Vietnam from North to South: Nature and Gastronomy

A route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City via the legendary Halong Bay, the limestone caves of Ninh Binh, and the medieval town of Hoi An. It blends natural wonders, architecture, and Vietnamese street food.

1

Arrival in Hanoi, Old Quarter

Hanoi

3 places

Culture

Hanoi Old Quarter

A maze of narrow streets lined with French colonial architecture and traditional shop signs. A vibrant hub of trade and street life.

Arrive at 7–8 am before the tourist crowds; locals eat breakfast before 10:00.

Photo by Shubham Singla on Unsplash

Free

On foot700 m

Directions

Nature

Hoan Kiem Lake

A sacred lake in the heart of Hanoi, with the iconic Turtle Tower rising from a small island. The lakeside promenade is a favorite gathering spot for locals.

Best visited at sunset, with plenty of waterfront cafés nearby.

Photo by Ryan Le on Unsplash

Free

On foot200 m

Directions

Food

Hanoi Street Food

Phở, bún chả, and fresh spring rolls at the bustling evening markets of the Old Quarter. Authentic Vietnamese cooking at rock-bottom prices.

Head out for dinner from 18:00 and pick stalls with queues of locals. A bowl of phở costs 20,000–30,000 VND ($1–1.50).

Photo by Frida Aguilar Estrada on Unsplash

$3–5 per meal

By car2.2 km

Directions

2

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature

Hanoi

3 places

3

Transfer to Halong Bay

1 place

4

Halong Bay: Kayaking and Caves

Halong Bay

2 places

5

Return to Hanoi and Onward to Ninh Binh

1 place

6

Ninh Binh: Trang An Boat Tour and Caves

Ninh Binh

3 places

7

Flight to Hoi An

0 places

8

Hoi An: The Lantern-Lit Ancient Town

Hoi An

4 places

9

Hoi An: Beach and Handicrafts

Hoi An

2 places

10

Transfer to Hue

1 place

11

Hue: The Citadel and Royal Tombs

Hue

4 places

12

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

0 places

13

Ho Chi Minh City: War Museums and History

Ho Chi Minh City

3 places

14

Cu Chi Tunnels and Surroundings

Ho Chi Minh City

1 place

15

Ho Chi Minh City: Last Day and Relaxation

Ho Chi Minh City

3 places

Route map31 points

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Points of interest

Hanoi Old Quarter

Culture

Hoan Kiem Lake

Nature

Hanoi Street Food

Food

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Attraction

Temple of Literature

Culture

Vietnamese Coffee and Local Cafés

Food

Halong Bay Overnight Junk Cruise

Nature

Halong Bay Kayaking

Activity

Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)

Nature

Ninh Binh – Accommodation Base

Lodging

Trang An (Tam Coc-Bich Dong) – River Cave Cruise

Nature

Hang Mua Cave

Nature

Mua Pagoda

Attraction

Hoi An Ancient Town

Culture

Japanese Covered Bridge

Attraction

Hoi An Market

Food

Old Town Alleyways

Culture

Hoi An Beach

Nature

Tailoring Workshops

Shopping

Hue – Accommodation Base

Lodging

Hue Imperial Citadel

Attraction

Tu Duc Tomb

Attraction

Khai Dinh Tomb

Attraction

Perfume River Boat Ride

Activity

War Remnants Museum

Culture

Reunification Palace

Attraction

Ben Thanh Market

Shopping

Cu Chi Tunnels

Culture

Dong Khoi District (Leisurely Stroll)

Culture

Sunset Café and Riverside Dinner

Food

Ho Chi Minh City Street Food (Final Dinner)

Food