10-Night Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Arrival and Hanoi City Introduction

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 29, 2025

11:00am

Check-in and Rest

Arrive and settle into your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter to relax and prepare for your Vietnam adventure.
Included in accommodation, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy authentic northern-style Pho noodles at this famous local spot, open from 7am to 9pm.
VND60000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the central Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the lake island, open until 7pm. A serene introduction to Hanoi culture.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit the Old Quarter

Explore narrow streets filled with shops, street food, and colonial architecture. Ideal for sightseeing and souvenir shopping.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try the special Hanoi dish Cha Ca (turmeric fish with dill), open until 10pm.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 2: Hanoi Heritage and Culture

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Dinh

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese coffee and breakfast with local egg coffee specialties, open from 7am.
VND50000, 1h

8:30am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Explore the mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House and the One Pillar Pagoda. Open 8am to 11am, closed Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam's first university and a temple dedicated to Confucius, open 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Famous for Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and herbs, open 10am to 8pm.
VND60000, 1h

2:00pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse ethnic cultures of Vietnam with exhibits and outdoor displays, open 8am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h

5:00pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry with shows at 5pm and 6:30pm.
VND100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a broad selection of Vietnamese dishes in a lively market-style setting, open until 11pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Departure to Ha Long Bay

Drive approximately 3.5-4 hours from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay for a scenic cruise.
Included in tour package, 4h

11:00am

Board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Embark on a luxury or mid-range overnight cruise exploring limestone karsts and islands, includes lunch on board.
USD150-250 depending on cruise choice, 4h

3:00pm

Kayaking and Cave Visit

Enjoy kayaking around secluded bays followed by a guided tour of a large cave — typical cruise activities include visits to floating villages, which last until early evening.
Included in cruise, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner on Board

Enjoy fresh seafood dinner while watching the sunset over the bay.
Included in cruise, 1h30m
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Day 4: Return to Hanoi and Fly South

Hanoi to Da Nang, Vietnam on May 2, 2025

6:30am

Sunrise Tai Chi and Breakfast

Participate in a morning Tai Chi session on the deck if offered by cruise, followed by breakfast.
Included in cruise, 2h

8:30am

Cruise Disembark & Return to Hanoi

Return by bus to Hanoi airport for a southern flight.
Included in tour, 4h

1:30pm

Flight to Da Nang

Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang (about 1 hour 20 minutes).
USD50-100 depending on airline, 1h20m

3:00pm

Check-in to Hotel Da Nang

Rest or explore Da Nang’s riverfront and beaches.
Included in accommodation, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Madame Lan

Sample central Vietnamese cuisine with charming ambiance, open until 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Da Nang

Enjoy a local or western style breakfast before day trip to nearby Hoi An.
Included with hotel, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Hoi An

Short 30-minute drive from Da Nang to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An.
VND100000 taxi, 30m

9:00am

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Visit historic sites including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and vibrant markets. Open daily 8am to 9pm.
VND120000 for heritage ticket, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Famous for traditional Hoi An and central Vietnamese dishes, open until 3pm.
VND150000, 1h

1:30pm

Tailor Shop Visit

Visit one of Hoi An's renowned tailor shops to get custom clothes made with quick turnaround.
Varies by tailoring, 2h

3:30pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend the afternoon at this idyllic and less crowded beach near Hoi An.
Free entry, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Field Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy fusion Vietnamese dishes in a cozy atmosphere, open until 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Return to Da Nang

Short drive back to Da Nang for overnight stay.
VND100000 taxi, 30m
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Day 6: Beach Relaxation and City Tour Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Minh Tuan Restaurant

Try local specialties like Mi Quang noodle, open from 7am to 10pm.
VND60000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore limestone and marble hills with caves, temples, and panoramic views, open from 7am to 5pm.
VND40000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Banh Xeo Ba Duong

Experience crispy Vietnamese pancakes, a local favorite, open until 3pm.
VND50000, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Leisurely afternoon swimming and sunbathing at one of Vietnam's most famous beaches.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Han River Dragon Bridge and Night Market

View the illuminated Dragon Bridge (which breathes fire on weekends and special dates) and explore the lively night market for snacks and souvenirs.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Dine on fresh seafood with views over the Han river, open until 11pm.
VND250000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Travel South to Nha Trang

Da Nang to Nha Trang, Vietnam on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transfer to Da Nang airport.
Included with accommodation, 1h

8:30am

Flight to Nha Trang

Fly about 1 hour from Da Nang to the coastal city of Nha Trang.
USD40-90, 1h

10:00am

Arrival and Check-in

Settle into hotel near the beach area of Nha Trang.
Included in accommodation, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Lac Canh Beef BBQ

Try the well-known grilled beef hotpot, a local specialty, open from 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h

1:00pm

Relax on Nha Trang Beach

Spend the afternoon enjoying the sandy beach and crystal seas of Nha Trang.
Free, 3h

4:00pm

Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers

Explore the ancient Hindu Cham temples with panoramic views of the Cai River, open until 5pm.
VND22000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Sailing Club Nha Trang

Enjoy seafood and international dishes by the beach in an elegant setting, open until 11pm.
VND300000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Island Boat Tour Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Eat a hearty breakfast for an active day of island hopping and snorkeling.
Included with accommodation, 1h

8:30am

Boat Tour of Nha Trang Bay Islands

Take a full-day boat tour visiting Hon Mun Marine Park, Hon Tam and other islands, offering snorkeling, swimming and fresh seafood lunch, tours operate from 8:30am to 4pm.
USD25-35, 7h

4:30pm

Return and Relax

Relax after the boat tour at your hotel or enjoy a massage.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nem Nuong Ninh Hoa

Try grilled pork sausage and local specialties, open until 10pm.
VND100000, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Relaxed breakfast before morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Included with accommodation, 1h

9:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Approximately 1 hour flight journey.
USD40-80, 1h

10:30am

Check-in to Ho Chi Minh City Hotel

Settle into central district hotel.
Included in accommodation, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Famous Pho restaurant serving southern style Pho, open 6am to 9:30pm.
VND70000, 1h

1:00pm

War Remnants Museum

Insightful and sobering museum covering the Vietnam War, open 7:30am to 6pm.
VND40000, 2h

3:30pm

Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Visit these iconic colonial-era buildings located near each other, open until 4:30pm.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Ben Thanh Market

Explore lively market for souvenirs and street food until closing around 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy traditional southern Vietnamese cuisine in a beautifully decorated setting, open until 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Eat breakfast early before day trip to Cu Chi tunnels.
Included with accommodation, 1h

8:30am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Half-day tour to the historic underground tunnel system used during the Vietnam War, open 7am to 5pm.
USD20-30, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Popular spot visited by Bill Clinton, serving Pho and local dishes, open until 10pm.
VND80000, 1h

2:30pm

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Visit this beautiful and atmospheric Taoist pagoda, open until 5pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Coffee at The Workshop

Trend-setting coffee shop for specialty coffee and snacks in District 1.
VND70000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop

End your Vietnam trip with rooftop dining featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes and beautiful skyline views, open till 11pm.
VND250000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Vietnam.
Included with accommodation, 1h

8:30am

Check-out and Airport Transfer

Head to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.
Varies, 1h
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