Budget-Friendly December Escape: Delhi to Vietnam's Cultural and Scenic Wonders

Day 1: Hanoi City Tour

Hanoi, Vietnam on December 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of pho at Pho Gia Truyen, known for its authentic flavors and budget-friendly prices. This spot is open from 6:00am to 10:00am.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

A scenic walk around the lake followed by a visit to the Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island offers cultural insight and peaceful surroundings in the heart of Hanoi.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you can shop for souvenirs, sample street food, and experience local life.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Famous for serving the dish President Obama savored, enjoy Bun Cha, a delicious pork and noodle dish, in a budget-friendly setting open until 3:00pm.
VND70000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Temple of Literature

This ancient Confucian temple and former university is a serene cultural landmark showcasing Vietnam’s educational heritage.
VND30000, 1h

5:00pm

Stroll and Relax at West Lake

End the day with a relaxing stroll around West Lake, Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake, offering beautiful sunset views and calm atmosphere.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes at Quan An Ngon, a popular and affordable restaurant with a charming setting, open until 10:00pm.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cultural and Historical Insights

Hanoi, Vietnam on December 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Local Café

Start your day with Vietnamese drip coffee and a banh mi sandwich at a local café, authentic and affordable breakfast option.
VND40000, 1h

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the mausoleum and museum dedicated to Vietnam’s revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00am to 11:00am; closed Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Museum of Ethnology

Explore the cultural diversity of Vietnamese ethnic groups through fascinating exhibits. Opens 8:30am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor the famous Hanoi specialty, grilled fish with turmeric and dill, at this reasonably priced local eatery.
VND90000, 1h

3:00pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Watch a traditional water puppet performance that showcases Vietnamese folklore and artistry. Shows typically run at 3:00pm and 6:30pm; tickets are affordable.
VND100000, 1h

4:30pm

Leisure time at Hoa Lo Prison Historical Site

Learn about Vietnam’s history during the war era with a visit to this museum; open until 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at KOTO Restaurant

Dine in a social enterprise restaurant offering delicious Vietnamese food with a great cause, serving meals until 9:30pm.
VND130000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Halong Bay Adventure

Halong Bay, Vietnam on December 7, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light and quick breakfast at your hotel before departure to Halong Bay.
Included in accommodation, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Halong Bay

Take a bus or private transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay, approximately 3.5 to 4 hours journey.
VND300000, 4h

12:00pm

Halong Bay Cruise Lunch

Enjoy a budget-friendly day cruise with lunch served onboard, taking in spectacular limestone karsts and emerald waters.
USD50 (~VND1150000), 4h

4:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi via bus or private transfer after the cruise for your onward plans.
Included, 4h

8:30pm

Dinner Near Hotel

Have a light dinner at a local inexpensive eatery near your accommodation to rest after a long day.
VND70000, 1h
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