Exploring Vietnam thoroughly requires a generous timeframe, ideally spanning at least three weeks, given the country’s vastness and diversity. However, if time is limited, this 10-day Vietnam itinerary can serve as a robust foundation, allowing you to build your own journey and still capture the essence of this fascinating country. It is important to note that your Vietnam trip will not only be based on how many days you have available and your personal preferences but also on the time of the year you decide to travel because it might be better to skip certain areas during the rain season.
Let’s start with some general information.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHERE WE STAYED AND RECOMMEND
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRAVEL TO VIETNAM
• VISA REQUIRMENTS: On August 15, 2023, Vietnam started granting e-visas for citizens of all countries and territories with a 90-day stay duration and valid for multiple entries. The cost is $25 for a single-entry electronic visa and $50 for a multiple-entry electronic visa.
📝 You can apply on the official website. (Please be careful of scam websites – this is the only website to apply for your e-visa).
ℹ️ For additional info about visa requirements for Vietnam, click here.
• WHATSAPP: If you don’t use WhatsApp in your daily life, make sure to download it for Vietnam. Hotels and tour operators/guides often communicate with customers using the app.
• BUY A LOCAL SIM OR E-SIM CARD: Buying a local SIM card in Vietnam is a smart move for travelers as it provides cost-effective and convenient access to local networks, ensuring seamless communication, internet access, and navigation. The two main providers offering prepaid SIM cards are Viettel and Vinaphone. A Vietnamese SIM card and prepaid data package should cost you between VND 150,000-350,000 (US $6.50-$15) depending on how long you’re going to be staying in Vietnam and how much mobile data you want.
• MONEY: The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong, and the exchange rate is approximately 24,000 Vietnamese Dong for 1 USD. We recommend carrying some cash with you, especially in rural areas or when eating at small establishments.
Check Out Our Vietnam Travel Guide Page
General information about the country, our curated travel shop, and related articles.
IT'S NOW TIME TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN VIETNAM.
10-DAY VIETNAM ITINERARY
When traveling to Vietnam by plane from another country, you will most likely land either in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. While we began our journey in Hanoi, you can reverse this itinerary and start your adventure in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).
Day 1 - Arrive in Hanoi and Get a Taste of the City
Hàng Gai (Silk Street) | 🍽️ Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư |Hoàn Kiếm Lake (Sword Lake) | 🍽️ Hidden Gem Cafe & Pub
Arrive in the capital and take a taxi to your hotel. We recommend staying at Smarana Hanoi Heritage Hotel (check out our full review here). Take the hotel shuttle (subject to availability) or book a taxi through Grab and get off by St. Joseph’s Cathedral, which is in the heart of the Old Quarter, the historical civic urban core of the city.
Take a stroll down Hàng Gai (Silk Street), a lively shopping hub in the capital known for its focus on silk. The street has over a hundred stores selling silk and related products. Most local fashion shops and tailors here have been around for decades, offering both ready-made and custom clothes.
Stop at Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư for a bowl of warm Pho, a soup dish consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat (the “unofficial” national dish of Vietnam).
PHO 10 LY QUOC SU
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Location: 10 P. Lý Quốc Sư, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm
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Opening Hours: Everyday | 6:00 am - 9:50 pm
After your meal, continue your walk to Hoàn Kiếm Lake (aka Sword Lake), one of the major scenic spots in the city and a focal point for its public life.
Finish your evening at the Hidden Gem Cafe & Pub. You will love the atmosphere of this multi-floor space uniquely decorated with tons of recycled items. They serve coffee (including the famous Egg Coffe), juice, smoothies, tea, beer, and a variety of local dishes (spring rolls, Bánh mì, etc.) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
HIDDEN GEM PUB
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Location: 3B Alley, Hang Tre Street
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Opening Hours: Everyday | 8:00 am - 11:00 pm
Day 2 - Delving Deeper into Hanoi
Dong Xuan Market | Old Quarter | 🍽️ Banh Mi 25 | Temple of Literature |🍽️ Cafe Pho Co | Puppet Show |
🍽️ Bun Cha Ta Restaurant | Ta Hien Street
Head to the Dong Xuan Market for a sensory adventure through a bustling labyrinth of vibrant stalls and lively activity. Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, this iconic market is a treasure trove of Vietnamese culture and commerce. As you navigate through the narrow aisles, the market offers a kaleidoscope of goods from fresh produce, and live animals (i.e., turtles), to local delicacies. Dong Xuan Market is an interesting destination for those eager to immerse themselves in Hanoi’s local life.
Continue exploring the Old Quarter and do some shopping.
Stop for lunch at the Banh Mi 25 to try a delicious Bahn Mi, the famous Vietnamese sandwich. The store has two locations, one across from each other. One is only for takeout, and the other has tables to eat in. The sandwiches are delicious (we tried the classic one, Bánh mì Pâté Xá Xíu), and they are only 30,000 – 35,000 Vietnamese dong each (less than $1.50).
