7-Day Northern to Southern Vietnam Cultural and Scenic Tour

Day 1: Hanoi City Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with the iconic Vietnamese dish Pho at Pho Gia Truyen, a renowned local eatery famous for its authentic and flavorful beef noodle soup.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a central landmark in Hanoi, and visit the Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake. It's a serene cultural spot perfect for photos and reflection.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, famous for its bustling street markets, traditional shops, and colonial architecture. You can shop for souvenirs or try local street food snacks.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Bun Cha, a traditional Hanoi dish made of grilled pork and vermicelli noodles, at Bun Cha Huong Lien. This spot is well-known and even visited by former President Obama.
VND70000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore the Temple of Literature, which is Vietnam’s first national university and a stunning example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and gardens.
VND30000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at West Lake

Spend late afternoon relaxing by West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi. You can rent a bike to circle the lake or enjoy a coffee at a café overlooking the water.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try Cha Ca, a special Hanoi dish of grilled fish with turmeric and dill, at Cha Ca Thang Long, a restaurant famed for this localized delicacy.
VND150000, 1h30m

8:30pm

Watch a Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, a unique cultural performance that dates back centuries and showcases folklore with charming puppets on a water stage.
VND120000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Hanoi

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi to prepare for the day trip to Halong Bay.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Halong Bay

Drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay, approximately 3.5-4 hours, enjoying rural Vietnamese countryside views.
Transport VND500000, 4h0m

12:00pm

Board Halong Bay cruise

Begin a scenic cruise on UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay, known for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands topped with rainforests.
USD60, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch onboard cruise

Savor fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes on board while cruising through stunning limestone karsts and islands.
Included in cruise price, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)

Visit one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay featuring grand stalactites and stalagmites formations.
Included in cruise price, 1h0m

3:30pm

Kayaking or swimming

Enjoy optional kayaking or swimming activities in designated safe areas of the bay set by the cruise, for an immersive experience with nature.
Free with cruise, 1h0m

5:00pm

Sunset on the deck

Relax on deck as the sun sets over Halong Bay, providing remarkable photographic opportunities of the limestone karsts and tranquil waters.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner onboard cruise

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner featuring local specialties with impressive views of Halong Bay at night.
Included in cruise price, 1h30m

9:00pm

Overnight on cruise

Rest overnight on the cruise ship, waking up immersed in the beauty of Halong Bay.
Included in cruise price, Overnight
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Nature & History

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on cruise

Enjoy morning breakfast on your cruise as the day dawns over Halong Bay.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Disembark and travel to Ninh Binh

Return to shore and drive approximately 3 hours to Ninh Binh, known as ‘Halong Bay on land’ for its dramatic karst landscape.
Transport VND600000, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Take a peaceful boat ride through stunning caves and limestone mountains at this UNESCO World Heritage site, exploring Vietnam’s countryside beauty.
VND200000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Chookie’s Beer Garden

Have lunch with a view of the countryside at Chookie’s Beer Garden, known for its friendly atmosphere and international menu options.
VND150000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia, featuring impressive Buddhist statues and panoramic views from the top.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at Ninh Binh hotel

Relax and refresh at your hotel in Ninh Binh after a full day of sightseeing.
Varies, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at Lemon Grass restaurant

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a comfortable setting at Lemon Grass, a popular local restaurant in Ninh Binh.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Ninh Binh

Start your day with a good breakfast at the hotel to fuel your travel to Hue.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel from Ninh Binh to Hue

Fly from Hanoi airport (accessible via drive from Ninh Binh to Hanoi) to Hue, about 1 hour flight time. Alternatively, take an early train or bus (longer journey).
USD50 approx flight, 3h including transfers

12:00pm

Lunch at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine in a French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant offering an elegant atmosphere along with local specialties.
VND200000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Imperial City (The Citadel)

Tour the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, the historic royal palace of the Nguyen Dynasty with beautiful architecture and gardens.
VND150000, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Admire the iconic seven-story pagoda and its serene setting alongside the Perfume River, a symbol of Hue.
VND50000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Savor traditional Hue royal cuisine at Ancient Hue, known for its authentic, beautifully presented dishes.
VND300000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hoi An Cultural Heritage

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Hue

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before traveling to Hoi An.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel from Hue to Hoi An

Take a scenic 3-hour drive over the Hai Van Pass to the cultural town of Hoi An.
VND400000 taxi or private car, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in and lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Enjoy typical Hoi An dishes such as Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings in a lovely central restaurant.
VND150000, 1h30m

1:30pm

Explore Ancient Town

Walk through the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town with its charming lantern-lit streets, historic houses, and Japanese Covered Bridge.
VND120000 entrance ticket, 2h30m

4:00pm

Visit An Bang Beach

Relax or take a stroll on the nearby An Bang Beach, famous for its soft sand and calm waters.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Cargo Club

Enjoy an extensive menu of Vietnamese and international cuisine with a charming riverside view.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Da Nang Modern & Nature

Da Nang, Vietnam on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Hoi An

Begin the day with breakfast before heading to Da Nang, only 30 minutes away.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Da Nang and visit Marble Mountains

Drive to Da Nang and explore Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble and limestone hills housing caves, pagodas, and panoramic views.
VND40000, 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

Discover the history and art of the Cham people, with valuable statues and artifacts from the Cham civilization.
VND40000, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ba Duong Restaurant

Try Mi Quang, a regional noodle dish with pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs in this popular local spot.
VND60000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on My Khe Beach, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful sandy beaches with clear waters.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit Dragon Bridge

Enjoy an early evening walk along Da Nang’s iconic Dragon Bridge, especially impressive when lit up at night.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Dine on fresh seafood with views of the Han River and city skyline in a modern setting.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Da Nang

Have an early breakfast before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a 1.5-hour flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport).
USD70 approx flight, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore the impactful exhibits covering the Vietnam War and its consequences, providing deep historical context.
VND40000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Taste legendary Southern-style Pho at Pho Hoa, one of Saigon’s most respected noodle houses.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and Central Post Office

Marvel at these two iconic French colonial-era buildings located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Browse through a bustling market offering souvenirs, local handicrafts, and street food snacks.
Free to enter, 1h30m

5:30pm

Relax at Saigon Skydeck

Head to Bitexco Financial Tower’s Saigon Skydeck for panoramic city views at sunset.
VND200000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy sophisticated traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming and cozy setting.
VND300000, 1h30m
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