7 Nights in Vietnam: A Vibrant Journey from North to South

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Arrival from Ernakulam to Hanoi

Land at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter, the cultural heart of Hanoi.
VND0, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy a traditional bowl of Pho, Vietnam's famous noodle soup, at this iconic Hanoi eatery open from 6am to 10am.
VND60000, 1h

10:30am

Visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful spot in the city center, and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple on the lake.
VND30000, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Savor the unique Cha Ca (turmeric fish with dill) specialty, open daily from 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h

2:30pm

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets filled with markets, shops, and colonial architecture.
VND0, 2h

5:00pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre, performances start at 5pm and 6:30pm.
VND100000, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles, famously enjoyed by Obama, open until 9pm.
VND80000, 1h

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Transfer to Halong Bay

Depart early from Hanoi to Halong Bay, approximately 3.5 hours by road.
VND0, 3h30m

11:00am

Begin Halong Bay Cruise

Board a traditional junk boat to cruise the iconic limestone karsts and islands, includes lunch onboard.
USD120, 5h

4:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi for overnight stay after the cruise.
VND0, 3h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at King Chay Restaurant

Enjoy vegetarian Vietnamese dishes, open until 10pm.
VND100000, 1h

Day 3: Travel to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Hanoi to Hue

Catch a morning flight to Hue, the ancient imperial capital, flights last about 1 hour.
USD50, 1h

10:00am

Check-in at hotel and relax

Settle at your Hue accommodation and prepare for afternoon sightseeing.
VND0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ancient Hue

Dine on royal-style Vietnamese cuisine in a traditional setting, open 11am-10pm.
VND150000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Imperial City (Citadel)

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the former royal palace, open 7:30am-5:30pm daily.
VND150000, 3h

5:00pm

Dong Ba Market visit

Experience local markets filled with food and handicrafts until 6pm.
VND0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Hue cuisine known for its spicy flavors, open until 9:30pm.
VND100000, 1h

Day 4: Hue Temples and Pagodas

Hue, Vietnam on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a buffet or local Vietnamese breakfast options.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

See the iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, open from 7am to 6pm.
VND0, 1h

10:30am

Tour Tomb of Khai Dinh

Explore this elaborate imperial tomb blending Vietnamese and European architecture, open 7am-5pm.
VND100000, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Bo Hue Ba Do

Taste the spicy Bun Bo Hue noodle soup, a local favorite, open 7am-8pm.
VND60000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Tomb of Minh Mang

Discover this grand, serene tomb surrounded by tropical gardens, open 7am-5pm.
VND100000, 1.5h

5:00pm

Relax by Perfume River

Enjoy a peaceful evening walk or boat ride along the riverbanks.
VND0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine on French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a charming colonial villa, open until 9pm.
VND250000, 1.5h

Day 5: Travel and Explore Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Hue to Hoi An

Take the scenic 3-hour route via Hai Van Pass linking the two historic cities.
VND0, 3h

11:30am

Check in and lunch at Miss Ly Cafeteria

Savor Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau noodles, open 9am-10pm.
VND70000, 1h

1:00pm

Walking tour of Ancient Town

Explore UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town with its lantern-lit streets and old merchant houses, open all day.
VND120000 for entry pass, 3h

5:00pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky Old House

Visit these iconic cultural landmarks reflective of Hoi An’s multicultural past.
Included in ticket, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Dine on traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist, open until 10pm.
VND150000, 1.5h

Day 6: Beach Day and Local Life

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to start your beach day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Morning at An Bang Beach

Spend your morning relaxing or swimming at An Bang Beach, open dawn to dusk.
VND0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at The DeckHouse An Bang

Eat beachfront with fresh seafood and tropical views, open 10am-10pm.
VND200000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Explore traditional pottery making and try your hand at the craft, open 8am-5pm.
VND20000, 1.5h

4:00pm

Cycling tour through the countryside

Bike through rice paddies and small villages near Hoi An to experience rural life.
VND0 (if bike rental charged separately), 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

End your day with a meal of international and Vietnamese dishes in a cozy riverside setting, open until 10:30pm.
VND180000, 1.5h

Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Take an early flight from Da Nang Airport (closest to Hoi An) to Ho Chi Minh City, duration about 1.5 hours.
USD50, 1.5h

9:00am

Hotel Check-in and Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel after check-in and prepare to explore Vietnam's vibrant southern metropolis.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s war history through powerful exhibits, open daily 7:30am - 6pm.
VND40000, 2h

12:45pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa Pasteur

Enjoy a bowl of traditional southern style Pho at one of Saigon’s oldest pho restaurants, open 6am-10pm.
VND70000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Admire French colonial architecture and nearby attractions, open 7am-7pm daily.
VND0, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and food in this bustling market, open 6am-6pm.
VND0, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Dine in a rooftop garden setting serving traditional Vietnamese family recipes, open from 5pm to 10:30pm.
VND200000, 1.5h

Day 8: Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 29, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for your flight departure.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Head to the airport for your return flight to Ernakulam or onward destination.
VND0, 1h