5-Day Adventure Itinerary in Vietnam: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your adventure with a delicious bowl of Pho at this iconic establishment known for its rich broth and tender beef.
Walk to the restaurant from your hotel, it’s only a short 15-minute stroll.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the picturesque lake, known for its stunning views and the legendary Turtle Tower.
Walk from the restaurant to the lake, it takes about 10 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through vibrant streets filled with local shops, street food stalls, and historical architecture.
Walk to the Old Quarter from the lake, it's a quick 10-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor the famous dish Cha Ca, distinctively grilled fish served with fresh herbs.
A leisurely 15-minute walk from the Old Quarter.
VND 150,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects to Vietnam's founding father at this grand mausoleum surrounded by lush gardens.
Take a 15-minute taxi ride to the mausoleum.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Indulge in a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting, featuring dishes from across the country.
Take a taxi back to the Old Quarter, about 10 minutes.
VND 200,000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Water Puppet Show

Experience a traditional Water Puppet performance that tells the story of Vietnamese culture through enchanting puppetry.
A short walk to the theater from the restaurant, around 15 minutes.
VND 100,000, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Banh Mi 25

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi filled with savory meats and fresh veggies.
10-minute walk from your hotel.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first university, a serene place dedicated to Confucius and ancient scholars.
Take a short taxi ride to the Temple, about 10 minutes.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.
A 20-minute taxi ride from the Temple.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Experience the famous Bun Cha, a noodle dish with grilled pork, at the restaurant praised by President Obama.
A 15-minute taxi ride to the restaurant.
VND 120,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Cyclo Tour around Hanoi

Relax and enjoy a cyclo tour through the charming streets of Hanoi, absorbing the sights and sounds.
Arrange for a cyclo tour at the restaurant.
VND 300,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Gourmet Corner

Dine in style at this rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city while enjoying exquisite Vietnamese cuisine.
Take a taxi, around 10 minutes.
VND 250,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel and prepare for your travel day.
Enjoy the convenience of your hotel dining.
Included with your stay., 1 hour

9:00AM

Airport Transfer

Catch a taxi to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport for your morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Around a 30-minute taxi ride.
VND 400,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch your flight and enjoy scenic views of Vietnam from above during the hour-long journey.
Direct flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
VND 1,500,000 (approx. $65), 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Satisfy your hunger with a bowl of Pho at this popular restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City.
A 25-minute taxi ride from the airport.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Wander through this historic market, perfect for picking up local handicrafts and souvenirs.
A quick 10-minute taxi ride from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Independence Palace

Discover the historical significance of this iconic palace with guided tours that narrate Vietnam's history.
About a 10-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Enjoy a diverse menu of Vietnamese dishes, choosing from various specialties in a vibrant setting.
A 15-minute taxi ride from the palace.
VND 250,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Discover Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Room

Begin your day with a savory breakfast and local coffee at this cozy spot.
A short 15-minute walk from your hotel.
VND 110,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Delve into Vietnam's war history through poignant exhibits that tell the tale of resilience and courage.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the breakfast spot.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

City Tour on a Scooter

Experience the city like a local by taking a scooter tour to discover Ho Chi Minh's vibrant culture.
Local scooter guides can be found near the museum.
VND 600,000, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Bun Thit Nuong

Try the refreshing dish of grilled pork and vermicelli noodles at this popular eatery.
A short 10-minute taxi drive from the scooter tour area.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Marvel at the stunning architecture of this iconic landmark situated in the heart of the city.
About a 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Liberty Central Rooftop Bar

Wrap up your day with stunning panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City while enjoying cocktails and meals.
A 20-minute taxi ride from the cathedral.
VND 350,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Final Day Adventure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel, taking in the flavors one last time.
Enjoy the convenience of your hotel dining.
Included with your stay., 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Cu Chi Tunnels

Join a guided tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
Arrange a tour that includes transportation, typically a 1.5-hour drive.
VND 600,000, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ben Nay Restaurant

Feast on traditional Vietnamese dishes while overlooking the lush landscape.
Part of the tour typically includes lunch.
VND 150,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the beautiful countryside views.
Included in the tour package.
Included, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Saigon Square

Spend your last afternoon shopping for souvenirs and enjoying the vibrant market atmosphere.
A taxi ride of about 15 minutes from your hotel.
Free (depending on purchases), 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Savor your farewell dinner at this popular restaurant renowned for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
A 15-minute taxi ride from Saigon Square.
VND 300,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability