7-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Vietnam

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start your day with a bowl of traditional Hanoi pho at Pho Thin, open from 6:00am to 10:00pm, famous for its flavorful beef broth and springy noodles.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple situated on Jade Island, a peaceful spot important to Hanoi’s spiritual life.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through the historic Old Quarter, famous for its street markets, boutiques, and colonial architecture, ideal for cultural immersion and souvenir shopping.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Hanoi’s iconic Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and herbs, at Bun Cha Huong Lien, notable for its local flavor and open from 9:00am to 9:00pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Learn about Vietnam’s history at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, offering insights into colonial times and the Vietnam War, open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Enjoy Water Puppet Show

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, running shows from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, showcasing unique cultural art.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try the famous grilled fish dish, Cha Ca, at the popular Cha Ca Thang Long restaurant, open till 10:00pm, known for authentic northern Vietnamese cuisine.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Depart early for the 3.5-hour journey to Ha Long Bay, enjoying scenic views en route.
VND200000 per person (bus), 3h30m

10:30am

Board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Begin a 2-day, 1-night cruise among the spectacular limestone karsts and emerald waters; most cruises include lunch on board and visits to caves and floating villages.
USD100 (all inclusive), 2d0h
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Day 3: Return and Travel South

Ha Long Bay to Da Nang/Hoi An, Vietnam on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Sunrise on Ha Long Bay

Wake up early to experience a stunning sunrise from the deck of the cruise ship.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

9:00am

Disembark and Return to Hanoi

Complete the cruise and transfer back to Hanoi by road, preparing for onward travel south.
Included in cruise, 3h30m

3:00pm

Flight Hanoi to Da Nang

Catch a late afternoon flight (approx. 1hr 20min) from Hanoi to Da Nang, gateway to Hoi An.
Approx VND1500000, 1h20m

5:00pm

Transfer to Hoi An

Travel 45 minutes from Da Nang airport to Hoi An, check into hotel and relax.
VND300000 (taxi), 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste the delicious Central Vietnamese specialties in this popular Hoi An restaurant, open till 10:00pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hoi An Exploration

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cargo Club

Enjoy fresh baked pastries and coffee at Cargo Club, open from 7:00am.
VND120000, 1h0m

9:30am

Old Town walking tour

Explore historic Hoi An Old Town including Japanese Covered Bridge, Old Houses, and vibrant markets; entry fee VND120000, open till 6:00pm.
VND120000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Banh Mi Phuong

Eat at the famous Banh Mi Phuong stall for the best Vietnamese sandwich experience, open 9:00am-6:00pm.
VND30000, 0h45m

1:00pm

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

Take a short bike ride or taxi to nearby Tra Que Village to learn about traditional farming and enjoy rural scenery.
Free (transport extra), 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Unwind at An Bang Beach with its calm waters and beachside cafés, ideal for late afternoon.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Enjoy creative fusion Vietnamese cuisine with a river view, open till 10:00pm.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Huế Historical Sites

Huế, Vietnam on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Hoi An to Huế

Take an early bus or private transfer through scenic Hai Van Pass to reach Huế in about 3 hours.
VND250000 (bus), 3h0m

10:30am

Visit Imperial City

Explore the UNESCO-listed Citadel and Imperial City, open 7:30am to 5:30pm, for its palaces, gates, and holy relics.
VND150000, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Sample authentic Central Vietnam cuisine specializing in Huế specialties like Bun Bo Hue, open till 3:00pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda Visit

Visit this iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, peaceful and historical, open all day with free entry.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Tomb of Khai Dinh

Explore one of the most unique imperial tombs with Gothic and Eastern architecture, open till 6:00pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Dine on refined dishes of the old royal cuisine in a beautiful and relaxing environment, open till 9:30pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Flight Huế to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a morning flight (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes) to Ho Chi Minh City airport.
VND1300000, 1h20m

9:00am

Check-in and Breakfast at L’Usine

Enjoy a chic café experience offering breakfast and coffee in District 1, open from 8:00am.
VND150000, 1h0m

10:30am

War Remnants Museum

Visit this powerful museum depicting Vietnam War history and its aftermath, open 7:30am to 6:00pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Savor the best pho in Ho Chi Minh City at Pho Hoa, serving from early morning to late evening.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Explore these iconic French colonial landmarks in the city center, both open during the day for sightseeing.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Ben Thanh Market

Shop and explore the bustling market famous for local handicrafts, food, and souvenirs, open till 7:00pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Relish a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a lively atmosphere, open till 10:00pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Mekong Delta Tour

Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta, Vietnam on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Full Day Mekong Delta Excursion

Depart from Ho Chi Minh City for a guided Mekong Delta tour including boat rides along the river, visiting floating markets, traditional villages, and local workshops, from 7:00am to about 6:00pm.
USD50 including transport and meals, 11h0m

7:30pm

Return and Dinner at The Deck Saigon

End the day with dinner at The Deck Saigon, an upscale riverside restaurant famous for its seafood dishes and ambiance, open till 11:00pm.
VND400000, 1h30m
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