5-Day North to South Vietnam Cultural and Scenic Exploration

Day 1: Hanoi City Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese Pho breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen, famous for its rich broth and fresh herbs.
VND60000, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island, a symbol of Hanoi's history.
VND30000, 1.5h

11:30AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter with its narrow streets filled with shops, street food vendors, and colonial architecture.
Free, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty of grilled pork with noodles and dipping sauce, at the well-known Bun Cha Huong Lien.
VND70000, 1h

3:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and a tranquil garden dedicated to Confucius, showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture.
VND30000, 1h

5:00PM

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater

Watch a classic Vietnamese water puppet show that presents traditional folklore and legends through an unique art form. Shows typically start at 5PM.
VND100000, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Try the legendary Cha Ca, a turmeric fish dish, at Cha Ca La Vong, one of Hanoi's iconic restaurants.
VND150000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise Adventure

Halong Bay, Vietnam on April 18, 2025

7:00AM

Depart Hanoi to Halong Bay

Travel by shuttle bus or private car (3.5-4 hours) to Halong Bay for your cruise.
VND400000, 4h

11:30AM

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Check-in and start your scenic cruise on Halong Bay, known for its limestone karsts and emerald waters. Cruises offer lunch onboard.
USD120, 4h

3:30PM

Kayaking and Cave Exploration

Explore caves such as Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) and kayak around tranquil lagoons, included in cruise itinerary.
Included in cruise, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner on Board

Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner under the stars onboard the cruise boat.
Included in cruise, 1.5h

8:00PM

Evening Activities on Boat

Relax with squid fishing or enjoy a movie night organized by the cruise.
Free, 2h
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Day 3: Hue Historical Sights

Hue, Vietnam on April 19, 2025

7:30AM

Travel Halong Bay to Hanoi, Fly to Hue

Return to Hanoi at dawn and take a morning flight to Hue, the former imperial capital, known for its historic Citadel.
USD100 (flight), 6h total transport

1:00PM

Lunch at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Try traditional Hue royal cuisine, including Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), at Ancient Hue.
VND100000, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Imperial City (Citadel)

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial City, featuring palaces, temples, and beautiful architecture; open till 5:30PM.
VND150000, 2h

4:30PM

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic seven-tiered Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, a spiritual symbol of Hue.
Free, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes in a local setting at Hanh Restaurant, popular among tourists and locals alike.
VND120000, 1.5h
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Day 4: Hoi An Cultural Experience

Hoi An, Vietnam on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Drive from Hue to Hoi An

Travel 3 hours south from Hue to the charming town of Hoi An.
VND500000 (car), 3h

11:30AM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Taste Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau noodles at the famous Morning Glory restaurant located in the Old Town.
VND120000, 1h

1:00PM

Hoi An Ancient Town Walk

Explore the ancient town’s UNESCO heritage streets, lantern-lit evenings, and historic architecture; open all day.
VND120000 (entry ticket for multiple sites), 3h

4:30PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge and Museums

See the iconic 18th-century Japanese Bridge and nearby museums detailing Hoi An’s trading history.
Included in ticket, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine riverside with a variety of Vietnamese and Western dishes, known for great desserts as well.
VND150000, 1.5h
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Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 21, 2025

7:00AM

Fly Hoi An (Da Nang Airport) to Ho Chi Minh City

Take an early flight from Da Nang Airport to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis.
USD60, 1.5h

9:00AM

Breakfast at L'Usine

Enjoy a French-Vietnamese fusion breakfast at the trendy café L'Usine in District 1.
VND120000, 1h

10:30AM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore the poignant exhibits depicting Vietnam War history; the museum opens from 7:30AM to 6:00PM.
VND40000, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Savor a bowl of classic southern-style Pho at Pho Hoa, one of the oldest restaurants in the city.
VND70000, 1h

2:30PM

Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Visit the iconic French colonial landmarks in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, both open until 5:00PM.
Free, 1h

4:00PM

Ben Thanh Market Shopping

Shop for souvenirs and experience local vendor culture at Ben Thanh Market until evening.
Free to enter, 1.5h

7:00PM

Dinner at Secret Garden

Dine at a rooftop garden restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese dishes with a tranquil city view.
VND200000, 1.5h
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