Vietnam 9-Day Journey: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi with Cu Chi Tunnels on Day 1

Day 1: Cu Chi Tunnels & City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine

Begin your day with fresh coffee and a French-Vietnamese breakfast in a stylish cafe setting, perfect before an adventurous day.
VND150000, 1h0m

8:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour

Embark early for a fascinating guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, the extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. The site is open from 7:00am to 5:00pm.
USD20 per person, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy a delicious bowl of authentic Pho at Pho Hoa, a local legend known for its flavorful broth and fresh ingredients.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Ben Thanh Market Visit

Spend the afternoon exploring the bustling Ben Thanh Market, perfect for souvenirs, local foods, and experiencing daily Vietnamese life. Market closes at 6:00pm.
Free entry, 2h0m

4:30pm

Saigon Central Post Office & Notre-Dame Cathedral

Walk to these iconic French colonial landmarks near Ben Thanh Market, enjoying beautiful architecture and a glimpse of city history.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P’s

Dine on innovative pizzas blending Vietnamese and Italian flavors at Pizza 4P’s, highly rated for quality and taste.
VND250000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Board Overnight Bus to Da Nang

Catch an overnight sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang (approx. 12-14 hours), allowing a comfortable rest en route.
VND400000 per person, 12h0m
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Day 2: Arrival in Da Nang & Hoi An

Da Nang and Hoi An, Vietnam on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Arrival and Check-in

Arrive in Da Nang, transfer to your hotel and rest after the overnight journey.
Varies, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Cong Caphe Da Nang

Enjoy breakfast with signature coconut coffee at this iconic, military-themed cafe.
VND120000, 1h0m

10:30am

Marble Mountains

Discover caves, temples, and panoramic views at this collection of limestone and marble hills; open 7:00am-5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mi Quang Ba Mua

Savor Mi Quang, the region’s signature noodle dish, at a popular local eatery.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town

Travel approx. 45 minutes to Hoi An, ready to explore this picturesque UNESCO World Heritage site.
Transport approx VND100000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town Exploration

Explore charming streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and historic houses; ticket required (open 8:00am-9:00pm).
VND120000 per person, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Indulge in classic central Vietnamese dishes in a vibrant and authentic setting.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Hoi An & Overnight Train

Hoi An and Da Nang, Vietnam on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hoi An Roastery

Enjoy fresh coffee and baked goods before your morning activities.
VND120000, 1h0m

8:30am

Cycling Tour through Countryside

Explore rice paddies and local villages on a guided cycling tour, discovering scenic rural Vietnam.
USD25 per person, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Banh Mi Phuong

Try arguably one of the best banh mi sandwiches in Vietnam, famed for its fresh ingredients.
VND40000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax or Shop in Ancient Town

Spend some leisure time shopping for tailor-made clothes or relaxing by the riverside.
Free, 3h0m

5:30pm

Return to Da Nang

Travel back to Da Nang in time for dinner and your overnight train departure.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Dine overlooking the Han River with fresh seafood and regional specialties.
VND250000, 1h0m

9:00pm

Board Overnight Train to Hanoi

Take the overnight soft sleeper train to Hanoi (approx. 16 hours) for a comfortable journey north.
USD50-70 per person, 16h0m
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Day 4: Hanoi Arrival

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 23, 2025

1:00pm

Arrival & Check-in

Settle into your Hanoi hotel and relax after the overnight journey.
Varies, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the iconic Hanoi dish - Bun Cha; grilled pork served with noodles and fresh herbs.
VND100000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Relax on a stroll around this central lake and visit the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple; open until 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

5:30pm

Explore Old Quarter

Wander narrow streets, enjoy street food, and shop local crafts and souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Savor Hanoi’s famous grilled fish dish served at this historic and beloved restaurant.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hanoi Cultural Highlights

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Giảng

Start at the birthplace of the egg coffee with a cup of this creamy specialty alongside breakfast.
VND80000, 1h0m

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and Ho Chi Minh's stilt house; open 8am-11am (closed Mondays and Fridays).
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and enjoy its peaceful gardens and architecture; open 8am-5pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at KOTO Van Mieu

Support a social enterprise while enjoying tasty Vietnamese and Western dishes.
VND200000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through rich exhibits; open 8am-5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Finish the day with a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes served in a friendly, comfortable setting.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Halong Bay Day Trip

From Hanoi, Vietnam on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a quick breakfast included at your hotel before heading to Halong Bay.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Halong Bay Full-Day Cruise

Enjoy a full-day cruise with stunning limestone karst landscapes, cave visits, kayaking, and onboard lunch. Tours run approximately 10-12 hours.
USD80-100 per person, 10h0m

6:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Arrive back in Hanoi in the evening and unwind.
Included in tour, Rest

8:00pm

Light Dinner Near Hotel

Opt for a casual dinner or snack near your accommodation after a long day.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 7: Last Day Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Note Coffee

Enjoy coffee and breakfast with the charming ambiance filled with visitor notes.
VND80000, 1h0m

9:00am

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry with a captivating performance; book tickets in advance.
VND100000, 1h0m

10:30am

Ceramic Mosaic Mural & Tran Quoc Pagoda

Walk along the colorful mosaic mural by the Red River and visit the peaceful Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi's oldest Buddhist temple.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try the renowned grilled fish specialty, an iconic Hanoi meal, for your final lunch.
VND200000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relaxation and Last-Minute Shopping

Spend your last afternoon at leisure in the Old Quarter or at a cafe before departure or continuing travel.
Free, 3h0m
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Day 8: Buffer Day in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 27, 2025

Flexible

Optional Activities or Leisure

Use this day for optional sightseeing such as the Hanoi Opera House, or simply relax and soak up Hanoi's vibrant cafe culture and street life.
Varies, Flexible
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Day 9: Departure or Extend Stay

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 28, 2025

Flexible

Departure or Additional Travel

Depending on your plans, prepare for your departure from Hanoi or extend your travels in Vietnam or Southeast Asia.
Varies, Flexible
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