15-Day North to South Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on November 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy authentic Hanoi pho at this popular spot known for its flavorful broth and traditional ingredients.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around this picturesque lake and visit the temple on the small island in the heart of Hanoi, a serene cultural landmark.
VND30000, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets filled with shops, markets, and colonial architecture reflecting Hanoi's vibrant lifestyle.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous bun cha, grilled pork served with rice noodles and herbs, a must-try Hanoi specialty.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visit the final resting place of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader; note it closes at 4:30pm and is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through exhibits of artifacts, traditional costumes, and houses.
VND40000, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Relish the iconic Hanoi dish ‘Cha Ca’ featuring grilled turmeric fish with dill and noodles.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on November 2, 2025

7:00am

Depart from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Travel by shuttle or private car to Ha Long Bay, approximately 3.5 hours east of Hanoi.
VND200000, 3h30m

11:00am

Check-in Ha Long Bay Cruise

Board your overnight cruise featuring stunning karst limestone islands and enjoy welcome drinks with spectacular views.
USD120, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch on board

Delight in fresh seafood and Vietnamese cuisine prepared on the cruise as you sail through the bay.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Sung Sot Cave

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

3:00pm

Kayaking and Swimming

Enjoy outdoor activities in the emerald waters among limestone islands, available during the cruise.
Included in cruise, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner on board

Relax with a gourmet dinner featuring local seafood specialties while anchored in a peaceful bay area.
Included in cruise, 1h30m

8:00pm

Optional Night Squid Fishing

Experience traditional squid fishing on the deck of the boat under the stars.
Included in cruise, 1h0m
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Day 3: Return and Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on November 3, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast on cruise

Early breakfast on board while cruising back to Ha Long Bay harbor.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

8:00am

Disembark and travel to Ninh Binh

Drive approximately 3.5 hours south to Ninh Binh, known as ‘Halong Bay on land’ for its limestone karsts and river landscapes.
VND220000, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant in Ninh Binh

Savor delicious goat meat, a local specialty, accompanied by rice and fresh greens.
VND80000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Boat trip on Tam Coc River

Experience a relaxing sampan boat ride through serene rivers and rice fields surrounded by karst mountains.
VND150000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore this ancient pagoda built into limestone cliffs with peaceful gardens and panoramic views.
VND20000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Check-in hotel and dinner at Chookie’s Beer Garden

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with international and Vietnamese dishes in a cozy garden setting near the river.
VND100000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on November 4, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Hue

Depart early for Hue, about 3 hours south through scenic countryside and the Hai Van Pass.
VND250000, 3h0m

11:00am

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Try Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup traditional to the region.
VND70000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Imperial City (The Citadel)

Visit the walled fortress and former imperial capital with palaces, temples, and museums; open until 5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h30m

3:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

See the iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, symbolizing the city’s spiritual heritage.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Perfume River Sunset Cruise

Relax on a boat cruise at sunset to admire scenic views and the city skyline.
VND200000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Dine on authentic royal cuisine in a charming setting near festival street.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hoi An Charm

Hoi An, Vietnam on November 5, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Hoi An

Drive approximately 3 hours south from Hue to enchanting Hoi An ancient town.
VND180000, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Morning Glory

Experience traditional central Vietnamese dishes, including Cao Lau noodles unique to Hoi An.
VND90000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour

Discover ancient merchant houses, Japanese Covered Bridge, and lively markets; town is pedestrian-only and open all day.
VND120000, 3h0m

4:30pm

Tailor Shop Visit

Visit a local tailor to order custom-made clothing, a famed Hoi An specialty with fast turnaround options.
Costs vary, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy a riverside dinner with international and Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
VND130000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Beach and Culture

Hoi An, Vietnam on November 6, 2025

8:00am

An Bang Beach

Spend the morning relaxing on this beautiful beach known for clean sand and calm waters, open all day.
Free, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The DeckHouse

Enjoy fresh seafood with beachfront views in a relaxed setting.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

My Son Sanctuary Tour

Explore ancient Cham Hindu temple ruins about 1h away; open 7am-5pm, fascinating for history enthusiasts.
VND150000, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Miss Ly Cafeteria

Sample local dishes including White Rose dumplings in a friendly local atmosphere.
VND80000, 1h0m
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Day 7: Travel to Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam on November 7, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Da Nang to Nha Trang

Take a 1-hour flight from nearby Da Nang airport to Nha Trang for coastal beach relaxation.
USD50, 1h0m

9:30am

Check-in and Breakfast at hotel

Rest and enjoy breakfast at your beachfront hotel to prepare for the day.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

11:00am

Vinpearl Land Visit

Spend a fun half-day at this amusement park on an island connected by cable car featuring rides, aquarium, and water activities.
VND650000, 4h0m

3:30pm

Relax on Tran Phu Beach

Enjoy sunbathing and people-watching along Nha Trang's most famous beach.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Sailing Club

