8-Day Romantic Vietnam Itinerary for Couples with Cost Estimates

Day 1: Arrival and Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start your day with a classic Vietnamese pho at Pho Thin, an iconic spot known for its delicious noodle soup that will energize you for the day ahead.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful morning walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island, a serene and picturesque cultural site open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Old Quarter

Walk through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, shop for souvenirs, and admire French colonial architecture unique to the area.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork with rice noodles and herbs, at Bun Cha Huong Lien, a local favorite.
VND80000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and admire the well-preserved architecture and gardens. Open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening Water Puppet Show

Watch a traditional water puppet performance at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, which showcases Vietnamese culture.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy the famous Cha Ca, a turmeric fish dish served with dill and peanuts in this historic restaurant.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Ha Long Bay

Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by shuttle (approx 3.5 hours) to start your sea adventure.
VND500000, 3h30m

10:30am

Board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Start a romantic cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay, enjoying spectacular limestone karsts and emerald waters.
USD120, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch on board

Enjoy fresh seafood lunch while cruising through the bay with breathtaking views.
Included, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Hanoi or stay overnight on boat

Option to stay overnight on the cruise or return to Hanoi by evening shuttle.
Included or VND500000 for shuttle, Varies

7:30pm

Dinner Options

If back in Hanoi, dine at Quan An Ngon for diverse Vietnamese dishes in a charming courtyard setting. Open until 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Natural Beauty

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ninh Binh

Depart early from Hanoi to Ninh Binh (about 2 hours) to explore stunning landscapes.
VND300000, 2h0m

9:00am

Boat Ride in Tam Coc

Take a relaxing 2-hour sampan boat ride through rice paddies and limestone cliffs, open 7am to 5pm.
VND150000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Chookie’s Beer Garden

Enjoy a cozy lunch with western and local food in a lovely garden setting in Tam Coc.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore this enchanting pagoda nestled into mountains – open from 8am to 5pm and known for peaceful views and architecture.
VND10000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi to prepare for next day departure south.
VND300000, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Highway4 Restaurant

Savor authentic northern Vietnamese dishes at Highway4, known for its quality and local ambiance.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Historic Hue City

Hue, Vietnam on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Hue

Take a morning flight from Hanoi to Hue (1.5 hours), optimize time for exploring the ancient capital.
INR4500 per person approx, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Imperial City (The Citadel)

Explore the historic former imperial palace, museums, and royal tombs within the Citadel, open 8am-5pm.
VND150000, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ancient Hue

Taste royal-style Vietnamese cuisine in a charming historic villa setting.
VND200000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Perfume River Boat Ride

Enjoy a romantic boat ride on the Perfume River visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, open until 5pm.
VND100000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine at this colonial style restaurant offering French and Vietnamese fusion dishes in an elegant garden setting.
VND300000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An, Vietnam on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Hoi An

Travel from Hue to Hoi An by scenic road (approx 3 hours), check into hotel near ancient town.
INR2000 by private car, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Enjoy authentic Central Vietnamese dishes in a beautifully restored traditional house in Hoi An Ancient Town.
VND180000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk around Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore UNESCO-listed ancient town with its lantern-lit streets, historic houses, old temples, and Japanese Covered Bridge. Open all day.
VND120000 entrance fee, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine riverside with seafood and international cuisine, famous for its cakes and desserts.
VND250000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Hoi An Leisure & Cooking

Hoi An, Vietnam on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Hoi An Cooking Class

Join a morning cooking class to learn traditional dishes and visit a local market. Classes typically run 4-5 hours including cooking and eating.
USD50 per person, 5h0m

2:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon at the nearby An Bang Beach, enjoying sun and sea.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ms Ly Cafeteria

Enjoy authentic Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau in this family-run eatery known for reasonable prices and great taste.
VND80000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Urban Sights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (1.5 hours flight).
INR3600 per person approx, 1h30m

9:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore exhibits on the Vietnam war and its profound impacts; open 7:30am-6:00pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Try traditional southern style pho at one of the best known pho restaurants in the city.
VND70000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Admire the beautiful French colonial architecture of these landmark buildings located close to each other.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop and explore local crafts, souvenirs, and street food vendors in this bustling market.
Free to enter, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop

Enjoy Vietnamese cuisine with panoramic city views in this charming rooftop restaurant.
VND250000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine Dong Khoi

Start your final day with stylish coffee and breakfast in this popular cafe and boutique.
VND150000, 1h0m

10:00am

Relax or last minute shopping

Use remaining time for last-minute shopping or visiting local sites before airport transfer.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Head to the airport for your onward flight.
VND300000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability