Ultimate 9-Day Vietnam Adventure: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese noodle soup known for its rich broth and fresh herbs, a perfect way to start your day.
VND50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the tranquil lake and visit the iconic temple on the lake’s island, a peaceful spot in the heart of Hanoi.
VND30,000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter on foot

Discover bustling streets, traditional shops, and colonial architecture while absorbing the vibrant street life.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor the famous Bun Cha – grilled fatty pork served with noodles and herbs, a must-try Northern specialty.
VND60,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius, with beautiful traditional architecture and gardens.
VND30,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Walk around the French Quarter

Admire French colonial architecture and relax in the peaceful streets before dinner.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Experience the famous Cha Ca fish dish, marinated, fried, and served with dill and noodles, a Hanoi specialty dating back over a century.
VND200,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Sites & Water Puppet Show

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 16, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Cafe Dinh

Try a strong Vietnamese coffee paired with a savory banh mi or eggs to energize your morning.
VND40,000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

See the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh and explore the surrounding Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups, with indoor and outdoor exhibits showcasing traditional homes and artifacts.
VND40,000, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a variety of Vietnamese street food dishes in a charming courtyard setting popular among locals and visitors.
VND100,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at West Lake and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

Walk along Hanoi’s largest lake and visit the oldest Buddhist temple in the city.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Coffee break at The Note Coffee

Sip coffee surrounded by colorful notes left by visitors, a cozy spot near Hoan Kiem Lake.
VND50,000, 45 mins

7:00PM

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Watch the traditional Vietnamese art of water puppetry depicting rural life, legends, and cultural stories. Shows start at 7:00PM daily.
VND100,000, 1 hour

8:30PM

Dinner at Duong's Restaurant

Taste high-quality Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist in a stylish and welcoming atmosphere.
VND250,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Ha Long Bay

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

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Fuel up early for the transfer to Ha Long Bay with a simple Vietnamese breakfast like banh cuon or xoi.
Included in hotel or VND40,000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Bus transfer to Ha Long Bay

Scenic 3.5-4 hour bus ride east from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, enjoying rural Vietnamese landscapes.
VND250,000, 4 hours

12:30PM

Check-in and lunch at cruise

Board your Ha Long Bay cruise; enjoy fresh seafood and Vietnamese specialties as you begin sailing among limestone karsts.
Included in cruise package, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Ha Long Bay Floating Villages and Caves

Visit Sung Sot Cave and the floating fishing villages to see unique landscapes and traditional lifestyles.
Included in cruise, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner on board the cruise

Enjoy a sunset dinner featuring local seafood prepared fresh on the boat.
Included in cruise, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Optional night squid fishing or relaxing on deck

Experience traditional night squid fishing with crew or simply relax watching the stars.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 4: Ha Long Bay Cruise & Return to Hanoi

Ha Long Bay to Hanoi, Vietnam on April 18, 2025

6:30AM

Sunrise Tai Chi and breakfast on board

Start the day with peaceful Tai Chi exercises followed by a light breakfast with bay views.
Included in cruise, 1.5 hours

8:00AM

Kayaking or swimming at Titov Island

Explore the emerald waters and limestone cliffs by kayak or swim in calm lagoons.
Included in cruise, 2 hours

10:00AM

Return to harbor & disembark

Complete your cruise and prepare for departure back to Hanoi.
Included in cruise, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Bus transfer to Hanoi

Enjoy the relaxing return journey, arriving in Hanoi early afternoon.
Included in cruise or VND250,000, 4 hours

3:30PM

Check-in hotel in Hanoi

Rest and freshen up after your return.
Varies, Flexible

5:00PM

Coffee break at Hanoi Social Club

Relax in a hip café known for great coffee and a calming atmosphere in the Old Quarter.
VND50,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Green Tangerine

Dine in a colonial villa offering refined French-Vietnamese fusion dishes with charming ambiance.
VND300,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Fly to Hoi An

Hanoi to Hoi An, Vietnam on April 19, 2025

6:30AM

Early breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before heading to the airport.
Included in hotel or VND40,000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Flight Hanoi to Da Nang Airport

Flight to Da Nang is approx 1 hour 20 mins; from there take a short taxi ride to Hoi An.
USD50-70, 1.5 hours including transfers

11:00AM

Check-in hotel in Hoi An

Settle into your accommodation and prepare for sightseeing.
Varies, Flexible

12:30PM

Lunch at Mango Mango

Try creative Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist and excellent riverfront views.
VND150,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Walk through this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for lantern-lit streets, traditional houses, and historic architecture.
Entry VND120,000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge and Old Houses

See the iconic 18th-century bridge and well-preserved old merchants’ homes.
Included in entry fee, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant

Savor authentic Central Vietnamese cuisine with specialties like white rose dumplings and cao lau noodles.
VND150,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Hoi An Culture & Beach

Hoi An, Vietnam on April 20, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Rosie’s Cafe

Healthy and fresh breakfast options in a cozy, friendly environment.
VND70,000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

Cycle or take a short ride to this organic farming village; join locals in farming activities and learn about traditional agriculture.
VND100,000 for cycling rental and small fee for tour, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Madame Khanh - The Banh Mi Queen

Taste the best Bahn mi in Hoi An made fresh with great ingredients.
VND50,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Beach time at An Bang Beach

Relax or swim on this scenic and popular beach just 4 km from Hoi An Ancient Town.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to town and coffee at The Espresso Station

Enjoy robust coffee paired with pastries in a relaxed setting.
VND60,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine by the river with Western and Vietnamese options including scrumptious desserts.
VND200,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 21, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last morning in central Vietnam with a leisurely breakfast.
Included with hotel or VND40,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Taxi to Da Nang Airport

Transfer to airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
VND300,000, 45 minutes

11:00AM

Flight Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Approx 1 hour 20 mins flight.
USD50-70, 1.5 hours including transfers

12:30PM

Check-in at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Settle in and freshen up.
Varies, Flexible

1:30PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa Pasteur

Sample classic Southern-style Pho, a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup dish.
VND60,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore exhibits documenting the harsh realities of the Vietnam War with powerful photographs and artifacts.
VND40,000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Stroll around Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local food specialties, and experience vibrant market life.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop Restaurant

Taste traditional Southern Vietnamese dishes in a charming rooftop setting.
VND250,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels & City Tour

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 22, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a day trip with a hearty breakfast.
Included or VND40,000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Half-day guided tour to the famous underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War, located about 1.5 hours from the city.
USD25 including transport, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pho Quynh

Taste delicious Pho with rich broth and fresh herbs back in Ho Chi Minh City.
VND60,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Admire beautiful French colonial architecture in the city center, iconic landmarks of Saigon.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore this colorful and historic Taoist pagoda with intricate statues and carvings.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Unwind in this leafy city park popular with locals.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon Saigon

Taste a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes in a popular, lively restaurant.
VND200,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Last Day Shopping & Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Enjoy great coffee and a tasty breakfast with vintage décor.
VND70,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shopping at Saigon Square & Vincom Center

Find souvenirs, fashion, and handicrafts at these popular shopping destinations.
Free to enter, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Banh Xeo 46A

Try flavorful Vietnamese crêpes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
VND60,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Return to hotel and prepare for departure

Pack up and check out, arrange transportation to the airport.
Varies, Flexible
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