7-Day Vietnam Adventure: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with Cultural and Scenic Highlights

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy a traditional bowl of Hanoi-style pho, a must-try beef noodle soup that reflects the authentic local flavors.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic lake in the heart of Hanoi and explore the historic Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor the famous grilled turmeric fish dish, a Hanoi specialty served with fresh herbs and vermicelli noodles.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first university and admire its well-preserved traditional architecture and serene gardens.
VND30000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Check-in at Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa

Stay at a comfortable 3-star hotel located in the Old Quarter, offering excellent amenities and easy access to attractions.
USD60, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs, a Hanoi street food icon.
VND80000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Transfer to Halong Bay by shuttle bus

A comfortable 4-hour shuttle bus ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay for the start of the cruise adventure.
USD25, 4h0m

11:30am

Halong Bay Day Cruise

Experience a full day cruising the UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring limestone karsts, caves, and floating villages.
USD100 (including lunch), 6h0m

5:30pm

Return transfer to Hanoi

Shuttle bus brings you back to Hanoi in the evening for overnight stay.
Included in shuttle cost, 4h0m

9:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Enjoy some light Vietnamese snacks or street food close to your hotel after returning from the long day.
VND50000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Ninh Binh Day Trip

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Ninh Binh by private car

An approximately 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh, known as 'Halong Bay on land' with stunning landscapes.
USD50, 2h0m

10:00am

Visit Trang An Grottoes

Boat ride through scenic limestone caves and rivers surrounded by lush mountains, a peaceful and photogenic experience.
VND200000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at a local restaurant

Taste local delicacies like goat meat and mountain prawns at a recommended Ninh Binh eatery.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia featuring impressive Buddhist statues and architecture.
VND150000, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Private car transfer back to Hanoi for overnight stay.
Included in private car cost, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine on a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes in a charming, traditional style venue in Hanoi.
VND120000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Fly to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Hanoi to Hue

Take a short 1.5-hour flight with Vietnam Airlines to Hue, the former imperial capital.
USD70, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in at Hotel Saigon Morin

Settle in at this historic hotel located near the Perfume River, offering colonial charm and comfort.
USD50, N/A

11:30am

Breakfast at local cafe - Bun Bo Hue

Enjoy the signature spicy beef noodle soup of Hue, a flavorful starter to your visit.
VND60000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit the Imperial City (Citadel)

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring palaces, temples, and the Forbidden Purple City of the Nguyen dynasty.
VND150000, 3h0m

4:30pm

Explore Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, a symbol of Hue.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Dine on authentic Hue cuisine with specialties like nem lui (grilled pork skewers) and banh khoai (Hue pancakes).
VND120000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Hue to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

8:30am

Travel from Hue to Hoi An by private car

Scenic 3-hour drive via Hai Van Pass offering stunning coastal views, arriving in charming Hoi An.
USD60, 3h0m

12:00pm

Check-in at Hoi An Historic Hotel

Stay in the heart of the ancient town for easy access to cultural sites and the night market.
USD55, N/A

12:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Savor classic Hoi An dishes like Cao Lau noodles and white rose dumplings in a cozy setting.
VND130000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander UNESCO-listed streets featuring historic architecture, Japanese Bridge, and local shops.
VND120000, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy riverside dining with a menu mixing Vietnamese and Western dishes, including excellent desserts.
VND180000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

9:00am

Flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

A 1.5-hour flight from nearby Da Nang Airport to the bustling southern metropolis.
USD65, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in at Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint

Stay at a modern 4-star hotel located in District 1, near major attractions and shopping.
USD70, N/A

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Taste arguably one of the best pho restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, known for rich broth and tender beef.
VND100000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain deep insight into Vietnam’s history through detailed and emotional war exhibits.
VND40000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and sample street food in this vibrant market near the hotel.
Free entry, cost of purchases varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy traditional southern Vietnamese dishes served in a rustic, homely atmosphere.
VND200000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Leisure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'usine Café

Relax with a stylish breakfast in this trendy café blending art, fashion, and Vietnamese coffee culture.
VND120000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Half-day tour to the extensive underground tunnel network used during the Vietnam War to understand guerrilla warfare.
USD25 (including transport), 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Casual meal spot famous for serving pho to former US President Bill Clinton, offering tasty, affordable noodle dishes.
VND80000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and Central Post Office

Visit these iconic french-colonial landmarks located downtown with beautiful architecture and photo ops.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Enjoy a luxurious riverside dinner featuring fresh seafood and international cuisine to cap off your trip.
VND400000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability