7-Day Immersive Vietnam Itinerary from Delhi: Culture, History & Cuisine

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on December 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with authentic Pho, a traditional Vietnamese soup featuring rich broth, noodles, and herbs. Pho Gia Truyen is famous for its flavorful Hanoi-style pho.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore the Old Quarter

Stroll through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter with its colonial architecture, local markets, and charming shops. It's ideal for experiencing local culture and street life.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Bun Cha, a grilled pork barbecue served with noodles and herbs, made famous internationally when visited by President Obama.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Relax at scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island, an important cultural site in Hanoi open till 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Experience Vietnam’s traditional water puppet theatre, an intriguing cultural show featuring wooden puppets on water screens. Shows run daily around 4pm and 6.30pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Savor Cha Ca, a signature Hanoi dish with turmeric-seasoned fish, dill, and vermicelli noodles, served in a unique family-style dining atmosphere.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on December 12, 2025

7:00am

Depart from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Travel by bus or private car for about 3.5 hours to Halong Bay, famous for its emerald waters and limestone islands.
INR1500 (bus), 3h30m

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Check into your cruise ship for a scenic journey through the bay. Cruises usually include lunch onboard with fresh seafood and local dishes.
USD100 per person, 4h0m

3:00pm

Kayaking and Cave Visit

Explore hidden caves such as Sung Sot Cave and kayak through peaceful lagoons surrounded by stunning limestone karsts.
Included in cruise, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner on Cruise

Enjoy a lavish seafood dinner while watching the sunset over the bay, an unforgettable experience.
Included in cruise, 1h30m

8:00pm

Evening Relaxation

Spend the night on the boat under starlit skies or enjoy evening activities like squid fishing offered by cruises.
Included, Overnight

Day 3: Return & Hanoi Sights

Hanoi, Vietnam on December 13, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast on Cruise

Start your day with a light breakfast aboard the cruise while anchored in the bay.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

8:00am

Sunrise Tai Chi

Participate in a relaxing Tai Chi session on deck, immersing in the calm morning atmosphere.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Return to Hanoi

Disembark the cruise and travel back to Hanoi in approximately 3.5 hours.
Included in cruise package, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Dine at KOTO, a social enterprise restaurant offering delicious fusion Vietnamese dishes in a cozy environment.
VND120000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first national university, a serene complex with wonderful architecture and gardens open till 5pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

4:30pm

Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Learn about the history of the 'Hanoi Hilton' prison and Vietnam’s struggle for independence.
VND30000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming garden setting.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 4: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on December 14, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Hue from Hanoi

Catch an early morning flight (about 1h15m) from Hanoi to Hue to explore the historic imperial city.
INR3000 approx, 1h15m

9:30am

Breakfast at Ancient Hue

Sample Hue specialties like Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup at a well-reviewed location.
VND50000, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit the Imperial City (The Citadel)

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site with palaces, temples, and walls from the Nguyen dynasty open until 5pm.
VND150000, 3h0m

3:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit this historic seven-story pagoda on the banks of the Perfume River, a must-see religious site.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Taste authentic local dishes in Hue, known for its subtle and fragrant cuisine.
VND80000, 1h30m

Day 5: Hoi An Heritage

Hoi An, Vietnam on December 15, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Hue to Hoi An

Take a 3-hour drive or shuttle to the charming town of Hoi An, famous for its ancient architecture and lantern-lit streets.
INR800 approx, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Hoi An dishes such as Cao Lau noodles in a beautifully restored colonial house.
VND100000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Walking Tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town with its old houses, Japanese Covered Bridge, and vibrant market street.
VND120000 ticket for heritage sites, 2h30m

4:00pm

Tailor visit and Lantern Shopping

Get a custom-made outfit or shop for beautiful lanterns that Hoi An is famous for.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bale Well

Experience authentic local dining with dishes cooked right at your table in a lively setting.
VND80000, 1h30m

Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe des Arts

Enjoy a French-Vietnamese style breakfast with quality coffee before your flight.
VND70000, 1h0m

9:00am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

A short 1.5-hour flight from Da Nang Airport near Hoi An to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
INR3000 approx, 1h30m

10:45am

Check-in and Rest

Settle into your hotel and refresh before afternoon exploring.
Varies, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Taste some of the best Pho in Ho Chi Minh, serving since 1968 and beloved by locals.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

An important museum that documents the Vietnam War from the local perspective, open till 6pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

4:30pm

Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Explore these iconic French colonial landmarks located close to each other in the city center.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hoa Tuc

Enjoy modern Vietnamese cuisine in a beautifully restored colonial building, perfect to end your day.
VND250000, 1h30m

Day 7: Cu Chi & Shopping

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at L'usine

Start your day with coffee and pastries in a trendy cafe with boutique shopping options.
VND80000, 1h0m

8:00am

Full Day Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Explore the extensive Cu Chi underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War; tours run until late afternoon.
USD20 approx, 6h0m

3:30pm

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local food, and crafts in this vibrant market open until around 9pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Secret Garden

Enjoy rooftop dining with traditional Vietnamese meals and a great city view to conclude your Vietnam trip.
VND200000, 1h30m