7-Day Immersive Vietnam Travel Itinerary: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Historic Hanoi Introduction

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start the day with traditional Hanoi-style pho at Pho Thin, a beloved local spot known for its flavorful broth and tender beef.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Temple of Literature

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, to admire the serene gardens and traditional Vietnamese architecture.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake Walk

Take a peaceful walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple on the small island, and enjoy the lively street atmosphere.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy the famous Hanoi dish Bun Cha served with grilled pork and fresh herbs at Bun Cha Huong Lien, known internationally.
VND70000, 1h

2:00pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through fascinating exhibits showcasing cultural artifacts and traditional houses.
VND40000, 2h

5:00pm

Evening Old Quarter Stroll and Coffee

Wander through the Old Quarter’s vibrant streets and try Vietnamese egg coffee at Cafe Giang, a local classic.
VND40000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Relish the iconic Hanoi dish Cha Ca, featuring turmeric fish sautéed with dill and served with noodles.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Ha Long Bay

Travel roughly 3.5 hours southeast from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, preparing for a scenic cruise.
Included in tour package, 3h30m

11:00am

Ha Long Bay Boat Cruise

Embark on a boat cruise to admire limestone karsts and emerald waters; includes cave visits and a seafood lunch onboard.
USD100, 5h

4:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi in the late afternoon for a restful evening.
Included, 3h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Sample a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese street foods in a comfortable garden setting.
VND100000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Exploration

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Ninh Binh

Drive 2 hours south from Hanoi to the stunning landscape of Ninh Binh, known as the 'Halong Bay on land.'
VND300000, 2h

9:30am

Boat trip at Tam Coc

Enjoy a relaxing sampan boat ride through rice paddies and limestone caves along the Ngo Dong River.
VND150000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chez Loan Restaurant

Taste local specialties like goat meat and rice vermicelli in a scenic riverside venue.
VND120000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Climb the stone steps to explore pagodas built into limestone cliffs with spectacular views.
VND30000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Walk through the former ancient capital’s temples and ruins surrounded by natural beauty.
VND20000, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi for the night and prepare for next day’s flight south.
VND300000, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Green Tangerine

Enjoy upscale French-Vietnamese cuisine in a beautiful colonial villa setting in Hanoi Old Quarter.
VND400000, 2h
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Day 4: Royal Hue Visit

Hue, Vietnam on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Flight Hanoi to Hue

Take an early morning flight (1h15m) to Hue, the former imperial capital in central Vietnam.
USD50, 1h15m

10:00am

Imperial City (Citadel)

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site with its palaces, temples, and moat showcasing Vietnam’s royal history.
VND150000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Try classic Hue specialties like Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) at this popular local restaurant.
VND100000, 1h

2:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit this iconic riverside pagoda with peaceful gardens and a rich spiritual history.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Boat ride on the Perfume River

Relax with a scenic boat trip enjoying views of Hue’s monuments and riverbanks.
VND100000, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Dong Ba Market

Browse the busy market stalls for souvenirs, local snacks, and atmosphere.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Experience an elegant meal featuring royal Hue cuisine in a traditional setting.
VND300000, 2h
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Day 5: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Drive Hue to Hoi An

Travel 3 hours south to the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An, famous for its preserved ancient architecture.
VND400000 (private car), 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Morning Glory

Enjoy local specialties like Cao Lau noodles in Hoi An’s charming Old Town at this well-known restaurant.
VND150000, 1h

1:00pm

Walking Tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore lantern-lit streets, centuries-old temples, historic houses, and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
VND120000, 2h

3:30pm

Tailor Shopping Experience

Visit a reputable tailor shop to create custom clothing from numerous fabric choices.
Varies, 1h30m

5:30pm

Sunset at An Bang Beach

Relax on the sandy shores and watch a spectacular sunset on the coast near Hoi An.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Dine with river views featuring creative Vietnamese fusion cuisine.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Da Nang Highlights

Da Nang, Vietnam on June 8, 2025

8:30am

Travel to Da Nang

Short 30-minute drive from Hoi An to the dynamic city of Da Nang with beautiful beaches and modern attractions.
VND150000, 30m

9:00am

Visit Marble Mountains

Climb and explore limestone hills dotted with caves, pagodas, and panoramic city views.
VND40000, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Mi Quang Ba Mua

Taste Da Nang’s famous Mi Quang noodle dish fresh from a local favorite eatery.
VND60000, 1h

1:00pm

Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

View the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts in a peaceful museum setting.
VND40000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Unwind on one of Vietnam's most famous beaches with golden sand and clear waters.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dragon Bridge Fire Show

Witness the spectacular weekend fire and water show from this iconic Da Nang bridge (check schedule).
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner with river views and contemporary ambiance.
VND350000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Flight Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly roughly 1.5 hours to Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis for your final day of exploration.
USD50, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at L’Usine

Start with a modern Vietnamese and Western fusion breakfast in a stylish café beloved by locals and expats.
VND120000, 1h

10:30am

War Remnants Museum

Visit this powerful museum documenting the Vietnam War through compelling displays and photography.
VND40000, 2h

12:45pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Savor arguably the best bowl of pho in Ho Chi Minh City at this iconic restaurant.
VND60000, 1h

2:00pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Explore two historic French colonial landmarks located close to each other in downtown Saigon.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and delicious street food in this bustling market hub.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Rooftop Drinks at Chill Skybar

Relax with panoramic city views and cocktails at one of Ho Chi Minh City's most popular rooftop bars.
Varies, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

End your Vietnam journey with authentic southern Vietnamese cuisine in a charming historical venue.
VND250000, 2h
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