Vietnam: A 5-Day Adventure

1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
   15 minutes (2.3 km) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

   In the morning, visit the War Remnants Museum and learn about the Vietnam War from the perspective of Vietnamese people. After lunch, head to Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, two of the city's most iconic landmarks. In the evening, explore the bustling Ben Thanh Night Market and try some local street food.

2. Day 2: Hoi An
   1 hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City

   Spend the morning wandering through Hoi An's charming ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop for coffee at one of the many cafes, browse the art galleries and souvenir shops, and take in the Japanese Covered Bridge. In the afternoon, take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes. Finish the day with a sunset boat ride on the Thu Bon River.

3. Day 3: Hue
   2-hour drive from Hoi An

   Start the day with a visit to the Imperial City, a walled fortress and palace that was the home of Vietnam's emperors for over a century. After lunch, take a cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) tour of the city's historic sites, including the Thien Mu Pagoda and the tombs of several emperors. In the evening, head to the lively Dong Ba Night Market for dinner and shopping.

4. Day 4: Halong Bay
   3.5-hour drive from Hanoi

   Take a day trip to the stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. Take a boat tour of the bay, swim in the cool waters, and enjoy a seafood lunch on board. In the afternoon, explore one of the many caves in the area. Return to Hanoi in the evening.

5. Day 5: Hanoi
   45 minutes (25 km) from Noi Bai International Airport

   In the morning, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace, a stately complex that honors Vietnam's founding father. After lunch, visit the Temple of Literature, a serene complex dedicated to Confucianism that was once Vietnam's first university. In the evening, head to the Old Quarter and enjoy a bia hoi (fresh beer) with the locals.

Recommendations

Don't miss the chance to take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, a lush region of rice paddies and floating markets that's just a few hours from Ho Chi Minh City. If you're interested in history, consider visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. And if you have extra time, head to Sapa in the north for some hiking and stunning mountain views.

Time and Costs Estimates

• War Remnants Museum (2 hours, 40,000 VND)
• Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office (1 hour, free)
• Ben Thanh Night Market (2 hours, varies)
• Hoi An Ancient Town (2 hours, 120,000 VND)
• Cooking class (3 hours, 500,000 VND)
• Boat ride on the Thu Bon River (1 hour, 100,000 VND)
• Imperial City (2 hours, 150,000 VND)
• Cyclo tour (2 hours, 200,000 VND)
• Dong Ba Night Market (2 hours, varies)
• Halong Bay day trip (8 hours, 1,500,000 VND)
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace (2 hours, free)
• Temple of Literature (1 hour, 30,000 VND)
• Bia hoi in the Old Quarter (1 hour, varies)
• Total Estimated Costs: 3,690,000 VND (approx. $160 USD)