7-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Vietnam: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a classic Vietnamese pho breakfast at Pho Bat Dan, famous for its rich broth and fresh ingredients.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Explore the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake, a central cultural landmark.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Take a guided walking tour through the vibrant Old Quarter, where you can see colonial architecture and bustling street markets.
VND0 (self-guided), 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Bun Cha, a northern Vietnamese grilled pork and noodle dish, at the famous Bun Cha Huong Lien, known for being visited by President Obama.
VND80000, 1h

3:00pm

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and surrounding sites. The mausoleum is open from 8:00am to 11:00am, so plan to see the exterior and nearby gardens in the afternoon.
VND0, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at a Coffee Shop - Cafe Giang

Try the unique egg coffee at Cafe Giang, a Hanoi specialty with a creamy, sweet flavor.
VND50000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Experience Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi dish of turmeric fish, at this well-regarded local restaurant.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Depart from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Leave early to arrive at Ha Long Bay for a full day of cruising among the limestone karsts and emerald waters, approximately 3.5 hours by car.
Included in cruise package, 3.5h

11:00am

Board Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Join a well-reviewed day cruise that includes a junk boat tour, kayaking, and visiting caves like Sung Sot Cave.
USD90, 6h

12:30pm

Seafood Lunch on Board

Enjoy a fresh seafood buffet lunch on the boat while cruising the breathtaking bay.
Included, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi from Ha Long Bay to rest for the evening.
Included, 3.5h

8:30pm

Dinner at Little Hanoi Restaurant

Try authentic northern Vietnamese dishes in a cozy atmosphere near the Old Quarter.
VND130000, 1h
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Day Trip

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Ninh Binh

Travel south of Hanoi to Ninh Binh, famous for its stunning karst landscapes.
VND800000 (car hire), 2h

9:30am

Boat Ride at Tam Coc

Enjoy a leisurely sampan boat ride through rice paddies and limestone cliffs at Tam Coc, often called the 'Halong Bay on land.'
VND150000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chookie's Beer Garden

Dine at Chookie's Beer Garden, known for fresh local dishes and relaxing garden atmosphere.
VND100000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore the beautiful caves and ancient pagodas located on and inside a limestone mountain.
VND20000, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capitals

Visit the former imperial capital temples set amidst scenic countryside.
VND20000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi for the evening.
Included, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a well-rated setting near Hoan Kiem Lake.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Historical Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Fly from Hanoi to Hue

Catch a morning flight to Hue to explore the ancient imperial city.
USD50 - 80, 1h30m

9:30am

Visit the Imperial City (The Citadel)

Spend time exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site with its palaces, temples, and walls, open from 8:00am to 5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Relish traditional Hue cuisine including Bun Bo Hue in a local eatery.
VND90000, 1h

1:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit this iconic riverside pagoda dating back to the 17th century and enjoy the tranquil setting.
VND20000, 1h

3:00pm

Take a Perfume River Boat Tour

Boat along the Perfume River and visit historic sites and royal tombs in scenic surroundings.
VND200000, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine in a French colonial-style restaurant offering a blend of Vietnamese and French cuisine.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hoi An Charm

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Hoi An from Hue

Travel south by car or bus for about 3 hours to reach the charming town of Hoi An.
VND600000 (car hire), 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste authentic Central Vietnamese street food and specialties in a popular local venue.
VND120000, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander through the lantern-lit streets, historic houses, and Japanese Covered Bridge, open till late evening.
VND120000 (ticket for heritage sites), 3h

4:30pm

Tailor Shop Visit

Visit a tailor shop to get custom-made clothing in this renowned tailoring city.
Varies, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy riverside dining with a variety of Vietnamese and western dishes, and famous desserts.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Da Nang Beaches

Da Nang, Vietnam on May 4, 2025

9:00am

Drive to Da Nang

A short 30-minute drive from Hoi An to Da Nang to enjoy city and beach attractions.
VND200000, 30m

9:45am

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend the morning resting and swimming at one of Vietnam’s most famous beaches with soft white sand.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Be Anh Restaurant

Taste fresh seafood and local specialties just steps from the beach.
VND120000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore caves, pagodas, and viewpoints in these five marble and limestone hills, open daily from 7:00am to 5:00pm.
VND40000, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset at Dragon Bridge

Watch the famous Dragon Bridge light and fire show on weekends or enjoy the riverside scenery.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Savor delicious Vietnamese and international dishes while overlooking the Han River.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City to explore the southern metropolis.
USD50 - 80, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at The Workshop Coffee

Enjoy high-quality Vietnamese coffee and light breakfast in a stylish cafe.
VND60000, 1h

10:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam's history and the impacts of the war through powerful exhibits.
VND40000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Try southern-style pho at one of the city's oldest and most famous pho restaurants.
VND70000, 1h

2:00pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Visit these iconic colonial landmarks located near each other in downtown Saigon.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop and browse local goods, souvenirs, and street food in one of the city's oldest markets.
Free to enter, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

End your trip with authentic Vietnamese home-style dishes in a charming setting.
VND200000, 1h30m
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