10-Day Cultural and Scenic Vietnam Tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with authentic Hanoi pho at this popular spot in the Old Quarter, known for its flavorful broth and fresh ingredients.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the iconic Ngoc Son Temple on the lake’s small island, a central landmark rich in cultural legends.
VND30000, 1h

11:00am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, famous for its street markets, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the famous bun cha dish here, a delicious mix of grilled pork and noodles, famously enjoyed by President Obama during his visit.
VND80000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Vietnam’s first university, the Temple of Literature offers a tranquil garden setting and insight into Confucian educational history.
VND30000, 1h

4:00pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, showcasing folk tales and rural life through puppetry.
VND100000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Savor the special Hanoi dish Cha Ca, a turmeric fish prepared table-side with dill and peanuts, a must-try local specialty.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 2: Historical & Cultural Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Enjoy a French-Vietnamese fusion breakfast, with expertly brewed coffee and fresh pastries, open from 7 am.
VND70000, 1h

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the mausoleum of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader and explore the surrounding gardens and the One Pillar Pagoda.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Thang Ba Duc

Taste Bun Thang, a delicate Hanoi noodle soup filled with chicken, pork, and egg, a local delicacy with subtle flavors.
VND80000, 1h

1:30pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore exhibits about the 54 different ethnic groups of Vietnam, including traditional houses and artifacts, open 8 am to 5:30 pm.
VND40000, 2h30m

4:30pm

Coffee Break at The Note Coffee

Relax with a coffee surrounded by walls filled with thousands of handwritten notes left by visitors.
VND50000, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine on a variety of traditional Vietnamese street foods served in a charming venue, perfect for sampling diverse flavors.
VND150000, 1h

8:00pm

Evening stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy the lively night atmosphere of Hanoi’s center with street performances and night markets.
Free, 1h
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Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Transfer to Ha Long Bay

Depart Hanoi early morning for the 3.5 hour scenic drive to Ha Long Bay, recognized for its striking limestone karsts and emerald waters.
VND300000 per person for transport, 3h30m

11:00am

Board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Embark on a 2-day, 1-night cruise exploring the bay’s caves, islands, and floating fishing villages. Lunch served onboard.
USD120 per person (including meals), Full afternoon

3:00pm

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore the largest and most famous cave in Ha Long Bay, known for impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations.
Included in cruise, 1h

6:00pm

Sunset on the Deck

Enjoy cocktails and sunset views on deck, with opportunities for night squid fishing or relaxing under the stars.
Included in cruise, 2h
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Day 4: Ha Long Bay to Hue

Ha Long Bay to Hue, Vietnam on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Morning Tai Chi on Deck

Join a morning Tai Chi session on the cruise deck to experience peaceful bay vistas and refresh before breakfast.
Included in cruise, 30m

8:00am

Breakfast on Board & Return to Ha Long Pier

Enjoy breakfast followed by disembarking and transfer back to Hanoi airport or train station for flight or train to Hue.
Included in cruise, plus flight approx. USD50-70, 3-4h including transfer

1:00pm

Flight/train to Hue

Travel from Hanoi to Hue, a historic royal city with majestic citadels and temples.
Flight approx. USD70, 1h15m (flight)

3:00pm

Check-in and rest

Settle into your hotel in Hue and relax before heading out to explore.
Varies, 1h

4:30pm

Explore the Imperial City

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the Forbidden Purple City ruins and royal palaces open until 5:30 pm.
VND150000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Enjoy refined French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a lovely colonial villa near the Perfume River.
VND300000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hue History & Countryside

Hue, Vietnam on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before a day of sightseeing.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the scenic 7-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, a spiritual symbol of Hue since 1601.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Tour of Tombs of Emperors

Explore the elaborate tomb complexes of Khai Dinh and Minh Mang, showcasing imperial architecture and serene surroundings.
VND100000 each, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Sample local Hue royal cuisine with specialties such as bun bo Hue in an elegant, traditional setting.
VND120000, 1h

3:00pm

Bicycle ride through countryside villages

Take a guided afternoon bike ride around tranquil rice paddies, local villages, and riverbanks for authentic rural insight.
VND200000 including guide, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Hue dishes in atmospheric surroundings with live traditional music.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Hoi An Arrival & Exploration

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Transfer to Hoi An

Drive from Hue to Hoi An (approx. 3 hours), a charming ancient town known for lantern-lit streets and well-preserved architecture.
VND500000 private transfer, 3h

10:30am

Check-in and rest

Relax at your hotel before setting out to explore Hoi An’s Old Town.
Varies, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savor traditional Central Vietnamese dishes with fresh ingredients in a highly rated cultural restaurant.
VND150000, 1h

1:00pm

Walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Visit historic sites including the Japanese Covered Bridge, old merchant houses, and traditional temples (open 8 am-9 pm).
VND120000 for entry ticket, 3h

4:30pm

Coffee at Reaching Out Tea House

Enjoy a calm, traditional tea experience at this peaceful spot promoting community support for hearing-impaired artists.
VND70000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine riverside with an extensive menu including seafood and Vietnamese specialties, perfect for a relaxed evening.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Hoi An Countryside & Beach

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a light breakfast in preparation for outdoor activities.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Half-day Bike Tour to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Cycle through picturesque village roads and learn about local farming practices, including herb gardens and organic vegetables.
VND350000 including guide, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tra Que Village Home-stay

Enjoy a freshly cooked Vietnamese meal with ingredients harvested from the village gardens.
Included in tour, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon at An Bang Beach

Relax on the sandy An Bang Beach with cafes and bars emphasizing fresh seafood and refreshing drinks.
Free (pay for food/drink), 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mermaid Restaurant

Taste delicious seafood dishes in a cozy beachfront setting, open until 10 pm.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checkout and transfer to Da Nang Airport.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly approximately 1.5 hours to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis.
USD50-70, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and rest

Settle into your hotel and refresh for afternoon exploration.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Quynh

Try southern style pho in this local favorite, known for flavorful broth and tender beef slices.
VND70000, 1h

2:00pm

War Remnants Museum

Visit this sobering museum detailing the history and impact of the Vietnam War, open daily 7:30 am–6 pm.
VND40000, 2h

4:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Experience one of the city’s most famous markets offering souvenirs, food, and local crafts.
Free to enter, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop

Enjoy rooftop dining with traditional Vietnamese dishes and city skyline views.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels & City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Eat a nourishing breakfast before a day trip out of the city.
Included in hotel, 1h

8:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground passages used during the Vietnam War, open 7 am–5 pm.
VND110000 + transport approx. VND300000, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant near Cu Chi

Enjoy simple Vietnamese dishes near the tunnel site to refresh before returning to the city.
VND100000, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Admire French colonial architecture in the city center, iconic landmarks and great photo spots.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Saigon Skydeck

Head to Bitexco Financial Tower’s observation deck for panoramic views of the sprawling city at sunset.
VND200000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Dine along the Saigon River in an upscale setting serving international and Vietnamese cuisine.
VND300000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast before an early departure to the Mekong Delta.
Included in hotel, 1h

8:00am

Mekong Delta Tour

Explore the vibrant waterways, floating markets, and tropical orchards of the Mekong Delta region with a full-day guided tour including boat rides.
Approx. USD45 including transport and lunch, 8h

5:30pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Reach back to the city center by early evening to rest or do last-minute shopping.
Included in tour, 1h30m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Celebrate your Vietnam trip with a dinner of traditional home-style Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting.
VND250000, 1h30m
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