30 AM

Travel to Hue

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

11:30 AM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and 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 10: Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 10, 2025

7:30 AM

Breakfast at hotel in Hue

Enjoy breakfast before traveling back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel back to Ho Chi Minh City

Head back to Ho Chi Minh City via train or bus.
USD15 (transportation), 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Nha Hang Ngon

Refuel with a delicious lunch featuring a variety of Vietnamese dish options.
USD10, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Relax at hotel

Take some time to relax and freshen up at your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Last-minute shopping

Shop for any last-minute souvenirs or local crafts in the city.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The res

End your trip with a sumptuous farewell dinner at this elegant Vietnamese restaurant.
USD20, 2 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

Check-out and transfer to the airport

Prepare for departure by checking out and heading towards the airport.
USD15 (transportation), 1 hour
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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