10-Day Ultimate Vietnam Adventure: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, Pho, considered one of Hanoi's best and famous hearty breakfasts.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful walk around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the historic Ngoc Son Temple in the heart of Hanoi.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, known for its vibrant markets, street food, and colonial architecture.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the iconic 'bun cha', grilled pork with noodles, a favorite local specialty.
VND70000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university and an exquisite example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and gardens.
VND30000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique cultural performance originating from the Red River Delta.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Savor Hanoi’s famous grilled fish prepared with turmeric and dill at this iconic local restaurant.
VND140000, 1h30m
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Day 2: City and History

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cong Caphe

Enjoy a strong Vietnamese coffee paired with a light breakfast at this trendy café known for its nostalgic vibe.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Pay respects at the mausoleum of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader and explore the adjoining Presidential Palace and Botanical Gardens.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Dine at this social enterprise restaurant offering authentic Vietnamese dishes and training disadvantaged youth.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
VND40000, 2h0m

3:30pm

Coffee Break at The Note Coffee

Relax with a cup of coffee surrounded by thousands of colorful sticky notes left by travelers.
VND40000, 0h45m

5:00pm

Leisurely Walk around West Lake

Unwind by the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi with sunset views and local street food along the shore.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a lovely garden setting.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi to Halong Bay

Travel by car or shuttle to the UNESCO World Heritage site, approximately 3.5 hours east of Hanoi.
VND400000, 3h30m

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Begin a scenic cruise on Halong Bay, marveling at the limestone karsts and emerald waters.
USD100, 6h0m

12:00pm

Lunch on board

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch as you cruise around the bay’s stunning island formations.
Included, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Visit the famous Surprise Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Included, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner on Cruise

Sample regional specialties and relax on deck with sunset views over the bay.
Included, 1h30m
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Day 4: Nature & History

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on Cruise and Transfer to Ninh Binh

Enjoy breakfast before transferring by road approximately 3 hours to Ninh Binh, known as 'Halong Bay on land'.
Included + VND350000, 3h30m

11:00am

Boat Ride at Trang An Scenic Area

Take a 2-hour boat tour through caves and limestone mountains surrounded by lush greenery.
VND150000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at a local Ninh Binh restaurant

Sample local specialties such as goat meat and crispy rice crust.
VND90000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Explore the historic temples of the 10th century capital of Vietnam.
VND20000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Sunset at Mua Cave Viewpoint

Climb to panoramic views over the river and karst scenery from the summit of Mua Cave.
VND100000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Long Restaurant

Enjoy tasty Vietnamese dishes in a cozy atmosphere in Ninh Binh town.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Imperial City

Hue, Vietnam on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel and transfer to Hanoi Airport

Have a hearty breakfast before heading to the airport for your flight to Hue, about 1 hour 15 minutes air travel.
Included + USD50 flight, 3h0m including transfers and check-in

11:00am

Arrival in Hue and Check-in

Relax briefly at your accommodation before exploring the ancient capital.
Varies, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Les Jardins de la Carambole

Dine in a charming French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant in Hue’s old town.
VND200000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Imperial City (The Citadel)

Explore the vast 19th-century palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nguyen dynasty.
VND150000, 2h30m

4:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic riverside pagoda with historic and cultural significance.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Taste authentic Hue royal cuisine, including specialty dishes like Bun Bo Hue.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Ancient Charm

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel and transfer to Hoi An

Enjoy breakfast before a scenic 3-hour drive south to the charming town of Hoi An.
Included in tour, 3h0m

11:00am

Check-in and relax

Settle into your hotel and prepare to explore the lantern-lit streets.
Varies, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Savor traditional Central Vietnamese dishes in a highly recommended spot.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Discover historic homes, temples, and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge within the UNESCO heritage site.
VND120000 entrance ticket, 3h0m

5:00pm

Tailor shopping and lantern making

Experience tailoring or making silk lanterns, workshops available throughout town.
VND200000 approx, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy riverside dining with excellent Western and Vietnamese fusion cuisine.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Beach & City

Da Nang, Vietnam on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and transfer to Da Nang

After breakfast, take a short 30-minute drive to Da Nang to enjoy its modern beach city vibe.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore magnificent caves, temples, and panoramic views atop limestone hills near Da Nang.
VND40000, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Bep Hen Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Central Vietnamese foods including seafood specialties in a friendly atmosphere.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon on the white sandy beach with cool water and great views.
Free, 3h0m

4:30pm

Visit Dragon Bridge and Han Riverfront

Walk along the riverfront and see the famous Dragon Bridge that breathes fire on weekend evenings.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Madame Lan

Savor traditional Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant setting enhanced by live traditional music.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Southern Charm

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy breakfast before transferring to Da Nang airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
USD50 flight, 3h including transfers

11:00am

Arrival and check-in

Check into your hotel and prepare for exploration of bustling southern Vietnam’s largest city.
Varies, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Try Ho Chi Minh style pho, renowned for a richer broth and fresh herbs.
VND70000, 1h0m

1:30pm

War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s turbulent history through exhibits focused on the Vietnam War.
VND40000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Visit this iconic landmark built between 1863 and 1880, reflecting French colonial architecture.
Free, 0h30m

4:40pm

Saigon Central Post Office

Explore the grand post office designed by Gustave Eiffel, still fully operational today.
Free, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Dine on home-style southern Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy, rustic setting.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 9: City & Markets

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L’usine

Indulge in great coffee and a Western-style breakfast in this stylish café and boutique.
VND100000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and experience vibrant market life in the city center.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hu Tieu Nam Vang Ba Nam

Enjoy a flavorful bowl of southern-style noodle soup rich with pork and seafood.
VND60000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Reunification Palace

Tour the historic presidential palace that marked the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.
VND40000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Coffee at The Workshop

Relax in one of Ho Chi Minh City’s best specialty coffee shops known for its quality beans.
VND70000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Tower

Take in panoramic city views from one of Southeast Asia’s tallest buildings.
VND200000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P's

Enjoy innovative Vietnamese-Italian fusion pizzas made with local ingredients.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a filling breakfast before your day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Experience the underground network used by Viet Cong during the war, including crawling through some tunnel sections.
VND300000 including transport, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Benjarong Restaurant

Return to the city and enjoy authentic Thai food at this highly-rated restaurant.
VND160000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Leisurely Afternoon Free

Spend your last afternoon shopping or visiting any spots you may have missed in Ho Chi Minh City.
Varies, 3h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Enjoy your final night with riverside dining and exquisite international cuisine at this upscale venue.
VND400000, 2h0m
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