13 day itinerary for Vietnam

Itinerary

Vietnam is a stunning country with a rich culture, delicious food, and breathtaking landscapes. With your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and departure from Hanoi, we can create a fantastic itinerary that allows you to explore the highlights at a comfortable pace. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (November 2)

• Evening: Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 19:30. After clearing customs, take a taxi or arrange a transfer to your hotel in District 1.
• Dinner: If you’re not too tired, grab a late dinner at a nearby restaurant. Try some pho or banh mi to kick off your culinary adventure!

## Day 2: Explore Ho Chi Minh City (November 3)

• Morning: Start your day with a visit to the War Remnants Museum to understand Vietnam's history.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Ben Thanh Market, where you can sample local street food.
• Afternoon: Visit the Reunification Palace and then take a stroll down Dong Khoi Street to see the Saigon Opera House and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
• Evening: Head to Bui Vien Street for some nightlife or enjoy a rooftop bar for a view of the city skyline.

## Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta (November 4)

• Morning: Take a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about the Vietnam War's underground life.
• Lunch: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and have lunch at a local eatery.
• Afternoon: Join a Mekong Delta day trip. Explore the waterways, visit local villages, and enjoy a boat ride.
• Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and relax at your hotel or explore more local dining options.

## Day 4: Travel to Hoi An (November 5)

• Morning: Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang (about 1.5 hours).
• Lunch: Upon arrival, take a taxi to Hoi An (about 30 minutes) and have lunch at a riverside café.
• Afternoon: Spend the afternoon wandering the charming streets of Hoi An Ancient Town. Don’t miss the Japanese Covered Bridge and the vibrant lanterns.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and take a stroll along the river, soaking in the magical atmosphere.

## Day 5: Hoi An Cooking Class & Countryside (November 6)

• Morning: Join a cooking class where you can learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.
• Lunch: Enjoy the meal you prepared during the class.
• Afternoon: Rent a bicycle and explore the surrounding countryside, visiting rice paddies and local farms.
• Evening: Return to Hoi An for dinner. Try the local specialty, Cao Lau noodles.

## Day 6: Day Trip to My Son (November 7)

• Morning: Take a guided tour to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient Cham ruins.
• Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant on your way back to Hoi An.
• Afternoon: Spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can shop for souvenirs or relax at a café.
• Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner and perhaps a traditional music performance.

## Day 7: Travel to Hue (November 8)

• Morning: Take a scenic drive to Hue (about 3 hours). Stop at the Hai Van Pass for stunning views.
• Lunch: Arrive in Hue and have lunch at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon: Visit the Imperial City and explore the ancient citadel.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant along the Perfume River.

## Day 8: Explore Hue (November 9)

• Morning: Visit the Tombs of the Emperors, such as Khai Dinh and Minh Mang.
• Lunch: Try some local specialties like Bun Bo Hue.
• Afternoon: Take a boat ride on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda.
• Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the night market.

## Day 9: Travel to Hanoi (November 10)

• Morning: Fly from Hue to Hanoi (about 1 hour).
• Lunch: Arrive in Hanoi and have lunch at a local eatery.
• Afternoon: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda.
• Evening: Explore the Old Quarter and enjoy dinner at a street food stall.

## Day 10: Hanoi City Tour (November 11)

• Morning: Visit the Temple of Literature and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon: Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum and take a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Evening: Attend a traditional water puppet show.

## Day 11: Day Trip to Ninh Binh (November 12)

• Morning: Take a day trip to Ninh Binh. Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and then take a boat ride in Tam Coc or Trang An.
• Lunch: Enjoy a local meal in Ninh Binh.
• Afternoon: Explore the stunning landscapes and rice fields.
• Evening: Return to Hanoi and have dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 12: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise (November 13)

• Morning: Depart for Halong Bay (about 2.5 hours). Board your cruise ship.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise through the stunning limestone karsts.
• Afternoon: Explore caves, go kayaking, or swim (if weather permits).
• Evening: Enjoy dinner on the cruise and take part in evening activities like squid fishing or stargazing.

## Day 13: Return to Hanoi (November 14)

• Morning: Enjoy breakfast on the cruise and take in the morning views of Halong Bay.
• Lunch: Return to the harbor and head back to Hanoi.
• Afternoon: Spend your last afternoon shopping or visiting any sites you may have missed.
• Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, reflecting on your amazing journey.

Departure: Fly from Hanoi (November 15)

• Late Night: Head to the airport for your 00:20 flight. Safe travels!

This itinerary balances sightseeing, cultural experiences, and relaxation, allowing you to soak in the beauty of Vietnam without feeling rushed. Enjoy your trip! 🌏✈️