Comprehensive Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Journey: Cultural Highlights and Culinary Delights from June 14 to June 24

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a traditional bowl of pho, Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, at this famous spot known for its rich broth and fresh ingredients.
VND60,000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the charming Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island, a peaceful cultural site in central Hanoi.
VND30,000, 1h

11:00am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for its narrow lanes filled with shops, street vendors, and vibrant local life.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Bun Cha, Hanoi’s famous grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, at the restaurant made famous by President Obama’s visit.
VND100,000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Experience Vietnamese history by visiting the mausoleum and learning about the country’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance showcasing folk tales and local culture, a unique theatrical experience.
VND100,000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Dine on Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi specialty of grilled fish with turmeric and dill, served in a lively traditional restaurant.
VND200,000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Fly to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kinh Do Bakery

Grab a quick Vietnamese-style breakfast with banh mi or pastries at this popular local bakery.
VND50,000, 1h

9:00am

Flight to Hue

Take a morning flight from Hanoi to Hue, approximately a 1.5-hour journey south grabbing potential views of the countryside from the air.
USD50-70, 2h including airport time

12:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy authentic central Vietnamese cuisine including Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup specialty of the region.
VND120,000, 1h

1:30pm

Explore the Imperial City

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring historic palaces, temples, and walls of the former Nguyen dynasty capital.
VND150,000, 3h

5:00pm

Perfume River Boat Ride

Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the scenic Perfume River at sunset, a peaceful way to end your day in Hue.
VND120,000, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Try traditional Hue dishes highlighted by intricate royal recipes in an elegant setting.
VND250,000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Hue to Hoi An

Travel and Hoi An, Vietnam on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Start the day in beautiful surroundings with a French-Vietnamese fusion breakfast in a cozy garden setting.
VND150,000, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Hoi An

Scenic 3-hour drive via Hai Van Pass offering breathtaking coastal views, leading to the charming UNESCO town of Hoi An.
Approx USD25 for private transfer, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savor authentic Hoi An dishes such as Cao Lau noodles and white rose dumplings at this well-known local eatery.
VND150,000, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Visit historic sites, riverside streets, and vibrant markets in this beautifully preserved town rich with Chinese, Japanese, and European influences.
VND120,000 (entry ticket), 3h

6:00pm

Sunset at An Bang Beach

Relax and enjoy the sunset along the sandy shores of An Bang Beach just a short ride from town.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Cargo Club

Enjoy a mix of Western and Vietnamese cuisine by the riverside with lovely ambience and great desserts.
VND300,000, 1.5h
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Day 4: Hoi An Culture & Cooking

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Hoi An Cooking Class

Join a half-day cooking class to learn traditional Vietnamese recipes starting with a visit to the local market to buy fresh ingredients.
USD40-50, 5h

1:00pm

Enjoy your cooked meal

Savor the dishes you cooked during the class for lunch, an immersive culinary experience.
Included in cooking class, 1h

2:30pm

Free Afternoon

Relax or explore further on your own; consider cycling to nearby villages or visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge again at leisure.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bale Well

Sample local street-style food where you can wrap grilled meat and herbs in rice paper – a Hoi An specialty.
VND100,000, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Hoi An to Nha Trang

Travel and Nha Trang, Vietnam on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Espresso Station

Quick and quality coffee and breakfast options for a good start before travel.
VND80,000, 1h

9:00am

Flight to Nha Trang

Fly from Da Nang (near Hoi An) to Nha Trang, approximately 1 hour, to enjoy the coastal city with famous beaches and resorts.
USD40-60, 2h including transfers

12:00pm

Lunch at Lac Canh Restaurant

Try their specialty grilled beef barbecue served with rice paper and fresh herbs – a local favorite.
VND200,000, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Tran Phu Beach

Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and swimming at Nha Trang’s main beach lined with cafes and bars.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers

Explore these ancient Cham towers built between the 7th and 12th centuries, an important cultural landmark in Nha Trang.
VND22,000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sailing Club Nha Trang

