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

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on December 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start your day with authentic Hanoi-style Pho, known for its flavorful broth and fresh herbs, at the famous Pho Thin. Opens at 6:30am.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful morning walk around the iconic lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple to experience local culture.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Dine at the famous eatery where President Obama enjoyed Bun Cha; savor grilled pork with noodles.
VND70000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Old Quarter by Cyclo

Take a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter to see traditional shops and street life.
VND150000, 2h0m

3:30pm

Visit The Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university and beautiful traditional architecture. Open until 5pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy the local specialty, grilled fish with turmeric and dill, in an atmospheric setting.
VND150000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 2: Hanoi Museums and Water Puppet Show

Hanoi, Vietnam on December 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hanoi Social Club

Relax with healthy organic breakfast options and excellent coffee in a cozy atmosphere.
VND120000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Pay respects and explore the mausoleum, Presidential Palace grounds, and One Pillar Pagoda. Mausoleum closes at 11am.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine while supporting a charity that helps disadvantaged youths.
VND100000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Open till 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

5:30pm

Traditional Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Watch a unique Vietnamese art form featuring lacquered wooden puppets on water accompanied by live folk music. Show starts at 6:00pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Green Tangerine

Dine in a colonial-era villa with French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine.
VND250000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Travel to Halong Bay & Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on December 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before checking out for the transfer to Halong Bay.
Included in hotel stay, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Halong Bay

Travel by private car or shuttle (approx. 3.5 hours) to Halong Bay, enjoying scenic countryside views.
VND1500000 approx., 3h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch on Halong Bay Cruise

Board your cruise ship and enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch while cruising through the stunning limestone karsts.
USD150 per person (3-day cruise), 1h30m

2:00pm

Cruise and Kayaking

Explore hidden caves and islands; kayak in the calm emerald waters.
Included in cruise package, 2h0m

6:00pm

Sunset Dinner on Board

Enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars with fresh local ingredients while sailing.
Included, 2h0m
View Hotels

Day 4: Halong Bay Full Day Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on December 23, 2025

7:00am

Morning Tai Chi Session

Start early with a relaxing Tai Chi session on deck with sunrise views.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Breakfast on board

Enjoy a fresh breakfast while cruising to more islands.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave and Titop Island

Explore one of the most famous caves with impressive stalactites and climb to the top of Titop Island for panoramic views.
Boat fees included in cruise, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch on board

Savor more delicious seafood and Vietnamese dishes.
Included, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return cruise to harbor and transfer to Hanoi

Cruise back to shore and drive to the airport or hotel for evening flight to Danang.
Included transport, 4h00m

7:00pm

Flight to Danang and overnight in Hoi An

Take an evening flight from Hanoi to Danang (about 1.5 hours), then a short drive to Hoi An for overnight stay.
Approx. USD 65 per person, 1h30m flight + 45m drive
View Hotels

Day 5: Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An, Vietnam on December 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cargo Club

Enjoy international and Vietnamese breakfast dishes with a riverside view.
VND150000, 1h0m

9:00am

Walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore lantern-lit streets, historic architecture, Japanese Covered Bridge, and vibrant markets. Open all day.
VND120000 entrance fee, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Sample regional specialties such as Cao Lau noodles and White Rose dumplings.
VND180000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit An Bang Beach

Relax on the beautiful sandy beach about 4km from the town center, perfect for an afternoon dip.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Dine by the river with creative Vietnamese fusion cuisine and cocktails.
VND300000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an easy breakfast before checkout and transfer to Danang airport.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Direct flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City, duration approx. 1h20m.
Approx USD 60 per person, 1h20m

11:00am

Check-in and lunch at Pho Hoa

Famous Pho restaurant serving classic Vietnamese noodle soup, a great introduction to southern style Pho.
VND70000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s history and the impacts of the Vietnam War. Open 7:30am-6pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

3:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and local snacks in this bustling market open until 7pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a rooftop garden setting above downtown traffic.
VND250000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 7: Cu Chi Tunnels and City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine

Contemporary café offering French style breakfast in a chic setting.
VND150000, 1h0m

8:00am

Half-Day Tour of Cu Chi Tunnels

Experience the extensive underground tunnel system used during the Vietnam War (approx. 1.5 hours drive each way).
USD40 approx including transport, 5h0m total including travel

2:30pm

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Admire classic French colonial architecture in the city center. Open till 5pm.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Unwind in the green city park popular with locals, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Luxurious riverside dining with fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisine.
VND600000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 8: Departure Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final meal in Vietnam with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel to prepare for departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Morning free time or last minute shopping

Visit nearby markets or cafes for souvenirs or a quick coffee before heading to the airport.
Varies, 2h0m

11:30am

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport

Arrange private transfer to the airport for your departing flight home.
VND350000, 30m
View Hotels