In the morning, visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and street food. In the evening, take a stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.
Explore the Mekong Delta on a boat tour and visit local farms and villages. Try fresh fruits, coconut candies and honey tea. In the evening, return to Ho Chi Minh City and visit the Bui Vien Walking Street for cheap eats and drinks.
Take a morning flight to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An. Walk around the UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Ancient Town, and night market. In the evening, enjoy a riverfront dinner and try the local specialty, cao lau.
Take a morning bus to Hue and visit the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Dong Ba Market. Enjoy a sunset view from Ngo Mon Gate. In the evening, try the local Hue cuisine such as banh khoai and bun bo Hue.
Take a morning flight to Hanoi and walk around the Old Quarter to see the Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph's Cathedral, and Ngoc Son Temple. In the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum. In the evening, watch a traditional water puppet show and try some street food in the bustling night market.
Join a budget group tour to Halong Bay and explore the stunning karst landscapes on a traditional junk boat. Take part in activities such as swimming, kayaking, and visiting caves and floating villages. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner on board and stay overnight on the boat.
Return to Hanoi in the morning and visit the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and Long Bien Bridge. In the evening, take a cyclo ride around the city and enjoy some local beer on Ta Hien Street. End the day with a Vietnamese-style BBQ dinner.
You may also consider visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, the Perfume Pagoda in Hanoi, or the Sapa rice terraces as side trips. You can maximize your fun by joining free walking tours, renting a motorbike to explore, or trying a cooking class to learn about Vietnamese cuisine. Don't forget to bargain when shopping and use ride-hailing apps to save transportation cost. Enjoy your trip!