7-Day North to South Vietnam Itinerary: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at L'Usine, a popular café offering excellent coffee and pastries in a stylish setting.
VND150000, 1h

9:30am

War Remnants Museum

Explore the War Remnants Museum to understand Vietnam’s history through impactful exhibits showcasing the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective. Open 7:30am to 6:00pm.
VND40000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese pho at Pho 2000, a famous spot known for its traditional flavors and casual atmosphere.
VND60000, 1h

1:30pm

Ben Thanh Market

Visit Ben Thanh Market for shopping textiles, souvenirs, and street food. The market is open until 7:00pm, allowing time for exploration and bargaining.
Free entry, 2h

4:00pm

Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Walk to these iconic historical French colonial landmarks nearby for great photo opportunities and a taste of city atmosphere.
Free entry, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Dine at Cuc Gach Quan to enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming and cozy setting. Open until 10:30pm.
VND250000, 1.5h

Day 2: Cu Chi & City Tour

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Workshop Coffee

Fuel your day with artisanal coffee and light breakfast at The Workshop Coffee before heading out.
VND100000, 1h

8:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive network of tunnels used during the Vietnam War, offering an educational and immersive experience. Open 7:00am to 5:00pm.
VND110000, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy a traditional bowl of pho at Pho Hoa, one of the oldest and most popular pho restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.
VND70000, 1h

2:00pm

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Visit this beautiful and historic Taoist pagoda known for its intricate sculptures and peaceful ambiance. Open 7:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Stroll along this vibrant pedestrian street in the city center and enjoy street performances and cafes.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Have dinner at Secret Garden, a rooftop restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese food with a great atmosphere. Open until 10:00pm.
VND300000, 1.5h

Day 3: Fly to Da Nang & Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Have an early breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café to prepare for your morning flight.
VND80000, 1h

9:00am

Flight Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang

Fly from Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) to Da Nang International Airport; flight duration approximately 1.5 hours.
VND1500000, 1.5h

11:00am

Transfer to Hoi An

Travel from Da Nang airport to Hoi An Ancient Town, approx 30 minutes by taxi.
VND400000, 0.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Enjoy acclaimed central Vietnamese cuisine at Morning Glory in Hoi An, a culinary highlight of the town.
VND200000, 1h

1:30pm

Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its lantern-lined streets, traditional architecture, and vibrant markets. Open daily from 8:00am to 9:00pm.
VND120000 for ticket, 3h

5:00pm

Japanese Covered Bridge

Visit this iconic 16th-century bridge, one of Hoi An's most famous landmarks.
Included in town ticket, 0.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bale Well

Enjoy local specialties at Bale Well, known for its delicious grilled pork and fresh herbs. Open until 9:30pm.
VND180000, 1.5h

Day 4: Hoi An & My Son

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Des Amis

Start your morning with breakfast and coffee at Café Des Amis, overlooking the Thu Bon River.
VND120000, 1h

8:30am

My Son Sanctuary

Take a half-day trip to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Hindu temple ruins dating back to Cham civilization. Open 7:00am to 5:00pm.
VND150000, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Banh Mi Phuong

Savor the famous Hoi An banh mi sandwich at this cozy and popular spot near the old town.
VND40000, 1h

2:30pm

Relax or cycle around Hoi An

Rent a bicycle to explore the nearby rice paddies and peaceful countryside surrounding Hoi An at your own pace.
VND50000, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Enjoy dinner at Mango Mango featuring modern Vietnamese fusion cuisine along the riverside. Open until 10:00pm.
VND300000, 1.5h

Day 5: Fly to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before the flight to Hanoi.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to Da Nang Airport

Travel from Hoi An to Da Nang International Airport by taxi or shuttle (approx 30 mins).
VND400000, 0.5h

11:00am

Flight Da Nang to Hanoi

Fly from Da Nang to Hanoi; flight duration approx 1.5 hours.
VND1500000, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the famous bun cha, a Hanoi specialty of grilled pork with noodles, at Bun Cha Huong Lien, the restaurant known for hosting Barack Obama. Open 10:30am to 9:30pm.
VND120000, 1h

2:30pm

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Walk around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the small island with Ngoc Son Temple. Open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
VND30000, 1.5h

4:30pm

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the vibrant Old Quarter with its narrow streets full of shops, cafes, and colonial architecture.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Dine on the famous Hanoi dish, cha ca (grilled fish), at this renowned restaurant. Open until 10:00pm.
VND350000, 1.5h

Day 6: Hanoi Culture & Museums

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Start with breakfast and great coffee at Kafeville, popular for breakfast classics in Hanoi.
VND100000, 1h

8:30am

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Visit this historic museum which was once a prison used during French colonization and Vietnam War, to learn about Vietnam’s history. Open 7:30am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1.5h

10:30am

Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first national university and beautiful gardens at the Temple of Literature, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Sample a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes from street vendors set in a charming courtyard setting.
VND150000, 1h

1:30pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Visit the museum to gain insight into the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at West Lake

Enjoy a relaxing stroll or cafe break near West Lake, Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Dine at Home, a cozy restaurant offering modern Vietnamese cuisine with a warm ambiance. Open until 10:00pm.
VND250000, 1.5h

Day 7: Final Day - Hanoi Highlights

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Giang Café

Try traditional egg coffee and light breakfast at the famous Giang Café in the Old Quarter.
VND60000, 1h

8:30am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and One Pillar Pagoda area. The mausoleum is open 7:30am to 10:30am, closed Monday and Friday.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Lunch at Bun Thang Ba Duc

Enjoy bun thang, a delicate Hanoi noodle soup, at this famous local eatery.
VND90000, 1h

12:30pm

Fine Arts Museum

Explore the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum to appreciate Vietnamese art from ancient times to modern day. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 1.5h

2:30pm

Coffee break at Café Dinh

Unwind with coffee at Café Dinh, known for its relaxed vibe and local crowd.
VND50000, 1h

4:00pm

Departure preparation

Return to hotel to collect luggage and head to Noi Bai International Airport for departure.
VND400000 taxi fare, 1h