10-Day Budget-Friendly Southeast Asia and South Asia Nature and Culture Tour: Vietnam, Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Flight HCM to Kathmandu

Depart early from Ho Chi Minh City to reach Kathmandu by morning. Flights typically last about 4-5 hours with one stop.
USD300 (approximate), 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at OR2K

Enjoy a vibrant vegetarian lunch at OR2K, known for its fresh Middle Eastern inspired dishes and lively atmosphere, open 11am to 10pm.
USD8, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Pashupatinath Temple

Explore the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to experience Nepalese spiritual culture. Open from 6am to 11pm.
USD10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

Walk up to Swayambhunath for stunning panoramic city views with tranquil sunset light, open 6am to 5pm.
USD5, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Thamel House Restaurant

Try authentic Nepalese dishes like momo and dal bhat in a cozy ambiance in the tourist hub of Thamel, open 12pm to 11pm.
USD12, 1h0m
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Day 2: Kathmandu Cultural Sites

Kathmandu, Nepal on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Himalayan Java

Enjoy artisan coffee and western breakfast options to start the day well, open from 7am.
USD7, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Visit this ancient city known for its well-preserved palaces, pagodas and vibrant culture. Open all day, entrance fee applies.
USD15, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Nyatapola

A cozy café near Bhaktapur serving local Newari cuisine with great vegetarian options, open 9am to 8pm.
USD10, 1h0m

2:30pm

Patan Durbar Square

Explore Patan’s artistic heritage, including temples and a museum that showcase the rich Newar culture, open 10am to 5pm.
USD15, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Garden of Dreams Café

Dine in a serene garden setting serving international and local fusion dishes, open 11am to 10pm.
USD15, 1h0m
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Day 3: Fly to New Delhi and Sightseeing

New Delhi, India on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Flight Kathmandu to New Delhi

Fly to New Delhi; flight duration about 1.5 hours.
USD120, 1h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy authentic South Indian vegetarian breakfast like dosa and idli in this popular chain open from 7am.
USD6, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit India Gate and Rajpath

Walk along Rajpath and visit iconic India Gate war memorial, open 24 hours with no entry fee.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Connaught Place

Try local North Indian food at Odeon Social, open 12pm to 12am, casual atmosphere.
USD12, 1h0m

2:30pm

Humayun’s Tomb

Visit this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site and precursor to Taj Mahal, open 6am to 6pm.
USD10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Light and Sound Show at Red Fort

Experience history come alive with this evening show, open only on select days; check in advance.
USD5, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Karim’s

Famous for Mughlai cuisine, open 11am to 11pm; a must-try for flavorful kebabs and curries.
USD15, 1h0m
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Day 4: Taj Mahal Day Trip

Agra, India on May 25, 2025

6:00am

Train to Agra

Early morning train from Delhi to Agra (1.5–2 hrs), approx USD10.
USD10, 2h0m

8:00am

Breakfast near Agra Fort

Local café serving light breakfast and chai before sightseeing, open 7am to 11am.
USD5, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Taj Mahal

Explore the breathtaking Taj Mahal, open 6am to 7pm (closed Fridays), entrance approx USD15.
USD15, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pinch of Spice

Enjoy a variety of Indian dishes in a popular Agra restaurant, open 12pm to 3pm.
USD12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Agra Fort

Visit UNESCO-listed Agra Fort with its impressive architecture, open 6am to 6pm, entrance USD10.
USD10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Delhi by train

Evening train back to New Delhi, approx 2 hours.
USD10, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Casual dinner with vegetarian south Indian favorites, open until 10pm.
USD8, 1h0m
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Day 5: Delhi to Colombo and City Tour

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 26, 2025

6:00am

Flight New Delhi to Colombo

Fly early morning to Colombo. Flight duration approx 4 hours.
USD150, 4h0m

11:00am

Breakfast at Barefoot Garden Café

Enjoy fresh, healthy meals and great coffee in a relaxed garden setting, open 7am to 5pm.
USD12, 1h0m

12:30pm

Explore Gangaramaya Temple

Visit this colorful and eclectic Buddhist temple, open 7am to 7pm.
USD3, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Galle Face Green

Relax by the ocean at this urban park, perfect for a stroll and watching local life, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Colombo National Museum

Discover Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, open 9am to 5pm, closed Mondays.
USD7, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

Famous for fresh seafood and local crab dishes, open 12pm to 10pm, reservations recommended.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 6: Nature and History in Sri Lanka

Colombo and Surroundings, Sri Lanka on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Commons Café

Hip café serving hearty breakfast and coffee, open 7am to 7pm.
USD10, 1h0m

9:00am

Day Trip to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

See rescued elephants and watch them bathe, open 8:30am to 5pm.
USD15 (entry + transport approx.), 5h0m

2:30pm

Return to Colombo and relax

Leisure time to rest or visit local markets like Pettah Bazaar.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Upali’s by Nawaloka

Try traditional Sri Lankan cuisine in a friendly atmosphere, open 11am to 10pm.
USD15, 1h0m
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Day 7: Colombo to Ho Chi Minh City

Colombo to Ho Chi Minh City on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before check-out.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

10:00am

Fly from Colombo to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to Ho Chi Minh City via direct or connecting flight; approx. 3-4 hours flight time.
USD150, 4h0m

3:00pm

Arrival and Rest

Arrive and rest after travel.
Free, Rest
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Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City Leisure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at L’Usine

Popular café offering a mix of Vietnamese and western breakfast items, open 7am to 10pm.
USD7, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Educational museum showcasing Vietnam War history, open 7:30am to 6:00pm, entrance fee USD2.
USD2, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Famous for authentic Vietnamese pho, open 7am to 10pm.
USD4, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop and experience local street food and souvenirs, open 6am to 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a wide selection of Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful colonial villa, open 9am to 10pm.
USD10, 1h0m
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Day 9: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

8:30am

Guided Mekong Delta tour

Full day tour exploring river life, fruit orchards, and traditional villages, typically 8am to 6pm.
USD35, 9h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

A rooftop restaurant with great Vietnamese food and ambiance, open 5pm to 11pm.
USD12, 1h0m
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Day 10: Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and pack

Final breakfast and packing before departure.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

12:00pm

Departure

Leave for airport to catch your outbound flight.
N/A, Travel
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