10-Day Ultimate Vietnam Adventure: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese pho at this famous spot known for its rich broth and fresh ingredients; a perfect local start to your day.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the beautiful lake in the heart of Hanoi and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple on a small island.
VND30000, 1h

11:00am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, boasting a mix of shops, markets, and colonial architecture.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor the famous Hanoi specialty bun cha, grilled pork with noodles, in this popular local eatery open until 2:30pm.
VND70000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Tour the mausoleum, museum, and the One Pillar Pagoda to learn about Vietnam’s beloved leader and history. Open until 5pm.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try the famous Hanoi fish dish, Cha Ca, grilled fish with turmeric and dill, in a restaurant open until 9pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Culture & History

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Taste the iconic Vietnamese egg coffee at this historic café before setting out for the day.
VND50000, 1h

9:00am

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first national university and stunning traditional architecture; open 8am-5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse cultures and traditions of Vietnam’s ethnic groups; museum open 8am-5:30pm (closed Mondays).
VND40000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Relish a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting, serving until 3pm.
VND100000, 1h

3:30pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance; shows at 4pm and 6:30pm daily.
VND100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Hanoi Restaurant

Dine on carefully crafted traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, open until 10pm.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cruise Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi to Halong Bay

Travel about 3.5 hours east to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Halong Bay area.
VND400000, 3h30m

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Begin an overnight cruise exploring the limestone karsts and emerald waters with on-board meals and activities.
USD150, 8h

12:30pm

Lunch on boat

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch with local specialties while admiring the breathtaking bay views.
Included in cruise, 1h

5:00pm

Kayaking and Cave Exploration

Explore hidden caves and paddle around the bay’s scenic limestone islands, offered by the cruise.
Included in cruise, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner on boat

Savor a traditional Vietnamese dinner while watching the sunset over Halong Bay.
Included in cruise, 1h
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Day 4: Explore Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 11, 2025

6:00am

Morning Tai Chi on Deck and Breakfast

Start your day with a refreshing morning Tai Chi session on the cruise deck followed by breakfast.
Included in cruise, 1h

8:00am

Disembark and Travel to Ninh Binh

Transfer by road about 3 hours south to the scenic Ninh Binh province.
VND300000, 3h

11:00am

Visit Tam Coc Boat Ride

Take a peaceful sampan boat ride through rice paddies and limestone karsts; rides start at 7am and go till late afternoon.
VND150000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Green Bamboo Restaurant

Enjoy fresh local dishes featuring river fish and traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a serene garden setting.
VND120000, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Bich Dong Pagoda

Visit this scenic pagoda carved into limestone cliffs with panoramic views, open daily.
VND20000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Trang An Restaurant

Dine on delicious regional specialties in Ninh Binh town, open till 9pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Ninh Binh to Hue

Take a morning flight from Hanoi to Hue (approximately 1 hour). Travel from Ninh Binh to Hanoi early morning by car (around 2.5 hours).
USD60 + VND600000, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Sample Hue’s royal cuisine including Bun Bo Hue in a popular central spot, open until 2:30pm.
VND80000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Imperial City (Citadel)

Spend the afternoon exploring the UNESCO World Heritage citadel with palaces, temples and the forbidden purple city. Open 8am-5pm.
VND150000, 3h

5:00pm

Boat trip on the Perfume River

Take a relaxing early evening boat ride admiring the riverside scenery and pagodas.
VND120000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Enjoy authentic traditional dishes inspired by the imperial era in a charming setting open till 10pm.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Hue to Hoi An by car

Enjoy the scenic 3-hour drive along the coast from historic Hue to the charming town of Hoi An.
VND600000, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Morning Glory

Taste creative traditional Hoi An dishes like Cao Lau at this popular restaurant, open until 3pm.
VND120000, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Walk through the lantern-lit streets of this UNESCO town featuring historic architecture, markets, and riverside cafes.
VND120000 (ticket for ancient town), 3h

4:30pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge and Museums

See iconic landmarks and learn about Hoi An’s rich trading history, open until 5:30pm.
Included in town ticket, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy riverside dining with fresh seafood and international dishes; remains open until 11pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Da Nang Highlights

Da Nang, Vietnam on June 14, 2025

9:00am

Travel from Hoi An to Da Nang

Short 45-minute drive to Da Nang, the gateway city to central Vietnam’s beaches and mountains.
VND150000, 45m

10:00am

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore caves, pagodas and panoramic views atop several marble hills, open 7am-6pm.
VND40000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ba Duong

Try the famous Mi Quang, a central Vietnam noodle specialty, at this local favorite.
VND70000, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend the afternoon basking in the sun or swimming at this gorgeous white sandy beach.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy a mix of Vietnamese and Western cuisine in a lively atmosphere along the Han River.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning flight approx. 1.5 hours, landing in Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis.
USD50, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at L’Usine

Enjoy Western and Vietnamese breakfast dishes in a stylish cafe located downtown, open from 7am.
VND150000, 1h

11:00am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s war history through compelling exhibits; open 7:30am-6pm.
VND40000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Try delicious southern style pho at this famous spot visited by Bill Clinton, open daily until 9pm.
VND60000, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and sample street foods at the bustling market open 7am-7pm.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Admire French colonial architecture in the city center, both sites open late into the evening.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop Restaurant

Dine on authentic Vietnamese food atop a rooftop with views over Ho Chi Minh city, open until 10:30pm.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Cu Chi & City Sights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Take a half-day guided tour of the historic Cu Chi tunnels used during the Vietnam War, open 7am-5pm.
USD20, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Com Nieu Sai Gon

Enjoy clay pot rice dishes in a quaint setting, open daily until 9pm.
VND120000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore this beautiful Taoist pagoda filled with statues and carvings, open 6am-6pm.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Enjoy the greenery and local life in this peaceful urban park.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P’s

Experience fusion Vietnamese-Italian cuisine with house-made cheeses, a top pick open until 11pm.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta, Vietnam on June 17, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Mekong Delta Day Tour

Drive from Ho Chi Minh City approximately 2 hours to Cai Be or My Tho for river exploration.
USD40, 2h

9:30am

Boat Cruise on Mekong River

Enjoy a guided boat tour visiting small islands, local villages, fruit orchards and workshops.
Included in tour, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Homestay

Taste authentic Mekong Delta cuisine in a local homestay setting.
Included in tour, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Drive back with arrival in the late afternoon; tour ends around 5pm.
Included in tour, 2h30m

7:00pm

Final Dinner at The Refinery

Celebrate your Vietnam adventure with upscale French-Vietnamese cuisine in a converted factory building, open until 10pm.
VND300000, 2h
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