Comprehensive 7-Day Vietnam Adventure: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Hanoi Introduction

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a traditional bowl of pho at Pho Bat Dan, famous for its authentic and delicious Vietnamese noodle soup.
VND60000, 1h0m

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 located on Jade Island, a symbol of Hanoi.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:15am

Tour the Old Quarter

Explore Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter with its narrow streets, shops, and colonial architecture to experience the city’s vibrant street life.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Try the famous Cha Ca, a unique Hanoi dish of grilled fish with dill and turmeric, at the century-old Cha Ca La Vong restaurant.
VND150000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Visit the museum known as the 'Hanoi Hilton' to learn about Vietnam’s history during French colonisation and the Vietnam War.
VND30000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening Water Puppet Show

Experience the traditional Vietnamese art of water puppetry at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a cultural highlight of Hanoi.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy a classic dish of Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and fresh herbs, at the restaurant made famous by an American president's visit.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Depart from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by shuttle bus or private car, a journey of about 3.5 to 4 hours through scenic countryside.
VND200000, 4h0m

11:30am

Begin Ha Long Bay Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise to explore the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
USD100, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch on Board

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch prepared fresh on the boat while cruising around the bay's lagoons and caves.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kayaking and Cave Exploring

Take a kayak trip to explore secluded caves and islands, or relax on the sundeck admiring the bay’s scenic beauty.
Included in cruise, 2h0m

6:00pm

Overnight on Boat or Return to Shore

Depending on choice, either stay overnight on a boat for a unique experience or return to stay at a hotel in Ha Long town.
Varies, Overnight option
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Scenery

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh

Travel by car or bus to Ninh Binh, approximately a 3.5-hour journey south from Ha Long Bay.
VND250000, 3h30m

11:30am

Boat Ride at Trang An

Take a 2-hour rowboat tour through the scenic limestone karsts and caves of Trang An, known as ‘Halong Bay on land’.
VND200000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Chookie’s Beer Garden

Enjoy western and local dishes in a relaxed garden setting near Trang An, perfect to recharge after the morning tour.
VND150000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam, with impressive statues and panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.
VND150000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at local restaurant

Dine on traditional Vietnamese dishes at a local Ninh Binh restaurant, enjoying specialties like goat meat or river fish.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Ninh Binh to Hue by train or flight

Take an early train or short flight to Hue, the former imperial capital rich in history and culture.
VND400000 for train / VND1200000 for flight, 5h (train) / 1h (flight)

12:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy central Vietnamese cuisine at this popular local eatery, known for dishes like Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup).
VND120000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore the Imperial City

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Imperial City with its palaces, temples, and the Forbidden Purple City ruins.
VND150000, 3h0m

5:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda Visit

See the iconic seven-story pagoda on the Perfume River, a peaceful and spiritual site with picturesque views.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Savour traditional royal cuisine in a venue inspired by the imperial era for a unique dining experience.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Hue to Hoi An

Take a scenic 3-hour drive to the charming ancient town of Hoi An, known for its lantern-lit streets and historic architecture.
VND300000, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Morning Glory

Enjoy traditional Hoi An dishes like Cao Lau noodles at the well-known Morning Glory restaurant in the old town.
VND180000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Walking Tour of Old Town

Explore historic houses, Chinese assembly halls, and the Japanese Covered Bridge while soaking up the town’s unique atmosphere.
VND120000 for entry ticket, 2h0m

3:30pm

Visit An Bang Beach

Relax at An Bang Beach just 4km from the town centre, perfect for sunbathing or enjoying a cool ocean breeze.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine riverside with a varied menu including seafood and international options at the classy Cargo Club restaurant.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Da Nang Exploration

Da Nang, Vietnam on June 16, 2025

8:30am

Travel from Hoi An to Da Nang

A short 45-minute drive takes you from Hoi An to Da Nang, a coastal city with modern attractions and beautiful beaches.
VND150000, 0h45m

9:30am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong

Try the famed Banh Mi at Banh Mi Phuong, a popular street food spot highly recommended by travellers and locals alike.
VND30000, 0h45m

10:30am

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore a cluster of five limestone and marble hills with caves, pagodas, and panoramic views over Da Nang and the sea.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bé Anh Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties at this well-regarded restaurant in Da Nang.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend the afternoon unwinding at My Khe Beach, renowned for its smooth sand and gentle waves.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Maison 1888

Experience fine dining at this prestigious restaurant offering French cuisine in a luxurious beachfront setting.
VND750000, 2h0m
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Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 17, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Take an early morning flight to the bustling southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.
VND1200000, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine

Enjoy a trendy café atmosphere with a variety of breakfast options blending Vietnamese and western influences.
VND120000, 1h0m

10:30am

War Remnants Museum

Visit this important museum to understand the impact and history of the Vietnam War through gripping exhibitions.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Sample an excellent bowl of southern-style pho at Pho Hoa, one of Ho Chi Minh City's iconic noodle shops.
VND80000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and street food at Ho Chi Minh’s bustling central market.
Free entry, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Admire the striking French colonial architecture of this iconic basilica in the heart of the city.
Free, 0h45m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Finish your trip with a riverside dinner featuring a fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisine in an elegant setting.
VND350000, 2h0m
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