7-Day Immersive Vietnam Itinerary: Discover Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy traditional Hanoi pho at this popular local spot, renowned for its authentic beef noodle soup.
VND50,000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Walk around the scenic lake and visit the historic temple on the small island, reflecting local spiritual culture.
VND30,000, 1h

11:00am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through narrow streets filled with shops, markets, and street food stalls showcasing Hanoi’s vibrant daily life.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Hanoi specialty bun cha, grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, loved by locals and visitors alike.
VND75,000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore this historical Confucian temple and Vietnam’s first national university, a peaceful green space with cultural exhibits.
VND30,000, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at a café in the French Quarter

Enjoy a Vietnamese iced coffee in a charming colonial-era café while watching street life unfold.
VND50,000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Dine on Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi dish of turmeric fish with dill cooked at your table — a must-try local specialty.
VND150,000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Ha Long Bay

Travel northeast by car or bus for approx. 3.5 hours to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay.
VND300,000, 3.5h

11:00am

Board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Embark on a scenic boat cruise through the bay, exploring limestone karsts and peaceful waters.
USD60, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch on Cruise

Enjoy fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes onboard the cruise with panoramic views of the bay.
Included, 1h

3:00pm

Kayaking or visiting caves

Explore hidden caves or paddle around the bay’s calm waters to see it up close.
USD10, 1.5h

5:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back by bus or car, arriving Hanoi by evening to rest or explore more if desired.
Included, 3.5h
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Adventure

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Private transfer or bus trip south to Ninh Binh, often called the ‘Halong Bay on land’ due to limestone peaks and rivers.
VND250,000, 2h

9:30am

Boat ride at Trang An

Take a relaxing sampan boat ride through caves and past limestone mountains in this stunning scenic grotto.
VND200,000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant in Ninh Binh

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese countryside cuisine featuring goat meat and river fish.
VND100,000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore one of the largest Buddhist complexes in Southeast Asia with impressive statues and panoramic views.
VND100,000, 1.5h

3:30pm

Explore Tam Coc by bicycle

Cycle through green rice paddies and quiet villages to experience rural Vietnamese life.
VND50,000, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Long Tavern

Sip cocktails and try fusion dishes in this trendy spot blending local ingredients with international flair.
VND200,000, 1.5h
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Day 4: Cultural Hue

Hue, Vietnam on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Fly or train to Hue

Morning flight or scenic train from Hanoi to Hue, former imperial capital rich in history.
USD50/Train VND200,000, 1.5h/12h

11:00am

Visit Imperial City

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring palaces, temples, and gardens showcasing Vietnam’s royal past.
VND150,000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Sample traditional Hue cuisine including bun bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup.
VND100,000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Enjoy views over the Perfume River and explore one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Relax by the Perfume River

Take a gentle walk along the riverbank at sunset for peaceful views and photo opportunities.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Dine on royal-inspired dishes served in a traditional setting with cultural ambiance.
VND250,000, 1.5h
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Day 5: Historic Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Drive or fly to Hoi An

Travel from Hue to Hoi An to explore the well-preserved Ancient Town known for its architecture and lanterns.
VND100,000, 3h

10:30am

Walking tour of Ancient Town

Discover Japanese Bridge, old merchant houses, and vibrant markets in this charming heritage town.
VND120,000 entrance fee, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savour central Vietnamese dishes like cao lau noodles at this highly rated local restaurant.
VND150,000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit An Bang Beach

Relax by the sea at this peaceful beach just a short ride from the Old Town, perfect for swimming.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Enjoy lantern lighting experience

Take part in a lantern lighting ceremony on the Thu Bon River in the evening for a magical atmosphere.
VND50,000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine riverside with a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes paired with desserts and cocktails.
VND200,000, 1.5h
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Day 6: Da Nang Highlights

Da Nang, Vietnam on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Morning transfer to Da Nang

Short 45-minute drive to Da Nang, a modern city known for beaches and the Dragon Bridge.
VND150,000, 0.75h

9:00am

Visit Marble Mountains

Climb and explore caves, pagodas, and viewpoints on these five marble and limestone hills.
VND40,000, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Ba Duong

Taste the famous Vietnamese banh xeo (crispy pancakes) at a popular local spot.
VND80,000, 1h

1:00pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Enjoy Da Nang’s soft sandy beach, ideal for swimming or unwinding in the sun.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Visit Dragon Bridge and Danang Cathedral

See the iconic Dragon Bridge and the pink-colored neo-Gothic cathedral downtown.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Dine riverside enjoying fresh seafood and views of the illuminated Dragon Bridge at night.
VND250,000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch an early morning flight to the bustling southern metropolis known for its dynamic street life.
USD50, 1.5h

9:30am

Breakfast at Pho Hoa

Start your Ho Chi Minh day with a famous pho broth and noodles at one of the city’s oldest eateries.
VND60,000, 1h

10:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam’s war history through powerful exhibits and photographs.
VND40,000, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ben Thanh Market

Sample various street foods and shop for souvenirs in this iconic central market.
Variable, 1.5h

2:00pm

Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and Central Post Office

Admire the French colonial architecture and take photos at these landmark buildings.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels (optional afternoon trip)

Discover the extensive underground tunnel network used during the Vietnam War, offering a fascinating historical insight.
USD20, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hoa Tuc

Enjoy refined Vietnamese dining in a stylish setting, perfect for your last night’s meal.
VND300,000, 1.5h
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