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

Viewed by 91 travelers

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try the famous egg coffee and local Vietnamese breakfast dishes at this iconic cafe open from 7am to 10pm.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful walk around this central lake and explore the temple on the small island, open daily from 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Savor a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting; open 10am-10pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Temple of Literature Visit

Explore Vietnam’s first university and admire traditional architecture from 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s ethnic groups; open 8am-5:30pm.
VND50000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Experience the famous cha ca fish dish in a historic restaurant open from 11am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Halong Bay

Depart early from Hanoi for the 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay for your cruise.
Included in cruise package, 3h30m

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise around the limestone karsts of UNESCO-listed Halong Bay; cruises typically run from 11am to 5pm.
USD120, 6h0m

12:00pm

Lunch on Board

Enjoy fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes served during the cruise.
Included, 1h0m

3:00pm

Cave Visit and Kayaking

Explore one of the many caves such as Sung Sot Cave, and kayak around the bay’s beautiful water.
Included, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Disembark the cruise and transfer back to Hanoi for overnight stay.
Included, 3h30m
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 3: Ninh Binh Exploration

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Ninh Binh

Depart from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by car (2 hours).
VND500000, 2h0m

10:00am

Boat Ride at Tam Coc

Take a peaceful rowing boat through limestone caves and stunning rice paddies; open 7am-5pm.
VND200000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Mama's Restobar

Enjoy local Vietnamese flavors with modern touches; open 9am-9pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Climb the pagoda steps set into caves and mountains with scenic views; open 7am-5pm.
VND10000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Trang An Landscape Complex

Optional extra boat tour through spectacular karst landscapes; open 7am-5pm.
VND200000, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Chookie’s Beer Garden

Relax with international and Vietnamese dishes in a cozy garden setting; open 4pm-11pm.
VND130000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

Day 4: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Flight to Hue

Take morning flight from Hanoi to Hue (approx. 1 hour).
USD50, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Ancient Hue

Traditional Hue cuisine served from 7am to 10am; try local specialties like Bun Bo Hue.
VND90000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit the Imperial Citadel

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with historic palaces and temples; open 7:30am-5:30pm.
VND150000, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy authentic central Vietnamese dishes in a traditional setting; open 10am-9pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic riverside pagoda dating back to the 17th century; open sunrise to sunset.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Upscale French-Vietnamese fusion dining in a colonial villa; open 6pm-10pm.
USD30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hue

Day 5: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Hoi An

Drive from Hue to Hoi An along the scenic Hai Van Pass (3 hours).
VND600000, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Famous for authentic Hoi An specialties, open 10am-10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour

Explore lantern-lit streets, historic houses, and the famous Japanese Bridge; open all day.
VND120000, 3h0m

5:00pm

Food Market Visit

Sample delicious street foods and shop local crafts at the vibrant market open in the evening.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy a mix of Vietnamese and Western cuisine with riverside views; open 7am-10pm.
VND180000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 6: Da Nang Discoveries

Da Nang, Vietnam on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Da Nang

Short 30-minute drive from Hoi An to Da Nang.
VND150000, 0h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong

Try one of the best banh mi sandwiches in Vietnam, open daily 7am-8pm.
VND30000, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore caves, pagodas, and panoramic views in this cluster of marble and limestone hills; open 7am-6pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Madame Lan

Indulge in Vietnamese dishes with a central Vietnam focus; open 10am-10pm.
VND130000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Han River Bridge and Dragon Bridge

Walk along the riverfront to see the iconic bridges; Dragon Bridge fire show happens at 9pm on weekends.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Museum of Cham Sculpture

View one of the world’s largest collections of Cham artifacts; open 7:30am-5:30pm.
VND40000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy fresh seafood and cocktails with river views; open 10am-11pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Da Nang

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (approx. 1h20m).
USD50, 1h20m

9:00am

Breakfast at L’Usine Cafe

Stylish cafe offering both Western and Vietnamese breakfast options; open 8am-9pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Insightful museum detailing Vietnam War history; open 7:30am-6pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Taste one of the best pho noodle soups in the city; open 6am-10pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Explore these iconic French colonial buildings located in the city center; open 7am-7pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Ben Thanh Market Shopping

Browse souvenirs, local food, and crafts at this bustling market open until 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes in a cozy atmosphere; open 11am-10pm.
VND160000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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