7-Day Vibrant Vietnam Exploration: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Historic Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a traditional bowl of Pho at Pho Gia Truyen, known for its authentic flavours and bustling local vibe. Opens at 7:00am, perfect for an early start.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Take a peaceful walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the iconic Ngoc Son Temple located on the small island. Open all day and free entry.
VND0, 1h0m

11:00am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse cultures and traditions of Vietnam’s ethnic groups in this informative museum. Open 8:30am-5:30pm. Entry fee required.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Bun Cha, Hanoi's famous grilled pork and noodle dish, at this popular spot that President Obama once visited. Opens from 10:00am to 8:00pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the maze-like streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, famed for its colonial architecture, street stalls and shops. Free to wander, open all day.
VND0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Taste the unique cha ca (turmeric fish with dill) dish at this historic restaurant, operational since 1871. Opens 6:00pm to 11:00pm.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cultural and Historical

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Dinh

Start with a traditional Vietnamese coffee and some light breakfast options at Cafe Dinh, a hidden gem in the Old Quarter. Opens from 7:00am.
VND40000, 1h0m

9:30am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the revered mausoleum of Vietnam's founding father, alongside the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. Open 8:00am-11:00am except Mondays and Fridays.
VND0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy a range of Vietnamese dishes at KOTO, a social enterprise training disadvantaged youth in hospitality. Open 11:00am-10:00pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first national university and its beautiful gardens, dedicated to Confucius. Open 8:00am-5:00pm.
VND30000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Water Puppet Theatre

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre, showcasing folk tales with live music. Shows at 3:30pm and 5:00pm; book tickets in advance.
VND120000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine on a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese street food-style dishes in a comfortable setting. Open until 10:30pm.
VND110000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay

Hanoi to Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a convenient breakfast at your hotel before the road trip to Halong Bay.
Included in accommodation, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Halong Bay

Depart from Hanoi to Halong Bay by road; the journey takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Relax and enjoy the scenic countryside.
VND300000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch on board

Board a traditional junk boat and enjoy a seafood lunch as you begin exploring the stunning karst islands of Halong Bay.
USD50 approx, 1h0m

2:00pm

Halong Bay Cruise and Cave Visits

Explore amazing limestone caves such as Thien Cung or Sung Sot and enjoy swimming or kayaking. Cruises typically operate until evening.
Included in cruise price, 4h30m

7:00pm

Dinner on board

Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring fresh local seafood under the stars while anchored in the bay.
Included in cruise price, 1h0m
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Day 4: Halong Bay to Hoi An

Halong Bay to Hoi An, Vietnam on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast on board

Start with a scenic breakfast watching the bay at sunrise before disembarkation.
Included in cruise price, 1h0m

8:30am

Return to Hanoi

Boat cruise back to the harbour and transfer to Hanoi airport for the flight to Da Nang.
Included in transfer, 4h0m

1:30pm

Flight to Da Nang

Flight from Hanoi to Da Nang takes about 1.5 hours. Book early for best prices.
USD50 - 80, 1h30m

3:30pm

Transfer to Hoi An

Take a 45-minute drive south to the ancient town of Hoi An, check into your accommodation.
VND300000, 45m

5:00pm

Walk around Ancient Town

Stroll through Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its lantern-lit streets and historic buildings. Open all day, best experienced at dusk.
VND120000 entrance fee, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Savour authentic Central Vietnamese cuisine at this well-loved Hoi An staple, open 9:00am to 10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hoi An Cultural Day

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Reaching Out Tea House

Start your day with a calming tea experience and healthy breakfast in this unique cultural space. Open from 8:00am.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Bike to An Bang Beach

Enjoy a scenic 10-minute bike ride to An Bang Beach, relax or swim in the calm waters. Beach is open 24/7 and free entrance.
VND0, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Fisherman

Dine near the beach with fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes in an open-air setting. Opens 11:00am-10:00pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

Explore this charming organic vegetable village; learn traditional farming and taste fresh herbs. Village tours available, best visited mid-afternoon.
VND100000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Relax in Ancient Town

Return to Ancient Town for further exploration or shopping in the lantern-lit evening markets.
VND0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy a lively atmosphere and great food, specialising in fusion Vietnamese and Western dishes with excellent desserts. Open late.
VND160000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Da Nang Modernity

Da Nang, Vietnam on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Banh Xeo Ba Duong

Try local famous crispy Vietnamese pancakes at this popular street food spot, open from early morning.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries through these stunning limestone hills. Open 7:00am-6:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Relax with a riverside lunch offering a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes, open all day.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Dragon Bridge and Han River Cruise

Take a stroll along the Han River and view the famous Dragon Bridge. Consider an afternoon river cruise, which lasts about 1 hour.
VND100000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Maison 1888

Dine in luxury at the Intercontinental Da Nang with French fine dining and spectacular views. Reservation recommended.
USD80 approx, 2h0m
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Day 7: Dynamic Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Enjoy a modern Vietnamese breakfast and great coffee in this stylish cafe. Opens at 7:00am.
VND70000, 1h0m

8:30am

War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam’s history and the impacts of the Vietnam War through poignant exhibits. Open 7:30am-6:00pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

11:00am

Reunification Palace

Tour this iconic building that witnessed the end of the Vietnam War, complete with period furnishings. Open 7:30am-4:00pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ben Thanh Market Food Stalls

Sample various Vietnamese street foods at this bustling market, open until evening.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Visit this French-colonial cathedral located in the centre of the city with its distinctive twin bell towers.
VND0, 30m

2:45pm

Saigon Central Post Office

Explore this grand post office building, a beautiful example of French architecture still in operation.
VND0, 30m

4:00pm

Shopping at Saigon Square

Browse affordable clothes, souvenirs, and accessories in this popular indoor market. Open until 9:00pm.
VND0 (shopping varies), 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy traditional southern Vietnamese cuisine in a charming house setting, open until late.
VND150000, 1h30m
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