7-Day Ultimate Vietnam Travel Itinerary: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Adventure

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with authentic Hanoi Pho, a local delicacy known for its flavorful broth and fresh herbs. Open daily from 7:00am to 2:00pm.
VND50000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Take a peaceful walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and explore Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island in the lake. The site offers a glimpse of Hanoi's spiritual and cultural history. Open all day, free entry.
VND0, 1h

11:00am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, famous for its narrow lanes, traditional shops, and vibrant street life.
VND0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy another Hanoi specialty, Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles, fresh herbs, and broth. Open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
VND60000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Temple of Literature

Explore this historical university dating back to 1070, famous for its beautiful architecture and tranquil gardens. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h

4:30pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. Shows run from 3:30pm to 6:00pm.
VND100000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Taste Hanoi’s famous Cha Ca, a turmeric fish dish cooked at your table, bursting with local flavors. Open daily 10:00am-10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Ha Long Bay

Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, approximately 3.5 to 4 hours by road. Book a transfer or tour for convenient transport.
VND500000, 4h

11:30am

Ha Long Bay Cruise Lunch

Board your boat for a scenic cruise through the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board.
USD50, 1h30m

1:00pm

Kayaking and Cave Visit

Explore caves such as Sung Sot Cave and kayak around the bay’s calm waters, discovering hidden lagoons and peaceful spots.
Included in cruise cost, 2h

3:30pm

Sunset Relaxation on Deck

Relax on the deck with views of the sunset over the bay, an unforgettable scenic experience.
Included, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner on the Cruise

Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood dinner with local flavors served onboard as you overnight on the boat.
Included, 1h30m
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Landscapes

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on July 3, 2025

7:30am

Morning Cruise in Tam Coc

Take a traditional sampan boat ride through rice paddies and limestone karsts, often called 'Ha Long Bay on land'. Tours operate 7:00am-5:00pm.
VND200000, 2h

10:00am

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Climb the hillside pagoda with stunning views of the countryside. Open from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
VND20000, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chookie's Beer Garden

Casual dining with a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes, popular with travelers. Open 11:00am to 10:00pm.
VND100000, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Trang An Grottoes

Another boat tour through stunning caves and limestone formations in a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tours run 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND250000, 2h

4:00pm

Travel to Hue

Catch a late afternoon flight or train southward to Hue (flight ~1 hour) to continue your journey to central Vietnam.
USD40, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Enjoy royal-inspired central Vietnam cuisine at this well-known Hue restaurant. Open from 10:30am to 10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 4: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Banh Beo Ba Duyen

Try Hue specialty steamed rice pancakes at this local favorite, open 6:30am to 9:30am.
VND30000, 0h30m

8:30am

Imperial City (Citadel) Tour

Explore the historic walled city, former royal palace, and UNESCO World Heritage site. Open 8:00am to 5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h

11:00am

Thien Mu Pagoda Visit

Visit the iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, an important spiritual site. Open all day, free entry.
VND0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Jardins de la Carambole

Dine in a French colonial villa offering a mix of European and Vietnamese dishes. Open 11:00am to 10:00pm.
VND200000, 1h

2:00pm

Tu Duc Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb

Explore two imperial tombs with elaborate architecture and beautiful grounds. Open 7:00am to 6:00pm.
VND100000, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset boat ride on Perfume River

Enjoy a serene boat cruise along the river with scenic views of Hue’s landmarks and sunset atmosphere.
VND150000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

A cozy spot serving authentic Hue cuisine with local specialties like Bun Bo Hue. Open 10:00am to 9:30pm.
VND100000, 1h
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Day 5: Charm of Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Hoi An

Drive from Hue to Hoi An (~3 hours), enjoying coastal views along the way.
VND300000, 3h

10:30am

Check-in and Breakfast at a local cafe

Try the famous Vietnamese Coffee and Banh Mi at a cafe near the Ancient Town.
VND60000, 0h45m

11:30am

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll the UNESCO-listed ancient town with its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and riverside vibe. Open all day, small entrance fees to some sites.
VND120000 (Combined ticket), 3h

3:00pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge & Tan Ky Ancient House

See the iconic bridge and a traditional merchant’s house showcasing 200+ years of history.
Included in combined ticket, 1h

4:30pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Unwind at this lovely beach 4 km from town, perfect for a swim or sunset views. Public access, no cost.
VND0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Taste refined Hoi An specialties in a charming setting, open 10:00am to 10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 6: Da Nang Highlights

Da Nang, Vietnam on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Hoi An to Da Nang

Short scenic drive (~30 minutes) to Da Nang for city exploration.
VND100000, 0h30m

8:45am

Breakfast at Banh Xeo Ba Duong

Sample delicious Vietnamese crispy pancakes, a local favorite. Open 7:00am-10:00pm.
VND50000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore limestone hills dotted with caves, temples, and panoramic views over Da Nang. Open 7:00am to 6:00pm.
VND40000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Madame Lan

Enjoy local and fusion Vietnamese dishes in a garden setting. Open 10:00am to 10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun and swimming at this popular sandy beach.
VND0, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Dragon Bridge

See the spectacular dragon-shaped bridge that breathes fire and water in the evenings at 9:00pm on weekends.
VND0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Dine on fresh seafood by the Han River with city night views, open until 11:00pm.
VND200000, 1h
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Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Experience

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning flight (~1.5 hours) to southern Vietnam’s bustling metropolis.
USD50, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Pho Hoa

Enjoy classic southern-style Pho in one of Saigon’s oldest restaurants, open all day.
VND80000, 1h

10:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam’s history through detailed exhibits focused on the Vietnam War. Open 7:30am to 6:00pm.
VND40000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ben Thanh Market

Sample a variety of street foods and local dishes in this lively market.
VND60000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Explore these iconic French colonial landmarks in the city center, open during daylight hours free to visit.
VND0, 1h

4:00pm

Stroll in Dong Khoi Street

Walk along the main pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and historical buildings.
VND0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Savor authentic Vietnamese dishes in a beautifully decorated old house. Open 10:00am to 10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h
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