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

Viewed by 231 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Hanoi

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
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

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
Find Hotels in Da Nang and Hoi An

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
Find Hotels in Hoi An

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
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

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
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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