4-Day Budget Solo Adventure Exploring Must-Visit Spots in Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi Highlights

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan

Start your day with a traditional bowl of Pho at this famous local spot, open from 7:00am, known for its authentic flavors and budget-friendly prices.
VND40000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a relaxing walk around the picturesque lake and explore the temple in the heart of Hanoi, open all day for free except the small temple entrance fee.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore the Old Quarter Walking Tour

Discover the charming narrow streets and vibrant markets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, perfect for cultural photo opportunities and souvenir shopping.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the classic Hanoi dish of grilled pork with noodles, famously enjoyed by President Obama, open daily till evening, budget-friendly.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first university and enjoy the peaceful gardens; open 8:00am-5:00pm, small entrance fee applies.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Coffee at Cafe Giang

Experience Hanoi’s famous egg coffee at this historic cafe open until 10:00pm, a warm treat to relax before evening activities.
VND30000, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in one place, open until 10:00pm with affordable options.
VND80000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Try sticky rice with savory toppings at this local favorite, open from early morning.
VND20000, 45m

8:30am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the iconic mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and Ho Chi Minh's stilt house. Mausoleum open 8:00am-11:00am Tuesday to Thursday.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups with fascinating exhibits; open 8:30am-5:30pm, entrance fee low cost.
VND40000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Sample the famous Hanoi grilled fish dish, the restaurant is open for lunch until 2:30pm.
VND90000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Stroll through West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda

Enjoy the lakeside view and ancient Pagoda, open throughout the day with no entrance fee.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Water Puppet Theater

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, shows at 5:00pm and 6:30pm daily, ticket price affordable.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Thang Ba Duc

Savor Bun Thang, a delicate Hanoi noodle soup, open until late evening with budget pricing.
VND60000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Trip

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Take an early bus or shuttle from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay (around 4 hours), cost-effective and scenic.
VND150000, 4h0m

11:30am

Lunch & Begin Day Cruise

Join a budget day cruise on Ha Long Bay, including lunch and visits to limestone caves and islands, usually from 11:30am-5:00pm.
USD40, 5h30m

5:30pm

Check into Budget Hostel in Ha Long City

Stay overnight in a simple, clean hostel to rest after the day’s adventures, with prices around USD10.
USD10, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner near hostel

Try fresh seafood at local affordable eateries open till late in Ha Long City.
USD5, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Return and Relax

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy a simple breakfast included with your stay or at a nearby cafe.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Return to Hanoi

Catch a morning shuttle or bus back to Hanoi, approximately 4 hours travel time.
VND150000, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Van Mieu

Enjoy a tasty meal supporting a good cause at this social enterprise restaurant, open till 8:30pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Hanoi Train Street

Witness the famous narrow street where trains pass close by, open public area, free to enjoy.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax and souvenir shop at Dong Xuan Market

Shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs in Hanoi’s largest market, open until 6:00pm.
Free entry, 1h0m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Bun Cha 34 Hang Than

Conclude your trip with a delicious bowl of Bun Cha, a local Hanoi specialty, open till 9:30pm, budget priced.
VND60000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability