10-Day Budget-Friendly Vietnam Itinerary: Culture, Nature & Cuisine

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 29, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup breakfast at Pho Bat Dan, known for its flavorful broth and local atmosphere. Open from 6AM to 10AM.
USD2, 0h30m

9:30AM

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Take a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island, a peaceful historic site in the heart of Hanoi.
USD0, 1h

11:00AM

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to experience street markets, colonial architecture, and vibrant street life.
USD0, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the iconic bun cha dish, grilled pork served with noodles and herbs, famously favored by President Obama. Open from 10AM to 9PM.
USD3, 1h

2:30PM

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first university and admire the traditional Vietnamese architecture and tranquil gardens.
USD1.50, 1h

4:00PM

Water Puppet Show

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique cultural performance reflecting rural Vietnamese life. Open shows at 4PM and 6:30PM.
USD5, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting that replicates street food stalls. Open until 10PM.
USD6, 1h
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Day 2: Hanoi Museums & Markets

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Try traditional sticky rice dishes for a local breakfast experience. Open from 6AM to 9AM.
USD2, 0h30m

9:00AM

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the mausoleum and surrounding sites including the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house. Open 8AM-11AM and 2PM-4PM except Monday and Friday mornings.
USD0, 2h

11:30AM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore exhibits on the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam, with indoor and outdoor displays. Open 8AM-5:30PM.
USD2, 1h30m

1:30PM

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi grilled fish dish, prepared tableside in a unique style. Open 10:30AM to 9PM.
USD6, 1h

3:00PM

Vietnamese Women’s Museum

Gain insight into the role of Vietnamese women throughout history and culture. Open from 8AM-5PM.
USD1.50, 1h

5:00PM

Dong Xuan Market

Browse through Hanoi’s largest indoor market for souvenirs and local snacks. Closes at 7PM.
USD0, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Bun Thang Ba Duc

Taste bun thang, a traditional Hanoi noodle soup with layers of flavors. Open until 9PM.
USD3, 1h
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Day 3: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

7:00AM

Travel to Ninh Binh

Take a 2-hour bus or train ride to Ninh Binh, known as 'Halong Bay on land' for its limestone karsts and river scenery.
USD5, 2h

9:30AM

Boat Ride at Tam Coc

Enjoy a serene 2-hour sampan boat ride through river caves and surrounded by rice paddies and karst mountains.
USD6, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at local restaurant

Sample local specialties such as goat meat or river fish dishes in a modest restaurant near Tam Coc.
USD4, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore the scenic pagoda complex built into limestone mountains with beautiful views of the countryside.
USD1, 1h

3:00PM

Mua Cave Viewpoint

Climb 500 steps to panoramic views overlooking Tam Coc and the surrounding valleys.
USD1.50, 1h

4:30PM

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi by bus or train.
USD5, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at local street food stalls

Enjoy various inexpensive Vietnamese street food dishes near the Old Quarter, ideal for a budget-friendly dinner.
USD3, 1h
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Day 4: To Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 1, 2025

7:30AM

Travel to Halong Bay

Take a 4-hour shuttle bus to Halong Bay, famous for its stunning karst seascape.
USD10, 4h

12:00PM

Lunch on Cruise

Board a budget Halong Bay cruise serving freshly prepared seafood lunch with views of the limestone islands.
USD15, 1h

1:00PM

Cruise Activities

Enjoy kayaking or visit a cave on the cruise; typically included in budget cruise packages. Cruises generally run from 11AM to 5PM.
Included, 4h

5:00PM

Check into budget hotel in Halong City

Relax and explore the city on foot before dinner.
USD10, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at local seafood restaurant

Dine on fresh and affordable seafood dishes in Halong City near the harbor.
USD6, 1h
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Day 5: Halong Bay & Return

Halong Bay to Hanoi, Vietnam on June 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast included with your hotel or from a nearby café.
USD2, 0h30m

9:00AM

Visit Tuan Chau Island or Bai Tho Mountain

Explore Tuan Chau Island or hike Bai Tho Mountain for panoramic views of Halong Bay.
USD0, 2h

11:30AM

Lunch at local eatery

Enjoy casual dining with local Vietnamese dishes before departure.
USD5, 1h

1:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Take a shuttle bus back to Hanoi, approximately 4 hours by road.
USD10, 4h

5:30PM

Relax and light dinner at Hanoi street food

Pick from various street food options near your accommodation to keep the budget light.
USD3, 1h
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Day 6: Fly to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

7:00AM

Travel to Hanoi Airport

Take a taxi or shuttle to the airport for your domestic flight to Danang airport near Hoi An.
USD5, 1h

9:00AM

Flight from Hanoi to Danang

Flight time approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Low-cost carriers available within budget.
USD25, 1h20m

11:30AM

Taxi to Hoi An

Travel 45 minutes from Danang airport to Hoi An town by taxi or shuttle.
USD6, 0h45m

12:30PM

Lunch at Bale Well

Enjoy traditional Hoi An specialties including banh xeo and spring rolls. Open 9AM-9PM.
USD5, 1h

2:00PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Walk the lantern-lit streets, visit historic buildings, and unique shops in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
USD5 (entry ticket), 3h

5:30PM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Unwind on the nearby An Bang Beach, a quiet getaway just 4 km from town center.
USD0, 1h30m

7:30PM

Dinner at Morning Glory

Dine on authentic central Vietnamese cuisine in a beautiful colonial building. Open until 10PM.
USD6, 1h
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Day 7: Hoi An Culture & Craft

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hoi An Roastery

Start the day with Vietnamese coffee and light breakfast options. Open 7AM-10PM.
USD3, 0h45m

9:00AM

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

Take a bicycle tour to this organic farming village to learn about local agriculture and enjoy a peaceful rural landscape.
USD5, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at Ganesh Indian Restaurant

Enjoy a change of pace with some delicious and affordable Indian vegetarian and vegan dishes. Open 10AM-9PM.
USD5, 1h

2:00PM

Tailor Shop Visit & Shopping

Visit a tailor shop for custom clothing or browse for souvenirs and handicrafts in the ancient town.
USD0, 2h

4:30PM

Sunset at Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Explore traditional pottery making and enjoy sunset views by the river. Open until dusk.
USD0, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Streets Restaurant Cafe

Enjoy tasty Vietnamese and fusion dishes supporting local social projects. Open till 10PM.
USD6, 1h
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Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 5, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at local bakery

Grab pastries and coffee at a street bakery to start your day on the go.
USD2, 0h30m

8:00AM

Travel to Danang airport

Taxi or shuttle to Danang Airport from Hoi An.
USD6, 0h45m

10:00AM

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to Tan Son Nhat Airport from Danang with budget airlines, approximately 1.5 hours flight.
USD25, 1h30m

12:00PM

Taxi to hotel and check-in

Take a taxi from airport to your hotel in District 1.
USD5, 0h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Have a classic bowl of southern-style pho at Pho Hoa, open for lunch and dinner.
USD3, 1h

2:30PM

War Remnants Museum

Learn about the Vietnam War through powerful exhibits and photography. Open 7:30AM-6PM.
USD2, 2h

4:30PM

Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Visit two iconic French colonial landmarks located close to one another in downtown.
USD0, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at Ben Thanh Market food stalls

Sample a variety of affordable Vietnamese street food options in this bustling market open until late.
USD4, 1h
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Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels & City Life

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 6, 2025

7:00AM

Early breakfast at hotel

Quick local-style breakfast included or nearby café options.
USD2, 0h30m

7:30AM

Day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels

Visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels 1.5 hours away, to explore underground war tunnels. Open 7:30AM-5PM.
USD5 (bus) + USD5 (entrance), 6h

2:00PM

Lunch near Cu Chi site

Eat simple Vietnamese meals at local eateries near the tunnels.
USD4, 1h

4:30PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to the city, relax before dinner.
USD0, 1h30m

6:30PM

Dinner at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Try the famous and affordable banh mi sandwiches at one of Ho Chi Minh’s top spots.
USD2, 0h45m
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Day 10: Final Day Markets & Farewell

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at L’Usine Cafe

Enjoy a trendy cafe breakfast in the heart of the city in a converted colonial building. Open 7AM-10PM.
USD4, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Shop souvenirs and enjoy local snacks in this iconic vibrant market. Opens from early morning until 6PM.
USD0, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Propaganda Bistro

Savor creative Vietnamese fusion dishes in a lively, art-filled setting. Open till 10PM.
USD6, 1h

2:00PM

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Take a final relaxing stroll in this peaceful city park with sculptures and a small temple.
USD0, 1h30m

4:00PM

Prepare for departure

Return to hotel to pack and rest before heading to the airport as per your flight schedule.
USD0, Varies
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