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

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a traditional bowl of Pho at this famous Hanoi eatery, known for its rich broth and fresh ingredients.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a serene walk around the lake and visit the iconic Ngoc Son Temple situated on an island in the lake.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, famed for its colonial architecture, street food stalls, and local crafts.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Dine at the restaurant made famous by President Obama’s visit, savoring Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles.
VND70000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university and a peaceful garden complex dedicated to Confucius and scholars.
VND30000, 1h

5:00pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater

Experience a traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet show showcasing folk tales with music and aquatic acrobatics (show starts at 5:15pm).
VND100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Try the famous Hanoi specialty Cha Ca, grilled fish served with dill and noodles in a distinctive style.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Enjoy the iconic Hanoi egg coffee, a creamy and sweet coffee specialty in a cozy cafe setting.
VND50000, 45m

9:00am

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

See the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh and explore the surrounding gardens and presidential stilt house. Note the mausoleum closes at 11:00am.
Free, 1.5h

11:00am

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through fascinating exhibits and outdoor displays.
VND40000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at KOTO

Enjoy healthy Vietnamese dishes at this social enterprise training disadvantaged youth in hospitality.
VND80000, 1h

3:00pm

Cycling and walking tour around West Lake

Relax and enjoy the scenic views in Hanoi’s largest lake area, visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda and local markets.
Free rental approx. VND50000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Taste a variety of regional Vietnamese dishes all under one roof, ideal for sampling different flavors.
VND120000, 1h
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Day 3: Travel to Ha Long Bay

Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a light breakfast before departure.
Included with accommodation, 30m

8:00am

Transfer to Ha Long Bay

Take a scenic 3.5 to 4 hour bus ride from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
VND150000, 4h

12:30pm

Board overnight Ha Long Bay Cruise

Check in for a cruise exploring the limestone karsts and tranquil waters, including lunch on board.
USD120, 6h

6:30pm

Dinner on the cruise

Enjoy fresh seafood served on board while watching the sunset over the bay.
Included in cruise, 1h
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Day 4: Ha Long Bay Adventure

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on April 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on the cruise

Start the day with breakfast overlooking the stunning bay scenery.
Included in cruise, 1h

8:30am

Kayaking and cave visits

Explore hidden caves such as Sung Sot Cave and enjoy kayaking around limestone islands.
Included in cruise, 3h

11:30am

Lunch on the cruise

Enjoy another delicious meal before disembarking.
Included in cruise, 1h

1:00pm

Return to Ha Long Bay pier and transfer back to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi via coach for afternoon arrival.
Included in cruise transfer fee, 4h

5:30pm

Check-in and rest at Hanoi hotel

Relax and freshen up after the journey.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Madame Hien

Dine on elegant Northern Vietnamese cuisine in a charming colonial-style setting.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 5: Fly to Hoi An

Hanoi to Hoi An, Vietnam on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy hotel breakfast before your flight.
Included with accommodation, 45m

9:00am

Flight to Da Nang

Take a 1.5 hour flight from Hanoi to Da Nang Airport, the closest airport to Hoi An.
USD50-70, 1.5h

11:00am

Transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An

A 45-minute taxi or shuttle ride to Hoi An Ancient Town.
VND250000, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savor popular Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau noodles and white rose dumplings in a lovely setting.
VND100000, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander UNESCO World Heritage-listed streets filled with lantern-lit architecture, old temples, and merchants’ houses (town open from 8am to 9pm).
Entrance ticket VND120000, 3h

5:00pm

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

See the iconic 16th-century bridge that symbolizes the town.
Included with ticket, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy a mix of Vietnamese and international dishes with a riverside view.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 6: Hoi An Countryside

Hoi An, Vietnam on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before day tour.
Included with accommodation, 30m

8:30am

Cycling tour in Hoi An countryside

Explore rice paddies, fishing villages, and traditional houses with a guided cycling tour (available from 8am to 5pm).
USD20 for guide and bike rental, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at a local home

Enjoy an authentic home-cooked Vietnamese meal during the tour.
Included in tour, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend the afternoon unwinding on this beautiful nearby beach, with cafes and sun loungers.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Field Hoi An Restaurant & Lounge

Taste fresh local ingredients in creative dishes inside a rice field setting.
VND180000, 1h
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Day 7: Travel to Hue

Hoi An to Hue, Vietnam on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with breakfast before traveling to Hue.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Hue via Hai Van Pass

Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive over the stunning Hai Van Pass mountains to Hue city.
VND500000 (private car), 3h

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Sample royal Hue cuisine with elegant presentation.
VND150000, 1h

1:00pm

Visit the Imperial City (Citadel)

Tour the former royal palace, gates, temples, and museums of UNESCO site open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h

3:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Explore this iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Experience classic French-Vietnamese fine dining in a colonial villa.
VND250000, 1h
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Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hotel breakfast before your flight.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a 1.5-hour flight from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
USD50-70, 1.5h

11:00am

Check-in and Lunch at Pho 2000

Famous for its pho and visited by President Bill Clinton, this spot offers excellent local food in District 1.
VND80000, 1h

12:30pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about the Vietnam War through poignant exhibits (open 7:30am-6:00pm).
VND40000, 2h

3:00pm

Walk through Ben Thanh Market

Shop local handicrafts, souvenirs, and savor street foods in this bustling market.
Free entry, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

A popular eatery serving authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 9: Cu Chi and City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day early with breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Tour Cu Chi Tunnels

Explore the extensive underground tunnel system used during the Vietnam War (open 7am to 5pm).
VND110000, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch near tunnels

Enjoy local food close to Cu Chi area, such as grilled pork and rice.
VND70000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Saigon Central Post Office

Admire these iconic French colonial landmarks in central Ho Chi Minh City.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Saigon Skydeck Bitexco Tower

Enjoy panoramic views of the city from this modern skyscraper's observation deck (open daily 9am-9pm).
VND200000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Chopsticks Saigon

Delight in authentic Vietnamese cuisine, emphasizing fresh herbs and spices.
VND180000, 1h
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Day 10: Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a final breakfast enjoying local flavors at your hotel.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Morning visit to Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore this beautiful Taoist temple featuring intricate carvings and statues (open daily 8am-6pm).
Free, 1h

11:00am

Souvenir shopping at local markets

Pick up last-minute souvenirs such as lacquerware and coffee.
Varies, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming restaurant decorated with antique furniture.
VND150000, 1h

3:00pm

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight home.
VND250000, 1h
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