7-Day Vietnam Adventure from New Delhi: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Arrival and Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a hearty bowl of pho, Hanoi’s signature noodle soup, at this local favorite known for its rich broth and fresh ingredients.
VND30000, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you can see traditional Vietnamese architecture and shop for local crafts.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles and herbs, at the restaurant made famous by President Obama’s visit.
VND50000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Relax by the serene lake and visit this iconic temple in the city center, perfect for photos and cultural insight.
VND30000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university and its beautiful traditional architecture, open 8am-5pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try the unique Cha Ca dish featuring turmeric fish and dill, a true Hanoi delicacy.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 2: Hanoi Museums and Culture

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Sip on the famous egg coffee, a creamy local specialty, at this iconic cafe.
VND40000, 1h0m

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visit the resting place of Vietnam’s beloved leader, open 8am-11am (closed Mondays and Fridays), so plan accordingly.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

One Pillar Pagoda

Adjacent to the Mausoleum, this unique lotus-shaped temple is a must-see.
Free, 0h30m

11:15am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore exhibits on Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, open 8am-5pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine while supporting a charitable vocational training restaurant for disadvantaged youth.
Approx VND100000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Water Puppet Show

Catch a traditional water puppet performance at Thang Long Theatre, shows usually at 3pm and 4:30pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Sample a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful garden setting.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 3: Halong Bay Day Trip

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Halong Bay

Start early for the 3.5-hour drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay for a day cruise (pre-book morning tours).
USD100 approx (tour), 4h0m

11:00am

Halong Bay Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat cruise around the limestone karsts, with options for kayaking and visiting caves, typically 4-5 hours.
Included in tour, 5h0m

4:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi by road after the tour.
Included in tour, 3h30m

8:00pm

Light Dinner at Pho Thin

Have a late dinner with Hanoi’s popular grilled beef pho, perfect after a long day.
VND60000, 1h0m

Day 4: Historic Hue City

Hue, Vietnam on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Flight Hanoi to Hue

Take an early morning flight (about 1 hour) to Hue to maximize your day.
USD50-70, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at local cafe in Hue

Try Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup famous in the city.
VND40000, 1h0m

10:30am

Imperial City (The Citadel)

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the ancient imperial capital, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Taste authentic Hue royal cuisine with elegant dishes.
Approx VND130000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit this iconic seven-story pagoda by the Perfume River, a symbol of Hue.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax along Perfume River

Enjoy a peaceful walk or boat ride along the scenic riverbanks.
Boat ride approx VND100000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine in a French colonial-style villa with delicious fusion dishes.
Approx VND200000, 1h30m

Day 5: Hoi An Charm

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Travel Hue to Hoi An

Take a 3-hour car or bus ride south to Hoi An, a well-preserved ancient town.
VND150000 approx, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savor traditional Hoi An dishes in this renowned restaurant.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through lantern-lit streets, vibrant markets, and historic buildings open till evening.
VND120000 entry ticket for historic sites, 3h0m

4:30pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

A serene and iconic symbol of Hoi An’s history and multicultural past.
Included in entry ticket, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy riverside dining with delicious Vietnamese and Western options.
VND180000, 1h30m

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Flight Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

Take an early flight (~1.5 hours) to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling southern hub.
USD50-70, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at L'usine

Start your day with French-inspired coffee and pastries at this trendy cafe.
VND70000, 1h0m

10:30am

War Remnants Museum

A sobering but insightful museum chronicling the impact of the Vietnam War, open 7:30am-6pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Try a classic southern-style pho in this beloved restaurant.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and Central Post Office

Explore these landmark French colonial buildings in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and street food at this vibrant market.
Free entry, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop Restaurant

Dine on authentic Vietnamese dishes with city views in a relaxed rooftop setting.
Approx VND200000, 1h30m

Day 7: Cu Chi Tunnels & Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Explore the extensive underground tunnel system used during the Vietnam War on a half-day morning tour that includes transport, usually from 7am to 12pm.
USD40-50, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pho Le

Enjoy southern Vietnamese pho after your tour, known for flavorful broth.
VND60000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Airport Transfer

Head to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight back to New Delhi.
VND300000 taxi, 1h0m