7-Day Vietnam Exploration from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy an authentic bowl of Hanoi’s famous Pho, known for its rich broth and fresh herbs, the perfect start to your Vietnam adventure.
VND60000, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the picturesque lake and visit the historic temple on the small island, a peaceful urban retreat.
VND30000, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the iconic Hanoi dish, Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and herbs, famously eaten by President Obama.
VND70000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore this historic Confucian temple and Vietnam’s first university, showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture and gardens.
VND30000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, famous for its narrow lanes and vibrant street life.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Dine on Hanoi’s specialty dish, Cha Ca—a flavorful turmeric fish grilled at your table with dill and peanuts.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Halong Bay

Depart early from Hanoi to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.
VND350000, 3h30m

11:00am

Halong Bay Day Cruise

Join a scenic cruise exploring caves and islands, enjoy kayaking and seafood lunch on board.
USD80, 6h0m

5:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi for overnight stay after a relaxing day on the bay.
Included in earlier cost, 3h30m

Day 3: Ninh Binh Nature

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Ninh Binh

Head south from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, known as ‘Halong Bay on land’ with its spectacular karst landscape.
VND200000, 2h0m

10:00am

Boat Ride in Tam Coc

Enjoy a peaceful sampan boat ride through rice paddies beneath limestone cliffs along the Ngo Dong River.
VND150000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant Tam Coc Garden

Savor traditional Vietnamese dishes in a relaxed garden setting near the river.
VND100000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Climb up to this serene pagoda set in limestone caves with panoramic views of the countryside.
VND20000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi to prepare for the evening flight the next day.
VND200000, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon Hanoi

Try a variety of regional dishes from across Vietnam in a lively, beautifully restored colonial villa.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 4: Fly to Da Nang / Hoi An

Da Nang, Vietnam on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Fly Hanoi to Da Nang

Morning flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, gateway to the historic town of Hoi An.
USD50, 1h20m

10:00am

Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town

Short drive to Hoi An, famous for its well-preserved architecture and lantern-lit streets.
VND150000, 45m

11:00am

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Visit historic houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and vibrant markets.
VND120000, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Dine on regional specialties in a charming setting within the town center.
VND150000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Tailor Shop Visit

Experience custom tailoring with quick turnaround for suits or dresses, popular in Hoi An.
Varies, 1h30m

6:00pm

Sunset at An Bang Beach

Relax on the sandy beach and enjoy a beautiful sunset and seaside atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bale Well

Try Hoi An specialties like white rose dumplings and grilled pork skewers in a lively local spot.
VND120000, 1h30m

Day 5: My Son Sanctuary & More Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Visit My Son Sanctuary

Half-day tour to the ancient Cham Hindu temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by jungle.
VND150000, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cargo Club

Enjoy an elegant lunch by the river with international and Vietnamese dishes.
VND200000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Afternoon Free Time

Explore Hoi An at leisure, shop or relax at your hotel.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Dine on creative Vietnamese fusion dishes with views of the Thu Bon River.
VND250000, 1h30m

Day 6: Fly Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 8, 2025

9:00am

Fly Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling southern economic hub of Vietnam.
USD60, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Sample southern style Pho, a rich and aromatic noodle soup, at one of Saigon's most famous eateries.
VND80000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam's history through powerful exhibits about the Vietnam War.
VND40000, 2h0m

3:30pm

Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Visit iconic French colonial landmarks in the heart of the city.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Experience vibrant street shopping, ideal for souvenirs, snacks, and local crafts.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy authentic southern Vietnamese cuisine in a charming, decorated house setting.
VND200000, 1h30m

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L’usine

Start your day with specialty coffee and Western or Vietnamese fusion breakfast in a stylish cafe.
VND120000, 1h0m

9:30am

Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour

Explore the historic underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War, located just outside the city.
USD25, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at The Lunch Lady

Enjoy rotating daily Vietnamese street food dishes featured on a famous travel show.
VND80000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Free afternoon

Relax, shop, or explore more of the city at your leisure ahead of your departure.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hoa Tuc

Savor modern Vietnamese cuisine in a trendy setting featuring local ingredients and innovative dishes.
VND300000, 1h30m