7-Day Vietnam Adventure: Exploring Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Discover Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy an authentic bowl of Pho Bac, a famous northern Vietnamese noodle soup, at this highly rated local spot. Open from 7am to 10am.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple on Turtle Island, a serene and iconic spot in Hanoi. Open daily 7am to 9pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Sample Bun Cha, Hanoi’s renowned grilled pork with noodles, at this famous eatery popularised by a high-profile visitor. Open 9am to 9pm.
VND70000, 1h

1:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first national university founded in 1070, a beautiful complex dedicated to Confucius and scholars. Open 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Water Puppet Theatre

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique cultural performance reflecting rural life and folklore. Performances typically at 3:30pm and 7pm.
VND100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Relish Cha Ca, grilled fish with turmeric and dill – a Hanoi specialty served at this well-known restaurant. Open 11am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Hanoi Culture & Sights

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Start your day with local coffee and Vietnamese-style baguettes in a stylish cafe. Open 7am to 10am.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the final resting place of Vietnam’s revered leader Ho Chi Minh including the Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and Stilt House. Open 8am to 11am (closed Monday and Friday).
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Xoi Yen

Enjoy sticky rice with a variety of toppings, a popular Hanoi street food speciality. Open 7am to 7pm.
VND40000, 1h

1:30pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse ethnic groups and cultures of Vietnam through engaging exhibits and outdoor displays. Open 8am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h

4:00pm

Browse the Old Quarter

Wander through narrow streets filled with local shops, markets, and artisans offering souvenirs and traditional crafts.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Sample a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes in a lively setting showcasing regional foods from across the country. Open 10am to 11pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Hanoi

Enjoy a quick breakfast before departure to Da Nang.
1h

9:00am

Fly to Da Nang

Take a morning flight from Hanoi to Da Nang (approximately 1.5 hours), convenient for maximising sightseeing time.
VND1000000 approx, 2h including airport time

12:00pm

Lunch at Bé Anh Seafood

Sample fresh seafood by the coast in Da Nang, known for its vibrant flavours and local delicacies. Open 10am to 10pm.
VND200000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore limestone and marble hills dotted with caves, pagodas and panoramic views over Da Nang. Open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h

5:00pm

Relax on My Khe Beach

Unwind at one of Da Nang’s beautiful sandy beaches, perfect for sunset and a dip in the sea.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Madame Lan

Dine on authentic central Vietnamese cuisine in a charming traditional setting. Open 10am to 10pm.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Da Nang & Hội An

Da Nang & Hội An, Vietnam on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bánh Mì Phượng in Hội An

Drive 30 minutes to Hội An for the best bánh mì experience, a Vietnamese sandwich with tasty fillings. Open 7am to 7pm.
VND40000, 1h

9:00am

Explore Hội An Ancient Town

Stroll the UNESCO-listed old town with historic architecture, lantern-lined streets, and riverside cafes. Open all day with some sites charging entry fees.
VND120000 for ticket, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Enjoy traditional central Vietnamese dishes in the heart of Hội An. Open 10am to 9pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit An Bang Beach

Relax or swim on this lovely beach near Hội An with cafes and bars for refreshments. Open all day.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Da Nang

Drive back to Da Nang for evening activities.
VND200000 for transport approx, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Maison 1888

Indulge in fine dining at the prestigious InterContinental Da Nang’s French restaurant with stunning sea views. Reservations recommended. Open 6pm to 10:30pm.
VND700000+, 2h
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Day 5: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Da Nang

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
1h

9:00am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (approx. 1.5 hours).
VND1000000 approx, 2h including airport time

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Taste southern-style pho at one of the city's oldest and most famous pho restaurants. Open 6am to 10pm.
VND70000, 1h

1:30pm

Reunification Palace

Visit this historic landmark where the Vietnam War ended, notable for its preserved 1960s interiors. Open 7:30am to 11:30am and 1pm to 4pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

3:30pm

War Remnants Museum

Discover sobering exhibits about the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective. Open 7:30am to 6pm.
VND40000, 2h

6:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and enjoy the lively night market atmosphere. Open from 6pm, good for light snacks and street food.
Free entry, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ngon Restaurant

Dine on an array of Vietnamese dishes from street food vendors all in one restaurant in a charming colonial villa. Open 10am to 10:30pm.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Sights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with excellent coffee and western-style dishes in a quirky cafe. Open 8am to 10pm.
VND100000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Marvel at the French colonial architecture of this historic cathedral in the city centre. Open 8am to 5pm.
Free, 30m

9:45am

Central Post Office

Explore this iconic building next to the cathedral with stunning design and historic significance. Open 8am to 5pm.
Free, 45m

10:45am

Saigon Opera House

View the beautiful colonial architecture outside and check for any performance schedules if interested. Open daily, performance times vary.
Free to view exterior, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Secret Garden

Try Vietnamese classics in a rooftop garden setting offering great views and local atmosphere. Open 10am to 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Cholon (Chinatown) Exploration

Visit Thien Hau Pagoda and explore bustling markets and temples in the Chinatown district.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Unwind in this peaceful green space popular with locals, perfect for a late afternoon stroll.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Experience home-style Vietnamese dining in a cosy setting beloved by locals and tourists alike. Open 10am to 10pm.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Departure Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation and prepare for departure.
1h

9:00am

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore one of the most atmospheric temples in the city, known for its intricate carvings and statues. Open 8am to 5pm.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Last minute shopping at Saigon Square

Find bargains on clothing, accessories, and souvenirs before heading to the airport. Open 9am to 9pm.
Free entry, 1h

12:00pm

Return to hotel & check out

Prepare for airport transfer and onward journey.
1h
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