8-Day Immersive Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival & Old Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with Hanoi's famous Pho, a delicious traditional beef noodle soup, served fresh in a bustling local street stall.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the serene lake and visit the historic temple, a peaceful city landmark in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
VND30000, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit the Hanoi Old Quarter

Discover the vibrant street life and colonial architecture in Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, famous for its shopping and local culture.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Bun Cha, a grilled pork and noodles dish, popularized by President Obama’s visit, offering authentic Hanoi flavors.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first university, a historical complex dedicated to Confucius, featuring traditional architecture and gardens.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at a Vietnamese Coffee Shop

Experience traditional Vietnamese drip coffee at a nearby café and soak in the local atmosphere.
VND40000, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Taste Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi dish featuring turmeric fish with dill and noodles, perfect for a local culinary experience.
VND150000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance, showcasing local folklore and culture, open daily except Monday.
VND100000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Hanoi Culture & Museums

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Try Xoi, a delicious sticky rice dish with savory toppings, perfect for a quick authentic breakfast.
VND50000, 45m

9:30am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

See the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh and explore nearby historical sites including the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. Open 8am-11am, closed Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy tasty Vietnamese dishes at this social enterprise restaurant that supports disadvantaged youth.
VND100000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through interactive exhibits and outdoor displays. Open 8:30am-5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walk along West Lake and Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

Relax by the scenic West Lake and explore the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, known for its tranquil setting.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese street food dishes in a charming, open-air restaurant.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Ha Long Bay & Night Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Ha Long Bay

Travel by shuttle or private car (approximately 3.5 hours) to Ha Long Bay, famous for its stunning limestone karsts bay.
VND350000, 3h30m

11:00am

Embark on Ha Long Bay Cruise

Check in for a 2-day, 1-night boat cruise. Enjoy exploring caves, kayaking, and island visits with breathtaking scenery.
USD120, Full afternoon to next day

12:00pm

Lunch on Board

Fresh seafood lunch served on the cruise with spectacular views of the bay.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)

Explore one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

4:00pm

Kayaking & Swimming

Enjoy kayaking or swimming in designated calm areas around the bay’s limestone karsts, part of the cruise activities.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner on Board

Enjoy a Vietnamese seafood dinner with fresh ingredients while watching the sunset on the water.
Included in cruise, 1h30m

8:30pm

Evening Relaxation

Relax on the sundeck or join squid fishing organized by the cruise before overnight stay on the boat.
Included in cruise, 2h0m
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Day 4: Ha Long Bay & Return to Hanoi

Ha Long Bay to Hanoi, Vietnam on June 22, 2025

6:30am

Tai Chi & Sunrise on Deck

Join an early morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck and enjoy the peaceful morning bay scenery.
Included in cruise, 30m

7:30am

Breakfast on Board

Have a light breakfast while cruising through the bay’s beautiful islands and beaches.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Ti Top Island

Climb to Ti Top’s summit for panoramic views of Ha Long Bay or relax on its sandy beach.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

10:30am

Disembark Cruise & Return to Hanoi

Cruise ends and transfer by shuttle or private car back to Hanoi city (approx. 3.5 hours).
Included in cruise shuttle, 3h30m

3:30pm

Rest & Refresh in Hotel

Check back into your Hanoi hotel and relax after the return journey.
Varies, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ta Hien Street

Explore the lively Ta Hien street known for its beer street ambiance and street food options like grilled meats and spring rolls.
VND80000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Fly to Hue & City Tour

Hue, Vietnam on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a comfortable breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi before your flight.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight from Hanoi to Hue

Take a 1.5-hour domestic flight to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
USD50, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in & Lunch at Ancient Hue

Check into your hotel and have lunch at Ancient Hue, known for traditional royal cuisine.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Imperial City (The Citadel)

Explore the historic walled fortress and palaces of the Nguyen dynasty, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Open 8am-5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h30m

3:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda Visit

Visit this iconic seven-story pagoda, one of Hue’s most famous landmarks overlooking the Perfume River.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Perfume River Boat Ride

Take a relaxing boat ride along the Perfume River at sunset, an ideal way to enjoy Hue's peaceful scenery.
VND150000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Dine on authentic Hue specialties such as Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup.
VND100000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City

A 1.5-hour flight brings you to the bustling southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.
USD50, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in & Lunch at Pho Hoa

Try the city’s most famous Pho spot for a flavorful noodle soup experience.
VND80000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about the Vietnam War's history through extensive exhibits, open 7:30am-6pm daily.
VND40000, 2h0m

3:30pm

Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica & Central Post Office

Admire the famous French Colonial architecture in the heart of the city.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Walk through Ben Thanh Market

Experience vibrant market energy with souvenirs, clothes, and local snacks.
Free (shopping extra), 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Restaurant

Enjoy traditional southern Vietnamese cuisine on a rooftop setting.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Cu Chi Tunnels & City Evening

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day early with breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Tour Cu Chi Tunnels

Take a half-day guided tour of the famous underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War, open 7:00am-5:00pm.
USD25, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Eatery near Cu Chi

Taste local southern Vietnamese dishes after your tunnel exploration.
VND80000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City & Rest

Relax at your hotel or explore nearby cafes after returning to the city.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Bitexco Tower Skydeck

Enjoy panoramic city views from the rooftop observation deck of one of the tallest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City. Open 9am-9pm.
VND200000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Dine at a well-known restaurant serving homestyle Vietnamese cuisine in a charming rustic space.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Last Day Shopping & Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine

Enjoy a contemporary café vibe and good western-style breakfast to begin your day.
VND120000, 1h0m

9:30am

Shopping at Saigon Square & Takashimaya

Shop for souvenirs, fashion, and local products before departure, both locations open from 9am.
Free (shopping extra), 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Pizza 4P's

Have a delicious, fusion-style pizza meal popular among travelers and locals.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Return to Hotel & Prepare for Departure

Collect luggage and prepare for airport transfer.
Free, 1h0m

2:00pm

Taxi to Tan Son Nhat Airport

Allow ample time for airport check-in for your outbound flight.
VND300000, 1h0m
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