After visiting the Temple of Literature, take a break at Cafe Pho Co. You can take a taxi there (approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on the traffic. Alternatively, you can also walk for 30 minutes.) Café Pho Co., which you can also find recommended in the prominent Michelin guide, is a charming cafe serving one of Hanoi’s most delicious egg coffees (among other drinks).
CAFE PHO CO.
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Location: 11 Hang Gai - Enter through the silk shop, 4th floor
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Opening Hours: Everyday | 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
After your well-deserved afternoon break, head back towards Hoàn Kiếm Lake to enjoy a show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre right across from the lake. The ancient art of water puppetry, dating back to the 11th century, unfolds on a stage filled with water, creating a magical and visually stunning spectacle. The skilled puppeteers manipulate intricately crafted puppets to tell enchanting tales of folklore, history, and daily life in Vietnam. The combination of live music, colorful lights, and the artful movements of the puppets creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that captivates audiences of all ages. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre offers a unique and entertaining window into Vietnamese culture, making it a must-see attraction for visitors to Hanoi. We enjoyed this performance more than we thought we would! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
THANG LONG WATER PUPPET THEATRE
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Location: 57B P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm
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Opening hours: Hanoi water puppet shows are at 1.45 pm - 3:30 pm - 5 pm - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - 9:15 pm daily, and Sunday also at 9:30 am
TO BOOK TICKETS
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You can contact the theatre via email: [email protected] or phone: (+84) 91 3511063 – (+84) 37 5827429
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Purchase them at the box office. We got ours an hour before the show, and there was still availability for VIP tickets.
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Purchase them on Viator.com or GetYourGuide.com. (at an additional cost)
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Price: 200.000 VND (first 5 rows), 150.000 VND (middle rows - 6 to 9), 100.000 VND last 7 rows). The theater is relatively small, but there is no stadium seating, so we recommend buying seats in the first rows for ideal enjoyment.
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The show is in Vietnamese. We highly recommend getting the audio guide (50.000 VND - approximately $2) to listen to the show translated into your language.
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Duration: The show is 50 minutes
After enjoying the show, take a short walk (6 minutes) to Bun Cha Ta Restaurant for dinner. This spot (also recommended in the Michelin Guide) offers various bún chả and fried spring rolls. The classic bún chả features tender, smoky grilled pork, well-seasoned meat patties, and smooth rice noodles with a balanced soup base. Vegetarian options are also available.
Stroll along the popular Ta Hien Street (it connects Dinh Tien Hoang Road and Hang Buom Street) before returning to your hotel to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and busy street life. As night falls, the area comes alive with night markets, trendy bars, and enticing street food stalls.
Day 3 - Get On A 2-Day/1-Night Cruise To Halong Bay
Depending on where you are staying, you will have a pick-up from your hotel (if you are in the Old Quarter), or they will tell you to meet at the Hanoi Opera House or another popular landmark. The transfer is at an additional cost and can usually be added during the booking process. The trip lasts approximately two and a half hours in a comfortable “VIP” bus with comfortable seats.
Once you reach Halong Bay, you will go through the check-in process before getting on a shuttle boat that will take you to your cruise ship by lunchtime. We opted for the La Regina Grand Cruise and had a pleasant experience.
Day 4 - Enjoy A Few More Hours On Your Cruise And Travel To Hue
When you wake up, you can join a Tai chi class and have a small breakfast before going on your last excursion to the Sung Sot Cave (optional). Once you return, you will have brunch and get ready to return to land for your transfer back to Hanoi.
The transfer will drop you off at the same place where they picked you up. From there, take a taxi to the airport for your 1- and 15-minute flight to Hue.
Day 5 - Start Exploring Hue
Dong Ba Market | Perfume River walk | Hue Citadel | 🍽️ Les Jardins De La Carambole | Thiên Mụ Temple | Hon Chen Temple | Tomb of Minh Mang | 🍽️ Madam Thu Restaurant
Start your exploration at the Dong Ba Market. This bustling market, located along the northern bank of the Perfume River, stands as the oldest in Hue and is a hub of activity. Strolling through the labyrinth of stalls, visitors are greeted by a diverse array of fresh produce, spices, textiles, and handicrafts.
Continue your walking tour by the Perfume River (Hương River) banks towards The Hue Citadel (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The massive complex, surrounded by impressive walls and a protective moat, is home to many historic structures. The serene ambiance within the Citadel’s walls offers a journey back in time to Vietnam’s imperial history, where the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty comes to life.
HUE CITADEL
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Opening hours: Spring/Summer: Everyday | 8:00 am - 5:30 pm. Fall/Winter: Everyday | 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Depending on how much time you have, you can purchase your tickets just for the Imperial City or other tombs located in districts inside (about 15 minutes by car) and outside (about 30-40 minutes by car) Hue.
TO PURCHASE TICKETS
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Buy tickets at the gate
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Purchase a tour via Viator.com or GetYourGuide.com
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Price: 200,000 VNR (approximately $8) - Citadel Only
Before leaving The Citadel, stop by the gift shop for some hand rolled incenses, and other items. Depending on the time of the year you visit Vietnam, and the time you finish visiting The Citadel, you might be able to visit at least one of the Royal Tombs. In our case, it was time to head back to the hotel.
Check out N. Cafe and Food or Café 51 for a snack before going to the next destination, or have lunch at Les Jardins De La Carambole, a French-Vietnamese restaurant with a great atmosphere, and good food. All establishments are within 5 to 10 minutes by foot from The Citadel.
After your break, walk to the Toa Kham Marina, by the Citadel, and purchase your Dragon Boat tickets to visit the Thiên Mụ Temple, Hon Chen Temple, and the Tomb of Minh Mang. If you are planning to return to the Marina, make sure to buy a return ticket, which is cheaper than one-way rides.
After your visit, get back on your Dragon Boat to continue your tour to Hon Chen Temple and the Tomb of Minh Mang (possibly the best-preserved Tomb in Hue).
HON CHEN TEMPLE
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Opening hours: Everyday | 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
TO BOOK TICKETS
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Buy tickets at the gate
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Purchase a tour via Viator.com or GetYourGuide.com
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Can be bought as part of a package at Hue Imperial City
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Ptice: 50,000 VND (approximately $2)
TOMB OF MINH MANG
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Opening hours: Everyday | 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
TO BOOK TICKETS
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Buy tickets at the gate
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Purchase a tour via Viator.com or GetYourGuide.com
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Can be bought as part of a package at Hue Imperial City
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Ptice: 150,000 VND (approximately $6)
For dinner, head to the city’s Backpacker Area to enjoy some delicious food at Madam Thu Restaurant. This popular dining spot serves famous Hue foods such as stuffed rice pancakes (Banh Khoai), grilled chopped pork (Nem Lui), grilled pork vermicelli, fried spring rolls (which are DELICIOUS!), and other Hue-style dishes.
Day 6 - Take A Day Trip To The Golden Bridge, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, and Hoi An
Book a customized day trip to explore some of the surrounding areas. We create an itinerary with Good Tour Vietnam (you can contact them via Whatsapp: +84 387-592-928 or email Ân / Rober [email protected]. There are also numerous Facebook groups where you can find tour guides and companies selling excursions throughout Vietnam. These are some popular ones: Vietnam Travel Guide and Vietnam Travels, but you can find many others searching “Vietnam travel.” To make your life easier, you can also book a tour on Viator.com, where you can find several good options.
We decided to visit The Golden Bridge (which is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from Hue by car), the Marble Mountains in Da Nang (another 1 hour and 30 minutes by car), and Hoi An (30 minutes by car). You can decide to be back in Hue by dinner time or stay in Hoi An to grab something for dinner and then drive back for about 2 hours and 45 minutes. It was a tiring, packed day, but 100% worth it to see as much as possible with limited time.
If you are heading back to Hue for dinner, check out Golden Rice restaurant for some delicious Vietnamese food.
Day 7 - Enjoy Your Last Day In Hue
Take advantage of the Hue City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus to explore some other areas of the city and visit other Royal Tombs.
HUE CITY SIGHTSEEING HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS
You’ll be able to hop on at any of their selected stops and hop off right next to all of Hue’s top sights.
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Schedule: 08:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Loop: 90 Minutes
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Frequency: 40 Minutes
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Price: $19
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12 Stops: • Toa Kham Boat Wharf • Dong Ba Market • Hue Imperial Citadel • Hue Train Station • An Hien Garden House • Thien Mu Pagoda • Tu Hieu Pagoda • Pilgrimage Village • Tu Duc Tomb • Khai Dinh Tomb • Nam Giao Explanade, Quoc Hoc Hue
For dinner, enjoy a Japanese dinner at Shino Sushi 2. Here you will find fresh sushi, as well as a few other Japanese cooked dishes.
Day 8 - Travel To Ho Chi Minh City
The flight from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City is 1 and a half hours. We flew with Vietjet Air, and we had a pleasant experience. It is a low-cost airline, and the legroom and seat size could be better, but they were on time and had good service. Ensure a checked bag is included in your fare when buying your tickets.
Day 9 - Explore Ho Chi Minh City
Independence Palace | War Remnants Museum | 🍽️ Little Hanoi Egg Coffee | Jade Emperor Pagoda | Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda | Ben Thanh Market | 🍽️ Pizza 4P’s
Ho Chi Minh City is a highly chaotic city. Walking around and especially crossing can be pretty challenging, so we found taking taxis a much better option to get from one place to another stress-free. The Grab app is 100% your friend here, and the prices are very cheap.
Start your day with a visit to the Independence Palace. This iconic building played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War. Set against lush gardens, the palace’s architecture combines mid-century modern design with traditional Vietnamese elements. Exploring its well-preserved rooms, including the war command center and the president’s living quarters, offers a glimpse into the events that led to the war’s conclusion in 1975. The rooftop terrace provides panoramic views of the city, adding to the overall experience.
INDEPENDENCE PALACE
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Location: Ben Thanh, District 1
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Opening Hours: Everyday | 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
TO BOOK TICKETS
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Buy tickets at the gate
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Purchase a tour via Viator.com or GetYourGuide.com
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Price: 65,000 VND (approximately $2.50)
Continue your exploration by taking a taxi or walking (about 8 to 10 minutes) to the War Remnants Museum, which provides a profound insight into the Vietnam War. The museum, formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, houses a compelling collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits depicting the conflict’s harsh realities.
WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM
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Location: Phường 6, District 3
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Opening Hours: Everyday | 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
TO BOOK TICKETS
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Buy tickets at the gate
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Purchase a tour via Viator.com or GetYourGuide.com
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Price: 40,000 VND (approximately $1.60)
For lunch, take a taxi (approximately 10 minutes) to Little Hanoi Egg Coffee. This cute hidden cafe is beautifully decorated and has a very cozy atmosphere. They have a great variety of drinks (the egg coffee is amazing) and several delicious bites, including ham and cheese sandwiches, avocado toast, as well sweet options.
After your break, take a taxi to the Jade Emperor Pagoda (also known as Phuoc Hai Buddhist Temple). This historic temple stands as a cultural gem in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. It is a captivating blend of traditional Chinese architecture and Vietnamese religious practices. The ambiance is both serene and spiritually charged, making Jade Emperor Pagoda a haven for those seeking moments of reflection and cultural immersion amidst the bustling cityscape of Ho Chi Minh.
JADE EMPEROR PAGODA
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Location: 73 Đ. Mai Thị Lựu, Đa Kao, Quận 1
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Opening Hours: Everyday | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Free Admission
Take a taxi (about 10 minutes) to Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda. Constructed in the early 20th century, this pagoda blends traditional design with a touch of modernity, creating a visually stunning and spiritually significant place of worship. The highlight of Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda is its seven-story tower, adorned with intricate carvings and statues, showcasing a harmonious fusion of Buddhist and Vietnamese artistic elements.
VĨNH NGHIÊM PAGODA
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Location: 339 Đ. Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường 7, Quận 3
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Opening Hours: Everyday | 6:00 am - 10:00pm
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Free Admission
Your last stop on your Ho Chi Minh tour is at Ben Thanh Market (15 minutes by taxi). This iconic market, dating back to the 19th century, is a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and fragrances. With its labyrinthine alleys and countless stalls, Ben Thanh Market offers a diverse array of goods, from fresh produce and spices to textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
BEN THANH MARKET
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Location: Ben Thanh, District 1
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Opening Hours: Everyday | 6:00 am - 10:00pm
Indulge in a dinner at the Japanese Italian restaurant Pizza 4P’s in Ben Thanh (they have multiple locations across the city). The food is amazing, and you will love their unique pizza flavors!
Afterward, walk to the Phu Dong Roundabout for some night shots. If you’re feeling like it, you can also enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the nearby cafes offering a splendid view of the square.
Day 10 - Take A Day Trip To Cu Chi Tunnels And Mekong Delta
Book a full-day excursion to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta for your last day in Vietnam. We purchased our package through Saigon Adventure. Our guide, Sony, was amazing!
The Cu Chi Tunnels are 1 hour away by car. These intricate tunnels, constructed by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, served as a crucial part of the underground network used for living quarters, storage, and military strategies. Exploring the tunnels offers a firsthand look at the resilience and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people during the conflict. Visitors can crawl through the narrow passages, discover hidden trapdoors, and gain insights into the challenges faced by those who lived underground.
After the very insightful visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels and a lunch break included in the package, you will head to the Mekong Delta. It will take about 2 hours to reach your destination by car. Once there, you will take a boat tour and taste local tropical fruits and honey tea while listening to live “Don Ca Tai Tu,” a traditional folk music genre. Finally, you will experience a coconut candy workshop to learn how they produce their staple treat (you can also buy the freshly made candy if you would like).
You will be back in Ho Chi Minh City right in time for dinner. Enjoy your last meal in Vietnam at Hội An Sense Restaurant (we recommend making a reservation on their website). This is a beautifully decorated establishment with delicious food and live entertainment on some nights.
We hope you enjoy our 10-day Vietnam itinerary, and that it will help you to plan your trip!
