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

Viewed by 119 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Hanoi

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
Find Hotels in Hanoi

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
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

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
Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

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
Find Hotels in Hue

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
Find Hotels in Hoi An

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
Find Hotels in Da Nang

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
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

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
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

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
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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