Ultimate 5-Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Adventure

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with an authentic bowl of Hanoi-style pho, known for its rich broth and fresh herbs at this popular local eatery. Opens at 7:00am.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful morning walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple on an island in the lake, a symbol of Hanoi's history and spirituality. Open daily from 6:00am to 9:00pm.
VNDA20000, 1h30m

11:15am

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore bustling streets filled with historic architecture, local markets, and artisan shops in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Hanoi dish Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and fresh herbs at this well-known restaurant that even hosted President Obama. Open from 10:00am to 9:00pm.
VND75000, 1h

3:00pm

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first university, a serene Confucian temple complex with beautiful courtyards and historical significance. Open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Water Puppet Theater

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show that depicts rural life and legends, a must-see cultural performance. Shows typically start at 5:30pm and 7:00pm.
VND100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Savor Cha Ca, a Hanoi specialty of grilled fish with turmeric and dill, at this iconic restaurant beloved by locals and visitors alike. Open until 10:30pm.
VND120000, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Depart from Hanoi early morning for a 3.5-hour drive to Ha Long Bay, showcasing stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.
Included in cruise package, 3h30m

10:30am

Board Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Join a day cruise to explore Ha Long Bay’s spectacular islands, caves, and floating villages. Cruise departs around 10:30am and returns by 5:00pm.
USD70, 6h30m

12:00pm

Lunch on Board

Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch while cruising through the bay, savoring local flavors and scenic views.
Included, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Hanoi

After cruise, transfer back to Hanoi by bus.
Included, 3h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Relax with diverse Vietnamese dishes featuring regional specialties within a charming setting. Open until 10:30pm.
VND150000, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Flight to Da Nang and Transfer to Hoi An

Take a morning flight from Hanoi to Da Nang (1.5 hours) then a short 45-minute drive to Hoi An, famous for its well-preserved Ancient Town.
Approx. USD70, 3h

11:00am

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander through the UNESCO-listed town’s historic streets, visiting Japanese Covered Bridge and vibrant markets. Open all day.
VND120000 entrance ticket, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Delight in central Vietnamese cuisine with dishes like cau lau noodles and white rose dumplings at this acclaimed restaurant. Open 10:00am - 10:00pm.
VND120000, 1h

2:30pm

An Bang Beach Relaxation

Spend a relaxing afternoon at An Bang Beach, just a few kilometers from town, enjoying sun and sea.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Hoi An Lantern Festival (If Full Moon)

Experience the magical Lantern Festival replacing electric lights with colorful lanterns on the river; check local lunar calendar to confirm.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Savor European and Vietnamese fusion dishes alongside great desserts in a cozy setting. Open until 9:30pm.
VND200000, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Hue Imperial

Hue, Vietnam on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Hue via Train or Car

Depart Hoi An for Hue, either by a scenic 3-hour car ride along the Hai Van Pass or a train from Da Nang station taking approx. 2.5 hours.
USD15 - USD30, 3h

11:00am

Visit Imperial City (Citadel)

Explore the vast Imperial City, home to the Nguyen emperors, featuring the historic palace, temples, and quaint gardens. Open 8:00am-5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Đông Ba Market

Sample Hue’s traditional dishes like bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) in this vibrant local market food court. Open until 3:00pm.
VND60000, 1h

3:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda Visit

Visit the iconic 7-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, a symbol of Hue’s spiritual heritage. Open daily 7:00am-6:00pm.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Explore Royal Tombs of Minh Mang or Khai Dinh

Discover the elaborate tombs reflecting imperial architecture and history in peaceful gardens. Open until 5:30pm.
VND100000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de la Carambole

Dine in style with French-Vietnamese cuisine in a charming colonial villa.
VND350000, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch an early morning flight from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City (approx. 1 hour 20 mins).
USD50, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine

Enjoy a stylish café experience with Western and Vietnamese breakfast options in a trendy setting. Open from 7:30am.
VND120000, 1h

10:30am

War Remnants Museum

Explore powerful exhibits about Vietnam’s war history and its aftermath. Open 7:30am - 6:00pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

12:15pm

Ben Thanh Market

Browse a vibrant market full of local products, souvenirs, and street food. Great spot for lunch snacks.
Free entry, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Taste some of the best pho in Ho Chi Minh City at this venerable spot open daily from 6:00am - 10:00pm.
VND60000, 1h

3:00pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Visit these iconic French colonial landmarks located close together in District 1.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Saigon Skydeck

Get panoramic views of the city from the Bitexco Financial Tower’s observation deck. Open 9:30am - 9:30pm.
VND200000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Refinery

Indulge in French-inspired dishes in a beautifully restored colonial building. Open until 11:00pm.
VND400000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability