Explore Vietnam: A Complete 15-Day Itinerary from St. Louis

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 1, 2025

8:00AM

Arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Get settled into your hotel and refresh yourself after your long flight.
USD0, 2 hours

10:00AM

Breakfast at Pho 24

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese bowl of pho at this renowned local chain that serves delicious breakfast.
USD5, 1 hour

11:00AM

Reunification Palace

Explore this historic venue where North and South Vietnam were reunified in 1975, featuring stunning architecture and fascinating exhibits.
USD2, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ben Thanh Market

Enjoy various local foods at this vibrant marketplace, with countless vendors offering everything from banh mi to fresh spring rolls.
USD10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

War Remnants Museum

Visit this poignant museum to learn about the Vietnam War through impactful exhibits and photographs.
USD2, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Dine at this beautifully designed restaurant known for its fusion of traditional Vietnamese meals with a modern twist.
USD20, 2 hours
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Day 2: Explore Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at L’Usine

Start your day with a fresh pastry and coffee at this chic café that combines a boutique and restaurant.
USD8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Cholon - China Town

Explore the vibrant streets of Cholon, home to markets, temples, and traditional Chinese shops, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the area.
USD0, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nha Hang Ngon

Savor a variety of authentic Vietnamese street foods in a garden setting at this beloved local eatery.
USD12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Bitexco Tower Sky Deck

Get a panoramic view of Ho Chi Minh City from this iconic skyscraper and enjoy the stunning cityscape.
USD10, 1 hour

4:00PM

Cu Chi Tunnels

Take a trip to explore the extensive underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War that reveal the resourcefulness of the Vietnamese fighters.
USD5, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Chopsticks

Reflect on your day over dinner at this elegantly designed venue known for its classic Vietnamese dishes.
USD15, 2 hours
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Day 3: Culture and History

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Enjoy one of the best banh mi sandwiches in the city, perfect for a quick yet filling breakfast.
USD4, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Admire the stunning French colonial architecture of this iconic cathedral, located in the heart of the city.
USD0, 1 hour

10:30AM

Saigon Central Post Office

Explore this beautiful post office built in the 19th century and marvel at its intricate design and vibrant murals.
USD0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Taste authentic pho at this local joint, famed for its rich broth and fresh ingredients.
USD8, 1 hour

1:30PM

Fine Arts Museum

Visit this museum showcasing Vietnamese art from classic to contemporary styles.
USD3, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner Cruise on the Saigon River

Wind down with a dinner on a cruise along the Saigon River, offering great views of the city's skyline.
USD25, 2 hours
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Day 4: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Mekong Delta, Vietnam on March 4, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out for an adventure in the Mekong Delta.
USD0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Mekong Delta

Embark on a guided tour to the Mekong Delta, experiencing the local culture and lush landscapes.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Cai Be Floating Market

Visit one of the Mekong's famous floating markets where locals trade goods from boats, providing a unique cultural experience.
USD5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Enjoy traditional Mekong dishes at a local eatery, allowing you to taste the regional flavors.
USD10, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Boat ride through the canals

Take a leisurely boat ride through the tranquil canals and enjoy the surrounding lush vegetation.
USD10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Head back to Ho Chi Minh City and relax at your hotel after a wonderful day trip.
USD0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Chay Delight

Enjoy a delightful vegetarian meal at this cozy restaurant, popular among locals.
USD10, 2 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on March 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel before heading to Hoi An.
USD0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Flight to Da Nang

Take an early flight to Da Nang, which is the closest airport to Hoi An.
USD50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Transfer to Hoi An

Upon arrival in Da Nang, enjoy a scenic drive to Hoi An, taking in the beautiful coastal views.
USD15, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Indulge in a delicious lunch at this popular restaurant known for its Vietnamese specialties.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through the charming streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with lanterns and historical architecture.
USD5, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine at this riverside restaurant known for its fusion of Vietnamese and Western cuisine.
USD20, 2 hours
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Day 6: Relax in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on March 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Nonsense

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at this café, offering a variety of Western and Vietnamese dishes.
USD8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Cooking Class at Red Bridge

Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes at this popular cooking school, located by the river.
USD40, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Red Bridge Restaurant

Savor the meals you just cooked along with other authentic Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful setting.
USD10, 2 hours

3:30PM

Free Time to Explore

Enjoy some free time to explore more of Hoi An, grab a coffee, or shop for local crafts.
USD0, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Fisherman

Dine at this family-run restaurant known for its seafood dishes and friendly service.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Travel to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on March 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before beginning your journey to Hue.
USD0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Private Transfer to Hue

Travel in comfort via a private car through scenic landscapes en route to Hue.
USD50, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Enjoy a delightful meal at this well-known French-Vietnamese restaurant featuring a charming atmosphere.
USD15, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Citadel

Explore the historic imperial city of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage site with rich history and architecture.
USD5, 2 hours

4:00PM

Thien Mu Pagoda

Admire this iconic pagoda located on the banks of the Perfume River, offering great views.
USD1, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Taste traditional dishes that have been served in the royal courts of Hue at this historic restaurant.
USD20, 2 hours
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Day 8: Journey to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at your hotel.
USD0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight to Hanoi

Take a morning flight to Hanoi, immersing yourself in the culture of the northern capital.
USD50, 1 hour

