12-Day Vietnam Adventure: From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi Itinerary

Indulge in a Vietnamese breakfast at Son Sushi Bar, offering a fusion of flavors. Then, immerse yourself in the city's history with visits to the War Remnants Museum and the elegant Independence Palace (Reunification Palace).

Have a leisurely lunch at DAUTAU Street PUB & Vietnamese Banh Mi, known for its local craft beer and traditional banh mi sandwiches. Afterward, take a guided Ho Chi Minh City Half-Day Tour to explore hidden gems and local life.

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Standing Bar, a popular spot for live music and craft cocktails. Enjoy the evening with a drink in hand and the company of fellow travelers and locals.

Start early with a breakfast at The Hudson Rooms, preparing you for a full day. Join a Mekong Delta Day Trip to explore the intricate waterways, visit local villages, and enjoy the lush scenery.

Delight in a riverside lunch during your Mekong Delta excursion, savoring fresh seafood and regional specialties. Return to the city in the late afternoon, and if time permits, visit the lively Nguyen Hue Street for some shopping and people-watching.

Reflect on your day over dinner at Colette French Bistro & Wine Bar, offering a refined atmosphere and a selection of fine wines. Relax and prepare for the next leg of your journey.

Begin your day with a breakfast at Feliz - Modern Tapas Bar, providing a unique start to your day. Afterward, explore the charming Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved architecture and lantern-lit streets.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at JUMARC, where you can dine in a garden setting with a menu featuring local and international dishes. Spend the afternoon visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau) and the Hoi An Night Market for souvenirs and local crafts.

For dinner, head to Ignite Sky Bar, which offers a mix of international and Vietnamese cuisine in a rooftop setting. Afterward, consider taking a Hoi An Memories Show to witness a spectacular performance that brings the history and culture of the region to life.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Pasteur Street Craft Beer - Hoan Kiem Taproom & Restaurant, preparing you for a day of culinary exploration. Take a Hoi An Countryside Bike Tour with Cooking Class, where you'll cycle through rural landscapes, visit local villages, and learn to cook traditional dishes.

Your bike tour will culminate in a delicious lunch, as you enjoy the fruits of your cooking class. Afterward, take some time to relax or explore more of Hoi An at your own pace. Consider visiting a nearby beach or taking a boat ride on the Thuan Tinh Island Cooking Tour by Eco-Friendly Basket Boat.

For dinner, return to the Hoi An Ancient Town and dine at La Table Hanoia, a restaurant known for its fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisine. After dinner, take a stroll through the lantern-lit streets and enjoy the magical ambiance of the town at night.

Begin your day with breakfast at Capos, offering a mix of local and international dishes. Afterward, visit the majestic Imperial City (The Citadel) and the nearby Thien Mu Pagoda, both significant historical and cultural sites.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Skyline Hanoi, which provides a panoramic view of the city. Afterward, take a Perfume River (Song Huong) boat trip, with stops at the Thien Mu Pagoda and the serene countryside.

Dine at Cloud Sky Bar Hanoi, where you can enjoy a sophisticated meal with a view. Reflect on the day's experiences and perhaps enjoy a cocktail as you plan for the next day's adventures.

Start your day with a visit to the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the nearby One-Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot). After paying your respects, have breakfast at Hanoi Fusion Pub & Restaurant, offering a blend of local and international flavors.

Explore the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam's first national university, and a symbol of knowledge and learning. For lunch, head to The Hanoi Social Club for a relaxed meal in a cozy setting.

Experience the unique art form of water puppetry with Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket. After the show, enjoy a dinner at Diamond Sky Bar, where you can dine with a view of the city lights.

Enjoy a breakfast at Skyline Hanoi with a view of the city waking up. Then, embark on a day trip to the serene Pu Luong Nature Reserve, where you can hike, explore local villages, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.

Have a picnic lunch amidst the stunning landscapes of Pu Luong. Afterward, return to Hanoi and spend a relaxing afternoon at West Lake (Ho Tay), the largest freshwater lake in the city, or visit the tranquil Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc).

Dine at Standing Bar, a unique establishment known for its craft beers and casual atmosphere. Enjoy an evening of good food and drinks, and perhaps engage in conversation with fellow travelers and locals.

Start your day with a visit to the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu. Explore the historic sites and then have breakfast at Feliz - Modern Tapas Bar, offering a range of morning delights.

After breakfast, take a boat trip through the stunning Trang An Landscape Complex (Trang An Grottoes), often referred to as the "Halong Bay on land." Enjoy the natural beauty and have a riverside lunch at a local eatery.

Return to Hanoi and relax with a dinner at The Hanoi Social Club, where you can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and a menu that caters to various dietary preferences.

Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast at La Table Hanoia, preparing you for a day of cruising through the stunning karst landscapes of Ha Long Bay. After breakfast, embark on your Ha Long Bay Day Trip with Lunch and Transfers.

Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch onboard as you sail past the iconic limestone formations. Visit the otherworldly Surprise Cave (Hang Sung Sot) and take in the panoramic views from the cave entrance. Afterward, relax on the sundeck and soak in the natural beauty.

As the sun sets, return to the pier and transfer to Cat Ba Island. Check into your accommodation and have a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of the sea.

Wake up to the island breeze and have breakfast at your hotel. Then, set out to explore the rugged landscapes of Cat Ba National Park. Take a hike to enjoy panoramic views and spot the diverse flora and fauna.

Return to the town for a relaxed lunch at a beachside restaurant. Afterward, spend the afternoon at Cat Co 1 Beach or Cat Co 2 Beach, where you can swim, sunbathe, or simply unwind with a book.

Dine at a local seafood restaurant, enjoying the freshest catches of the day. As the night falls, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and immerse yourself in the island's laid-back atmosphere.

Enjoy a final breakfast at The Hanoi Social Club, reminiscing about your journey. If time allows, take a morning walk around the Hanoi Old Quarter to soak in the last bits of local life and pick up any last-minute souvenirs.

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure. As you bid Vietnam goodbye, carry with you the memories of the vibrant cities, the serene landscapes, and the warm hospitality you've experienced.