9-Day Vietnam Adventure from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi with Overnight Transfers

Day 1: Explore Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine

Start the day at L'Usine, a trendy cafe offering excellent coffee and delicious French-Vietnamese breakfast options. It's a great spot to fuel up before exploring the city.
VND150000, 1h0m

9:00am

War Remnants Museum

Visit this impactful museum to learn about Vietnam’s turbulent history, particularly the war period. It opens at 7:30am and closes at 6:00pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

11:00am

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Walk to this stunning French colonial cathedral located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, a must-see for its architecture and historical significance.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy a traditional bowl of Pho at Pho Hoa, one of the most famous pho restaurants in the city, known for fresh ingredients and authentic flavor.
VND60000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Ben Thanh Market

Explore this bustling market and shop for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and Vietnamese street food. It closes by 6:00pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

3:30pm

Saigon Central Post Office

Visit this iconic landmark showcasing French colonial architecture and a beautiful interior, just a short walk from Ben Thanh Market.
Free, 30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P’s

Dine at Pizza 4P’s, known for their fusion of Vietnamese flavors with Italian-style pizza, offering a unique dining experience.
VND250000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Leisure or Rooftop Bar

Relax at a rooftop bar such as Chill Skybar for panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City at night.
Varies, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Enjoy coffee and light breakfast in a cozy setting before a day trip.
VND120000, 1h0m

8:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour

Depart for the Cu Chi tunnels with a guided tour starting early to avoid crowds. Explore the underground network used during the Vietnam War. Open 7:00am-5:00pm.
USD20 per person, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ngon Restaurant

Sample a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming garden setting near the city center.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore this beautiful and intricate Taoist pagoda filled with statues and incense, open until 6:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Saigon Opera House

Walk around the exterior of the French colonial Saigon Opera House and consider tickets for evening performance.
Free to visit exterior; performances vary, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Eat traditional Vietnamese food served in a rustic setting with excellent local flavors.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Last Day Ho Chi Minh & Travel

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Workshop Coffee

Enjoy some of the best coffee in Ho Chi Minh City paired with light breakfast items.
VND120000, 1h0m

9:00am

Museum of Vietnamese History

Visit this museum to see artifacts from Vietnam’s diverse history. It opens at 7:30am and closes at 5:00pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

11:00am

Relax or last minute shopping in District 1

Take some time to stroll the streets and markets for last-minute souvenirs or relax in a cafe.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Secret Garden

Enjoy rooftop dining with traditional Vietnamese dishes in a lovely garden atmosphere.
VND200000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Rest at hotel and pack

Prepare for overnight travel with rest or light activities near accommodation.
Free, 3h0m

8:00pm

Board Overnight Bus to Da Nang

Take an overnight bus (about 12-14 hours) from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang to rest during the journey and arrive fresh for the next day.
VND400000 per person, 12h0m
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Day 4: Da Nang Arrival & Hoi An

Da Nang, Vietnam on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Arrival and Check-in

Check into your hotel in Da Nang and freshen up after the overnight bus journey.
Varies, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Cong Caphe Da Nang

Enjoy hearty Vietnamese breakfast and signature coconut coffee in a vintage military-themed cafe.
VND120000, 1h0m

10:30am

Marble Mountains

Explore limestone mountains featuring caves, Buddhist temples, and panoramic views. Open 7:00am-5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mi Quang Ba Mua

Taste Mi Quang, a famous regional noodle dish, at one of the best local spots.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town

Travel approximately 45 minutes to charming Hoi An, famous for its preserved Ancient Town and lantern-lit streets.
Transport cost approx VND100000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town Exploration

Wander the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and old merchant houses; ticket required (open 8am-9pm).
VND120000 per person, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Savor traditional central Vietnamese cuisine in a lively atmosphere, a top dining choice in Hoi An.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hoi An & Overnight Train Travel

Hoi An and Da Nang, Vietnam on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hoi An Roastery

Start your day with great coffee and pastries before your morning activities.
VND120000, 1h0m

8:30am

Cycling Tour to Countryside

Take a half-day guided cycling tour through rice paddies, villages, and local markets to experience rural life.
USD25 per person, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Banh Mi Phuong

Try one of Vietnam’s best banh mi sandwiches, famous with locals and visitors alike.
VND40000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax or Shopping in Hoi An

Spend free time discovering local tailor shops or enjoying riverside cafes in the Ancient Town.
Free, 3h0m

5:30pm

Return to Da Nang

Travel back to Da Nang in time for evening departure.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Have a relaxing dinner by the Han River before your overnight train.
VND250000, 1h0m

9:00pm

Board Overnight Train to Hanoi

Take an overnight soft sleeper train (approx. 16 hours) to Hanoi for a comfortable overnight journey.
USD50-70 per person, 16h0m
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Day 6: Hanoi Arrival

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 25, 2025

1:00pm

Arrival and Check-in

Arrive in Hanoi and check into your hotel to rest and freshen up.
Varies, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy a famous Hanoi dish – Bun Cha, flavorful grilled pork with noodles and herbs.
VND100000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Take a leisurely walk around scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple on the lake’s island; open until 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

5:30pm

Explore Old Quarter

Wander the charming Hanoi Old Quarter, admire colonial architecture, and shop at local markets before dinner.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Taste the iconic Hanoi grilled fish dish in a historic restaurant specializing in cha ca.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Hanoi Cultural Tour

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Giảng

Start with the famous egg coffee and local breakfast specialties in this historic cafe.
VND80000, 1h0m

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the mausoleum and surrounding sites including the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house; open 8am-11am except Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and beautiful traditional architecture, open 8am-5pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at KOTO Van Mieu

Dine at this social enterprise restaurant offering excellent Vietnamese and Western dishes while supporting local youth training.
VND200000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through exhibits and artifacts. Open 8am-5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a relaxed family-friendly setting near the Old Quarter.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Halong Bay Day Trip

From Hanoi, Vietnam on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast before departure for your Halong Bay cruise tour.
Included with hotel, 0h30m

7:30am

Halong Bay Full-Day Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay, with stops for kayaking, swimming, and visiting caves. Most tours last about 10-12 hours and include lunch onboard.
USD80-100 per person, 10h0m

6:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Arrive back to Hanoi and rest after your day on the bay.
Included in tour, Rest

8:00pm

Dinner Near Hotel

Choose a light meal or casual dining spot near your hotel for convenience after a long day.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 9: Last Day Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Note Coffee

Enjoy good coffee and breakfast with charming notes left by visitors all over the cafe walls.
VND80000, 1h0m

9:00am

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Watch a traditional and highly entertaining water puppet show, with daily performances; best to book tickets in advance.
VND100000, 1h0m

10:30am

Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural and Tran Quoc Pagoda

Visit the impressive mosaic mural along the Red River and the peaceful Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try the traditional fish specialty for a memorable final meal in Hanoi.
VND200000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Last Minute Shopping and Relaxation

Spend your afternoon at leisure in the Old Quarter or nearby cafes before departing or continuing your travels.
Free, 3h0m
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