Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, and Golden Bridge: A 4-Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary.
Vietnam is a vibrant mix of ancient history, stunning natural beauty, and dynamic city life, making it a fascinating destination for travelers. This 4-day itinerary will take you through three of Vietnam’s most iconic sights: the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City, and the stunning Golden Bridge nestled in the lush mountains of Da Nang. This comprehensive guide will cover the best activities, budget tips, and travel advice to help you experience Vietnam to the fullest in a short timeframe.
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi & Journey to Ha Long Bay
Morning: Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi
- Airport Transfer: Take a private car or a shuttle bus from the airport to Ha Long Bay, approximately a 3-hour journey.
- Cost: Shuttle bus ($10), private car ($60).
- Check-In: Arrive in Ha Long Bay and check into your cruise or hotel.
Afternoon: Explore Ha Long Bay by Cruise
- Cruise Options: Most travelers opt for an overnight cruise to explore Ha Long Bay, which is filled with limestone islands, caves, and emerald waters. Cruises vary from budget to luxury.
- Cost: Day cruises start around $40, while overnight cruises range from $100 to $300.
- Activities:
- Kayaking: Paddle through hidden lagoons and explore isolated beaches.
- Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): One of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay.
- Ti Top Island: Hike to the peak for panoramic views or relax on the beach.
Local Foods:
- Seafood Specialties: Enjoy fresh seafood dishes, including grilled oysters and prawns.
- Vietnamese Hotpot: A delicious communal dish featuring vegetables, seafood, and meats.
Caution: Ensure you book cruises from reputable companies for safety and quality service.
Evening: Dinner on the Cruise
- Enjoy an onboard meal as the sun sets over Ha Long Bay. Most cruises include dinner in their packages, offering a blend of Vietnamese and Western cuisine.
Day 2: Ha Long Bay to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Morning: Sunrise & Return to Hanoi
- Sunrise on the Bay: Early risers can enjoy Tai Chi sessions on deck and watch the sunrise over the bay.
- Breakfast & Disembarkation: Most cruises offer breakfast before returning to the harbor.
- Transfer Back to Hanoi: Return to Hanoi in the afternoon for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Afternoon: Fly from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
- Flight: Domestic flights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City are frequent, with a flight time of about 2 hours.
- Cost: $50-$120, depending on the airline and season.
- Check-In: Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, check into your hotel near the city center.
Evening: Explore Ben Thanh Market & Dinner
- Ben Thanh Market: A bustling market in the heart of the city where you can find everything from local handicrafts to street food.
- Activities:
- Shopping: Souvenirs, local goods, and traditional Vietnamese textiles.
- Street Food Tour: Try popular dishes like Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) and Pho.
Local Foods:
- Pho: Vietnamese noodle soup, available at Pho 2000 near Ben Thanh Market.
- Banh Mi: A Vietnamese sandwich found at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa.
Budget for Day 2:
- Food & Drink: Approximately $20.
- Transportation: Airport transfer in Ho Chi Minh City – around $10-$15 by taxi.
Day 3: Explore Ho Chi Minh City
Morning: Discover Historic Sites
- War Remnants Museum: Provides insight into the history of the Vietnam War and its impact.
- Cost: $2 entry.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: A beautiful colonial-era cathedral.
- Saigon Central Post Office: Known for its architecture, this historic building was designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Afternoon: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
- Cu Chi Tunnels: A half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers.
- Cost: Around $15 for the tour, including transportation.
- Activities:
- Tunnel Exploration: Experience the tunnels and learn about the guerrilla tactics used during the Vietnam War.
- Shooting Range: Try your hand at the shooting range for an extra fee.
Local Foods:
- Com Tam (Broken Rice): A popular dish available at Com Tam Moc.
- Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls): Fresh spring rolls that are a staple Vietnamese snack.
Budget for Day 3:
- Sightseeing Fees: Approximately $20.
- Food: Around $20 for street food and casual dining.
Caution: Be mindful of scams targeting tourists near popular attractions.
Day 4: Da Nang & Golden Bridge
Morning: Fly to Da Nang
- Flight: Take an early morning flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang (1.5 hours).
- Cost: $30-$80.
- Transfer to Ba Na Hills: Ba Na Hills is located about an hour from Da Nang Airport. Book a private transfer or use a shuttle service.
- Cost: Shuttle ($10), private car ($25).
Afternoon: Explore Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
- Golden Bridge: The Golden Bridge, held up by massive stone hands, is one of the most photographed spots in Vietnam.
- Ba Na Hills Cable Car: Enjoy a scenic cable car ride up to Ba Na Hills, which offers stunning views of Da Nang and the surrounding mountains.
- Cost: Around $35 for entry, including the cable car.
- Activities:
- French Village: Explore a quaint village designed to resemble the French countryside.
- Fantasy Park: A family-friendly amusement park with games, rides, and fun activities.
Local Foods:
- Mi Quang: A popular noodle dish of the region, try it at Mi Quang Ba Vi in Da Nang.
- Seafood: Da Nang is known for its seafood restaurants along the coast.
Budget for Day 4:
- Food: Around $15.
- Sightseeing: Cable car and Ba Na Hills entry fees ($35).
Evening: Return to Da Nang Airport & Depart
Caution: Weather in Ba Na Hills can change rapidly; bring a jacket for cooler temperatures.
Summary & Budget Breakdown
This 4-day itinerary provides a whirlwind journey through Vietnam’s most iconic destinations. From the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay to the historic sites of Ho Chi Minh City and the breathtaking Golden Bridge, you’ll experience a variety of landscapes, activities, and cultural highlights.
Estimated Total Budget for 4 Days
- Transportation: Approx. $200 (including flights and transfers).
- Accommodation: Approx. $200 (mid-range hotels).
- Food: Approx. $80 (street food and casual dining).
- Sightseeing Fees: Approx. $100 (includes cruise, museums, tunnels, and Ba Na Hills).
- Total: Around $580.
Final Tip: Book flights and accommodations in advance to secure the best rates, especially during peak tourist seasons. Vietnam’s beauty is both captivating and accessible, and with this itinerary, you’ll be able to capture the highlights while making the most of a limited timeframe. Enjoy the journey!