7-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Vietnam

Day 1: Explore Hanoi Heritage

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy authentic Hanoi-style Pho at this popular local spot known for fresh ingredients and rich broth, open from 6am to 10pm.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic lake in the heart of Hanoi, then visit the temple on the small island, open daily 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h

11:00am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets with local shops and colonial architecture, perfect for shopping and photography.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try Hanoi’s famous grilled turmeric fish served with dill, open 10am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and peaceful traditional gardens, open 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, a unique cultural art form, with shows at 5pm and 7pm.
VND120000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Famous for serving bun cha, grilled pork with noodles, this place is a must-visit for food lovers, open until 9pm.
VND80000, 1h
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay

Travel by road to Halong Bay, approximately 3.5 hours from Hanoi.
VND250000, 3h30m

10:30am

Board Halong Bay Day Cruise

Set sail on a scenic cruise to explore limestone karsts and islands in UNESCO World Heritage Site, including cave visits and swimming options, typically 6-7 hours.
USD50, 6h

12:00pm

Lunch on board

Enjoy fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes as you admire the views.
Included in cruise, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi after the cruise, arriving in the evening.
Included, 3h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine on a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming colonial villa setting, open till 10pm.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Exploration

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Take a scenic 2-hour drive to the countryside of Ninh Binh.
VND200000, 2h

9:30am

Boat trip in Trang An Landscape Complex

Cruise through caves and limestone cliffs on a peaceful sampan boat, open 7am to 5pm.
VND200000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chookie’s Beer Garden

Enjoy a mix of local and western dishes with a relaxing atmosphere, open from 10am to 10pm.
VND100000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam with notable statues and peaceful grounds, open 7am to 6pm.
VND30000, 2h

4:00pm

Cycle around Van Long Nature Reserve

Rent a bike and discover verdant landscapes and rare wildlife habitats.
VND50000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi to prepare for next destination.
VND200000, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Home Restaurant

Taste authentic Northern Vietnamese cuisine with a cozy ambiance, open 11am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h
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Day 4: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

6:00am

Flight from Hanoi to Hue

Catch a morning flight (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes) to Hue city.
USD60, 1h15m

8:30am

Breakfast at Dong Ba Market

Sample local treats including bun bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup), open from early morning till late afternoon.
VND50000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Imperial City (The Citadel)

Explore the grand former royal palace and UNESCO site, open 8am to 5pm.
VND150000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy refined Hue specialties in a traditional setting, open 9am to 9pm.
VND100000, 1h

1:30pm

Tour Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh

Visit two outlandish royal tombs showcasing unique architectural styles, open 7am to 6pm.
VND70000, 2h

4:00pm

Perfume River boat ride

Relax on a scenic boat ride along the river famous in Vietnamese poetry and history, afternoon and evening rides available.
VND150000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Elegant dining with traditional royal cuisine in a heritage-style setting, open till 10pm.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Hue to Hoi An by road

Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive over Hai Van Pass to the charming town of Hoi An.
VND350000, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Relish traditional Central Vietnamese dishes in a restored old house, open 10am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Walk through lantern-lined streets, visit historic homes, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and vibrant markets, open all day.
Entry ticket VND120000 for main sites, 3h

4:30pm

Tailor fitting session

Visit one of Hoi An’s famous tailor shops to get custom clothing made, pick up times vary.
Prices vary, 1h

6:00pm

Sunset at An Bang Beach

Relax at the nearby beach with options to enjoy beachside cafes, open till late evening.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Cargo Club

Dine on a mix of Vietnamese and western cuisine with riverside seating, open until 10:30pm.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 6: Modern Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam on June 2, 2025

9:00am

Travel from Hoi An to Da Nang

Short 45-minute drive to Da Nang city.
VND100000, 45m

9:45am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong

Taste one of the best Banh Mi sandwiches in Vietnam, open from 7am to 8pm.
VND30000, 30m

10:30am

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore limestone hills with caves, temples and a great panoramic view, open 7am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Madam Lan

Enjoy tasty and authentic Central Vietnamese cuisine, open till 10pm.
VND120000, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon on this famous long white sandy beach, open all day.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Dragon Bridge

Walk along the iconic bridge and witness the nightly dragon breath fire show at 9pm on weekends and holidays.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy riverside dining with a mix of Vietnamese and international dishes open till 11pm.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch an early flight (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes), to Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis.
USD50, 1h20m

8:30am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Try famous Saigon style banh mi sandwiches, open from 6am to 9pm.
VND40000, 30m

9:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about the Vietnam War’s history through exhibits and photography, open 7:30am to 6pm.
VND40000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy authentic Southern Vietnamese pho, famously visited by Bill Clinton, open 8am to 10pm.
VND60000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Shop and explore this lively market with souvenirs, street food and local produce, open 6am to 7pm.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Admire French colonial architecture and take photos, open 7am to 7pm.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop

Experience rooftop dining with traditional Vietnamese flavors in an atmospheric setting, open till 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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