Enjoy seaside dining with a variety of seafood and international dishes in a vibrant setting.
VND350,000, 1.5h
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Day 6: Nha Trang Relax

Nha Trang, Vietnam on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Workshop Coffee

Start with excellent specialty coffee and light breakfast in a stylish café.
VND90,000, 1h

9:30am

Island Hopping Tour

Take a full-day boat tour visiting nearby islands like Hon Mun for snorkeling and Hon Tam for beach time and water activities.
USD25-40, 6h

4:00pm

Return and Relax

Relax back at your hotel or wander the beachfront promenade as evening sets in.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes with a cozy ambiance and friendly service.
VND250,000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 20, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at 4Ps Café

Enjoy Western-style breakfast with homemade cheese and fresh ingredients before your flight.
VND150,000, 1h

8:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning flight of about 1 hour take you to southern Vietnam’s bustling Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon.
USD30-50, 2h including airport time

11:00am

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Meal at one of the city's oldest pho establishments, known for its flavorful broth and fresh herbs.
VND70,000, 1h

12:30pm

War Remnants Museum

Visit this impactful museum offering insights into the Vietnam War and its consequences.
VND40,000, 2h

3:00pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Admire this iconic French colonial-era cathedral situated in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
Free, 30m

3:45pm

Central Post Office

Explore the grand and beautifully preserved colonial post office near the cathedral, a great photo spot.
Free, 30m

5:00pm

Ben Thanh Market

Dive into local life shopping for souvenirs, textiles, and tasting street food at the lively market.
Free entry, purchases vary, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese home-style cooking in a charming and rustic setting not far from the city center.
VND250,000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast with quality coffee and well-prepared Vietnamese or Western options in a stylish space.
VND150,000, 1h

9:30am

Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip

Half-day tour exploring the Cu Chi tunnels used during the Vietnam War, showcasing underground life of Viet Cong soldiers.
USD20-25, 5h

3:30pm

Return and Rest

Relax at your accommodation or explore nearby cafes along the Saigon River.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Dine on rooftop traditional Vietnamese cuisine with beautiful city views and a peaceful garden setting.
VND300,000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Day in Mekong Delta

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Mekong Delta Full-Day Tour

Spend the day exploring the Mekong Delta, visiting floating markets, local villages, and enjoying river boat rides.
USD35-50, 9h

5:30pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Return from the delta and relax after a full day of cultural immersion.
Included in tour, 1h

7:30pm

Light Dinner at Pho 2000

Casual evening meal at a well-known spot where former President Bill Clinton once dined, specializing in pho.
VND60,000, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City Leisure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'usine Le Loi

Trendy café offering great coffee, pastries, and breakfast with a modern vibe in the city center.
VND180,000, 1h

9:30am

Saigon Opera House Tour

Visit this French colonial landmark and if possible, watch a scheduled performance or explore the interior.
Free entry, performance tickets vary, 1h

11:00am

Museum of Vietnamese History

Explore exhibits detailing Vietnam’s rich history, artifacts, and culture, located in a beautiful colonial building.
VND40,000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hum Vegetarian

Taste creative vegetarian and vegan Vietnamese dishes in a peaceful garden setting.
VND200,000, 1h

2:30pm

Shopping and Walking at Dong Khoi Street

Browse boutiques, galleries and cafes along this boulevard, known as the heart of Ho Chi Minh City shopping.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Saigon Skydeck Visit

Enjoy panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City at sunset from the Bitexco Financial Tower's observation deck.
VND200,000, 1h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Quán Ăn Ngon

Celebrate your final night with a diverse array of authentic Vietnamese street food dishes in a charming setting.
VND250,000, 1.5h
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Day 11: Departure Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Lunch Lady

Enjoy one last bowl of delicious Vietnamese street food known for rotating daily noodle specials.
VND50,000, 1h

8:30am

Pack and Check-out

Prepare for departure from your hotel and transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight onward.
Taxi approx VND150,000, 2h
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