Comprehensive 15-Day Vietnam Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Exploring Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on November 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with authentic Northern Vietnamese pho at Pho Bat Dan, one of Hanoi's renowned noodle shops open from 6:00am to 10:00pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Take a stroll around serene Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, a peaceful spot rich in local history and culture. Open all day.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit the Old Quarter

Explore Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter on foot, famous for its vibrant street life and historic architecture.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy the signature Hanoi dish, cha ca (turmeric fish with dill), at the famous Cha Ca La Vong restaurant, open from 10:00am-9:00pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Temple of Literature

Visit the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, featuring traditional Vietnamese architecture. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm daily.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Water Puppet Theatre Show

Catch a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, performances last about 60 minutes with shows starting every hour from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste favorite grilled pork with noodles, popularized by President Obama’s visit. Open daily from 8:00am to 8:00pm.
VND80000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural & Historical Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on November 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Enjoy a fresh coffee and Western breakfast at Kafeville, open from 7:00am to 10:00pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

9:30am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the embalmed body of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader and explore the surrounding grounds including the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. Open 8:00am to 11:00am (closed Monday and Friday).
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover Vietnam’s ethnic diversity and traditional cultures in this extensive museum open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Savor a variety of Vietnamese street food dishes in a comfortable setting at Quan An Ngon, open 10:00am - 10:00pm.
VND100000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Visit the “Hanoi Hilton” prison museum to learn about Vietnam’s history during the French colonial period and American War. Open 8:00am-5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Evening walk and coffee at Cafe Dinh

Relax at this historical cafe with views of the Old Quarter, open until 11:00pm.
VND40000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Highway 4 Restaurant

Try authentic Northern Vietnamese dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Open daily 10:00am-10:00pm.
VND120000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on November 3, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Ha Long Bay

Travel approximately 3.5 hours by car or shuttle bus from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay for a scenic cruise experience.
VND400000 (bus), 3h30m

11:00am

Board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Settle in on a 2-day, 1-night cruise exploring limestone karsts and islands, with activities such as kayaking and cave visits. Cruises usually start noon and end next day midday.
USD120, 25h0m

12:00pm

Lunch on board

Enjoy fresh seafood and Vietnamese cuisine served on the cruise boat while admiring spectacular bay views.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Visit one of the largest caves in Ha Long Bay, famous for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

4:00pm

Kayaking or Swimming

Enjoy kayaking around quiet lagoons or swim in emerald waters, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Included in cruise, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner on board

Experience a sunset dinner featuring fresh catch seafood and traditional Vietnamese flavors on the boat’s deck.
Included in cruise, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Return and Travel to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on November 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on Cruise

Enjoy a light breakfast on board while watching the sunrise over the bay.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

9:00am

Return to Ha Long Pier and travel back to Hanoi

Disembark and transfer to Hanoi, approximately 3.5 hour journey, to catch a flight to Hue.
Included in cruise + VND400000 bus, 4h0m

2:00pm

Flight to Hue

Take a 1 hour flight from Hanoi to Hue to continue your central Vietnam exploration.
USD60, 1h0m

3:30pm

Check-in and relax

Check into your hotel in Hue and take some time to rest before the evening.
Varies, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Dong Ba Market

Explore Hue’s largest traditional market to shop local products and try street food. The market is open late into the evening.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Try Hue specialties like Bun Bo Hue in a popular local restaurant open until 9:30pm.
VND100000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on November 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The One Coffee

Enjoy a quiet breakfast with Vietnamese coffee in a cozy setting, open from 7:00am-9:00pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:00am

Imperial City (Citadel)

Discover the historic Forbidden Purple City and royal palaces, a UNESCO World Heritage site open from 7:30am to 5:30pm.
VND150000, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ancient Hue

Sample authentic royal cuisine in a beautifully restored colonial villa, open from 11:00am to 2:30pm.
VND180000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit one of the most beautiful and historic pagodas in Hue overlooking the Perfume River, open daily.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Boat ride on the Perfume River

Take a gentle boat trip to see riverside sights including tombs and gardens, ideal for a relaxing afternoon.
VND150000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Enjoy French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a charming garden setting, open until 10:00pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel & Discover Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on November 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast before your transfer to Hoi An by car or shuttle.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Hoi An

Journey down the scenic Hai Van Pass towards the ancient town of Hoi An, approximately 3 hours from Hue.
VND600000, 3h0m

11:30am

Arrival and Check-in in Hoi An

Check into hotel and freshen up before exploring the town.
Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bale Well

Enjoy Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau noodles at this popular local eatery, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour

Explore UNESCO World Heritage site with its charming streets, historic houses, and Japanese Covered Bridge. Open daily.
VND120000, 2h30m

4:30pm

Visit a Tailor Shop

Take advantage of Hoi An’s famous tailoring services to get custom clothing made.
Varies, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Dine on creative Vietnamese cuisine in this well-regarded restaurant open till 10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Beach & Riverside Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on November 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Espresso Station

Fuel your day with specialty coffee and fresh breakfast options, open 7:00am to 7:00pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit An Bang Beach

Spend a relaxing morning at An Bang Beach, a short bike ride from Hoi An Ancient Town, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Beaches are accessible all day.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Soul Kitchen

Beachfront dining with fresh seafood and organic fare, open 10:00am to 9:00pm.
VND120000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Boat Trip on Thu Bon River

