10-Day South to North Vietnam Itinerary from Chennai – Budget-Friendly Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & City Tour

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 5, 2025

10:00am

Arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport

Land in Ho Chi Minh City and check in to budget hotel or hostel near District 1 for convenience and affordability.
INR1500, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese Pho, a traditional noodle soup, at this popular eatery open daily from 8am to 10pm.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

War Remnants Museum

Explore compelling exhibits about the Vietnam War, open from 7:30am to 6pm, a must-see for history buffs.
INR240, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk around Ben Thanh Market

Experience vibrant local shopping and street food until 7pm, perfect for souvenir hunting and tasting delicacies.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

This restaurant offers delicious Vietnamese dishes in a welcoming atmosphere, open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 2: Mekong Delta Excursion

Mekong Delta, Vietnam on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a simple breakfast included with accommodation, energizing for a day trip.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Full-day Mekong Delta Tour

Join a guided tour exploring the delta’s unique river life, floating markets, and villages. Tours typically last 8-9 hours and operate from 7am to 5pm.
INR2200, 9h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P’s

Relax with some international flavors featuring fresh ingredients and local Vietnamese twists, open till 10pm.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 3: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'usine Cafe

Enjoy a blend of Vietnamese and western breakfast selections in a stylish setting, open from 8am to 10pm.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Explore the fascinating underground tunnels used during Vietnam War, open daily 7am-5pm, about 1.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City.
INR600, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at The Lunch Lady

Local street food vendor known for rotating delicious soups, open from 10am to 2pm.
INR200, 1h0m

4:00pm

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Visit this iconic French-colonial cathedral built in the late 1800s, open till 5:30pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, open till 10pm.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 4: Fly to Hanoi & City Intro

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 8, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast served before transfer to the airport for morning flight.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Flight to Hanoi from Ho Chi Minh City

Catch a 2-hour domestic flight; multiple budget airlines available with fares approx INR3500.
INR3500, 2h0m

11:00am

Check in to budget hotel in Old Quarter

Stay in a popular area offering easy access to top sites and street food.
INR1500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Famous for bun cha, grilled pork with noodles, open 10am - 8pm.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy the serene lake in the city center and visit the temple, open 8am to 6pm.
INR50, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Wander through bustling streets filled with shops, cafés, and street vendors until evening.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try the signature cha ca (grilled fish) dish, a Hanoi specialty, open till 9:30pm.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 5: Ha Long Bay Day Trip

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Ha Long Bay

Join a full-day guided tour from Hanoi visiting UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, includes cruise, kayaking and lunch. Tours run from 7am to 7pm.
INR5000, 12h0m

7:00pm

Return to Hanoi and rest

Relax after the long day and get ready for next day's adventure.
Free, N/A

Day 6: Hanoi Exploration & Travel to Sapa

Hanoi & Sapa, Vietnam on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Pho Co

Enjoy coffee and traditional Vietnamese breakfast with views over Hoan Kiem Lake, open 7am to 12pm.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Temple of Literature

Vietnam's first university and beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, open 8am-5pm.
INR100, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Thang Ba Duc

Try bun thang, a delicacy of Hanoi, open 8am to 2pm.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Afternoon train/bus to Sapa

Take an overnight bus or train (approx 6-8 hours) to Sapa, a mountain town with stunning rice terraces.
INR1200, 6h0m

Day 7: Sapa Trekking

Sapa, Vietnam on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Sapa

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with mountain views preparing for trekking.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Guided Trekking in Sapa

Explore terraced fields, ethnic minority villages, and stunning landscapes. Treks can last 4-6 hours. Tours generally operate from early morning till evening.
INR1500, 5h0m

3:00pm

Visit Sapa Market

Engage with local culture and shop handicrafts in the bustling market, open till 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Good Morning Vietnam Restaurant

Savor local and Vietnamese dishes after an active day, open 6pm - 10pm.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 8: Sapa & Return to Hanoi

Sapa & Hanoi, Vietnam on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for another morning stroll or relaxing before departure.
Included, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit Silver Waterfall & Heaven’s Gate

Short trip to natural attractions with scenic views, open all day.
INR200, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at local eatery

Taste Sapa specialties before departure.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Bus/train back to Hanoi

Return journey to Hanoi, reaching late evening.
INR1200, 6h0m

9:00pm

Late dinner near hotel

Light meal or street food nearby your accommodation.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 9: Hanoi Museum & Free Time

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before the day’s activities.
Included, 0h30m

9:30am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups through engaging exhibits, open 8am to 5:30pm.
INR150, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy delicious meals while supporting youth training programs, open 11:30am - 10pm.
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Free afternoon for shopping or exploring cafes in Old Quarter

Relax and explore at leisure.
Free, 4h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Taste a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a lively setting, open until 10pm.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 10: Departure

Hanoi / Chennai on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast & Checkout

Prepare for your flight back to Chennai with breakfast at hotel.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Transfer to Noi Bai Airport

Reach airport for international flight home. Flights from Hanoi to Chennai may require connection via Ho Chi Minh City or other hubs.
INR13000, N/A