10-Day Northern to Southern Vietnam Cultural and Scenic Exploration

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Begin your day with a traditional Vietnamese Pho for an authentic and hearty breakfast in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Take a leisurely walk around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple for cultural insight and local legend.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets filled with shops, street food stalls, and colonial architecture, capturing the daily life of Hanoi.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy the famous Bun Cha, a grilled pork and noodle dish made famous internationally, for a flavorful local lunch experience.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first national university dedicated to Confucius, a serene historical site showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture.
VND30000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through extensive exhibits of traditional costumes, tools, and houses.
VND40000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor the iconic Hanoi specialty, Cha Ca—a turmeric fish dish served with dill and noodles in a delightful atmosphere.
VND150000, 1h0m

8:00pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance, a unique cultural show only available in northern Vietnam.
VND100000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Hanoi Cultural Sites

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try the famous egg coffee, a creamy and sweet specialty unique to Hanoi, accompanied by light Vietnamese breakfast.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the preserved mausoleum of revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh and nearby sites like the Presidential Palace and Stilt House.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy modern Vietnamese cuisine while supporting youth education programs, located close to the Old Quarter.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Learn about the history of this prison, known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton,’ with exhibits on colonial times and wartime history.
VND30000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Cyclo Tour of Old Quarter

Enjoy a traditional cyclo ride to explore the vibrant streets and hidden corners of Hanoi's Old Quarter for an hour.
VND70000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at West Lake

Unwind by Hanoi's largest freshwater lake, with options for walking, coffee by the shore, or renting a bike.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Delight in an extensive menu of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting near the lake.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 3: Prepare for Halong Bay Cruise

Hanoi to Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick and convenient breakfast at your accommodation before departure.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Halong Bay

Travel approximately 3.5 hours east to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and limestone karsts.
Included with tour, 3h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch on Halong Bay Cruise

Board your cruise boat and enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch while cruising among the stunning limestone islands.
USD150 (cruise package), 1h30m

2:00pm

Kayaking and Swimming

Explore hidden caves and lagoons by kayak or relax with a swim in the bay’s calm, clear water.
Included in cruise, 2h0m

4:30pm

Sunset Viewing on Deck

Relax on deck and enjoy the spectacular sunset over the bay with panoramic views.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner on Cruise

Savor a delicious dinner featuring fresh seafood and local specialties as your boat anchors for the night.
Included in cruise, 1h30m
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Day 4: Halong Bay & Return to Hanoi

Halong Bay to Hanoi, Vietnam on May 10, 2025

6:00am

Morning Tai Chi on Deck

Start the day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the upper deck amidst stunning sunrise views.
Free, 30m

7:00am

Breakfast on Cruise

Enjoy a morning meal with fresh fruits and local dishes while cruising back.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore the famous Surprise Cave, Halong Bay's largest and most beautiful cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

10:00am

Return to Halong Town and Drive to Hanoi

Disembark and take the 3.5-hour drive back to Hanoi city center.
Included in tour, 3h30m

2:00pm

Lunch in Hanoi at Madame Hien

Delight in traditional Vietnamese home-style dishes at this highly regarded restaurant near the Old Quarter.
VND150000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax or explore local markets

Spend the afternoon at leisure; visit Dong Xuan Market or relax at your hotel.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Enjoy a refined dining experience with Northern Vietnamese cuisine emphasizing fresh ingredients and subtle flavors.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Travel to Hue

Hanoi to Hue, Vietnam on May 11, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Have an early breakfast at your hotel in preparation for travel.
Included, 0h30m

7:00am

Flight to Hue

Take a 1.5-hour morning flight from Hanoi to Hue, central Vietnam’s historic imperial city.
USD50-70, 1h30m

9:30am

Check-in and Rest

Arrive and check in at your hotel, relax before exploring the city.
Varies, 1h30m

11:00am

Lunch at Ancient Hue

Sample royal-style Central Vietnamese dishes known for their delicate flavors and unique presentation.
VND150000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Visit Imperial City (Citadel)

Tour the vast UNESCO-listed Imperial City, featuring palaces, temples, walls, and museums of the Nguyen dynasty.
VND150000, 2h30m

3:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit this iconic hilltop pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, a symbol of the city and religious site.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Walk along Perfume River

Enjoy a gentle evening stroll or boat ride along the scenic river with majestic views and local life.
Boat ride approx VND150000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Experience French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a charming colonial villa setting.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Historic Hue Sights

Hue, Vietnam on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Moc Hom Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Hue specialties including Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup for a flavorful start.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Tomb of Tu Duc

Explore the beautifully landscaped, tranquil mausoleum of the Nguyen Emperor Tu Duc, a fine example of imperial architecture.
VND100000, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Tomb of Khai Dinh

Discover the ornate and unique royal tomb blending Eastern and Western architectural elements.
VND150000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Taste authentic Hue dishes emphasizing local flavors and aromatic herbs in a casual environment.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities

View exquisite artifacts including royal costumes, ceramics, and historical relics from the Nguyen dynasty.
VND50000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Thanh Toan Bridge

Visit this charming covered bridge and colonial village just outside Hue for cultural immersion and a peaceful atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Revisit refined classic Central Vietnamese dishes with a relaxed setting by the river.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Hue to Ho Chi Minh City

Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with local or western options to prepare for the flight.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly 1.5 hours to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, the dynamic southern metropolis of Vietnam.
USD50-70, 1h30m

10:30am

Check-in and Rest

Settle into your hotel and rest briefly before heading out to explore.
Varies, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Taste one of the best Pho dishes in the city, known for its flavorful broth and fresh ingredients.
VND70000, 1h0m

1:30pm

War Remnants Museum

Visit this important museum documenting the Vietnam War’s impact and historical context.
VND40000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

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

5:00pm

Saigon Opera House

View the beautiful colonial architecture from outside; check schedules if interested in an evening performance.
Free to view outside, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy home-style Southern Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful rustic setting.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels & City Tour

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Eat an early breakfast to allow enough time for your day trip.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Explore the extensive underground tunnel network used during the Vietnam War, about 1.5 hours west of the city.
VND110000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Cu Chi area

Have lunch at a local eatery near the tunnels offering simple Vietnamese dishes.
VND100000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City and visit Ben Thanh Market

Spend the afternoon shopping and tasting street food at the famous Ben Thanh Market.
Free entry, shopping at own cost, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Propaganda Bistro

Enjoy modern Vietnamese cuisine with an artistic flair near the market area.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early before embarking on a day trip to the Mekong Delta region.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Mekong Delta Boat Tour

Travel to My Tho or Ben Tre for a boat tour through the river canals, visiting local villages, orchards, and markets.
USD40-60 (tour price), 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Floating Restaurant

Enjoy fresh river fish and traditional dishes at a local floating restaurant in the delta.
Included in tour, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Relax and enjoy the countryside scenery on the drive back to the city.
Included, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Dine on rooftop with views over Ho Chi Minh City enjoying traditional Vietnamese food and a charming atmosphere.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Ho Chi Minh Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast to reflect on your Vietnam journey before departure preparations.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Tour one of the most famous and atmospheric temples in the city with ornate statues and rich history.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Last minute shopping at Saigon Square

Pick up souvenirs and local handicrafts at this popular market before heading to the airport.
Free entry, shopping own cost, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy a final bowl of Pho in this renowned spot visited by Bill Clinton during his visit.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Airport Transfer

Head to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight home or next destination.
VND300000 taxi approx, 1h0m
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