11-Night Vietnam Adventure: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 23, 2025

9:00am

Check-in and settle at hotel

Arrive at Hanoi and check in to your centrally located hotel to rest and freshen up.
VND0, 1h

10:30am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy authentic northern Vietnamese pho at one of Hanoi's best-known spots, open from 6:00am to 10:00pm.
VND50,000, 1h

11:45am

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll the scenic lake and visit the peaceful Ngoc Son Temple in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
VND30,000, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Try Hanoi’s famous grilled fish dish in a historic restaurant, open from 10:00am to 9:30pm.
VND150,000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first national university and its beautiful gardens, open daily 8:00am-5:00pm.
VND30,000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance, an engaging cultural experience. Shows run at 5:00pm and 6:30pm.
VND100,000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a lively atmosphere, open until 10:00pm.
VND200,000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Hanoi & Museum Tour

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Dinh

Have a quick, traditional Vietnamese breakfast featuring egg coffee and banh mi, open 7:00am to 10:00pm.
VND50,000, 45m

8:30am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace

Visit the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh and see the grandiose palace grounds, open 8:00am-11:00am (closed Monday and Friday).
VND0, 2h

10:30am

One Pillar Pagoda

Admire this iconic historical Buddhist temple located nearby, open 7:00am-5:00pm daily.
VND20,000, 30m

11:15am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore diverse ethnic groups through exhibits covering culture and history, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
VND40,000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy delicious Vietnamese dishes with a social cause, open 11:00am-2:30pm and 5:00pm-10:00pm.
VND180,000, 1h

3:00pm

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Discover vibrant streets, markets and street food stalls with a local guide, the best way to learn about Hanoi’s lively urban life.
VND100,000, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Hanoi bun cha, enjoyed even by President Obama, open until 9:00pm.
VND120,000, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Depart to Ha Long Bay

Travel by shuttle bus (approx. 3.5 hours) from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay early to maximize your day.
VND400,000, 4h

11:00am

Board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Check in on a comfortable overnight cruise ship for a scenic journey amidst limestone islands; lunch served onboard.
USD100, 1h30m

1:00pm

Cruise and kayak

Explore caves and floating villages, enjoy kayaking or swimming at designated stops on the cruise, open until evening.
Included in cruise, 4h

7:30pm

Dinner and relaxation onboard

Savor freshly prepared seafood dinner and unwind on the deck with stunning sunset views.
Included in cruise, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Ha Long Bay & Travel to Hue

Ha Long Bay to Hue, Vietnam on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on cruise and morning activities

Enjoy breakfast before a final morning cruise segment including sunrise views and cave visits.
Included in cruise, 2h

9:00am

Return to Ha Long City and transfer to Hanoi airport

Disembark and shuttle back to Hanoi Airport for flight to Hue.
VND400,000 + flight cost approx USD50, 5h

3:00pm

Arrive and check-in in Hue

Settle in your hotel and relax before evening explorations.
VND0, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Dong Ba Market

Explore Hue’s largest market, great for souvenirs and local snacks, open late until 7:30pm.
VND0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Taste central Vietnamese specialties like bun bo Hue, open 9:00am-10:00pm.
VND150,000, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Imperial Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before a full day of sightseeing.
Included in hotel, 1h

8:30am

Visit Imperial Citadel

Explore the vast UNESCO World Heritage site with palaces, temples and gardens, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
VND150,000, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ancient Hue

Enjoy traditional dishes from Hue's royal cuisine in a cozy setting, open 10:30am-2:30pm and 5:00pm-9:30pm.
VND200,000, 1h

1:30pm

Boat ride on Perfume River

Take a scenic dragon boat cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda and other riverside attractions.
VND100,000, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Tomb of Khai Dinh

See this unique, elaborate royal mausoleum situated on a hill, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
VND100,000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine in a beautiful colonial villa serving French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine, open 6:00pm-10:00pm.
VND350,000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Hoi An

Hue to Hoi An, Vietnam on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before your transfer south to Hoi An.
Included in hotel, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Enjoy the scenic 3-hour coastal route with stunning views along the Hai Van Pass.
VND400,000, 3h

