Itinerary
- Day 1
Hanoi
You land in Hanoi and jump right into exploring the old town's narrow alleyways where traditional Vietnamese tube houses line the streets. Street food becomes your introduction to the city, so grab some bánh mì from a vendor and try a bowl of pho at a local stall. The chaotic energy and packed markets set the tone for what's ahead.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Matilda Boutique and Spa Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Explore old town alleyways
- Sample street food - bánh mì and pho
- Day 2
Hanoi
Start with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then head to the bright yellow Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's former residence nearby. From there, walk to Chua Mot Cot, the one-pillar pagoda that's been standing since 1049. By afternoon, reach the Temple of Literature, which served as Vietnam's first university. These sites form the core of Hanoi's historical identity.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Matilda Boutique and Spa Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- See the Presidential Palace
- Visit Ho Chi Minh's residence
- Explore Chua Mot Cot (one-pillar pagoda)
- Visit Temple of Literature
Landmarks Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Presidential Palace Chua Mot Cot (One-Pillar Pagoda) Temple of Literature - Day 3
Hanoi
This morning, head to Train Street where a daily train still passes directly through the city's residential area, creating a surreal moment when it rumbles through. Later, visit Long Bien Bridge, the iconic iron structure built in 1902 that's central to Hanoi's story. End your day at Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can walk to the Jade Mountain Temple situated on a small island in the water.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Matilda Boutique and Spa Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Watch the train pass through Train Street from a nearby café
- Visit Long Bien Bridge
- Explore Hoan Kiem Lake
- Visit Jade Mountain Temple
Landmarks Train Street Long Bien Bridge Hoan Kiem Lake Jade Mountain Temple - Day 4
Hanoi to Hoi An
After flying from Hanoi to Da Nang, you'll transfer to Hoi An and wander through the old town's tight alleyways decorated with colorful lanterns hanging overhead. Historic wooden houses line each street, and you'll stop to try cao lau and white rose dumplings at local restaurants. Grab a smoothie while sitting by the river, then check out the legendary tailor shops that can make custom clothing.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Serene Nature Hotel)
Included Activities
- Airport transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An
Optional Activities
- Explore old town alleyways
- Sample local specialties - cao lau and white rose dumplings
- Relax with a smoothie by the river
- Visit tailor shops for custom clothing (costs extra)
Landmarks Hoi An Old Town 
- Day 5
Hoi An
Spend time revisiting your favorite spots from the previous day or discovering new corners of Hoi An. Head out to Chuc Thanh Pagoda, one of the oldest temples in the area, where exotic plants and flowers fill the surrounding garden. Later, drive into the countryside for a quieter break, then return to town for street food in the evening.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Serene Nature Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Visit Chuc Thanh Pagoda
- Explore the garden surrounding the pagoda
- Sample street food
Landmarks Chuc Thanh Pagoda 
- Day 6
Hoi An
Get an early start at the central market to see how locals shop and interact, watching vendors arrange colorful produce and set up food stalls. From there, walk through historic old houses like the Tran Family Chapel and the Old House of Quan Thang, where you'll see how families lived in centuries past. These buildings show the architecture and daily life that shaped traditional Hoi An.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Serene Nature Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Visit Tran Family Chapel
- Visit Old House of Quan Thang
- Explore central market
Landmarks Tran Family Chapel Old House of Quan Thang Hoi An Central Market - Day 7
Hoi An
Head to Bai Bien Cua Dai Beach or An Bang Beach, both nearby Hoi An with white-golden sand and turquoise water. Relax under palm trees and order a cool cocktail from a beachside vendor. It's a low-key day to step away from the crowds and soak up the coastal atmosphere.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Serene Nature Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Visit Bai Bien Cua Dai Beach
- Visit An Bang Beach
- Enjoy cocktails and swim
Landmarks Bai Bien Cua Dai Beach An Bang Beach - Day 8
Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City
Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City and settle into your accommodation. Once you're checked in, either head straight to Ben Thanh Market to see hundreds of stalls packed with goods and street food, or grab a seat at a café and watch the city's hustle bustle from a comfortable spot. Either way, you'll get a feel for the city's energy.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Hammock Hotel Fine Arts Museum)
Included Activities
- Airport transfer to accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City
Optional Activities
- Explore Ben Thanh Market
- Sample street food at Ben Thanh Market
Landmarks Ben Thanh Market - Day 9
Ho Chi Minh City
Start at Notre Dame Cathedral, then walk to the old post office, which still operates today and features stunning French colonial architecture. The War Remnants Museum comes next, offering extensive documents and exhibits about Vietnam's history. After all that, relax at cafés around Tan Dinh Church or spend time in Le Van Tam Park to process what you've seen.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Hammock Hotel Fine Arts Museum)
Optional Activities
- Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
- Explore the old post office
- Visit War Remnants Museum
- Relax in cafés around Tan Dinh Church
- Explore Le Van Tam Park
Landmarks Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon Central Post Office War Remnants Museum Tan Dinh Church Le Van Tam Park - Day 10
Ho Chi Minh City (Departure)
Use these final hours before departure to take in Vietnam one more time. Walk through a market you missed, grab coffee at a street café, or just sit and observe the traffic and energy around you. Reflect on the alleyways, food, temples, and people you've encountered throughout the trip and what this journey has meant.
