7-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Northern Vietnam Arrival

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy an authentic bowl of Hanoi's famous Pho at this popular local eatery that opens early, offering a flavorful start to your day.

VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Explore the mausoleum where Vietnam's revolutionary leader lies in state, providing insight into Vietnamese history and respect for its leaders. Opens 8:00am - 11:00am, closed Mondays and Fridays.

Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Tour the Old Quarter

Wander the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter with its vibrant markets, ancient architecture, and street food vendors.

Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Famous for serving the dish President Obama enjoyed, try Bun Cha, grilled pork and noodles, a local must-try.

VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and a beautiful complex celebrating Confucian scholars. Open 8:00am - 5:00pm.

VND30000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake and visit the iconic temple on Turtle Island, a serene spot amidst the city bustle.

VND30000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Taste Hanoi’s famous grilled fish specialty served tableside with dill and noodles, an unforgettable culinary experience.

VND150000, 1h30m

View Hotels

Day 2: Explore Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay Cruise

Travel approximately 3.5 hours to the UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its limestone karsts and emerald waters.

Included in cruise package, 3h30m

11:30am

Halong Bay Day Cruise & Lunch

Embark on a scenic boat cruise around the bay with stops for caves exploration and swimming, enjoying a fresh seafood lunch on board.

USD75, 4h0m

3:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Relax on the bus ride back to Hanoi to prepare for the next day’s activities.

Included, 3h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Banh Mi 25

Sample classic Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, a great casual dinner option open until 9:00pm.

VND40000, 1h0m

View Hotels

Day 3: Cultural Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee, a creamy and rich local specialty in a cozy cafe setting.

VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through engaging indoor and outdoor exhibits, open 8:30am - 5:30pm.

VND40000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Savor traditional Vietnamese dishes from all over the country in a charming garden setting.

VND100000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Afternoon Water Puppet Show

Experience this traditional Hanoi art form featuring wooden puppets dancing on water set to live music. Shows at 2:00pm and 4:00pm.

VND100000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Learn about Vietnam’s history under colonial and wartime periods at this historical site, open 8am - 5pm.

VND30000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Highway 4

Enjoy creative Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist in a vibrant atmosphere in the Old Quarter.

VND200000, 1h30m

View Hotels

Day 4: Fly to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a light local breakfast before your flight to Central Vietnam.

Variable, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight Hanoi to Da Nang

Morning flight takes just over an hour to Da Nang International Airport.

USD50 approx, 1h15m

10:30am

Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town

Short 45-minute drive to the historic riverside town famous for its well-preserved architecture.

USD15 taxi fare, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Taste local specialties like Cao Lau noodles and White Rose dumplings in a beautiful setting.

VND120000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore the charming UNESCO-listed town with lantern-lit streets, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and old merchant houses. Open 8am - 6pm.

VND120000 entrance fee, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine by the riverside on international and Vietnamese dishes with great desserts and a lively atmosphere.

VND180000, 1h30m

View Hotels

Day 5: Hoi An Experiences

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Espresso Station

Start the day with excellent coffee and fresh pastries in Hoi An’s Old Town.

VND60000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

Discover traditional farming methods and join a hands-on vegetable growing and cooking class. Open daily.

VND150000, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Tra Que Village

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch featuring fresh organic produce prepared traditionally.

Included in class, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Hoi An and Relax

Free afternoon to explore more shops, relax by the river, or rest at your hotel.

Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Hoi An Lantern Festival (If coinciding with full moon)

Experience magical glowing lanterns floating on the river, a beautiful cultural tradition celebrating Vietnamese heritage. This occurs monthly on the 14th lunar day.

Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Enjoy creative Vietnamese fusion dishes with a lovely river view to end your evening.

VND200000, 1h30m

View Hotels

Day 6: Fly South to Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Light local breakfast before departure to the south of Vietnam.

Variable, 1h0m

9:00am

Transfer to Da Nang Airport

45-minute drive back to Da Nang to catch your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

USD15, 45m

11:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Flight duration approximately 1h20m.

USD50 approx, 1h20m

1:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Pho Hoa

Savor classic southern style Pho in one of Ho Chi Minh City’s best-known pho restaurants.

VND60000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain sobering insights into Vietnam’s wartime history through powerful exhibits. Open daily 7:30am - 6:00pm.

VND40000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk through Ben Thanh Market

Explore the bustling market for souvenirs, snacks, and local handicrafts before dinner.

Free entry, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy upscale traditional southern Vietnamese dishes in a cozy and unique atmosphere.

VND250000, 1h30m

View Hotels

Day 7: Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Early breakfast before a full-day excursion.

Variable, 1h0m

8:00am

Depart for Cu Chi Tunnels

Drive 1.5 hours to the famous underground tunnel network used in the Vietnam War.

Tour included cost, 1h30m

9:30am

Explore Cu Chi Tunnels

Learn about the elaborate tunnels, see the living conditions of Viet Cong soldiers, and even crawl through some tunnel sections. Open 7:00am - 5:00pm.

VND110000, 2h0m