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6-Day Immersive Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Viewed by 90 travelers

Day 1: Historical Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy a traditional Northern Vietnamese breakfast with fresh Pho, known for its rich broth and flavorful herbs. It opens early and is popular with locals.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

A serene lake in the heart of Hanoi with a historic temple on an island. It’s perfect for a morning walk and cultural insight.
VND30000, 1h

11:00am

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the bustling streets, traditional shops, and colonial architecture of Hanoi’s famous Old Quarter, immersing yourself in local life.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty of grilled pork and noodles, famous as the place former US President Obama dined.
VND70000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Explore one of Vietnam’s historic sites depicting prison life during French colonization and the Vietnam War.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique cultural performance that tells folk stories through puppetry.
VND100000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi dish of turmeric fish with dill, cooked at your table for a flavorful experience.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 2: Cultural Hanoi & Departure to Ha Long

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try the famous egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty, alongside a light breakfast in this historic cafe.
VND50000, 1h

9:00am

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university, with tranquil gardens and beautiful architecture celebrating Confucian scholars.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

See the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh and explore the surrounding gardens and the One Pillar Pagoda nearby.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Van Mieu

Savor Vietnamese cuisine while supporting a social enterprise that trains disadvantaged youth in hospitality.
VND120000, 1h

2:30pm

Depart for Ha Long Bay

Take a comfortable 3.5-hour drive to Ha Long City to begin your overnight cruise adventure.
Included in cruise package, 4h

6:30pm

Overnight Ha Long Bay Cruise

Board your cruise and enjoy a welcome dinner on board while sailing amid limestone karsts and emerald waters.
USD150, Overnight
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Day 3: Ha Long Bay Scenic

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on July 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast on Board

Enjoy a fresh breakfast on the cruise deck with stunning morning views of Ha Long Bay.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Kayaking and Cave Exploration

Explore hidden lagoons by kayak and visit impressive caves such as Sung Sot Cave, open from 7am to 5pm.
Included, 2h

11:00am

Lunch on Cruise

Enjoy freshly prepared seafood and Vietnamese dishes while cruising back to Ha Long City.
Included, 1h

12:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi for an evening flight to Hue.
Transport USD30, 4h approx. transfer

6:30pm

Fly to Hue from Hanoi

Take an evening flight (approximately 1h20m) to Hue to explore central Vietnam.
USD50, 1h20m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Sample royal cuisine in a charming setting reflecting the imperial heritage of Hue.
VND200000, 1h
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Day 4: Imperial Hue

Hue, Vietnam on July 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Enjoy French-Vietnamese fusion breakfast in a French colonial villa setting.
VND90000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Imperial Citadel

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with palaces, temples, and the Forbidden Purple City, open 7:30am to 6pm.
VND150000, 2h

11:30am

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit this iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, a symbol of Hue’s spiritual heritage.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Try traditional Hue cuisine like Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup unique to the region.
VND80000, 1h

2:30pm

Boat Ride on the Perfume River

Relax on a scenic boat cruise, visiting royal tombs like Minh Mang and Khai Dinh along the riverbanks.
VND120000, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ancient House Restaurant

Indulge in refined local dishes served in a historic setting reflecting Hue’s cultural charm.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 16, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel in Hue

Enjoy a convenient buffet breakfast to fuel your morning before the flight.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Fly from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning flight about 1h15m to southern Vietnam’s bustling metropolis.
USD60, 1h15m

11:00am

Check-in and Lunch at The Lunch Lady

Taste street food classics like Pho and Bun Rieu at this iconic local stall featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show.
VND70000, 1h

12:30pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

An informative and moving museum detailing the Vietnam War’s impact, open from 7:30am to 6pm.
VND40000, 2h

3:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and sample local snacks in this bustling central market.
Free entry, 1.5h

5:00pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Take a peaceful stroll and enjoy greenery amidst the city buzz.
Free, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Experience traditional Vietnamese homestyle cooking with a cozy atmosphere in District 1.
VND180000, 1h
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 6: Saigon & Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at L'Usine

Enjoy a modern cafe atmosphere with a blend of Vietnamese and Western breakfast options.
VND120000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Explore two of Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic French colonial landmarks located near each other.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Reunification Palace

Tour the historic site of the end of the Vietnam War featuring preserved rooms and wartime exhibits.
VND40000, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Feast on a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes from across the country in a lively setting.
VND150000, 1h

2:00pm

Relax or shop in Dong Khoi Street

Spend your last afternoon exploring boutiques, cafes, and galleries on this chic shopping street.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Depart for Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Transfer to airport for your onward flight, reflecting on a vibrant Vietnamese journey.
Taxi approx. VND150000, 30m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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