Comprehensive 15-Day Vietnam Adventure: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Hanoi Culture

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with an authentic bowl of Pho at this popular Hanoi eatery known for its flavorful broth and fresh ingredients, opening from 6am to 10am.
VND40000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful morning walk around Hoan Kiem Lake followed by a visit to the Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island, open from 8am to 5pm, showcasing historic architecture.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter with its narrow streets and traditional shops, perfect for souvenir shopping and observing local life.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the iconic Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles and fresh herbs at the restaurant famous for being visited by President Obama; open 10am to 10pm.
VND60000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Temple of Literature

Explore this serene Confucian temple and Vietnam's first university, rich in history and peaceful gardens, open from 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:15pm

Water Puppet Theater

Experience a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, performances start at 5pm and 6:30pm.
VND100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy the famous Hanoi dish, Cha Ca (grilled fish with dill), in a cozy setting open till 10pm.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Depart early from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by shuttle or private car, approximately 3.5 hours drive.
VND200000 (shuttle), 3h30m

10:30am

Board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Check-in for an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay, enjoying limestone karsts and emerald waters, cruise includes meals and activities.
USD120, Full day

12:00pm

Lunch onboard

Feast on fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes while cruising the scenic bay.
Included, 1h

2:00pm

Explore caves and kayak

Visit the spectacular Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave and kayak around the bay’s calm waters.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner on cruise

Enjoy a sunset dinner featuring local seafood specialties, with time to relax on the deck under stars.
Included, 1h30m
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Day 3: More Ha Long & Return

Ha Long Bay to Hanoi, Vietnam on April 24, 2025

6:30am

Tai Chi and sunrise on deck

Start the day with Tai Chi session on the deck for a peaceful sunrise experience.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Breakfast onboard

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before cruising back to the harbor.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Return to harbor and disembark

Prepare to arrive at Ha Long harbor and disembark from the cruise.
Included, 30m

9:30am

Travel back to Hanoi

Shuttle or private car returns you to Hanoi, arriving by early afternoon.
VND200000, 3h30m

1:30pm

Lunch in Hanoi at KOTO restaurant

Enjoy dishes supporting a social enterprise helping youth, open 11am to 9pm.
VND150000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover diverse ethnic cultures of Vietnam in well-curated indoor and outdoor exhibitions, open 8am-5:30pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a wide variety of Vietnamese street food in a pleasant garden setting, open till 10pm.
VND100000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hue Historical

Hue, Vietnam on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Flight to Hue

Take a morning flight from Hanoi to Hue (about 1 hour 20 minutes).
VND1000000, 1h20m

9:30am

Breakfast near airport

Grab a light breakfast with local specialties like Banh Beo, opening hours start 6am.
VND50000, 45m

10:30am

Imperial City (Citadel)

Explore the vast former imperial palace and UNESCO World Heritage site, open 8am to 5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Taste traditional Hue cuisine including Bun Bo Hue, open 10am to 9:30pm.
VND70000, 1h

2:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit this historic riverside Buddhist pagoda built in the 17th century, open all day.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Perfume River Boat Ride

Enjoy a relaxing scenic boat ride on the Perfume River, great for sunset views.
VND150000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Dine on refined Hue dishes featuring royal recipes in a cozy setting, open till 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hoi An Charm

Hoi An, Vietnam on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Hue to Hoi An

Drive approximately 3 hours journey by private car or shuttle through scenic coastal routes.
VND600000, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at Bale Well

Sample local favorites like Cao Lau and spring rolls, popular local spot open from 7am to 10pm.
VND70000, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Ancient Town

Stroll through the UNESCO-listed old town with its lantern-lit streets, historic houses, and quaint cafes; open all day.
VND120000, 3h

4:00pm

Japanese Covered Bridge

See the famous 16th century wooden bridge symbolizing Hoi An, open all day.
Included in Ancient Town ticket, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Enjoy expertly prepared Hoi An specialties in a charming atmosphere, open 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Hoi An Experiences

Hoi An, Vietnam on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Rosy’s Café

Start your day with western and Vietnamese breakfast options in a relaxed setting, open 7am to 10pm.
VND70000, 1h

9:00am

Cooking Class

Join a half-day cooking class to learn local recipes; many classes start around 9am and last 4 hours.
USD45, 4h

1:30pm

Light Lunch (from cooking class)

Enjoy the dishes you prepared during the cooking class for lunch.
Included in cooking class, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend the afternoon unwinding on sandy beach with cafes nearby; open access all day.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at The DeckHouse Hoi An

Dine with river views and enjoy fresh seafood and cocktails, open until 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Da Nang Highlights

Da Nang, Vietnam on April 28, 2025

9:00am

Travel to Da Nang

Short 45-minute drive from Hoi An to Da Nang for your next destination.
VND150000, 45m

10:00am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong

Try the best Banh Mi sandwich in town in a casual street environment, open 7am to 7pm.
VND30000, 30m

11:00am

Marble Mountains

Explore caves, temples, and panoramic views atop these five limestone hills; open 7am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Madame Lan

