8-Day Northern to Southern Vietnam Cultural and Scenic Adventure

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy authentic Hanoi-style pho, a famous Vietnamese noodle soup with rich broth and fresh herbs, open from 7am to 2pm.
VND40000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple at its center, open all day and free to enter the lake area, temple has a small fee.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for its unique street shops and local street food vendors.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste Bun Cha, a grilled pork and noodle dish made famous internationally, open 10am-2pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Temple of Literature

Explore this historic Confucian temple, Vietnam’s first university, showcasing traditional architecture and tranquil gardens, open 8am-5pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

4:00pm

See the Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance telling folk stories, shows run from 4pm and 6:30pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine on a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in an elegant setting, open until 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Ha Long Bay

Travel approximately 3.5 hours southeast to Ha Long Bay by bus or private car, departing early to maximize time on the bay.
VND500000, 3h30m

11:00am

Board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Begin a scenic cruise around the UNESCO World Heritage site known for its limestone karsts and emerald waters; cruises often include onboard lunch.
USD70, 4h0m

3:30pm

Kayaking at Ha Long Bay

Enjoy kayaking through the bay’s caves and hidden lagoons, part of many cruise packages, lasting about 1 hour.
Included, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Disembark and travel back to Hanoi, arriving in the evening.
Included, 3h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Home Restaurant Hanoi

Savor traditional northern Vietnamese dishes in a cozy atmosphere, open until 10pm.
VND130000, 1h0m
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Daytrip

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Drive approximately 2 hours south to Ninh Binh, known as the 'Halong Bay on land' due to its stunning landscapes.
VND300000, 2h0m

9:30am

Boat trip at Tam Coc

Take a peaceful sampan boat ride through rice paddies and limestone caves at Tam Coc, open 8am to 5pm.
VND150000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Chookie's Beer Garden

Enjoy Western and Vietnamese food in a relaxed garden setting, open until 9pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore this beautiful pagoda built into limestone mountains with stunning views, open 7am to 5pm.
VND20000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Climb Mua Cave Viewpoint

Hike up 500 steps to panoramic views of the Tam Coc valley, the climb takes about 30-45 minutes each way.
VND100000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi to spend the night.
Included, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Taste the famous Hanoi dish cha ca — grilled turmeric fish, open 10am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Fly Hanoi to Hue

Take an early morning flight (about 1 hour 15 minutes) to Hue to maximize sightseeing time.
VND1500000, 1h15m

9:30am

Visit Imperial City

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Hue Citadel, the former imperial capital with palaces and temples, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Sample central Vietnamese cuisine including bun bo Hue in a local favorite spot, open 10am to 9pm.
VND80000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Boat trip on the Perfume River

Take a 1.5-hour dragon boat ride down the Perfume River visiting Thien Mu Pagoda and royal tombs, boat tours run 8am to 5pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Khai Dinh Tomb

See the ornate royal tomb known for its unique fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles, open 8am to 5pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dinner in a charming old-style home atmosphere, open until 10pm.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Hue to Hoi An by car

Drive 3 hours south through the scenic Hai Van Pass to reach the ancient town of Hoi An.
VND500000, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in and lunch at Morning Glory restaurant

Taste authentic Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau and white rose dumplings in a popular setting, open 10am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Discover the UNESCO-listed town with historic architecture, lantern-lit streets, markets, and the Japanese Covered Bridge, open all day, museums typically 8am-5pm with small entrance fees.
VND120000, 2h30m

3:30pm

Visit An Bang Beach

Relax on the beautiful sandy beach just 4km from town, open all day and free.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Hoi An Lantern Festival (if applicable)

If a full moon night (monthly), enjoy the magical lantern festival with river lantern launches and nightly cultural activities.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine lakeside on international and Vietnamese dishes, famous for desserts, open till 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Da Nang Highlights

Da Nang, Vietnam on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Morning travel to Da Nang

Short 30-minute drive from Hoi An to Da Nang to explore the vibrant coastal city.
VND200000, 0h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong

Enjoy arguably the best banh mi sandwich in Vietnam, open early from 6am to 9pm.
VND35000, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore Buddhist caves, pagodas, and viewpoints at the Marble Mountains, open 7am-6pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Madam Lan Restaurant

Sample seafood and Vietnamese specialties in a lovely garden setting, open 10am to 9pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing at Da Nang’s most famous beach, known for its fine white sand and clear waters, open all day, free admission.
Free, 2h30m

4:30pm

Visit Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

View the largest collection of Cham artifacts in Vietnam, open 7:30am to 5pm.
VND40000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy dining along the Han River with local and fusion foods, open until 11pm.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Discover Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Fly Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning flight of approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis.
VND1300000, 1h20m

9:00am

Breakfast at L'usine Cafe

Enjoy a contemporary Vietnamese and Western fusion breakfast in a stylish setting, open 7am-10pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s history through compelling exhibits, open 7:30am-6pm (closed Mondays).
VND40000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy one of Saigon’s best pho shops, open 6am-9pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food at this iconic market, open 6am-6:30pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

See French colonial architecture and iconic landmarks, open daily until 5pm, free entry.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Experience traditional southern Vietnamese dining in a rooftop garden setting, open until 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels & Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Take a half-day guided tour to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, important Vietnam War historical site, tours start around 7am-8am, duration approximately 5 hours including travel.
VND300000, 5h0m

12:30pm

Lunch near Cu Chi

Enjoy Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant near the tunnel site, open from 11am to 3pm.
VND80000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to the city to prepare for evening departure or onward travel.
Included, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax and final shopping

Use remaining time to relax or do last-minute shopping at Vincom Center or local markets in District 1.
Free, 2h0m
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