Comprehensive 5-Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary: Discover Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese Pho breakfast at Pho Bat Dan, famous for its flavorful broth and fresh herbs. Opens at 6:00am, perfect for an early start.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Take a leisurely walk around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the lake island, a serene cultural spot in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to experience street markets, local crafts, and colonial architecture.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Taste the iconic Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty of grilled pork with noodles, at the popular Bun Cha Ta. Opens from 10:00am to 9:00pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore the ancient Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, showcasing beautiful traditional architecture and peaceful gardens. Open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Water Puppet Show

Attend the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre show, a unique Vietnamese cultural experience with performances starting every hour from 3:00pm to 9:00pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Dine on Cha Ca, a Hanoi specialty fish dish at the historic Cha Ca La Vong restaurant. Usually open till 10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cruise Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on April 19, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Depart early from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by car or shuttle bus, a 3.5 to 4 hour scenic journey eastward.
VND200000, 4h0m

11:30am

Board Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Join a day cruise exploring the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. Cruises generally start around 11:30am and last 4-6 hours.
USD60, 5h0m

12:00pm

Lunch on cruise

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch served on the boat while cruising the bay’s beautiful scenery.
Included with cruise, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Return journey to Hanoi in the late afternoon by bus. Relax after a day of stunning natural beauty.
Included with cruise, 4h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at KOTO Restaurant

Have a wholesome dinner at KOTO, supporting local youth with culinary training. Located close to the Old Quarter, open till 10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Hanoi Walk

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try Vietnam’s famous egg coffee at Cafe Giang, a cozy spot open from 8:00am onwards.
VND60000, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the resting place of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader. The mausoleum is open from 8:00am to 11:00am but closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore the One Pillar Pagoda and Presidential Palace Grounds

Nearby the mausoleum, these iconic sites are great for photography and history buffs. Open till 5:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a wide range of local Vietnamese dishes in a traditional setting. Open from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover Vietnam’s diverse cultures and ethnic groups through rich exhibits. Open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at West Lake

Unwind by the largest lake in Hanoi, a peaceful spot to enjoy the sunset.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Madame Hien

Savor Northern Vietnamese cuisine with a homey ambiance. Open till 10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Hoi An via Da Nang

Da Nang and Hoi An, Vietnam on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Flight to Da Nang

Take an early morning flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, roughly 1.5 hours. Plan to book in advance.
INR3500 approx, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong, Hoi An

Taste authentic Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches, famous around the world. Opens from 7:00am.
VND30000, 0h45m

10:30am

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Discover well-preserved lantern-lit streets, historic temples, and charming old houses. The town is open all day but shops close by 9:00pm.
VND120000 for entrance ticket, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Central Vietnamese dishes at this renowned eatery in Hoi An. Open 10:00am to 9:30pm.
VND130000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the scenic An Bang Beach, just a short ride from Hoi An Ancient Town.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bale Well

Sample grilled meats and local specialties in a lively street food setting. Generally open until 9:00pm.
VND90000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 22, 2025

7:30am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 1 hour.
INR4000 approx, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Enjoy a blend of Western and Vietnamese breakfast dishes in a stylish cafe setting. Opens at 8:00am.
VND80000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective at this impactful museum. Open from 7:30am to 6:00pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Taste the best Pho in the city at Pho Hoa, open from 6:00am to 10:00pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop and experience vibrant local life at Ben Thanh Market, open daily 6:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Admire this iconic French colonial cathedral located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Open during daylight hours.
Free, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Dine on authentic home-style Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting. Usually open until 10:00pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability