15-Day Ultimate Vietnam Adventure: From Vibrant Cities to Serene Countryside

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your morning with a traditional bowl of Pho, widely regarded as one of the best spots for authentic Northern Vietnamese Pho, open from 6AM to 9AM.
VND50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

A serene urban lake surrounded by historical buildings with the iconic Ngoc Son Temple on a small island, best enjoyed in the morning light.
Free (Temple entrance VND30,000), 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Old Quarter by walking tour

Wander around Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, known for its unique street shops, vibrant markets, and colonial architecture.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try Bun Cha, a famous Hanoi dish consisting of grilled pork and noodles, enjoyed famously by former US President Obama.
VND60,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and Confucian temple, a tranquil spot providing deep insight into Vietnamese history and culture. Open from 8AM to 5PM daily.
VND30,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at a cafe with egg coffee

Experience the signature Hanoi egg coffee at Café Giang, open until late evening.
VND40,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a wide selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming garden setting, open till 10PM.
VND150,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Hanoi Culture & History

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Taste sticky rice with various delicious toppings at one of Hanoi’s oldest street food vendors, open from early morning.
VND40,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Explore the mausoleum, stilt house, and Presidential Palace to learn about Vietnam's revered leader, open 8AM-11AM on weekdays.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse ethnic cultures of Vietnam through extensive exhibits and well-designed displays, open 8AM-5:30PM.
VND40,000, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Try the famous Hanoi grilled fish specialty in a restaurant known for its authentic flavor, open 10AM-10PM.
VND120,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Water Puppet Theatre Show

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance at Thang Long Theatre, shows daily at 3:30PM and 5PM.
VND100,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Stroll and shop at Night Market

Explore the lively weekend night market in the Old Quarter, open Fridays to Sundays from 7PM-11PM.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Home Hanoi Restaurant

Dine on expertly crafted Northern Vietnamese dishes in an elegant setting, open until 10PM.
VND200,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Departure

Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on April 17, 2025

7:00AM

Early breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast before departing for Ha Long Bay.
Included in hotel, 0.5 hour

7:30AM

Transfer to Ha Long Bay

Travel by shuttle or private car approximately 3.5-4 hours from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
VND350,000, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise and enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch as you sail among limestone karsts.
USD80 per person (cruise including lunch), 1 hour

1:00PM

Ha Long Bay Cruise & Activities

Explore caves, swim, kayak, and relax while admiring the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s stunning landscape, cruise lasts 2 days and 1 night.
Included in cruise, 6 hours

7:00PM

Dinner on board

Enjoy a dinner featuring seafood specialties on the boat under the stars.
Included in cruise, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh

Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh, Vietnam on April 18, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast on board

Wake up to breakfast served on the cruise, enjoying the peaceful morning bay scenery.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Additional cruising & explore caves

Continue exploring nearby islands and attractions including Titov Island and Sung Sot Cave.
Included, 3 hours

11:00AM

Disembark and transfer to Ninh Binh

Travel approximately 3.5 hours via private car or shuttle to Ninh Binh, known as the 'Halong Bay on land'.
VND400,000, 3.5 hours

3:00PM

Check in and relax at hotel

Rest at your hotel and enjoy the surrounding peaceful countryside.
Varies by hotel, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Mua Cave viewpoint

Climb around 500 steps to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the limestone karsts and rice paddies; open until sunset.
VND100,000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Chez Loan Restaurant

Savor traditional Vietnamese dishes prepared with local ingredients in a cozy setting, open till 9:30PM.
VND150,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Ninh Binh Caves & Countryside

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on April 19, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Boat trip in Tam Coc

Take a serene 2-hour boat ride through limestone caves and rice paddies with a local rower guiding the sampan.
VND150,000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore this picturesque pagoda complex built into the cliffs with beautiful views, open 7AM to 5PM.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Green Mango

Enjoy Vietnamese-European fusion dishes in a lovely garden atmosphere, open 10AM-9PM.
VND200,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Experience a boat tour through a UNESCO site featuring karst landscapes and historical temples, open 7AM to 6PM.
VND200,000, 3 hours

6:00PM

Relax at hotel or local café

Unwind after the day’s activities at a peaceful spot before dinner.
Varies, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Ninh Binh Family Restaurant

Dine on local specialties like goat meat and freshwater fish dishes, open until 9PM.
VND150,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Ninh Binh to Hue Journey

Ninh Binh to Hue, Vietnam on April 20, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a nutritious breakfast to prepare for a travel day.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Transfer to Hanoi for flight to Hue

Travel back to Hanoi airport (3.5 hours) and catch a 1.5-hour flight to Hue.
VND400,000 + Flight approx USD50, 5 hours total

2:00PM

Check in hotel and late lunch

Settle in your hotel and try local specialties such as Bun Bo Hue at a nearby restaurant open till 3PM.
VND120,000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the UNESCO-listed Ancient Capital’s Citadel and palaces, open 7:30AM-5:30PM.
VND150,000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Enjoy royal cuisine inspired dishes in a refined setting, open until 9PM.
VND200,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Discover Hue

