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Comprehensive 14-Day Vietnam Adventure from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Viewed by 83 travelers

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a traditional bowl of Pho, Hanoi's iconic noodle soup, served in a popular local spot open from 7am to 10am.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a serene walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, a peaceful historic site open from 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter filled with shops, street food, and colonial architecture.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Savor diverse Vietnamese dishes in a lovely garden restaurant popular with locals and tourists, open 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and beautiful gardens open from 8am to 5pm. A great cultural and historical site.
VND30000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Experience a traditional Vietnamese puppet show starting at 4:45pm, lasting about an hour.
VND100000, 1h15m

6:30pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Hanoi’s famous Bun Cha – grilled pork with noodles, open till 8:30pm.
VND80000, 1h0m
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Day 2: More Hanoi & Travel

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Try delicious sticky rice dishes, a Hanoi breakfast staple, open from 6am.
VND40000, 0h45m

8:00am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

See the preserved mausoleum and surrounding gardens; mausoleum open from 8am to 11am, closed Monday and Friday.
Free, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore One Pillar Pagoda and Presidential Palace Garden

Located near the mausoleum, these sites offer insight into Vietnamese history and architecture.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Taste Hanoi’s famous turmeric fish dish, open 11am to 2pm.
VND200000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Depart for Ha Long Bay (3.5h drive)

Travel to Ha Long Bay for your overnight cruise adventure.
Transport approx. VND500000, 3h30m

4:30pm

Check-in on Ha Long Bay Cruise

Board your cruise and begin exploring the stunning limestone karsts, enjoying sunset views.
USD150 for 1-night cruise, Evening
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Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on Cruise

Enjoy breakfast with panoramic views of Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

8:00am

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore one of the largest and most spectacular caves in Ha Long Bay, open from 7am to 6pm.
Included in cruise, 1h30m

10:00am

Kayaking or Swimming

Optional kayaking among the bay’s stunning karsts or relax on the beach.
Included or small equipment fee, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch on Cruise

Enjoy fresh seafood lunch while cruising back to harbor.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

1:00pm

Return to Ha Long Harbor and travel to Ninh Binh (4h drive)

Disembark and continue your exploration of northern Vietnam’s dramatic landscapes.
Transport approx. VND700000, 4h0m

5:30pm

Check-in at hotel in Ninh Binh

Rest and prepare for next day’s sightseeing in Ninh Binh area.
Hotel Prices vary, Evening

7:00pm

Dinner at local restaurant

Try goat meat speciality at a renowned local eatery, open until 9pm.
VND100000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Ninh Binh Nature

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before a day of exploring the scenic Ninh Binh region.
Included with hotel, 0h45m

8:30am

Boat ride at Trang An Grottoes

Take a peaceful sampan boat ride through caves and limestone landscapes in this UNESCO site, open 7am to 5pm.
VND200000, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam with impressive architecture, open 7am to 6pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at nearby restaurant

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes featuring local produce, open 11am to 3pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Hiking at Mua Cave viewpoint

Climb approximately 500 steps for a panoramic view of the surrounding rice fields and limestone mountains.
VND100000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax or explore Tam Coc village

Enjoy a casual stroll through the village or a bike ride by the scenic rice paddies.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chookie’s Beer Garden

A well-known spot in Ninh Binh for international and Vietnamese cuisine with a lively atmosphere.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 5: Travel to Hue

Ninh Binh to Hue, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Departure

Enjoy a quick breakfast at the hotel before traveling to Hue by train or flight for historic sightseeing.
VND100000, Transport approx. VND1000000 (flight) or VND400000 (train), 5h0m approx

12:00pm

Arrive and Check-in at Hue Hotel

Settle into your accommodation then prepare for afternoon exploration.
Hotel varies, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Sample Hue’s royal cuisine known for delicate and complex flavors, open 10am to 9pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Imperial Citadel (Hue)

Explore the vast UNESCO World Heritage site including palaces, temples, and historic buildings, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Enjoy riverside views and historical ambiance, open 8am to 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Fine dining with French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in colonial ambiance, open till 10pm.
VND300000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Hue to Hoi An

Hue to Hoi An, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before traveling to Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass.
Included with hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Hoi An (3 hours)

Travel along one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal routes, stopping for photos if desired.
Transport approx. VND700000, 3h0m

11:00am

Check-in and Lunch in Hoi An Old Town

Enjoy lunch at Morning Glory, a top-rated restaurant specializing in authentic Central Vietnamese cuisine, open 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through the UNESCO heritage-listed town, famous for lantern-lit streets, historic buildings, and charming shops.
Admission VND120000, 3h0m

3:30pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky Ancient House

See iconic landmarks open 8am to 5pm to get insight into Hoi An’s history.
Included with admission ticket, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend late afternoon at the beach just a few kilometers from Old Town.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bale Well

Dine on local specialties such as Cao Lau and white rose dumplings, open till 9pm.
VND100000, 1h0m
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Day 7: Hoi An Experiences

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a relaxed breakfast before your day of cultural activities.
Included with hotel, 0h45m

8:30am

Cooking Class and Market Tour

Join a half-day Vietnamese cooking class including a visit to Hoi An market, runs 8:30am to 12:30pm.
USD50, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch – Enjoy your own cooked dishes

Relish the meal you prepared during the cooking class.
Included in cooking class, 1h0m

2:30pm

Bike ride to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Bike to this traditional farming village to learn about local organic farming methods, open 8am to 5pm.
VND100000 for bike rental, 2h0m

5:00pm

Free time for shopping or relaxing

Explore Hoi An’s shops or relax at your hotel.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Dine on creative Vietnamese fusion dishes with river views, open until 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 8: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before check-out and transfer to Danang Airport.
Included with hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Transfer to Danang Airport

Travel from Hoi An to Danang Airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Transport approx. VND300000, 45m

10:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy a short 1.5 hour flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City.
VND1000000 approx., 1h30m

12:00pm

Check-in at Ho Chi Minh City hotel and lunch

Settle into your hotel then lunch nearby at Pho Hoa, famous for authentic Pho, open 6am to 9pm.
VND80000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam's history during the war, open 7:30am to 6pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

3:30pm

Visit Reunification Palace

Historic former presidential palace, open 7:30am to 4pm.
VND40000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Stroll Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and sample street food, open 6am to 10pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Enjoy rooftop dining with traditional Vietnamese dishes in a relaxed setting, open until 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 9: Explore Mekong Delta

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 24, 2025

6:00am

Early Pickup for Mekong Delta Day Trip

Take a guided day trip exploring the Mekong Delta’s waterways, floating markets, and villages. Tour runs 6am to 6pm.
USD60, 12h0m

7:30am

Boat trip on Mekong River

Enjoy boat rides visiting Cai Be or Can Tho floating markets and local islands.
Included in tour, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at local riverside restaurant

Savor fresh local specialties of Southern Vietnam, included with tour.
Included in tour, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit fruit orchards and villages

Experience traditional crafts and fruit tasting in Mekong islands.
Included in tour, 3h0m

4:30pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Head back to the city with drop-off at your hotel.
Included in tour, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Dine at a charming restaurant serving homestyle Vietnamese cuisine, open 10am to 11pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels & City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up at your hotel for a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Included with hotel, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Explore the extensive underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War, open 7am to 5:30pm.
VND110000, 4h0m (including travel)

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Famous spot for pho, where Bill Clinton once dined, open 8am to 11pm.
VND90000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Admire these iconic French colonial landmarks in downtown, open 7am to 7pm.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Saigon Opera House and Dong Khoi street

Walk the elegant shopping and dining district showcasing historic architecture.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Enjoy riverside dining with upscale Asian fusion cuisine, open till 11pm.
VND450000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 11: City & Museum Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine

A trendy cafe offering excellent coffee and Western-style breakfast, open 7:30am to 9:30pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Museum of Vietnamese History

Discover Vietnam’s rich history and artifacts, open 7:30am to 5pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

A historic Taoist pagoda famous for its statues and atmosphere, open 7am to 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Secret Coffee

Experience quiet ambiance with tasty Vietnamese and fusion dishes, open 7am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Shopping at Saigon Square

Shop for clothes, souvenirs and bargain items in a bustling indoor market.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Enjoy green space and local ambiance in one of Ho Chi Minh City’s largest parks.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P's

Enjoy delicious fusion pizzas and Italian dishes with Vietnamese ingredients, open until 10pm.
VND300000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 12: Day at Leisure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 27, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a relaxed morning meal before your day of free exploration.
Included or VND80000, 1h0m

10:00am

Optional visit to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

See a variety of wildlife and beautiful gardens, open 7am to 6pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Taste arguably the best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City, open 7am to 9pm.
VND40000, 0h45m

1:15pm

Relax or explore local streets on foot or by cyclo

Discover hidden gems or simply enjoy the lively street life at your own pace.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Sunset drinks at Bitexco Sky Deck

Enjoy panoramic city views from the observation deck open until 9pm.
VND200000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hoa Tuc

Sample contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in a stylish colonial-era building, open until 10pm.
VND300000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 13: Final Day Exploring

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Workshop

Enjoy some of the best specialty coffee and light breakfast in the city, open 7:30am to 9pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fine Arts Museum

Explore Vietnamese art and history housed in a beautiful colonial building, open 9am to 5pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Secret Garden

Return for a final authentic Vietnamese meal in this charming rooftop eatery.
VND200000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Last-minute shopping or leisure walk

Enjoy your remaining hours soaking up the city’s atmosphere or picking up souvenirs.
Free, 3h0m

4:00pm

Prepare for Departure

Return to hotel to pack and check out before airport transfer.
Free, Evening
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Day 14: Departure Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 29, 2025

Morning

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast before heading to the airport.
Included with hotel, 1h0m

Midday

Airport Transfer

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.
Transport approx. VND300000, 30m-1h
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