7-Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary with Clothing Recommendations

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy a traditional bowl of Pho, the Vietnamese noodle soup, perfect for a light and energizing start.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the peaceful lake and visit the temple in the middle, a serene spot reflecting local culture.
VND30000, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles, made famous by President Obama’s visit.
VND50000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius, showcasing exquisite traditional architecture.
VND30000, 1h

3:00pm

Clothing advice

Lightweight cotton or linen clothes, breathable and suitable for warm humid weather, plus comfortable walking shoes.
Free, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy the specialty Cha Ca, a turmeric grilled fish dish unique to Hanoi paired with herbs and noodles.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Halong Bay

Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by bus or private car, approximately 3.5 hours.
VND200000, 3h30m

11:00am

Board a day cruise in Halong Bay

Explore the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, cruise among limestone karsts and islands.
USD50, 4h

3:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
VND200000, 3h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Savor refined traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming garden setting.
VND150000, 1h30m

7:00am

Clothing advice

Wear quick-drying, moisture-wicking attire and bring a light rain jacket for boat excursions.
Free, 15m
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Day 3: Flight to Hue and City Tour

Hue, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or street food

Light breakfast with local coffee and banh mi to fuel the day.
VND40000, 30m

9:00am

Flight to Hue

Fly from Hanoi to Hue (approximately 1.5 hours).
USD45, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit the Imperial City (Citadel)

Explore Hue’s historic royal complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich with architecture and history.
VND150000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Try local specialties such as Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup.
VND70000, 1h

3:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda visit

Visit the iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de la Carambole

Upscale French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a romantic setting.
VND250000, 1h30m

7:00am

Clothing advice

Light clothes with a shawl or scarf for temple visits, comfortable walking shoes.
Free, 15m
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Day 4: Travel to Hoi An and Explore

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local cafe

Fresh tropical fruits and Vietnamese coffee to kickstart the day.
VND40000, 30m

9:30am

Drive from Hue to Hoi An

Travel scenic Hai Van Pass road, taking about 3 hours.
VND400000 (private car), 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

A famous restaurant serving authentic central Vietnamese dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
VND120000, 1h

2:00pm

Walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore beautifully preserved old town streets, historic homes, and tailor shops, open until 9pm.
VND120000 (entrance ticket), 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Riverside dining known for great international and Vietnamese dishes plus desserts.
VND180000, 1h30m

8:00am

Clothing advice

Light, breathable fabrics with sun protection; a hat and sunglasses for outdoor touring.
Free, 15m
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Day 5: Beach Day and Cooking Class

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a simple breakfast to fuel beach activities.
Included, 30m

9:00am

An Bang Beach Relaxation

Spend the morning at the scenic An Bang Beach, accessible by bike or taxi.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at The DeckHouse

Beachside restaurant offering fresh seafood and local dishes with a chill vibe.
VND150000, 1h

2:00pm

Vietnamese Cooking Class with Red Bridge Cooking School

Learn to prepare traditional dishes in a hands-on class that lasts about 3 hours.
USD40, 3h

6:30pm

Self-prepared dinner or casual eatery

Enjoy the meal you cooked in the class or opt for a local eatery nearby.
Varies, 1h

8:00am

Clothing advice

Beachwear and casual comfortable clothes; don’t forget swimwear and sunscreen.
Free, 15m
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Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before the flight.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

About 1.5-hour flight from Da Nang or Hoi An area airport.
USD50, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore exhibits about the Vietnam War from the local perspective (open 7am-6pm).
VND40000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Savor pho noodles famous among locals and tourists alike.
VND60000, 1h

2:30pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica visit

Admire this iconic French colonial-era landmark at the city center.
Free, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Traditional Vietnamese dishes served in a charming vintage house.
VND180000, 1h30m

7:00am

Clothing advice

Light airy clothes for warm southern climate and comfortable shoes for city walks.
Free, 15m
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Day 7: Cu Chi Tunnels and Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Charge up for a half-day excursion with a hearty breakfast.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Tour the extensive wartime underground tunnel network, a must-see historical site open 7am-5pm.
VND90000, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch near Cu Chi tunnels

Enjoy simple local food near the tunnel entrance before returning to the city.
VND50000, 1h

3:00pm

Return to city and pack

Prepare for departure and last minute shopping.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Light dinner/snack before flight

Pick up a light meal or snack at the airport for the flight home.
Varies, 30m

7:00am

Clothing advice

Comfortable and breathable travel clothes for the flight with a light jacket for air-conditioned planes.
Free, 15m
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