6-Day Immersive Vietnam Travel Itinerary: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of beef pho, known for its rich broth and fresh herbs. Opens early and is popular among locals.
VND40000, 1h

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple for a glimpse into Hanoi’s spiritual heritage. Ideal morning walk spot.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit the Old Quarter

Explore the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter featuring colonial architecture, street markets, and local crafts.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Hanoi dish bun cha, grilled pork patties served with noodles and fresh herbs.
VND60000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Open 8am-5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Experience the signature dish of Hanoi, Cha Ca, featuring grilled fish with turmeric and dill served with rice noodles.
VND150000, 1h

7:30pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Enjoy the famous traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance. Shows generally start at 8pm and last about an hour.
VND100000, 1h
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay

Travel by road to Halong Bay, approximately 3.5 hours. Prepare for an early start for cruise boarding.
VND300000 (bus), 3h30m

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Day Cruise

Embark on a scenic boat cruise around the UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.
USD50, 4h

3:00pm

Kayaking and Cave Exploration

Optionally kayak around the bay or visit notable caves such as Sung Sot Cave during the cruise.
Included in cruise, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi by road for overnight stay.
Included in transport, 3h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a lively garden restaurant setting in Hanoi.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 3: Fly to Central Vietnam

Da Nang and Hoi An, Vietnam on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Dinh

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese coffee and a light breakfast near your Hanoi hotel before departure.
VND40000, 1h

9:30am

Flight to Da Nang

Fly approximately 1.5 hours from Hanoi to Da Nang. Several flights available daily on Vietnam Airlines and VietJet.
USD50-70, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Marble Mountains

Visit the Marble Mountains near Da Nang, famous for their caves, pagodas, and panoramic views.
VND40000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ba Duong Banh Mi

Try famous Danang-style banh mi, a delicious Vietnamese sandwich offered at this popular spot.
VND40000, 45m

3:00pm

Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town

Short 45-minute drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An, known for historic architecture and lantern-lit streets.
Free, 45m

4:00pm

Walk around Hoi An Old Town

Explore the quaint streets, ancient houses, and Japanese Covered Bridge. Entry tickets required to key sites from 8am-9pm.
VND120000 (ticket), 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant

Dine on authentic Central Vietnamese cuisine, including specialties like cao lau noodles, in a charming colonial atmosphere.
VND200000, 1h
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Day 4: Hoi An and Surrounds

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Rosie's Café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at this popular café offering both Western and Vietnamese breakfast options.
VND70000, 1h

9:00am

Half-day My Son Sanctuary Tour

Visit the ancient Hindu temple ruins of My Son, a UNESCO site about 40km from Hoi An. Open 7am-5pm.
VND150000 (entry + tour), 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ms Vy’s Market Restaurant

Savor authentic Central Vietnamese flavors in a casual garden setting, well known for its banh xeo and other specialties.
VND150000, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sandy shores of An Bang Beach, just a short bicycle ride from Hoi An Old Town.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Cargo Club

Enjoy upscale dining with a mix of Vietnamese and international dishes, paired with riverside views.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 11, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at hotel in Hoi An

Fuel up before your travel day with a simple breakfast at your accommodation.
Included in stay, 1h

8:00am

Transfer to Da Nang Airport

Drive 45 minutes to Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
VND200000 (taxi), 45m

10:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly approximately 1.5 hours to Ho Chi Minh City. Multiple daily flights available.
USD50-70, 1h30m

11:30am

Check into hotel and lunch nearby

Settle into your hotel in District 1 and have lunch at Pho 2000, famed for pho and close to major attractions.
VND70000, 1h

1:00pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore the poignant exhibits documenting Vietnam’s history and war impacts. Open 7:30am-6pm daily.
VND40000, 2h

3:30pm

Walk around Ben Thanh Market

Browse souvenirs, local foods, and handicrafts at this bustling central market. Ideal for picking up gifts.
Free to enter, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Dine on diverse Vietnamese street foods in a refined open-air setting popular with locals and tourists.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at L'Usine

Start your day with fashionable vibes and great coffee at this stylish café in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
VND90000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Explore these iconic French colonial landmarks located close to each other in District 1.
Free, 1h30m

10:45am

Reunification Palace

Tour the historic site symbolizing the end of the Vietnam War, with preserved rooms and armored vehicles. Open 7:30am-11:00am, 1:00pm-4:00pm.
VND40000, 1h15m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese home-style cooking in a charming, rustic ambiance.
VND250000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore this atmospheric Taoist temple known for its intricate statues and peaceful atmosphere, open until 5pm.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Coffee break at The Workshop

Relax and try some of the best specialty coffee in Ho Chi Minh City before your evening activities.
VND90000, 45m

5:00pm

Evening walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Experience vibrant city life with street performances, eateries, and beautiful fountains.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Propaganda Bistro

Taste modern Vietnamese cuisine paired with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a farewell dinner.
VND300000, 1h30m
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