7-Day Optimal Vietnam Adventure: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Exploring Historic Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Enjoy authentic Northern Vietnamese pho, a staple dish that is famous for its rich broth and fresh herbs.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic lake and visit the temple on the small island for cultural insight and great photo opportunities.
VND30000, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through bustling streets filled with shops, street food vendors, and local markets showcasing Hanoi's vibrant life.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try bun cha, a famous Hanoi dish of grilled pork with noodles, known for its delicious combination of flavors.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first university and admire traditional Vietnamese architecture and peaceful gardens.
VND30000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Take a cyclo ride

Experience a traditional cyclo ride through the Old Quarter to immerse in the local street scenes.
VND100000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Savor the signature Hanoi fish dish, cha ca, featuring turmeric and dill with rice noodles.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Depart Hanoi for Ha Long Bay

Travel approximately 3.5 hours by car to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning limestone islands.
VND800000, 3h30m

11:00am

Board Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Enjoy a scenic cruise exploring the bay’s limestone karsts and caves, with opportunities for swimming and kayaking.
USD60, 4h0m

3:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi for overnight rest after a day of natural beauty and relaxation.
Included in transport cost, 3h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Home Hanoi Restaurant

Dine on creative Vietnamese cuisine with a cozy ambiance in the Old Quarter.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Day Tour

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ninh Binh

Depart Hanoi for the 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh, famous for its karst landscapes and river caves.
VND600000, 2h0m

9:30am

Boat Tour at Tam Coc

Take a peaceful sampan boat ride through rice paddies and limestone cliffs, a must-see natural experience.
VND150000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant in Ninh Binh

Taste local specialties such as goat meat or river fish in a traditional setting.
VND80000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore this beautiful pagoda complex set against limestone mountains with stunning views.
VND20000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi to catch an evening flight to Hue.
Included in transport cost, 2h0m

5:30pm

Fly from Hanoi to Hue

Short domestic flight, approximately 1 hour.
USD50, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Sample imperial-style Central Vietnamese cuisine near the Perfume River.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Explore Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dong Ba Market

Taste traditional Hue specialties like banh khoai and nem lui amid local market atmosphere.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Imperial City (The Citadel)

Discover the former imperial palace with its historic palaces, temples, and moat, open from 8:00am to 5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Hue dishes, including bún bò Huế, a spicy beef noodle soup.
VND100000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda Visit

Visit this beautiful seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, an iconic symbol of Hue.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Boat ride on Perfume River

Relax on a sunset cruise along the scenic river highlighting royal tombs and natural beauty.
VND200000, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine in a French colonial-style restaurant serving fusion Vietnamese dishes.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Visit Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Hue to Hoi An

Drive about 3 hours along scenic route through Hai Van Pass to the UNESCO town of Hoi An.
VND400000, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in and lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Try delicious central Vietnamese cuisine in Hoi An’s historic town center.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Walking tour of Ancient Town

Explore Hoi An’s colorful streets, historic buildings, and Japanese Covered Bridge, open until 9:00pm.
VND120000 (entrance fee), 3h0m

4:30pm

Tailor shop visit

Visit a local tailor to get custom clothes made – a Hoi An specialty.
Varies, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine with riverside views, open until 10:00pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

8:30pm

Lantern Festival Experience (3rd full moon night)

If it coincides, experience the magical lantern-lit evening on the Thu Bon River; otherwise, enjoy peaceful night walks.
Free, 1h0m
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Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

1.5-hour flight to Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis.
USD50, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Discover exhibits on Vietnam War history; museum open 7:30am-6:00pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Sample southern style Vietnamese pho, open from 6:00am to 9:00pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop local goods and souvenirs in this lively traditional market.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Admire the impressive French colonial cathedral, open during daylight hours.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Enjoy rooftop dining with authentic Southern Vietnamese cuisine and city views.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Mekong Delta Tour

Full-day guided tour exploring river life, floating markets, and local villages.
USD65, 8h0m

8:30am

Boat ride on Mekong River

Cruise through winding tributaries and visit small islands with tropical orchards.
Included, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at a riverside home-stay

Experience traditional Mekong Delta home-cooked meals in a local setting.
Included, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit local candy and coconut farms

Learn about local crafts and sample homemade treats.
Included, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Relax after a day immersed in rural delta culture.
Included, 2h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Celebrate a memorable trip with traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting.
VND250000, 2h0m
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