For the morning, try a bowl of piping hot pho at Pho Gia Truyen, one of Hanoi's most iconic pho shops. In the afternoon, head to Bun Cha Huong Lien, where former President Obama once dined on their signature dish. End the day with some street food at the Old Quarter Night Market.
Take a scenic boat tour of the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, featured in many movies for its gorgeous emerald waters and towering limestone cliffs. Enjoy fresh seafood cooked on board. Return to Hanoi and try some egg coffee at Cafe Giang, a local delicacy.
Visit the Imperial City, a 19th-century fortress and palace built by the Nguyen Dynasty. Sample some of the city's specialty dishes, such as Banh Khoai (stuffed pancakes) and Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup). End the day with a sunset boat ride on the Perfume River.
Wander the charming streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples, and French-colonial buildings. Take a cooking class to learn how to make Cao Lau, a regional noodle dish. End the day with some local beer at a riverside bar.
Take a dip in the crystal clear waters at My Khe Beach, one of Vietnam's most beautiful beaches. Visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture to learn about the ancient Cham civilization. In the evening, try some seafood at Ba Thoi or Bun Cha Ca Hoang, two of Da Nang's most famous eateries.
Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War from a local perspective. Feast on street food at the Ben Thanh Night Market. End the day with a visit to the Bitexco Financial Tower, the highest building in the city, for panoramic views and a drink at the sky bar.
Take a boat tour of the Mekong Delta, the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, where much of the country's agricultural production takes place. Visit local farms and villages to learn about traditional farming and fishing methods. Sample fresh fruit and coconuts. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a final bowl of pho.
Don't miss out on the chance to try Vietnamese coffee, which is often served with sweetened condensed milk. Also consider taking a side trip to Sapa, a mountain town known for its rice terraces and ethnic minority tribes. To make the most of your trip, try to book accommodations and tours in advance. Safe travels!