Take a peaceful boat trip on the Thu Bon River for a different perspective of Hoi An and its surroundings.
VND250000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Night Market Visit

Experience the lively night market with colorful lanterns, local crafts, and street food, open around 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Enjoy inventive Vietnamese fusion dishes with riverside ambiance, open till 10:30pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Travel to Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam on November 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a light breakfast before heading to the airport.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

10:00am

Flight to Nha Trang

Fly from Da Nang (nearest airport to Hoi An) to Nha Trang, about 1 hour and 10 minutes flight time.
USD70, 1h10m

11:30am

Check-in and relax

Settle into your hotel in Nha Trang and enjoy some rest or beach time.
Varies, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Lac Canh Beef BBQ

Taste delicious local beef BBQ in a popular restaurant open daily from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers

Explore the ancient Cham Hindu temples dating back to the 7th century, open 7:00am to 5:30pm.
VND22000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at Nha Trang Beach

Enjoy the sandy beach and warm waters alongside the city promenade.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sailing Club

Dine at one of the top beachfront restaurants with international and Vietnamese options, open till late.
VND250000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Island & Mud Baths

Nha Trang, Vietnam on November 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for an active day with hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Boat trip to Mun Island

Enjoy snorkeling and swimming around Mun Island, part of the bay’s protected marine area.
USD25, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch on island or back at city

Have fresh seafood lunch either on the boat or back at Nha Trang city restaurants.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Thap Ba Hot Springs Mud Bath

Relax and rejuvenate in therapeutic mud baths and hot mineral springs, open 7:00am to 9:00pm.
VND200000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk along Tran Phu Street

Leisurely walk the beachfront promenade enjoying cafes and small shops.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ganesh Indian Restaurant

Enjoy a change of cuisine with excellent Indian food, open till 10:30pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast before flight departure to Ho Chi Minh City.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City

Flight duration is about 1 hour 10 minutes, with multiple daily flights.
USD50, 1h10m

10:30am

Arrival and hotel check-in

Check into your hotel and settle in before sightseeing.
Varies, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa Pasteur

Famous for their pho, open daily from 6:00am to 9:30pm.
VND80000, 1h0m

1:30pm

War Remnants Museum

Explore comprehensive exhibits on Vietnam War history, open 7:30am to 6:00pm except Mondays.
VND40000, 2h0m

3:30pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Visit this iconic French colonial-era cathedral open for visitors daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 0h30m

4:15pm

Saigon Central Post Office

Adjacent to the cathedral, explore this beautifully restored historical building open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting, open 10:00am to 10:00pm.
VND180000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels & City Life

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 11, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Eat early to prepare for the day trip.
Included, 0h45m

7:45am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Travel about 1.5 hours to Cu Chi tunnels, explore Vietnam War underground tunnels. Open 7:30am to 5:00pm.
VND150000 plus transport, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch near Cu Chi or back in City

Depending on timing, eat local food near the site or within Ho Chi Minh City after return.
VND100000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Ben Thanh Market

Shop local crafts, souvenirs, and enjoy vibrant bustling market atmosphere, open till 7:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Coffee at The Workshop

Relax with premium coffee in a stylish café open until 10:00pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Propaganda Bistro

Try modern Vietnamese dishes with artistic decor open until 11:00pm.
VND160000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 12, 2025

6:30am

Depart for Mekong Delta

Early departure to explore Mekong Delta’s waterways, floating markets, and villages. Tours last approx 8-9 hours.
USD50, 9h0m

3:30pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive back at your hotel for rest after a full-day tour.
Included, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop Restaurant

Enjoy rooftop dining with elegant Vietnamese cuisine, open until 11:00pm.
VND220000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: City Culture & Shopping

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L’usine Le Loi

Dine in a stylish cafe and shop boutique fashion, open 8:00am to 10:00pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

9:30am

Saigon Opera House & Ta Prohm Art Space

Visit the beautiful colonial Saigon Opera and nearby contemporary art space. Operator schedules variable, visit in morning for guided tours.
VND80000, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Pizza 4P’s

Enjoy fresh homemade cheese and pizza with fusion Vietnamese toppings, open 11:00am to 11:00pm.
VND160000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Marvel at this Taoist temple's intricate carvings and statues, open daily 8:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

2:30pm

Shopping at Saigon Centre & Vincom

Explore upscale shopping centers for souvenirs, fashion, and local brands.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Dine riverside with international cuisine in an elegant setting open till 11:00pm.
VND400000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Relax & Final Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast in a vintage-style cafe, open 7:00am to 10:00pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fine Arts Museum

Browse contemporary and traditional Vietnamese art in a beautiful colonial building, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hum Vegetarian

Enjoy creative vegetarian Vietnamese dishes close to the city center, open 10:00am to 10:00pm.
VND130000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Spa and Massage at Temple Leaf

Treat yourself to a traditional Vietnamese massage and spa treatment, open 9:00am to 9:00pm.
VND350000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Bitexco Tower Sky Deck

Experience panoramic city views from the 49th floor observation deck, open 9:30am to 9:30pm.
VND200000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Noir. Dining in the Dark

Unique dining experience where guests eat in complete darkness to heighten senses, open 6:00pm to 10:00pm.
VND600000, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 15: Departure Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before packing and departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Last-minute shopping or stroll

Optional morning stroll in nearby parks or shopping for souvenirs in District 1.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Check out and airport transfer

Arrange transport to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.
VND300000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability