10-Day Immersive Vietnam Adventure: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Historic Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a savory bowl of traditional Hanoi Pho, renowned for its rich broth and fresh herbs. Pho Bat Dan opens early to serve authentic Vietnamese noodle soup.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Old Quarter

Walk through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets lined with shops and colonial architecture, giving a glimpse into the city's vibrant history and culture.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and fresh herbs, at the famous Bun Cha Huong Lien, made iconic by former President Obama’s visit.
VND75000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, a scenic and spiritual spot in the heart of Hanoi, perfect to relax and experience local life.
VND30000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Learn about Vietnam’s history under French colonial rule and the Vietnam War at Hoa Lo Prison Museum, also known as Hanoi Hilton.
VND30000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Experience Hanoi’s signature dish, Cha Ca, turmeric-marinated fish fried with dill and served with noodles, at the family-run Cha Ca La Vong restaurant dating back 140 years.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Halong Bay

Depart from Hanoi early morning for a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay, famous for its towering limestone karsts and emerald waters.
VND400000, 3h30m

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Board your cruise boat for a 2-day overnight tour exploring the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay, including caves, fishing villages, and kayaking opportunities.
USD150, 2d0h

12:00pm

Lunch Onboard

Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch on the boat while cruising through the bay’s spectacular scenery.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Visit Sung Sot Cave, the largest and one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

4:00pm

Kayaking or Swimming

Choose either to kayak around the limestone islands or swim in the calm bay waters for a refreshing experience.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner on board

Enjoy a sunset seafood dinner with Vietnamese cuisine while admiring the serene bay at dusk.
Included in cruise, 1h30m
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Day 3: Return & Hanoi Museums

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Tai Chi on Deck

Start the day with a calming Tai Chi session on the deck of your cruise to appreciate the tranquil beauty of dawn over the bay.
Included in cruise, 0h30m

8:00am

Breakfast on board

Enjoy a light breakfast before disembarking the boat and traveling back to Hanoi.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

10:00am

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi with a comfort stop on the way; expect approximately 3.5 hours drive.
Included in cruise, 3h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Dine at KOTO, a social enterprise restaurant that trains disadvantaged youth, offering excellent Vietnamese fusion dishes.
VND120000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore diverse cultures of Vietnam’s ethnic groups through engaging exhibits and outdoor traditional houses.
VND40000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a wide variety of Vietnamese street food dishes in a charming garden setting at Quan An Ngon.
VND100000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Imperial Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Hue

Morning flight from Hanoi to Hue (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes) to explore the former imperial capital of Vietnam.
USD70, 1h15m

9:00am

Breakfast at Ancient Hue

Taste authentic Hue specialties, including Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup, to start your imperial day.
VND60000, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Imperial City (The Citadel)

Visit Hue’s UNESCO World Heritage site, the Imperial City, including palaces, temples, and the Forbidden Purple City, to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s royal history.
VND150000, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Hue cuisine including dishes like Nem Lui (grilled pork skewers) at this popular local spot.
VND90000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the historic Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, an iconic symbol of Hue with peaceful gardens and architecture.
VND30000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine in elegant colonial surroundings, enjoying a mix of French and Vietnamese fusion cuisine.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hoi An Arrival

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Drive along the scenic Hai Van Pass to Hoi An, offering breathtaking views of coastline and mountains; approximately 3.5 hours trip.
VND700000 (car hire), 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savor authentic Hoi An dishes such as Cao Lau noodles and White Rose dumplings at this highly rated restaurant in the old town.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Check-in and relax

Check-in at your accommodation in Hoi An and rest before an afternoon stroll.
Varies, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander through Lantern-lit streets visiting historic houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and vibrant markets in the well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Entrance fee VND120000, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bale Well

Try this casual spot known for grilled meat wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs, a local favorite Hoi An dish.
VND90000, 1h0m
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Day 6: Hoi An & Beach

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Espresso Station

Enjoy specialty coffee and fresh pastries at this popular café, getting your energy for a day of sightseeing and relaxing.
VND70000, 1h0m

9:30am

Bike to An Bang Beach

Rent a bicycle and take a pleasant 15-minute ride to An Bang Beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and local seafood snacks.
VND20000 (bike rental), 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Soul Kitchen

Dine beachfront enjoying fresh seafood and Vietnamese fusion dishes in a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.
VND120000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hoi An Tailor Visit

Visit a reputable tailor in Hoi An to custom-make clothing or souvenirs to take home, a signature experience in the town.
Varies, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Enjoy creative dishes blending Vietnamese flavors with international influences, perfect for a memorable last meal in Hoi An.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Da Nang Excursion

Da Nang, Vietnam on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Da Nang

A short 45-minute drive brings you to Da Nang, a modern city with beaches, bridges, and nearby mountains.
VND350000 (car hire), 0h45m

9:00am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong

Taste some of Vietnam’s best Banh Mi sandwiches at this legendary spot in the Da Nang market area.
VND30000, 0h45m

10:00am

Marble Mountains

Explore the Marble Mountains’ caves, pagodas, and viewpoints offering panoramic views of the city and ocean.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Madam Lan

Enjoy classic central Vietnamese dishes with fresh herbs and local spices in a cozy setting.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:00pm

My Khe Beach Relaxation

Spend your afternoon relaxing or swimming at My Khe Beach, known for its soft sandy shore and clear water.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner by the Han River

Choose from various riverside restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood as you watch the Dragon Bridge's nightly fire and water show.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Coastal Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Fly to Nha Trang

Morning flight from Da Nang to Nha Trang, famous for its beaches and offshore islands.
USD50, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of traditional and modern Vietnamese dishes by the beach in a friendly atmosphere.
VND100000, 1h0m

10:30am

Po Nagar Cham Towers

Visit these ancient Cham temple towers offering insight into Vietnam’s Cham heritage with views over the Cai River.
VND22000, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sailing Club

Dine by the beach at this popular spot known for fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere.
VND180000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Relax at Tran Phu Beach

Spend your afternoon lounging on the sand or swimming in the calm waters of Nha Trang’s main beach.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Louisiane Brewhouse

Enjoy craft beer and seafood dishes overlooking the river, perfect for an evening out in Nha Trang.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Dalat Highlands

Dalat, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Dalat

Travel from Nha Trang to Dalat, around 3.5-hour scenic drive into the Central Highlands known for cooler climate and French colonial architecture.
VND700000, 3h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at An Cafe Dalat

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local coffee and fresh pastries in a charming garden setting.
VND70000, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Valley of Love

Explore this picturesque park famous for its romantic gardens, lakes, and whimsical sculptures, offering relaxing nature walks.
VND60000, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Le Chalet Dalat

Taste hearty European-Vietnamese fusion dishes in a cozy alpine-style restaurant.
VND130000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Crazy House Visit

Tour this unconventional, maze-like architectural wonder with surrealistic design and creative rooms.
VND60000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Nhà hàng Đà Lạt Xưa

Experience traditional Vietnamese dishes with Dalat’s unique snowy vegetable and mushroom specialties.
VND90000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning flight from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's bustling southern metropolis.
USD60, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at L’Usine Café

Start your day with a western-style breakfast and Vietnamese coffee in a chic cafe setting located in the city center.
VND120000, 1h0m

9:30am

War Remnants Museum

Visit this sobering museum that details the impact of the Vietnam War with extensive photographic and artifact displays.
VND40000, 2h0m

11:30am

Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral

Explore these iconic French colonial landmarks located close to each other downtown, reflecting Saigon’s history and architecture.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy a quintessential bowl of Pho Bo at one of Ho Chi Minh City’s longest-standing Pho restaurants.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Cu Chi Tunnels Afternoon Tour

Take a half-day tour to the extensive Cu Chi Tunnels, which provide insight into Viet Cong guerrilla tactics during the war. Tours operate typically until 4:30 pm.
USD30, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Celebrate your final night in Vietnam with riverside dining, enjoying upscale Vietnamese and international cuisine in a relaxing atmosphere.
VND350000, 1h30m
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