Enjoy authentic Central Vietnam cuisine with local specialties in an elegant setting, open 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h

3:00pm

My Khe Beach

Relax or swim at this famous clean beach with sandy shore and clear waters; open all day.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Dine on fresh seafood overlooking the Han River; open till 11pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Han River Bridge Light Show

Catch the nightly colorful light show of the Dragon Bridge at 9pm.
Free, 30m
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Day 8: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cong Caphe

Enjoy Vietnamese coffee and breakfast in a retro Communist-style cafe open from 7am to 10pm.
VND70000, 1h

10:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly southwards to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling southern metropolis; flight time approx 1h30m.
VND1200000, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Experience delicious pho at the famous restaurant where Bill Clinton dined, open 6am to 10pm.
VND70000, 1h

1:30pm

War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam’s war history through powerful exhibits; museum open 7:30am to 6pm.
VND40000, 2h

4:00pm

Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Visit these iconic French colonial landmarks located near each other; open from 8am to 5pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Savor traditional southern Vietnamese dishes in a vintage house setting, open till 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine

Enjoy western-style breakfast and coffee in a chic café, open 7am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h

8:00am

Half-Day Tour to Cu Chi Tunnels

Explore the extensive underground tunnel network used during the Vietnam War. Tours start early and include transport; museums open 7am to 5pm.
USD25, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Ben Thanh Market

Try a variety of street food at this busy market, a good place for cheap, authentic eats, open until 6pm.
VND60000, 1h

4:00pm

Saigon Opera House and Dong Khoi Street

Stroll this lively street with shops and historical buildings; Opera House tours available by appointment.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Upscale dining on the Saigon River featuring international and Vietnamese cuisine, open until 11pm.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Mekong Delta Day

Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta, Vietnam on May 1, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Get an early start with a light breakfast before heading out for the Mekong Delta trip.
Included or VND70000, 30m

7:30am

Full-Day Mekong Delta Tour

Explore floating markets, fruit orchards and traditional villages with boat rides and local food tastings; tours operate from morning to late afternoon.
USD50, 9h

5:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Relax on the journey back after a fulfilling day exploring the delta.
Included, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P’s

Try Vietnam-inspired artisanal pizzas at this popular restaurant open until 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 11: Saigon Markets

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Enjoy a wonderful breakfast and coffee in this stylish café, open 7am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Binh Tay Market (Cholon District)

Explore this bustling market specializing in wholesale goods and food in Saigon’s Chinatown, open 6am to 6pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hoa Tuc

Dine on modern Vietnamese dishes in a chic colonial villa setting, open 11am to 2:30pm.
VND200000, 1h

2:00pm

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Visit a famous Taoist pagoda with intricate statues and religious significance, open 8am to 6pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Enjoy leafy surroundings and local life at this peaceful city park, open all day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Experience traditional rooftop dining with authentic Vietnamese home-style food, open till 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 12: Art & History

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L’usine Cafe

Trendsetting café offering great coffee and pastries, open 7am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fine Arts Museum

Dive into Vietnamese art in this elegant colonial-era building, open 9am to 5pm, closed Mondays.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at The Lunch Lady

Try rotating daily street food dishes in a friendly street stall setting, open 10am to 4pm.
VND60000, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Independence Palace

Explore this historic site of the Vietnam War, open 7:30am to 4pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Coffee break at The Workshop

Enjoy specialty coffee in a relaxed industrial space, open 8am to 10pm.
VND70000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan Ut Ut

Savor delicious southern Vietnamese seafood dishes in a bustling local venue, open till 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 13: Day Trip to Vung Tau

Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau, Vietnam on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

A quick breakfast to start your day early for the beach day trip.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Vung Tau

Bus or private transfer to coastal city Vung Tau, known for its beaches, about 2h drive.
VND200000, 2h

10:00am

Relax at Back Beach

Spend the morning swimming and sunbathing at one of Vung Tau's most popular beaches; open all day.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ganh Hao Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh and affordable seafood by the beach, open 10am to 9pm.
VND150000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Christ the King Statue

Climb to see the famous large statue with panoramic views, open 7am to 5pm.
VND20000, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Return journey back, with time to rest before dinner.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret House

Enjoy a quiet, authentic Vietnamese dinner in a charming, hidden gem, open till 10pm.
VND130000, 1h30m
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Day 14: Last Day Shopping & Relax

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Apartment

Explore a collection of cafes and boutiques inside an old apartment building, open 8am to 10pm.
VND70000, 1h

9:30am

Shopping at Ben Thanh Market and nearby shops

Pick up last-minute gifts and souvenirs in this vibrant market and surrounding areas, open till 6pm.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hum Vegetarian

Savor healthy and delicious vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine, open 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h

2:30pm

Spa Treatment

Relax with a traditional Vietnamese massage or spa treatment to unwind before departure.
VND600000, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Shri

Enjoy fusion Indian-Vietnamese fine dining as a memorable last meal, open till 11pm.
VND300000, 2h
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Day 15: Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before packing and checkout.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Private transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
VND200000, 30m
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