11:00AM

Transfer to Hotel

Check-in to your hotel and take some time to relax.
USD0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Experience a unique dish called Cha Ca (grilled fish) at this famous restaurant specializing in this local delicacy.
USD12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this beautiful lake in the city center, popular with locals and a great place for people-watching.
USD0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Ngoc Son Temple

Discover this picturesque temple on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, rich in history and cultural significance.
USD1, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Gourmet Corner

Enjoy fine dining in the Old Quarter with a beautiful view of the city and great Vietnamese cuisine.
USD25, 2 hours
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Day 9: Discover Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 9, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Kafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this popular café known for its vibrant atmosphere.
USD8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay respects at the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the founder of modern Vietnam, and learn about his legacy.
USD0, 1 hour

11:00AM

One Pillar Pagoda

Explore this iconic pagoda, an architectural marvel, and a significant symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism.
USD0, 45 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy the local specialty bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) at a famous eatery loved by locals and celebrities alike.
USD10, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse cultures in Vietnam through engaging displays and traditional houses that represent various ethnic groups.
USD3, 2 hours

4:30PM

Water Puppet Show

Experience this unique cultural performance that showcases traditional Vietnamese puppetry on water.
USD5, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Green Tangerine

Savor French-Vietnamese cuisine in a beautiful setting at this renowned restaurant.
USD20, 2 hours
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Day 10: Halong Bay Overnight

Halong Bay, Vietnam on March 10, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Hanoi before heading to the stunning Halong Bay.
USD0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Halong Bay

Set off for a scenic drive through the lush countryside to reach Halong Bay.
USD30, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Board Cruise

Check in to your cruise and settle into your cabin while enjoying the breathtaking views.
USD100, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch on Cruise

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch served onboard as you sail through the spectacular limestone karsts.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Visit one of the largest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay and marvel at its stalactites and stalagmites.
USD5, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Kayaking

Enjoy kayaking in the azure waters surrounding the limestone formations, providing a unique perspective of the bay.
USD20, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner on Cruise

Relish a lavish dinner onboard with a multi-course menu highlighting the flavors of the sea.
USD30, 2 hours
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Day 11: Halong Bay Exploration

Halong Bay, Vietnam on March 11, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Enjoy breakfast onboard as you continue to soak in the beauty of Halong Bay.
USD0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Ti Top Island

Take a short hike to the viewpoint of Ti Top Island, offering panoramic views of Halong Bay.
USD5, 2 hours

11:00AM

Swim in Halong Bay

Take a refreshing swim in the beautiful waters of Halong Bay against a stunning backdrop.
USD0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch on Cruise

Savor another seafood meal while enjoying the scenic views as you cruise back.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Head Back to Harbor

Return to the harbor and disembark from the cruise.
USD0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Transfer Back to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi and relax after the overnight cruise.
USD30, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Return to this restaurant for another taste of their famous Cha Ca.
USD12, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Travel to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on March 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast before traveling.
USD0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Ninh Binh

Take a scenic drive to Ninh Binh, famous for its beautiful landscapes.
USD20, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Tam Coc

Enjoy a scenic boat ride through the rice paddies and limestone mountains of Tam Coc.
USD8, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Have a simple lunch at a local restaurant, sampling regional dishes.
USD10, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Bich Dong Pagoda

Visit this ancient pagoda set against scenic hills and beautiful surroundings.
USD5, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to relax and unwind at your hotel.
USD0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Tam Coc Bungalow

Enjoy a farm-to-table experience at this charming restaurant that focuses on fresh and seasonal ingredients.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 13: Adventure in Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on March 13, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Sapa.
USD0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Sapa

Depart for Sapa and enjoy the scenic mountainous views along the way.
USD30, 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Local Eatery in Sapa

Sample local specialties at a cozy restaurant in Sapa.
USD10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Trekking Tour to Cat Cat Village

Embark on a trekking tour to the traditional H'mong village, experiencing local culture and stunning views.
USD15, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Sapa Highland

End your day with a warm meal at this restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere and authentic dishes.
USD15, 2 hours
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Day 14: Explore Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on March 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for another day of exploration with breakfast at the hotel.
USD0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Fansipan Mountain

Take the cable car to Fansipan, also known as the 'Roof of Indochina', for breathtaking views.
USD25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Relax with lunch at a restaurant that serves local dishes, allowing you to recharge.
USD10, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Local Markets

Visit the local market in Sapa, bustling with vendors and local crafts.
USD0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Mountain View Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner with stunning views of the mountains surrounding Sapa.
USD20, 2 hours
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Day 15: Return to Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Sapa before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City.
USD0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel Back to Hanoi

Make your way back to Hanoi for your flight.
USD30, 5 hours

2:00PM

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch your flight back to Ho Chi Minh City.
USD50, 1 hour

3:30PM

Transfer to Hotel

Check back into your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for your last night.
USD0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Farewell Dinner at El Gaucho

Celebrate your last evening in Vietnam with a fine dining experience at this steakhouse known for its luxurious atmosphere.
USD60, 2 hours

8:00PM

Evening Stroll in Ben Thanh Market

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely evening stroll in Ben Thanh Market, soaking in the vibrant night atmosphere.
USD0, 1.5 hours
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