10-Day Solo Budget Travel Itinerary in Vietnam: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy an authentic bowl of Pho, Vietnam's famous noodle soup, widely regarded as the best breakfast to kickstart your day in Hanoi.
VND40000, 1h

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Take a peaceful stroll around the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple for a glimpse of local culture and serene natural beauty. Open daily from 6am to 9pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Old Quarter Walking Tour

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

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles and herbs, a beloved Hanoi specialty open from 9am to 9pm.
VND50000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university and a beautiful example of ancient Vietnamese architecture, open 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h

5:00pm

Evening at Night Market

Experience Hanoi’s bustling night market in the Old Quarter, perfect for budget shopping and tasting street snacks.
Free entry, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Affordable restaurant showcasing a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in charming surroundings, open until 10pm.
VND70000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Take a budget shuttle bus from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, which takes around 3.5 to 4 hours.
VND120000, 4h

11:30am

2-Day Budget Ha Long Bay Cruise

Join an affordable overnight cruise exploring Ha Long Bay's stunning limestone karsts and islands, includes kayaking, cave visits, and seafood meals.
USD90, 28h
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Day 3: Return to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 3, 2025

9:00am

Continue Ha Long Bay Cruise

Enjoy the morning views and activities on the cruise before returning to shore.
Included, 4h

1:00pm

Return shuttle to Hanoi

Travel back from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi by shuttle bus.
Included, 4h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Taste Cha Ca, a famous grilled fish dish native to Hanoi, in a traditional restaurant setting.
VND80000, 1h
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Day 4: Travel to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Travel by train to Hue

Take a budget-friendly scenic train ride from Hanoi to Hue, approximately 13 hours, arriving in the evening.
VND350000, 13h

8:00pm

Check-in and Dinner near hotel

Enjoy simple local dishes at a nearby budget eatery offering Hue specialties like Bun Bo Hue.
VND60000, 1h
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Day 5: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local eatery

Start with Banh Khoai, a crispy pancake specialty of Hue.
VND40000, 1h

9:30am

Imperial City (Citadel)

Explore the historic Imperial City with its palaces, temples, and walls, open 7:30am to 6pm. Entry fee is affordable and the site is a must-see.
VND150000, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Sample local Hue delicacies such as Bun Bo Hue in this budget-friendly restaurant.
VND70000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit this iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, open daily from 7am to 6pm, free entry.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Perfume River Boat Ride

Take an affordable boat trip along the Perfume River to enjoy scenic views of Hue’s landmarks, usually in the late afternoon for cooler weather.
VND100000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Enjoy authentic Hue cuisine with budget pricing at this popular local restaurant.
VND80000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Hoi An Exploration

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Hoi An by bus

Take a morning bus or shuttle from Hue to Hoi An (approximately 3 hours).
VND120000, 3h

11:00am

Check-in and Lunch at Bale Well

Relish traditional Hoi An dishes like the famed 'Cao Lau' noodle at this local budget eatery.
VND70000, 1h

12:30pm

Walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore lantern-lit streets, historic houses, and vibrant markets with entry to some paid sites costing minimal fees, open generally from 7:30am to 9pm.
VND120000, 3h

4:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend the afternoon unwinding on the sandy shores of nearby An Bang Beach, free access.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Miss Ly Cafeteria

Taste fresh, affordable local Vietnamese dishes popular with locals and tourists alike.
VND60000, 1h
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Day 7: Da Nang Beaches

Da Nang, Vietnam on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Da Nang

Short bus ride from Hoi An to Da Nang (approx 30 minutes).
VND30000, 0h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong

Try the famous Banh Mi sandwiches, quick, tasty, and budget-friendly, open from 6am to 9pm.
VND25000, 0h45m

10:00am

My Khe Beach

Relax or swim at one of Vietnam’s most popular beaches with free public access.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Be Anh Restaurant

Popular seafood grill spots offering a budget-friendly meal in Da Nang.
VND80000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore caves, temples, and stunning viewpoints; open 7am to 5:30pm. Entrance is affordable.
VND40000, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Apsara Restaurant

A budget-friendly restaurant with great local flavors, including vegetarian options.
VND70000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Nha Trang Relax

Nha Trang, Vietnam on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Nha Trang by bus

Take an early budget bus from Da Nang to Nha Trang (approximately 10 hours).
VND250000, 10h

5:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant

Cozy budget restaurant offering authentic and reasonably priced Vietnamese cuisine.
VND60000, 1h
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Day 9: Nha Trang Beaches

Nha Trang, Vietnam on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sailing Club

Inexpensive breakfast with ocean views, popular for fresh juices and local dishes.
VND70000, 1h

9:30am

Relax at Tran Phu Beach

Enjoy sunbathing or swimming at this accessible public beach.
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Nem Nuong Ninh Hoa

Sample budget-friendly grilled pork skewers, a local street food favorite.
VND50000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers

Explore ancient Cham Hindu temple ruins, open 7am to 6pm, very affordable entrance.
VND22000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nha Trang View Restaurant

Affordable dinner options with a view of the beach and city lights.
VND60000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch an early budget flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City (about 1 hour), saving travel time for exploration.
VND400000, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Enjoy excellent and affordable Banh Mi sandwiches, open early from 6am to late.
VND25000, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Insightful museum detailing the Vietnam War’s history. Open 7:30am to 6pm with a small entry fee.
VND40000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Famous Pho restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City offering delicious and affordable bowls of Pho.
VND50000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Visit this bustling market for souvenirs, handicrafts, and budget shopping, open from early morning till evening.
Free entry, 2h

5:00pm

Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour

Join an affordable afternoon tour to see the historic Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, typically 5pm return.
USD15, 5h

8:30pm

Dinner at Propaganda Bistro

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese street-food-inspired dishes with modern ambiance in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
VND100000, 1h30m
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