Vietnam 5 Days Itinerary: Day 1

1. 8:00AM: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Hanoi Old Quarter

   Pay your respects to the nation's beloved leader, Ho Chi Minh. His body is preserved in a glass coffin at the center of the mausoleum. Note that the mausoleum is only open in the morning and closed on Mondays and Fridays.

2. 10:00AM: Temple of Literature
   20 minutes (3.5 miles) from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

   The Temple of Literature was Vietnam's first university and is dedicated to Confucius. It is a peaceful complex with beautiful architecture and gardens. Be sure to check out the stelae of doctors, where the names of those who passed the royal exams are inscribed.

3. 12:00PM: Lunch at Bun Cha Obama
   15 minutes (2.5 miles) from Temple of Literature

   Enjoy a delicious bowl of bun cha, a Hanoi specialty made with grilled pork and noodles. The restaurant gained international fame when Anthony Bourdain visited with President Obama in 2016. Note that it can get crowded during peak hours.

4. 2:00PM: Hoa Lo Prison Museum
   10 minutes (1.5 miles) from Bun Cha Obama

   The Hoa Lo Prison Museum, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton," was used by the French colonialists to imprison Vietnamese political prisoners and later by the North Vietnamese to hold American POWs. It is a sobering look at the country's history of struggle and resilience.

5. 4:00PM: St. Joseph's Cathedral
   15 minutes (2.1 miles) from Hoa Lo Prison Museum

   St. Joseph's Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic church located in the heart of Hanoi's French Quarter. It was built by the French in the late 19th century and has been a symbol of Catholicism in Vietnam ever since. Be sure to check out the stained glass windows and the statue of Mother Mary.

6. 6:00PM: Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong
   10 minutes (1.4 miles) from St. Joseph's Cathedral

   Cha Ca La Vong is another Hanoi specialty, made with grilled fish and dill. The dish is cooked and served at the table, so you can watch the process and interact with the friendly staff. Note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays.

7. 8:00PM: Water Puppet Show
   5 minutes (0.5 miles) from Cha Ca La Vong

   The Water Puppet Show is a traditional Vietnamese art form that originated in the Red River Delta. The puppets are made of wood and lacquer and are controlled by puppeteers who stand waist-deep in water. The show is accompanied by live music and is a fun way to end the day.

Recommendations

You may also want to consider visiting the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the One Pillar Pagoda, or the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. For day trips, consider visiting Ha Long Bay or the Perfume Pagoda. To maximize your fun, be sure to try some street food, take a walking tour of the Old Quarter, and visit a local market.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (1 hour, free)
• Temple of Literature (1 hour, 30,000 VND)
• Bun Cha Obama (1 hour, 60,000 VND)
• Hoa Lo Prison Museum (1 hour, 30,000 VND)
• St. Joseph's Cathedral (30 minutes, free)
• Cha Ca La Vong (1 hour, 200,000 VND)
• Water Puppet Show (1 hour, 100,000 VND)
• Total Estimated Costs: 420,000 VND

For hotel and flight prices, please check https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.