4-Day North to South Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with authentic Hanoi Pho at this iconic spot famous for fresh beef noodle soup in the Old Quarter.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple on its small island, an important historical site in Hanoi.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first university and a famous Confucian temple, showcasing classical Vietnamese architecture and gardens.
VND30000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles, at this renowned eatery favored by locals and tourists alike.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups through beautifully curated exhibits and traditional artifacts.
VND40000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Experience a unique traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at Thang Long Theater, a captivating cultural performance.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Dine on the signature northern Vietnamese dish Cha Ca, grilled turmeric fish served in a hot skillet with herbs.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 2: Nature & Culture

Hanoi & Halong Bay, Vietnam on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Halong Bay Day Trip

Take a scenic 3.5-hour drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay to embark on a day cruise exploring stunning limestone karsts and islands.
USD100, 7h0m

10:30am

Halong Bay Cruise & Kayaking

Cruise the emerald waters, visit caves, and kayak around the limestone formations for spectacular views and photo ops.
Included in tour, 4h0m

2:30pm

Seafood Lunch on Board

Enjoy a fresh seafood meal on the cruise featuring local specialties like shrimp, squid, and fish.
Included in tour, 1h0m

5:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Arrive back in Hanoi after your relaxing day exploring one of Vietnam’s natural wonders.
Included in tour, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Sample a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming garden setting that represents different regional cuisines.
VND200000, 1h30m

Day 3: Hoi An Heritage

Hoi An, Vietnam on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Hanoi to Da Nang

Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang, the closest airport to Hoi An, about 1.5 hours flight time.
USD50, 2h0m

9:30am

Transfer to Hoi An

Take a 45-minute drive from Da Nang to the ancient town of Hoi An.
VND300000 (taxi), 45m

10:30am

Explore Ancient Town

Wander the UNESCO-listed old town with charming lantern-lit streets, historic houses, and vibrant market stalls.
VND120000 (entry ticket), 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Enjoy traditional central Vietnamese dishes and specialties like Cao Lau noodles in a beautifully restored building.
VND150000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge & Museums

See the iconic 18th-century Japanese Covered Bridge and visit nearby museums depicting town history.
Included in town ticket, 1h30m

5:00pm

Cycle to An Bang Beach

Take a relaxing bike ride to An Bang Beach to unwind and watch the sunset over the ocean.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Cargo Club

Dine by the riverside on delicious seafood and western-Vietnamese fusion dishes with excellent cocktails.
VND250000, 1h30m

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Flight duration about 1.5 hours, arrive in vibrant southern Vietnam’s largest city.
USD50, 2h0m

9:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam's turbulent history with thought-provoking exhibits and photographs.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy one of the most famous Pho restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City serving flavorful beef noodle soup.
VND70000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Tour two of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic French colonial landmarks located nearby each other downtown.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local snacks, and crafts at this bustling market in the city center.
Free, 1h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Experience authentic southern Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy, traditional setting with an emphasis on fresh ingredients.
VND200000, 1h30m