11:30am

Check-in and lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Sample classic Hoi An cuisine including cao lau noodles, open 10:00am-10:00pm.
VND150,000, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Ancient Town

Wander the lantern-lit streets with traditional architecture, visiting Japanese Covered Bridge and local shops, open all day.
VND120,000 entry ticket for heritage sites valid 3 days, 3h

4:30pm

Visit An Bang Beach

Relax on a beautiful beach just 4km from town, open all day.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Experience innovative Vietnamese dishes with views over the Thu Bon River, open 6:00pm-10:00pm.
VND300,000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Hoi An Relax and Explore

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation to prepare for a relaxed day.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Cycling tour to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Take a guided bike ride to this charming village to learn about herb and vegetable farming, open all day.
VND150,000, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at local family home

Enjoy a farm-to-table meal in the village featuring fresh produce.
VND200,000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Free time to explore or shop

Return to Hoi An Ancient Town for souvenir shopping or just leisure walking around.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Sunset boat ride on Thu Bon River

Enjoy peaceful river views and the colorful sunset with traditional music onboard, available until dusk.
VND200,000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory Evening Market

Sample various street foods and local snacks in lively atmosphere, open until 10:00pm.
VND100,000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast before your transfer to Da Nang Airport.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Da Nang Airport

Short 30-minute transfer to Da Nang for flight south to Ho Chi Minh City.
VND150,000, 30m

10:30am

Fly Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a mid-morning flight (~1.5h) from central to southern Vietnam.
USD50 - 70, 2h

12:30pm

Arrive and check in hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Rest and refresh after arrival in the bustling metropolis.
VND0, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy one of Saigon’s best traditional pho restaurants, open from 6:00am to 9:30pm.
VND100,000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore exhibits on Vietnam War history, open 7:30am-6:00pm daily.
VND40,000, 2h

4:45pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Central Post Office

Visit these iconic French colonial landmarks, open until 5:00pm.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop Restaurant

Enjoy rooftop dining with local delicacies and city views, open 5:30pm-10:00pm.
VND300,000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels & City Life

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before your half-day trip.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Explore the extensive tunnels used during the Vietnam War, about 1.5 hours from the city, tours run morning to afternoon.
VND150,000 + transport VND200,000, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Thin

Taste local pho in a popular family-run spot open until 3:00pm.
VND80,000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and experience bustling local commerce, open daily 6:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Tower

Enjoy panoramic city views from the rooftop observation deck, open 9:30am-9:30pm.
VND200,000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Experience Vietnamese home cooking in a charming decor, open until 10:00pm.
VND250,000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta, Vietnam on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast before early start.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Full-day Mekong Delta Tour

Visit floating markets, fruit orchards and villages with boat rides and local food tastings, tours usually 7:30am to 5:00pm.
USD50-70, 9h

5:30pm

Return to hotel and relax

After a long day, unwind at the hotel.
Free, Rest

7:30pm

Dinner at Propaganda Restaurant

Enjoy modern Vietnamese cuisine with contemporary art decor, open 6:00pm-10:00pm.
VND300,000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City Farewell

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L’Usine

Start the day with quality coffee and pastries in a stylish cafe, open from 8:00am.
VND120,000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore this beautifully ornate Taoist temple, open 7:00am-5:30pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Walk along Dong Khoi Street

Shop or browse art galleries and historic buildings in this stylish district, open all day.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Deck Saigon

Enjoy riverside dining with international and Vietnamese dishes, open 11:30am-3:00pm and 6:00pm-10:00pm.
VND350,000, 1h

3:00pm

Free time or spa

Relax or have a spa treatment before your departure.
Varies, 3h

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Quan Ut Ut

Savor authentic southern Vietnamese cuisine, open until 10:00pm.
VND250,000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast and prepare for departure

Breakfast at hotel and pack for your journey home.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport

Get to the airport for your departure flight, plan ahead for traffic.
VND200,000, 1h
View Hotel Availability