Dine beachfront on international and Vietnamese dishes with a lively ambiance and sea views.
VND200000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Dalat Mountains

Dalat, Vietnam on November 8, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Dalat by car

Drive approximately 3.5 hours from Nha Trang to Dalat, a cool mountain town with French colonial charm.
VND250000, 3h30m

11:00am

Breakfast at An Cafe

Enjoy fresh, organic food and coffee in a lush garden setting popular with locals and tourists.
VND80000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Visit Valley of Love

Explore romantic gardens, lakes, and hills with vibrant flowers and walking paths.
VND60000, 2h0m

3:00pm

Crazy House

Tour this whimsical and unusual architecture themed guesthouse and art gallery.
VND60000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Le Cafe de la Poste

Experience authentic French dishes in a colonial-era building with cozy ambiance.
VND150000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Dalat Sightseeing

Dalat, Vietnam on November 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local street vendor

Try savory Vietnamese bánh mì or pho to start your day like a local.
VND40000, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Admire intricate mosaics and a giant dragon constructed from glass and pottery shards.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Datanla Waterfalls

Enjoy nature and optional adrenaline activities like roller coaster rides down to the falls.
VND30000 + activities extra, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Nhà Hàng Ngói

Sample hearty Vietnamese coastal and mountain cuisine in a rustic setting.
VND90000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Flower Gardens and Dalat Market

Visit colorful flower gardens followed by shopping and food sampling at Dalat Central Market.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Ramble

Enjoy a modern cozy cafe atmosphere serving fusion dishes and drinks.
VND120000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: To Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 10, 2025

8:00am

Fly from Dalat to HCMC

Take a morning 1-hour flight from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s buzzing southern metropolis.
USD60, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Enjoy delicious coffee and breakfast in this stylish cafe serving western and Vietnamese options.
VND100000, 1h0m

11:00am

War Remnants Museum

Visit this highly impactful museum documenting the Vietnam War's history and effects, open 7:30am-6pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Taste classic southern-style pho at one of Saigon’s most famous noodle spots.
VND70000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Explore these iconic French colonial landmarks in central Ho Chi Minh City.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local food, and crafts at Saigon’s bustling and colorful marketplace.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Famous for authentic home-style Vietnamese dishes in cozy, rustic décor.
VND150000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 11, 2025

7:30am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Take a half-day excursion to explore the underground tunnel network used during the Vietnam War, including guided explanation and hands-on experience; open 7am-5pm.
VND120000, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Eatery near Cu Chi

Enjoy simple Vietnamese dishes like rice and grilled meats in a local village setting.
VND60000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to HCMC and Rest

After returning to the city, relax at your hotel or explore nearby cafes.
Free, Rest of day

7:00pm

Dinner at Propaganda Bistro

Enjoy modern Vietnamese food with artistic and cultural ambience near the backpacker district.
VND130000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Mekong Delta, Vietnam on November 12, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Mekong Delta Tour

Full day trip visiting floating markets, fruit orchards, and traditional villages about 2 hours from HCMC.
USD35, 9h0m

12:00pm

Lunch on the Mekong River

Enjoy local fresh fish and tropical fruits served as part of the tour experience.
Included in tour, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to the city after a full day immersed in the Mekong Delta’s natural and cultural beauty.
Included in tour, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ngon Restaurant

Celebrate your last night in southern Vietnam with a diverse selection of street food dishes served in a refined environment.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 13: City & Shopping

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L’usine

Enjoy a stylish café experience mixing local and western breakfast favorites in a trendy gallery and boutique space.
VND100000, 1h0m

9:30am

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Visit the historic zoo and large botanical gardens featuring local and exotic flora and fauna; open 7:30am-6pm.
VND60000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Lunch Lady

Try different rotating Vietnamese soups as served by the famous street food lady featured in travel documentaries.
VND30000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore District 1 Shopping

Visit Vincom Center and Saigon Square for shopping ranging from luxury boutiques to affordable local goods.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Coffee at Trung Nguyen Legend Café

Enjoy famous Vietnamese coffee blends in a modern setting before evening activities.
VND70000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Delight in traditional rooftop dining offering authentic southern Vietnamese recipes and city views.
VND130000, 1h30m
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Day 14: Free Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 14, 2025

Flexible

Free Day for Personal Activities

Use this free day to revisit favorite spots, relax at cafes, explore museums, or book a spa treatment.
Varies, All day

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Humm Vegetarian

Indulge in healthy and delicious vegetarian dishes in an elegant setting to close your Vietnam journey.
VND140000, 1h30m
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Day 15: Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 15, 2025

Morning

Breakfast and Pack

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel and prepare for departure.
Included in hotel, Flexible

Depends on flight

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Travel to the airport for your onward journey back home or to your next destination.
VND200000, Variable
View Hotel Availability