Hue, Vietnam on April 21, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a filling breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda & Perfume River

Cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most beautiful and historic landmarks in Hue. Open 7AM-6PM.
VND50,000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Sample authentic Hue cuisine including dishes like Nem Lui, open 9AM-3PM.
VND150,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Tomb of Khai Dinh

Explore this highly ornate imperial tomb blending Vietnamese and European architecture, open 7AM-6PM.
VND100,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Free time to explore Dong Ba Market

Shop and enjoy local street food and handicrafts in Hue’s central market.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine in a charming French-Vietnamese garden restaurant offering refined dishes, open till 9:30PM.
VND250,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Hue to Hoi An Journey

Hue to Hoi An, Vietnam on April 22, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departure.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive via Hai Van Pass to Hoi An

Travel approx 3 hours by private car or bus via the scenic Hai Van Pass overlooking the ocean and mountains.
VND400,000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau and White Rose Dumplings, open until 3PM.
VND150,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Check-in and rest

Relax at your accommodation to recharge and freshen up.
Varies, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hoi An Ancient Town walking tour

Explore the charming UNESCO town’s lantern-lit streets, historic houses, and markets; open all day.
Entry ticket VND120,000, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bale Well

Enjoy a casual dining experience with local family-style dishes like grilled pork and rice paper wraps, open till 9PM.
VND120,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Hoi An Countryside & Cooking

Hoi An, Vietnam on April 23, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start with hotel breakfast daily specials.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Cycling tour through Hoi An countryside

Cycle approximately 15km through lush rice paddies, small villages, and river landscapes; many tours run 8AM-12PM.
VND250,000, 4 hours

12:30PM

Vietnamese cooking class

Join a half-day cooking class where you shop local markets and prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes, typically 1PM-5PM.
USD35 - 45, 4 hours

5:30PM

Free time at leisure

Relax and explore the town at your own pace before dinner.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine on local and Western favorites with great bakery options in a sophisticated setting, open till 10PM.
VND250,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Relax & Beach Day

Hoi An, Vietnam on April 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely start with a fresh hotel breakfast.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend the day at An Bang Beach, one of the most beautiful and clean beaches near Hoi An, open all day.
Free, 6 hours

3:30PM

Explore local cafes

Visit stylish cafes in Hoi An for coffee or smoothies to refresh after the beach.
VND50,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Mango Mango

Discover creative Vietnamese dishes with river views, open until 9:30PM.
VND300,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 25, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast and prepare for your flight south.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Transfer to Da Nang Airport

Travel 45 minutes to Da Nang Airport for your flight.
VND150,000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Fast 1.5-hour flight to southern Vietnam’s largest city.
USD40 - 60, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Check in hotel and lunch at Pho Hoa

Relax at your hotel then try Pho Hoa, a local favorite for Southern style Pho noodles.
VND80,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam War history and its impacts through compelling exhibits, open daily 7:30AM-6PM.
VND40,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and sample street food in the vibrant market, open till 7PM.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Secret Garden

Enjoy rooftop dining with traditional southern Vietnamese dishes in a peaceful garden atmosphere, open until 10PM.
VND250,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 26, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a hotel breakfast.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Take a half-day morning tour to the famous network of tunnels used during the war; open 7:30AM-5:30PM.
USD20 - 30, 5 hours

2:00PM

Return and lunch at Banh Xeo 46A

Try the savory Vietnamese crepes in a local hotspot, open 10AM-9PM.
VND100,000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Admire the French colonial architecture landmarks located close together in downtown, open all day.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Tower

Enjoy panoramic views of the city at sunset, open 9AM-9PM.
VND200,000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Savor home-style dishes in a rustic elegant setting representing southern Vietnamese cuisine, open till 10PM.
VND250,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta, Vietnam on April 27, 2025

6:00AM

Early breakfast at hotel

Fuel up before an early start for your Mekong Delta excursion.
Included, 0.5 hour

6:30AM

Full day Mekong Delta tour

Explore floating markets, visit local villages, take boat rides through canals, and taste tropical fruits; tours run 6:30AM-6PM.
USD40 - 60, 10 hours

7:00PM

Dinner back in Ho Chi Minh City at Pho Le

Enjoy a relaxed nightcap of tasty beef noodle soup at this popular local eatery, open till 10PM.
VND80,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Leisure & Shopping

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Consider a slow morning with hotel breakfast.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Saigon Opera House & Dong Khoi Street

Explore historic colonial buildings and high-end shopping streets famous for cafes and boutiques.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Propaganda Bistro

Enjoy inventive dishes with a modern take on Vietnamese flavors in a charming setting, open 11AM-10PM.
VND170,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Spend a peaceful afternoon amidst large trees and local vendors in one of Saigon's green lungs.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Coffee break at The Workshop

Visit a specialty coffee shop in District 1 known for slow drip coffee and great ambiance.
VND60,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Dine riverside with stylish, Western and Asian fusion dishes, perfect for a final night in the city, open until 10PM.
VND350,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 15: Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 29, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before preparing for airport transfer.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Check out and transfer to airport

Private transfer or taxi to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.
VND200,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability