5-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Vietnam: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese pho noodle soup at Pho Bat Dan, one of the oldest and most famous pho shops in Hanoi.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Take a relaxing stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, central to Hanoi’s culture, and visit the charming Ngoc Son Temple on the lake's small island.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore the Old Quarter

Walk through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to experience local markets, street food, and historic colonial architecture.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Taste the famous Hanoi dish, cha ca (grilled fish with turmeric and dill), at the renowned restaurant Cha Ca Thang Long.
VND150000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university and a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture at the Temple of Literature.
VND30000, 1h

4:00pm

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

See the final resting place of Vietnam's revered leader Ho Chi Minh and explore the connected Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. Note the mausoleum closes at 4:30pm, so time is limited.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes served in a charming colonial villa.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Drive approximately 3.5 hours to Halong Bay, known for its emerald waters and limestone islands.
VND500000 (transport), 3h30m

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Embark on a 2-day, 1-night cruise to explore scenic limestone karsts and caves of Halong Bay. Activities include kayaking and swimming.
USD150, 2d0h

12:00pm

Lunch on Board

Enjoy fresh seafood and Vietnamese cuisine while cruising the bay’s stunning landscape.
Included in cruise, 1h

Afternoon

Cruise Activities and Sightseeing

Visit Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island for panoramic views, and relax on the deck to watch the sunset.
Included in cruise, 4h

7:00pm

Dinner on Board

Savor a delicious dinner featuring local specialties under the stars on the cruise.
Included in cruise, 1h30m
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Day 3: Halong Bay to Hanoi to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Morning Tai Chi and Breakfast on Cruise

Start the day with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck followed by breakfast as the cruise returns to harbor.
Included in cruise, 2h

9:00am

Return to Halong Bay Harbor and transfer to Hanoi Airport

Disembark and drive back to Hanoi to catch a flight south to Da Nang, then transfer to Hoi An.
VND500000 (transport), 5h

3:00pm

Check into Hotel in Hoi An

Relax and refresh in your hotel located in the charming ancient town.
Varies, 1h

4:00pm

Stroll Around Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town with its lantern-lined streets, historic houses, and riverside cafes.
VND120000 entrance fee, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Hoi An specialties such as white rose dumplings and cao lau noodles in a beautiful setting.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hoi An Beaches and Countryside

Hoi An, Vietnam on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bale Well

Sample local breakfast delicacies like banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) served fresh and flavorful.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Cycling Tour to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Ride through the countryside to this organic farming village, learn about farming practices, and even join in planting or cooking classes.
VND200000 (tour fee), 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tra Que Village Home

Enjoy a home-cooked Vietnamese meal prepared with fresh village ingredients.
Included in tour, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend a calm afternoon at this peaceful beach known for soft sand and beach bars.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Cargo Club

Dine on international and local dishes with a view of the Thu Bon River.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 12, 2025

7:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch an early morning flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving around 8:30am.
USD50, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at L'Usine

Enjoy a Western-style breakfast in a trendy cafe blending modern and colonial decor.
VND150000, 1h

10:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore exhibitions concerning the Vietnam War and its impacts, providing important historical context.
VND40000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Taste one of the best pho bowls in the city at this iconic local restaurant.
VND70000, 1h

2:00pm

Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral

Visit these iconic landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City, showing French colonial history and Vietnam’s modern era landmarks.
Combined entrance 40000 VND, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, clothes, and street food in this bustling market before dinner.
Free entry, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop

Dine on rooftop with traditional Vietnamese dishes in a peaceful garden setting overlooking the city.
VND300000, 1h30m
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