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

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a hearty bowl of traditional Hanoi pho, renowned for its rich broth and tender beef, at this popular local spot.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple on the lake's small island; open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, famous for its vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and street food options.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor the iconic Vietnamese dish Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles), famously enjoyed by President Obama and Anthony Bourdain here.
VND80000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university dating back to 1070, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h

5:00pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Experience traditional Vietnamese culture through a captivating water puppet show, performances typically start at 5:00pm and 6:30pm.
VND100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Indulge in Hanoi’s specialty dish Cha Ca, turmeric fish grilled tableside with dill and noodles.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 2: More Hanoi & Night Market

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Try traditional sticky rice with savory toppings, a Vietnamese breakfast favorite, at this longstanding local eatery.
VND40000, 45m

9:00am

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through extensive indoor and outdoor exhibits; open 8:30am-5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h

11:30am

Walk around West Lake and Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

Stroll along the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, a peaceful Buddhist site open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a variety of regional Vietnamese dishes in an elegant garden setting.
VND100000, 1h

3:00pm

Free time or optional visit to Hanoi Opera House vicinity

Relax or explore the nearby French colonial architecture including St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at Pho Thin

Taste another iconic noodle soup style—this one is dry-stir-fried beef with noodles known for bold flavors.
VND50000, 1h

7:00pm

Explore the Hanoi Night Market (open Friday - Sunday evenings)

Shop and sample street food at the vibrant night market area in the Old Quarter.
Varies, 2h
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Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on April 22, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel in Hanoi

Have a quick breakfast before transfer to Halong Bay for your cruise departure.
Included in hotel, 45m

8:00am

Travel to Halong Bay

Drive approximately 3.5-4 hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay, enjoying scenic views en route.
Included in transfer, 4h

12:00pm

Board Halong Bay Day Cruise

Set sail on a scenic cruise exploring limestone karsts and islets, including stops at caves and floating villages; cruises usually operate 12:00pm - 5:00pm.
USD70 per person, 5h

5:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi by private transport or opt to stay overnight in Halong if preferred.
Included in transfer, 4h

9:30pm

Late Dinner near hotel in Hanoi

Choose a casual spot like Bun Rieu Cua for a light crab noodle soup to end the day.
VND60000, 1h
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Day 4: Hue Historic Sites

Hue, Vietnam on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Hanoi

Have an early breakfast before flight to Hue.
Included in hotel, 45m

9:30am

Flight from Hanoi to Hue

Morning flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
USD90, 1h15m

11:00am

Check-in and quick refresh

Settle into your Hue hotel near the city center.
Varies, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Try Central Vietnam specialties like Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup famous in Hue.
VND80000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Imperial City (Citadel)

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the Nguyen dynasty's palaces, temples, and fortresses; open 7:30am - 5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h30m

4:00pm

Tour Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, open until 6:00pm.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Enjoy French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in an elegant colonial villa setting.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hue and Travel to Hoi An

Hue to Hoi An, Vietnam on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Hue

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing to Hoi An.
Included in hotel, 45m

9:00am

Drive from Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Scenic 3-hour drive over the Hai Van Pass with spectacular coastal views.
Included in transfer, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bale Well in Hoi An

Enjoy authentic Hoi An dishes such as Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings in a local favorite setting.
VND100000, 1h

1:30pm

Check-in hotel and relax

Settle into your accommodation in the ancient town of Hoi An.
Varies, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander through UNESCO-listed streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and vibrant markets; area open throughout the day with shops open until late.
Entry ticket VND120000, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant

Delight in Hoi An’s renowned local cuisine, featuring dishes with fresh herbs and coastal ingredients.
VND200000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Enjoy lantern-lit evening stroll along the river

Experience Hoi An’s magical evening ambiance with colorful lanterns lighting the old town.
Free, 1h
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Day 6: Hoi An Culture and Beach

Hoi An, Vietnam on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast with hotel amenities.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

Discover traditional farming techniques and enjoy a hands-on vegetable planting experience; open mornings.
VND80000 with tour, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at a local home-cooked meal in Tra Que Village

Sample fresh local dishes prepared by village families.
VND100000, 1h

1:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend your afternoon at An Bang Beach, a beautiful and less crowded shoreline near Hoi An.
Free, 3h

4:30pm

Return to Hoi An and optional tailor shopping

Take advantage of Hoi An’s famous tailor shops to get custom clothing if interested.
Varies, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy riverside dining offering both international and Vietnamese dishes with exquisite desserts.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a peaceful breakfast before your flight.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Travel to Da Nang Airport

Transfer 30-45 minutes to Da Nang International Airport.
Included in transfer, 45m

11:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Flight duration approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
USD100, 1h30m

12:30pm

Check-in at Ho Chi Minh City hotel

Settle in and refresh before afternoon activities.
Varies, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa Pasteur

Taste one of the best Pho versions in Vietnam’s southern region.
VND70000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s history through detailed exhibits; open 7:30am - 6:00pm.
VND40000, 2h

5:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Browse souvenirs, local goods, and street food in this iconic bustling market.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Dine by the Saigon River with upscale Vietnamese and international cuisine.
VND400000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels & City Sights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for day trip.
Included, 45m

8:00am

Tour to Cu Chi Tunnels

Visit the extensive underground tunnel system used during the Vietnam War; open 7:00am-5:00pm.
USD25, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch near Cu Chi

Enjoy some local Vietnamese dishes at a nearby eatery specializing in southern flavors.
VND100000, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City and visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

See the iconic cathedral built during French colonial times, open daily from 7:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 30m

3:00pm

Walk around Saigon Central Post Office

Explore this beautiful French colonial building situated near the cathedral.
Free, 30m

4:00pm

Free time for shopping or relaxing

Take some time to relax or explore local boutiques and cafes.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Sample a wide array of Vietnamese street food dishes in a comfortable indoor setting.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta, Vietnam on April 28, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a full-day excursion to Mekong Delta.
Included, 45m

7:30am

Depart for Mekong Delta tour

Travel approximately 2 hours south to the Mekong Delta region for a boat tour and local village visits.
USD60, 2h

9:30am

Boat ride and local market visit

Explore river islands, visit floating markets, and learn about local life along the delta waterways.
Included in tour, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch with local specialties

Enjoy authentic Mekong Delta cuisine featuring fresh fish and tropical fruits.
Included in tour, 1h

1:30pm

Visit local villages and handicraft workshops

See traditional coconut candy making and mat weaving factories.
Included, 2h

3:30pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer back, arriving late afternoon.
Included, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop

Dine on traditional Vietnamese dishes served in a charming rooftop setting overlooking the city.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Final Day: City & Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your last day of sightseeing.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore this atmospheric Taoist temple famous for intricate statues and spiritual ambiance; open 7:00am - 6:00pm.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Leisure walk through District 1

Browse chic boutiques and cafes or relax in Tao Dan Park before departure.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cuc Gach Quan

Taste traditional Southern Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy, rustic setting.
VND200000, 1h

2:00pm

Return to hotel for check-out and airport transfer

Prepare for departure with ample time for airport transfer and international flight check-in.
Included in transfer, 2h
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