7 Days Vietnam Adventure: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy authentic Pho, Hanoi's famed noodle soup, at this popular local spot, open from 6:00am to 10:30am.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the lake’s island to experience local culture and serenity.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore the Old Quarter

Walk through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter to see colonial architecture, street vendors, and unique shops.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Try Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles, in this well-known Hanoi eatery open until 3:00pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first national university with beautiful gardens and historic architecture, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Watch Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater

Experience traditional Vietnamese puppetry art at this popular theater. Shows typically run at 5:30pm and 7:00pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor Cha Ca, grilled fish with turmeric and dill, a Hanoi specialty, at this iconic restaurant.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Hanoi Cultural Tour

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try the egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty, at this famous historic cafe open from 7:00am.
VND40000, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Complex

Explore the mausoleum, Presidential Palace area and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house; mausoleum open 8:00am-11:00am, closed Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Tour the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover diverse ethnic groups in Vietnam through exhibits and outdoor displays, open 8:30am–5:30pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at KOTO Van Mieu

Enjoy Vietnamese fusion dishes at this social enterprise restaurant supporting youth training, open until 9:00pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shopping and Relaxing at Dong Xuan Market

Visit the largest indoor market of Hanoi to browse souvenirs, clothes, and local goods.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening stroll and coffee at Cong Caphe

Relax with coffee or a coconut drink in this retro Vietnam-inspired coffee chain, open until 10:00pm.
VND50000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Taste a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese street food in a comfortable setting, open until 10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay

Travel by car or shuttle (approx. 3.5-4 hours) to Halong Bay for your scenic cruise.
VND500000, 4h0m

11:30am

Board an Overnight Halong Bay Cruise

Check-in to a boat that cruises among limestone karsts with activities like kayaking and cave visits included.
USD150, overnight

12:30pm

Lunch on Board

Enjoy fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes while cruising the bay.
Included, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore one of the largest and most famous caves in Halong Bay known for its impressive chambers.
Included, 1h0m

3:30pm

Kayaking or swimming

Optional kayaking or swimming in designated areas surrounded by stunning limestone scenery.
Included, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner on board

Relax with a delicious dinner under the stars on the boat’s deck.
Included, 1h30m

8:00pm

Evening activities

Enjoy squid fishing or relax with drinks onboard before overnight rest.
Included, 2h0m
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Day 4: Explore Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Morning Tai Chi and Breakfast on Cruise

Start with optional Tai Chi on deck, then a buffet breakfast while cruising towards harbor.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Disembark and transfer to Hanoi airport

Return by bus to Hanoi and catch a flight to Hue (1 hour flight).
USD50 flight, 4h0m transport including flight

2:00pm

Lunch at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Sample royal-inspired Hue cuisine in a charming local setting, open until 9:00pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Imperial City (Citadel)

Explore the grand royal palace and historic complex of the Nguyen dynasty, open 8:00am–5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Stroll the Perfume River

Relax with a sunset walk along the riverbanks and enjoy local life.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Taste traditional Hue specialties in a friendly, budget spot open until 8:30pm.
VND120000, 1h0m
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Day 5: Hoi An Charm

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before traveling to Hoi An.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Hoi An (approx 3 hours)

Take a scenic drive over the Hai Van Pass en route to Hoi An.
VND700000, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Morning Glory

Dine on regional dishes in one of Hoi An’s top restaurants, open daily from 10am–9:30pm.
VND130000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Ancient Town

Walk the lantern-lit streets visiting historic houses, Japanese Covered Bridge, and vibrant markets. Open 24 hours.
VND120000 for ticket, 3h0m

4:00pm

Tailor Visit

Get measured for custom clothes from one of Hoi An’s famous tailors.
Varies, 1h0m

5:30pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Unwind at this beautiful calm beach just 5 km from town.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bale Well

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese barbecue at this bustling local favorite, open until 10:00pm.
VND100000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transfer to the airport.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (approx 1.5 hours).
USD50, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Try iconic southern style Pho in one of Saigon’s oldest pho restaurants, open till late.
VND70000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam War history through extensive exhibits, open 7:30am - 6:00pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

3:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, textiles, and street food at this bustling market, open daily.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Coffee at The Workshop

Enjoy specialty coffee in a trendy café known for quality brews, open till 10:00pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Experience authentic southern Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy traditional setting.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Mekong Delta

Travel to the Mekong Delta for a full-day exploration of river life and local villages.
USD40 tour, 8h0m

9:00am

Boat Ride and Village Visits

Take a boat trip through the Delta’s canals and visit handicraft villages.
Included, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at a Local Mekong Eatery

Enjoy lunch featuring fresh local produce and Mekong specialties.
Included, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Head back to the city, arriving mid-afternoon for some free time.
Included, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Admire French colonial architecture at these iconic landmarks, open until 7:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Secret Garden

Dine on rooftop Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting, open until 10:00pm.
VND300000, 1h30m
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