7-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Vietnam

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Enjoy a traditional Northern Vietnamese beef pho in this famous local spot, perfect for starting your day with authentic flavors.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

See the iconic resting place of Vietnam's revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, a key historical and cultural site. Note it closes at 11:00am on weekdays.
VND0, 1h0m

11:15am

Walk around the Old Quarter

Explore narrow streets filled with shops, street vendors, and colonial architecture to experience Hanoi’s vibrant street life.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Try Hanoi’s specialty dish, Cha Ca (turmeric fish with dill), in this historic restaurant open from 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam's first national university, a serene complex dedicated to Confucius, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy a peaceful walk around the iconic central lake and see Ngoc Son Temple on the small island.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful garden setting, open daily till late evening.
VND200000, 1h30m

8:30pm

Watch a Water Puppet Show

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry at Thang Long Puppet Theater, shows at 8:00pm daily.
VND100000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Halong Bay

Depart early from Hanoi for the 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for limestone karsts and emerald waters.
Included in tour price, 3h30m

10:30am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Begin a scenic cruise on in a traditional wooden junk boat, including visits to caves and floating villages. Cruises usually operate from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
USD100, 5h30m

12:30pm

Lunch on board

Enjoy fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes served on the boat while cruising through breathtaking scenery.
Included with cruise, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi, arriving early evening for overnight stay.
Included in tour price, 3h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at KOTO

Dine at this well-known social enterprise restaurant offering delicious Vietnamese dishes with a mission to train disadvantaged youth.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Nature

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Ninh Binh

Depart Hanoi for a 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh, known as the 'Halong Bay on land' for its scenic limestone karsts and rivers.
Private transport approx VND700000, 2h0m

10:00am

Boat ride at Tam Coc

Take a relaxing sampan boat ride through rice paddies and caves along the Ngo Dong River; rides operate 8:00am-5:00pm.
VND150000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at family-run local restaurant

Try traditional Vietnamese dishes made from locally sourced ingredients in a countryside setting.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore a stunning complex of temples nestled into limestone mountains, open until 5:00pm.
VND20000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Climb Mua Cave viewpoint

Ascend 500 steps for panoramic views of the Tam Coc area and surrounding countryside.
VND100000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi for overnight stay.
Private transport approx VND700000, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Bun Cha dish, a Hanoi barbecue pork and noodle specialty, open until 8:30pm.
VND60000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Imperial Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Hue

Take a morning 1-hour flight from Hanoi to Hue to explore the former imperial capital of Vietnam.
USD50, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit the Imperial Citadel

Explore the vast UNESCO World Heritage site housing palaces, temples and museums, open 8:00am-5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Ancient Hue

Enjoy authentic Hue royal cuisine in a traditional setting, open 10:00am-10:00pm.
VND200000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Boat trip on Perfume River

Take a peaceful boat ride to visit Thien Mu Pagoda and royal tombs, operating mostly in daylight until 5:00pm.
VND120000, 2h0m

3:30pm

Visit Tu Hieu Pagoda

Explore a beautiful and tranquil pagoda surrounded by gardens, a spiritual retreat open till 5:00pm.
VND40000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Jardin des Mets

Dine on French-Vietnamese fusion dishes crafted with local ingredients in a cozy ambiance.
VND300000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Historic Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Hoi An

Travel 3 hours from Hue to picturesque Hoi An, known for its ancient lantern-lit streets.
Private transport VND1000000, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savor authentic Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau noodles in this popular heritage restaurant open 10am-10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Ancient Town

Wander UNESCO-listed streets filled with historical houses, Chinese temples, and quaint markets; open daily.
VND120000 entry ticket, 3h0m

4:30pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

See this iconic 16th-century bridge featuring unique architecture and history, open all day.
Included with Ancient Town ticket, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner by the Riverside

Enjoy fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes at Mango Mango Restaurant, known for views and great ambiance.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Coastal Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam on June 2, 2025

9:00am

Travel to Da Nang

Short 45-min drive from Hoi An to Da Nang famous for its beaches and modern architecture.
Private transport approx VND400000, 45m

10:00am

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend the morning soaking up sun and swimming at one of Vietnam’s most beautiful sandy beaches, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bé Mặn Restaurant

Taste authentic Central Vietnamese dishes in a casual atmosphere, open 10am-10pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Marble Mountains

Climb and explore caves, pagodas, and viewpoints in this cluster of limestone hills, open 7:00am-5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

5:00pm

See Dragon Bridge

View the impressive Dragon Bridge that spans the Han River, spectacular when illuminated at night.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang

Enjoy a scenic dinner by the Han River, offering fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch a morning flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's bustling southern metropolis.
USD50, 1h30m

9:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore powerful exhibitions detailing Vietnam War history. Open 7:30am-6:00pm daily.
VND40000, 1h30m

11:15am

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Shop local handicrafts, food, clothing and souvenirs in this vibrant central market open 6:00am-6:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Dine on famous Southern-style pho at one of Saigon’s best-loved restaurants open until late.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Admire these historic French colonial landmarks located close to each other in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, open daily.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Discover one of Saigon’s most atmospheric Buddhist temples with intricate statues, open till 6:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Relish traditional Vietnamese home-style cooking in a charming, rustic setting.
VND250000, 1h30m
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