7-Day North to South Vietnam Cultural and Culinary Journey

Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start your day with a authentic Hanoi breakfast featuring Pho, a Vietnamese beef noodle soup revered by locals, at Pho Thin, open from 6am to 10am.
VND50000, 1h

9:30am

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, renowned for its colonial architecture, street vendors, and vibrant market life.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and fresh herbs, a Hanoi specialty cherished by locals and visitors alike. Open daily 10am-3pm.
VND60000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the scenic Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island in the lake.
VND30000, 1h

3:00pm

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

See the final resting place of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. Remember to check the mausoleum's opening hours (8am-11am, closed Monday and Friday). Visiting the surrounding botanical gardens and stilt house is also rewarding.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Hanoi dish of grilled fish with turmeric and dill served at Cha Ca La Vong, one of the city's oldest restaurants, open 11am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Water Puppet Show

Experience a unique Vietnamese cultural performance at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater near the lake. Shows run from 7pm to 8pm daily.
VND100000, 1h

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Hanoi

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your transfer to Halong Bay, allowing you energy for the day’s activities.
Included in accommodation, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Halong Bay

Travel approximately 3.5-4 hours by road from Hanoi to Halong Bay, noted for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands.
VND300000 (bus transfer), 4h

12:00pm

Halong Bay Day Cruise

Embark on a scenic daytime cruise exploring caves and islands, including lunch served onboard. Cruises generally operate 12pm-5pm.
USD60, 5h

5:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Head back by road to Hanoi, arriving in the late evening for rest.
Included in tour, 4h

9:30pm

Late Dinner at Bun Bo Nam Bo

Try the southern-style beef noodle dish, Bun Bo Nam Bo, at a popular local night spot open until late.
VND70000, 1h

Day 3: Imperial City Tour

Hue, Vietnam on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before your morning flight to Hue.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Flight Hanoi to Hue

Fly from Hanoi to Hue, approximately 1 hour. Arrival transfer to hotel.
USD50, 1h

11:00am

Visit Imperial City (The Citadel)

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring palaces, gates, and temples that symbolize Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty, open 8am-5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Relish French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a charming colonial setting, open 11am to 2pm.
VND250000, 1h

3:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic seven-story pagoda set lovely by the Perfume River, open 7am-6pm.
No entrance fee, 1h

5:00pm

Walk along Perfume River

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon walk along the river, seeing boats and local life.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Sample traditional Hue royal cuisine at Ancient Hue, open from 10am to 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

Day 4: Travel to Hoi An

Hue to Hoi An, Vietnam on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before checkout.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Take a scenic 3-hour drive south crossing the famous Hai Van Pass with stunning ocean and mountain vistas.
VND400000 (private car), 3h

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Arrive and enjoy lunch featuring local specialties like Cao Lau noodles at popular Morning Glory, open 10am-10pm.
VND120000, 1h

1:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour

Discover lantern-lit streets, historic houses, and riverside cafes in this UNESCO World Heritage Site open all day.
VND120000 (ticket to Ancient Town), 3h

5:00pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

See the iconic 18th century Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An, open till sunset.
Included in ancient town ticket, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy riverside dining and French-Vietnamese cuisine at Cargo Club, open until 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

Day 5: Hoi An Immersion

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Fisherman

Start your day with fresh local coffee and light Vietnamese breakfast dishes at this cozy café, open from 7am.
VND80000, 1h

9:00am

Cycling Tour to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Enjoy a morning cycling through countryside to the organic Tra Que Village for farming experience and relaxation.
VND100000 (tour and bike), 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tra Que Village Local Spot

Savor fresh herbal and vegetable dishes right in the village, a unique farm-to-table experience.
VND120000, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon sunbathing and swimming at nearby An Bang Beach, open all day.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Return to Morning Glory Restaurant for a different menu experience of Hoi An flavors, open till 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m

8:30pm

Lantern Night Walk

Enjoy the magical atmosphere as Hoi An lights up with lanterns along the river, a great photo opportunity.
Free, 1h

Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Have breakfast and prepare for checkout from your hotel.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Da Nang Airport

Take a 45-minute taxi ride to Da Nang Airport for morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
VND300000, 45m

10:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly approximately 1 hour to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's bustling economic hub.
USD50, 1h

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy a bowl of Pho at Pho 2000, famous for serving former U.S. President Bill Clinton, open 7am-9pm.
VND70000, 1h

1:00pm

War Remnants Museum

Visit this important museum detailing the Vietnam War’s impact, open 7:30am-6pm.
VND40000, 2h

3:30pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Central Post Office

Explore French colonial architecture in the city heart, open 7am-5pm.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and taste local street food at this famous market, open till 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Savor authentic southern Vietnamese cuisine in a charming atmosphere, open 10am-10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at L’Usine

Enjoy a Western-style breakfast and coffee at L’Usine, a trendy café open from 7am.
VND120000, 1h

9:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Take a half-day guided tour of the Cu Chi tunnels, a vast underground network used during the Vietnam War, tours 7am-4pm.
USD40, 4h

2:00pm

Return and Late Lunch at Pizza 4P's

Experience delicious fusion pizza and local ingredients at this popular eatery open until late afternoon.
VND250000, 1h

4:00pm

Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Financial Tower

Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Skydeck, open 9am-9pm.
VND200000, 1h

6:00pm

Evening Walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Relax with an evening stroll along this lively pedestrian street filled with street performers and cafes.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Secret Garden

Enjoy a rooftop dinner featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist, open until 10pm.
VND220000, 1h30m