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Vietnam in Eight Days: A Budget-Friendly North-to-South Journey

This eight-day route follows the creator’s detailed Hanoi–Ha Long Bay–Ninh Binh–Da Nang/Hoi An–Ho Chi Minh City itinerary, including the optional Ninh Binh day. For Indian passport holders, apply for the Vietnam e-visa…

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Travel inspiration for Vietnam in Eight Days: A Budget-Friendly North-to-South Journey

Source videos

Travel inspiration behind this plan

VIETNAM TRAVEL GUIDE 2026 🇻🇳 | COMPLETE ITINERARY FOR 7/10/15 DAYS, BUDGET, VISA & TRAVEL TIPS/RULE Watch on YouTube

Plan notes

Useful context before you go

This eight-day route follows the creator’s detailed Hanoi–Ha Long Bay–Ninh Binh–Da Nang/Hoi An–Ho Chi Minh City itinerary, including the optional Ninh Binh day. For Indian passport holders, apply for the Vietnam e-visa through the official government site at least two weeks ahead, and carry a printed approval. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. For money, compare exchange rates, carry some USD to exchange locally, and exchange only a small amount at the airport; keep emergency cash even if using cards. Avoid airport SIM prices: the creator recommends a Viettel shop or arranging a SIM in advance. Download Google Translate before arrival; the description also lists Grab, Google Maps, MoMo, Skyscanner, and 12Go. If bringing a drone, the creator says prior Ministry of National Defense approval and a local sponsor are required for foreign travelers. Estimated period costs below are approximate per person in USD and exclude international flights.

Resources for this plan

Shared by the source creators. These are not VibePlanit endorsements and may be affiliate links.

Explore Vietnam trip options · Shashank Voyage ↗ Creator link · may be an affiliate link
View the Vietnam travel guide · Shashank Voyage ↗ Creator link · may be an affiliate link
View downloadable travel guides · Shashank Voyage ↗ Creator link · may be an affiliate link
Apply for the Vietnam e-visa · Shashank Voyage ↗ Creator link · may be an affiliate link
Check exchange rates · Shashank Voyage ↗ Creator link · may be an affiliate link
Review international driving permit information · Shashank Voyage ↗ Creator link · may be an affiliate link
Compare flight options · Shashank Voyage ↗ Creator link · may be an affiliate link
Check bus and train options · Shashank Voyage ↗ Creator link · may be an affiliate link

Itinerary highlights

What is in this plan

Day 1 — Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Lakefront

The suggested first day begins after an early arrival: leave your luggage at the hotel, explore the central sights, then rest before the evening. The creator recommends checking in to a centrally located stay for easier access to cafés and markets.

  1. St. Joseph's CathedralSt. Joseph's Cathedral, 40 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

    The creator suggests visiting in the morning and taking time to appreciate the French-style architecture.

  2. Hoan Kiem LakeHoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

    Walk from the cathedral to the lake as suggested, and leave time to explore the lakeside surroundings.

  3. Ngoc Son TempleNgoc Son Temple, Hanoi, Vietnam

    Pair the lake visit with the temple, as recommended in the creator’s walking sequence.

  4. The Note CoffeeThe Note Coffee, Hanoi, Vietnam

    Stop here for the egg coffee or coconut coffee specifically recommended by the creator.

  5. Hanoi Train StreetHanoi Train Street, Hanoi, Vietnam

    The creator recommends exploring the train street in the evening. Follow current local safety directions and do not enter restricted track areas.

Day 2 — Ha Long Bay Cruise and Island Stops

The suggested day-cruise pickup is generally around 7–8 a.m., with an approximately two-hour drive from Hanoi and a return around 8 p.m. The creator describes both a day cruise and a two-day, one-night cruise; the overnight option is more relaxed but around three times the day-cruise price. Cruise inclusions vary, so confirm the itinerary before booking.

  1. Ha Long BayQuảng Ninh, Vietnam

    Choose a day cruise for a shorter visit or an overnight cruise for a more relaxed stay aboard. The creator describes lunch and activities as typical day-cruise inclusions.

  2. Sung Sot CaveSung Sot Cave, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

    The cruise itinerary described includes a stop at Sung Sot Cave to see its rock formations and colored lighting.

  3. Ha Long BayQuảng Ninh, Vietnam

    A bamboo boat ride is one of the cruise activities described for seeing limestone scenery and caves from the water.

  4. Ha Long BayQuảng Ninh, Vietnam

    Kayaking is another activity mentioned for getting close to the bay’s limestone scenery; check whether it is included in your selected cruise.

  5. Ti Top IslandTi Top Island, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

    The cruise stops at Ti Top Island, where the creator says visitors can swim or explore the island.

Day 3 — Ninh Binh’s River, Ancient Capital, and Viewpoint

Ninh Binh is presented as an optional full-day trip from Hanoi, with a morning departure and return around 8 p.m. This is a packed day: plan for the boat journey, temple visits, and the steep stair climb at Mua Cave, then leave the evening activities flexible according to your energy.

  1. Tam CocTam Coc, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

    Take the Tam Coc boat ride. The creator calls out the local women who row the boats with their feet as a distinctive part of the experience.

  2. Hoa Lu Ancient CapitalHoa Lu Ancient Capital, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

    Visit Hoa Lu’s temples, which the creator connects with Vietnam’s ancient emperors.

  3. Mua CaveMua Cave, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

    The creator recommends climbing the 500 steps for a panoramic view over Ninh Binh. Allow time for the climb and take a rest as needed.

  4. Beer StreetBeer Street, Hanoi, Vietnam

    After returning to Hanoi, the creator suggests Beer Street and shopping as possible evening plans; keep this optional after the full-day excursion.

Days 4–6 — Da Nang Coast, Ba Na Hills, and Hoi An

The creator’s route moves from Hanoi to Da Nang by flight, train, or bus, then uses Da Nang as a base for the Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills, and Hoi An. The video recommends a scooter as a convenient option around Da Nang and for the drive to Hoi An; it also says an International Driving Permit is needed alongside an Indian driving licence. Allow for stairs and walking at several stops. Carry a warm jacket for Ba Na Hills, where conditions can be colder than in Da Nang.

  1. Marble MountainsMarble Mountains, Da Nang, Vietnam

    Explore the caves, temples, and viewpoints. The creator recommends booking the ticket package in advance.

  2. My Khe BeachMy Khe Beach, Da Nang, Vietnam

    The creator recommends this beach for an easy evening walk, sunset, and a relaxed break after sightseeing.

  3. Dragon BridgeAn Hải Trung, Sơn Trà, Da Nang

    Visit in the evening. The creator says the fire and water show takes place on weekends.

  4. Sun World Ba Na HillsSun World Ba Na Hills, Da Nang, Vietnam

    Set aside the full day for Ba Na Hills. The creator recommends taking the 8 a.m. cable car to encounter fewer crowds and have a more comfortable time for photos; bring a warm jacket.

  5. Sun World Ba Na HillsSun World Ba Na Hills, Da Nang, Vietnam

    The Golden Bridge is the headline stop at Ba Na Hills. The creator recommends an early cable-car arrival for a more comfortable photo visit.

  6. Sun World Ba Na HillsSun World Ba Na Hills, Da Nang, Vietnam

    Explore the French Village after the Golden Bridge as part of the full-day Ba Na Hills visit.

  7. Sun World Ba Na HillsSun World Ba Na Hills, Da Nang, Vietnam

    The creator includes Fantasy Park among the attractions to explore during the Ba Na Hills day.

  8. Lady BuddhaLady Buddha, Da Nang, Vietnam

    Visit in the morning for the sea and city views mentioned by the creator.

  9. Cam Thanh VillageCam Thanh Village, Hoi An, Vietnam

    The creator recommends a coconut boat ride here and mentions a traditional Vietnamese boat-dance experience.

  10. Japanese Covered BridgeJapanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An, Vietnam

    Explore the Japanese Covered Bridge as part of the Hoi An visit.

  11. Thu Bon RiverThu Bon River, Hoi An, Vietnam

    The creator recommends a lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon River at dusk, when the colorful lanterns make the town especially atmospheric.

Days 7–8 — Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, and the Mekong Delta

The creator suggests reaching Ho Chi Minh City from Da Nang by flight, bus, or train. Use the first day for the central sights and war-history museum; the final day is a full excursion combining Cu Chi Tunnels with the Mekong Delta before returning to the city for the departure flight. That last day is tightly scheduled, so confirm tour timing and airport transfer arrangements.

  1. Saigon Central Post OfficeSaigon Central Post Office, Cong Xa Paris, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Start the city sightseeing with this central landmark. The creator also mentions a hop-on hop-off bus as an option for covering major attractions in about two hours.

  2. War Remnants MuseumWar Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Allow time to understand the history of the Vietnam War and its impact, the main reasons the creator gives for visiting this museum.

  3. Cu Chi TunnelsCu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Visit in the morning to see the underground tunnels used by soldiers during the Vietnam War, as described by the creator.

  4. Can Tho CountrysideCan Tho, Vietnam

    The creator’s suggested afternoon outing includes a boat ride, a traditional village, coconut factories, and a rice-paper workshop. The video does not name individual villages or workshops, so confirm the specific stops with the tour operator.