Epic 5-Day Adventure in Vietnam: Nature, City Experiences, and Culinary Delights

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your Vietnamese adventure with a steaming bowl of authentic Pho at Pho Bat Dan, renowned for its rich broth and tender beef.
Located in the Old Quarter, easily reachable by a short walk from your accommodation.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can soak up the atmosphere and visit Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island.
Head south from your breakfast spot, approximately a 15-minute walk.
VND 30,000 (entrance fee for temple), 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Savour Bun Cha, an iconic Hanoi dish, at Bun Cha Ta, where the grilled pork and fresh herbs create a delightful combination.
A short taxi ride from Hoan Kiem Lake will get you there in 10 minutes.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter, shopping for souvenirs and trying local snacks from street vendors.
Walking tour through the narrow streets starting from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover the rich history of Vietnam's first university at the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of traditional architecture.
A short 10-minute taxi ride will bring you there.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Indulge in Cha Ca, grilled fish with turmeric and dill, at Cha Ca Thang Long, a local favourite.
Close to the Temple of Literature, it’s a quick 10-minute taxi ride.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Watch Water Puppet Show

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique cultural highlight that tells stories of Vietnamese folklore.
Just a 15-minute walk from dinner, located at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
VND 100,000, 1 hour
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing for the majestic Halong Bay.
Ready for pick-up at your hotel for a 3.5-hour scenic drive to Halong Bay.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Cruise Halong Bay

Embark on a day cruise through the stunning limestone islands and emerald waters of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Board the cruise ship from Tuan Chau port.
VND 1,200,000, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch on the Boat

Savour a freshly prepared seafood lunch while enjoying the breathtaking views of Halong Bay.
Lunch is served on board as you cruise.
Included in cruise package, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Visit the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites that create a magical atmosphere.
Short boat ride to the cave entrance.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Kayaking Experience

Enjoy kayaking in the tranquil waters, exploring lagoons and hidden caves up close.
Equipment will be provided by the cruise operator.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Return to Harbour

Make your way back to the harbour, soaking in the last views of this natural wonder.
Cruise back to Tuan Chau port.
Included in cruise package, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling local specialties such as grilled squid and stir-fried noodles.
Taxi ride or hotel shuttle to a nearby restaurant in Halong City.
VND 100,000, 1 hour
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Exploration

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Get your energy up with a delightful breakfast at your hotel before heading to Ninh Binh.
Travel from Halong City to Ninh Binh by bus, approximately 3-hour drive.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Tam Coc

Row through the picturesque Tam Coc, dubbed 'Halong Bay on land', experiencing the serene landscape of rice paddies and limestone mountains.
Boat rides start at the Tam Coc docks.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Try a local favourite, goat meat (de nui) served with rice and fresh herbs, for a satisfying lunch.
Located close to the Tam Coc area, easily reachable by taxi.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Bich Dong Pagoda

Discover the beautiful Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled among the mountains and known for its breathtaking views and serene atmosphere.
A short taxi ride from the restaurant.
VND 20,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Take another boat ride through the stunning caves and valleys of Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with rich biodiversity.
Short distance by taxi from Bich Dong.
VND 200,000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

Relish a hearty dinner of Com Chay (crispy rice) paired with fried fish at a homely local eatery.
Look for eateries along the main road in Ninh Binh.
VND 70,000, 1 hour
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Day 4: Cultural Stop in Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Kickstart your day with Vietnamese coffee and banh mi from a local café before heading to Da Nang.
Travel from Ninh Binh to Da Nang via a domestic flight (approximately 1.5 hours, plus transfer time).
VND 50,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Marble Mountains

Climb the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble and limestone hills, for breathtaking views and ornate pagodas.
Easily reachable by taxi from your accommodation.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mi Quang 1A

Delight in Mi Quang, a regional noodle dish served with ingredients rich in colour and flavour, at Mi Quang 1A.
Short taxi ride from Marble Mountains.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Travel to nearby Hoi An and explore the ancient streets, colourful lanterns, and heritage architecture of this UNESCO site.
A 30-minute taxi ride from Da Nang.
Free entry, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Miss Ly Restaurant

Sample delicious Hoi An specialities such as Cao Lau noodles and grilled pork at Miss Ly, beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Dine-in Hoi An before heading back to Da Nang.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Return to Da Nang

Head back to Da Nang and enjoy a leisurely evening by the river, taking in the beautiful cityscape.
Taxi back to Da Nang from Hoi An.
VND 300,000, 1 hour
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Day 5: Adventure in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Banh Mi Hong Hoa

Enjoy a Vietnamese breakfast of banh mi at Banh Mi Hong Hoa, famous for its delicious fillings.
Travel from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City via a domestic flight.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s history at the War Remnants Museum, which contains poignant exhibitions about the Vietnam War.
Reachable by taxi from your accommodation.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho 24

Feast on delicious Pho at Pho 24 for a heartwarming lunch before continuing your explorations.
Less than a 10-minute taxi ride.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Dive into the local culture at Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for handicrafts and sample street food.
A short 10-minute walk from the lunch spot.
Free (shopping extra), 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Reunification Palace

Tour the historic Reunification Palace, learning about its significance during the Vietnam War.
Another short taxi ride from the market.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Wrap up your Vietnam journey with a delectable dinner at Cuc Gach Quan, an eatery known for its rustic setting and traditional dishes.
Taxi from the palace for a quick ride.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours
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