10-Day North and South Vietnam Friends Trip Adventure

Day 1: Hanoi City Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy a traditional bowl of Hanoi-style Pho at this renowned local spot, a great way to start the day with authentic flavors.
VND60,000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the historic Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island in the lake, representing Hanoi's cultural heart.
VND30,000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore the Old Quarter

Walk through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, famous for its ancient architecture, street vendors, and shopping opportunities.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Hanoi dish Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles, at this well-known eatery that even hosted President Obama.
VND80,000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore this peaceful Confucian temple and Vietnam’s first national university, a quiet spot rich in history and beautiful architecture.
VND30,000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visit the iconic mausoleum to see the preserved body of Vietnam's leader Ho Chi Minh, a significant cultural landmark (Note: Closed Mondays and Fridays).
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Dine on Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi dish of grilled fish with turmeric and dill, served in a traditional setting.
VND150,000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Ha Long Bay

Travel by bus or private car approximately 3.5 hours east to Ha Long Bay to begin the scenic cruise.
VND350,000, 3h30m

11:00am

Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Enjoy a full-day cruise exploring the limestone karsts, hidden caves, and emerald waters on a traditional junk boat.
USD70, 6h0m

12:30pm

Lunch on Boat

Savor fresh seafood and Vietnamese cuisine served aboard the boat while cruising through the stunning scenery.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

5:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi for overnight stay.
Included with transport, 3h0m

9:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Relax and enjoy a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a vibrant setting in downtown Hanoi.
VND120,000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Giảng

Try the famous Vietnamese egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty to energize before your flight south.
VND40,000, 1h0m

9:00am

Head to Noi Bai Airport

Travel from central Hanoi to the airport for a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
VND150,000, 45m

11:00am

Flight Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly approximately 2 hours to southern Vietnam's bustling metropolis.
USD50-100, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Pho Le

Enjoy southern style Pho in Ho Chi Minh City, a delicious and hearty Vietnamese noodle soup.
VND70,000, 1h0m

3:00pm

War Remnants Museum

Visit this poignant museum detailing Vietnam’s history with a focus on the Vietnam War.
VND40,000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Explore these iconic French colonial landmarks located next to each other in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Experience rooftop dining with authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming, garden-themed restaurant.
VND200,000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Mekong Delta Adventure

Mekong Delta, Vietnam on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Depart Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta

Travel about 2 hours to the Mekong Delta region for a day of river exploration and cultural experience.
VND300,000, 2h0m

9:00am

Boat Tour on Mekong River

Cruise through lush canals, visit local villages and fruit orchards, and enjoy the tranquil scenery of the delta.
USD30, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at a Local Home

Taste traditional Mekong dishes at a local riverside home for an authentic cultural experience.
Included in tour, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Cai Be Floating Market

Experience the bustling aquatic market with vendors selling fruits and goods from boats.
Included in tour, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to the city for an evening at leisure.
Included with transport, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with a wide variety of Vietnamese street food dishes served in a more formal environment.
VND180,000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cu Chi Tunnels and City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Depart for Cu Chi Tunnels

Travel 1.5 hours to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about Vietnam War history and underground life during the conflict.
VND110,000, 1.5h

9:00am

Explore Cu Chi Tunnels

Tour the extensive network of tunnels used during the Vietnam War and try crawling through some of the safe sections.
Included, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at nearby local restaurant

Relax and refuel with traditional southern Vietnamese dishes near Cu Chi.
VND100,000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back for an afternoon of free exploration.
Included, 1.5h

4:00pm

Shopping and Exploring Ben Thanh Market

Browse stalls for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and street snacks in the bustling market.
Free entry, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P’s

Enjoy a fusion of Italian and Vietnamese flavors in this popular pizzeria known for its fresh ingredients and homemade cheese.
VND250,000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Street Food & Art in HCMC

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine Café

Start with breakfast in a chic café combining local flavors with a stylish setting.
VND120,000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Museum of Vietnamese History

Discover Vietnam's history from prehistoric times to modern day with engaging exhibits.
VND40,000, 1h30m

11:30am

Wander through Saigon Art Galleries

Explore nearby contemporary art galleries showcasing local Vietnamese artists.
Free or small donations, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Enjoy one of the best Banh Mi sandwiches in Ho Chi Minh City, made fresh with a variety of fillings.
VND30,000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore one of the most atmospheric temples in Ho Chi Minh City known for its ornate statues and spiritual ambiance.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Enjoy some downtime in this tranquil urban park with lush greenery and art installations.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Dine by the river with upscale seafood and cocktails, perfect for a memorable evening with friends.
VND300,000, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Flight Home

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Workshop

Enjoy high-quality coffee and pastries in an industrial-styled café perfect to reflect on the trip.
VND100,000, 1h0m

10:00am

Pack and last-minute shopping

Use your remaining time to shop for souvenirs or relax at your hotel before departure.
Varies, 3h0m

1:00pm

Head to Tan Son Nhat Airport

Travel to the airport for international flight home.
VND150,000, 45m
View Hotel Availability