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8-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Vietnam: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Viewed by 83 travelers

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy authentic Northern Vietnamese pho, a traditional breakfast staple renowned for its fragrant broth and fresh herbs. The restaurant opens at 7:00am, making it perfect for an early start.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the peaceful lake in central Hanoi and cross over to the historic Ngoc Son Temple, an iconic site rich in local legend and spiritual significance. Open all day, free entry.
VND0, 1h

11:00am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander the bustling streets filled with traditional shops and street food vendors, showcasing Hanoi's vibrant culture and history.
VND0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and fresh herbs, highly recommended and open until late afternoon.
VND70000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university built in 1070, a fine example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and a serene spot for history lovers. Open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1.5h

5:00pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Experience the unique traditional water puppet art native to Northern Vietnam, a fascinating cultural performance starting at 5:30pm.
VND100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Try the signature Hanoi grilled fish dish served in a traditional style, open until 10pm and perfect for a flavorful evening meal.
VND150000, 1h
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick and convenient breakfast at your Hanoi accommodation before departure.
Included in stay, 0.5h

8:00am

Drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Travel approximately 3.5 hours scenic drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.
VND500000, 3.5h

11:30am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Set sail on a 4-hour daytime cruise around the bay, visiting caves and floating villages, available from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Includes lunch on board.
USD70, 4h

3:30pm

Return to Hanoi or Overnight Halong Stay

Option to either return to Hanoi by evening or stay overnight on a cruise for sunset views and night activities. For day trip, return drive and check into Hanoi hotel.
Varies, 3.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hanoi La Place

Relax with French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine near the Old Quarter, open till 10pm, offering a refined dining experience.
VND300000, 1h
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 3: Ninh Binh Adventures

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Healthy and hearty breakfast to fuel your day trip to Ninh Binh, just south of Hanoi.
Included in stay, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel to Ninh Binh

Drive approximately 2 hours to Ninh Binh, famous for breathtaking karst landscapes and ancient temples.
VND400000, 2h

10:00am

Boat Ride in Tam Coc

Relax on a traditional sampan boat through scenic river caves and rice paddies; open daily 8:00am-5:00pm.
VND150000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Family Restaurant Tam Coc Garden

Enjoy local specialties such as goat meat and fresh vegetables in a garden setting, open until 3:00pm.
VND120000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Climb the limestone hill to this ancient pagoda complex offering panoramic countryside views, open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
VND10000, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Trang An Landscape Complex

Take a boat tour through another UNESCO site featuring caves and temples surrounded by mountains, available till 4:30pm.
VND200000, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at local restaurant in Ninh Binh

Sample delicacies such as grilled fish or beef skewers, open till 9pm before heading back to Hanoi or stay overnight locally.
VND150000, 1h
Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

Day 4: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on June 23, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before morning flight to Hue.
Included in stay, 0.5h

8:00am

Flight from Hanoi to Hue

Take a 1.5-hour flight to Hue, the former imperial capital with rich history and architecture.
VND1500000, 1.5h

10:00am

Visit Imperial City (Citadel)

Explore UNESCO-listed Imperial City with palaces, temples and gardens, open 8:00am-5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Savour French colonial and Vietnamese fusion dishes in a historic setting, open from 11:30am.
VND200000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit this iconic riverside pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, open until 6:00pm.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Walk along Perfume River

Relax along scenic riverbanks and enjoy local markets nearby.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Try traditional Hue specialities such as Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), open till 10pm.
VND120000, 1h
Find Hotels in Hue

Day 5: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for drive to Hoi An.
Included in stay, 0.5h

8:00am

Drive from Hue to Hoi An

Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive along the Hai Van Pass to the charming town of Hoi An.
VND700000, 3h

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste local dishes such as Cao Lau noodles in a friendly atmosphere, open all day.
VND150000, 1h

1:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour

Walk through UNESCO World Heritage streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and historic houses, open till 9:00pm.
VND120000 (Entry ticket), 3h

5:00pm

Tailor Shop Visit

Explore custom tailoring options to get made-to-measure clothes, common in Hoi An’s market area.
Varies, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Enjoy creative Vietnamese modern cuisine with river views, open until 10pm.
VND250000, 1h
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 6: Da Nang Beaches

Da Nang, Vietnam on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Hoi An

Start with a relaxed breakfast before heading to Da Nang.
Included in stay, 0.5h

9:00am

Drive to Da Nang

Short 45-minute drive to the bustling coastal city of Da Nang.
VND150000, 0.75h

10:00am

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend the morning enjoying the white sandy beaches and clear water, perfect for swimming and sunbathing, open all day.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bé Anh Seafood

Sample fresh seafood dishes by the beach, open 10am to 9pm.
VND200000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore limestone and marble hills with caves, pagodas and viewpoints, open 7:00am to 5:00pm.
VND40000, 2h

5:00pm

Walk along Dragon Bridge

Visit the iconic Da Nang Dragon Bridge, spectacular in the evening when lit up. Fire and water show on Saturdays and Sundays at 9:00pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant

Dine on Vietnamese and international dishes overlooking the Han River, open until 10pm.
VND300000, 1h
Find Hotels in Da Nang

Day 7: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Da Nang

Early breakfast before the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Included in stay, 0.5h

9:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly about 1.5 hours to the dynamic southern metropolis.
VND1200000, 1.5h

11:00am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s conflict history through exhibits and photos; open 7:30am to 6:00pm.
VND40000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Savor some of the best pho in Ho Chi Minh City, open until late afternoon.
VND70000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Explore these iconic French colonial architectural landmarks located centrally, open till 5:00pm.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Shop at Ben Thanh Market

Experience a bustling market for souvenirs, clothes and street food, open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
Free (shopping extra), 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop

Enjoy rooftop dining with Vietnamese home-style food and beautiful city views, open till 10pm.
VND250000, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'usine

Start your day at this trendy café serving great coffee and Western-Vietnamese breakfast options, open from 7:30am.
VND150000, 1h

9:30am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Take a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network used during the Vietnam War, tours run 7:00am to 5:00pm.
USD20, 4h

2:00pm

Return to City and Lunch at Propaganda Café

Enjoy modern Vietnamese dishes with artful décor, open until 9:00pm.
VND200000, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Unwind in this green oasis in the city center, perfect to rest after your adventures.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Evening at Bitexco Sky Deck

Take in panoramic views of the city skyline at the Sky Deck, open till 9:30pm.
VND200000, 1.5h

8:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Relish authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a homely setting, open till 10:30pm, a perfect last meal in Vietnam.
VND300000, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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