6-Day Comprehensive Vietnam Adventure: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with authentic northern Vietnamese pho, famous for its rich broth and fresh herbs, open from 7:00am to 10:30am.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

A scenic and cultural spot in the heart of Hanoi, perfect for a morning stroll and viewing the iconic red bridge, open daily from 6:00am to 9:00pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets filled with shops, street vendors, and colonial architecture; great for souvenirs and photos.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles; widely celebrated and a must-try Hanoi dish, open 10:00am - 2:30pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Temple of Literature

Explore this historic Confucian temple, Vietnam's first national university, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups through artifacts and exhibits, open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Savor the famous Hanoi grilled fish dish called Cha Ca, served with turmeric, dill, and noodles, open from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Traditional Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater

Enjoy this unique Vietnamese art form that tells traditional stories with puppets on water, shows start at 8:00pm and last about 1 hour.
VND100000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Hanoi

Enjoy a quick breakfast before departure for Ha Long Bay, usually served from 6:30am to 8:30am.
Included with hotel, 0h45m

8:00am

Transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

A 3.5-4 hour scenic drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay; enjoy the beautiful countryside views on route.
USD20, 4h0m

12:00pm

Board Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise

Embark on a deluxe cruise with lunch served onboard while cruising limestone karsts and emerald waters. Cruises usually last 24 hours and include meals and activities.
USD150 per person, 24h0m

1:00pm

Lunch on cruise

Enjoy fresh seafood and Vietnamese specialties on the boat while admiring breathtaking views.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore caves and kayak

Visit iconic caves like Sung Sot Cave, followed by optional kayaking or swimming activities offered on the cruise.
Included or kayak rental USD10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset on the sundeck

Relax on the sundeck with drinks while admiring the picturesque sunset among limestone islands.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner on cruise

Enjoy a well-prepared dinner featuring local seafood delicacies on board.
Included, 1h30m

9:00pm

Optional night squid fishing or relax on deck

Try night squid fishing or unwind under stars with peaceful bay views.
Included, 1h30m
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Day 3: Ha Long Bay to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on cruise

Start your day with breakfast served onboard while cruising back to the harbor.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi

Drive returns to Hanoi, approx 4 hours.
Included in cruise, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at a Hanoi local restaurant near airport

Grab a quick lunch before your flight; options include Banh Mi or Pho, open from 11:00am to 2:00pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Fly Hanoi to Hue

Take a 1.5-hour domestic flight from Hanoi to Hue; frequent flights available in the afternoon.
USD50-70, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check-in hotel in Hue

Settle in at your centrally located hotel to rest and freshen up.
Varies, 0h30m

5:00pm

Visit Imperial City

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing ancient Nguyen Dynasty palaces and temples; open until 6:00pm.
VND150000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Experience authentic Hue cuisine known for its delicate flavors and royal influence, open until 9:00pm.
VND120000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel in preparation for a day of exploration.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Boat trip on Perfume River

Cruise to visit picturesque pagodas and tombs of Nguyen emperors along the Perfume River; tours run daily from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
VND250000, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Iconic 7-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, a spiritual symbol of Hue dating back to 1601.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ancient Hue

Savor traditional Hue dishes in an elegant setting, open daily 10:00am to 9:00pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Tomb of Khai Dinh

Explore the magnificent tomb blending Vietnamese and European architecture, open 7:00am-5:30pm.
VND100000, 1h15m

3:30pm

Visit Dong Ba Market

Shop for souvenirs and enjoy local snacks in Hue’s largest traditional market.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de la Carambole

Enjoy French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a charming colonial villa, open 6:00pm to 10:00pm.
VND300000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Hue to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fill up on breakfast before an exciting day travel to Hoi An.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive from Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Take a scenic 3-hour drive along the Hai Van Pass, known for stunning coastal views.
USD25 private car, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in hotel and lunch at Morning Glory

Settle into your hotel and have lunch featuring classic central Vietnamese cuisine, open 10:00am - 9:00pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore UNESCO-listed Hoi An’s atmospheric streets, temples, and historic houses, open daily.
VND120000, 2h0m

3:00pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

An iconic symbol of Hoi An's multicultural past, the bridge is free to view any time and especially picturesque in the afternoon light.
Free, 0h30m

4:00pm

Tailor shop visit or lantern making workshop

Get custom clothes made or learn lantern-making, both popular activities open into the early evening.
Tailoring prices vary, lantern workshop approx USD20, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine riverside on international and local fusion cuisine, with open hours until 10:00pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 12, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before your flight, hotel breakfast typically served from 6:00am.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Transfer to Da Nang Airport

Short 45-minute drive from Hoi An to Da Nang International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
USD15 taxi, 0h45m

9:30am

Fly Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Flight duration approx 1.5 hours; multiple daily flights available.
USD50-70, 1h30m

11:30am

Check-in hotel and quick lunch at Pho Hoa

Pho Hoa is one of HO Chi Minh's oldest restaurants famed for its flavorful pho, open 6:00am - 9:00pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War history and its impact, open daily 7:30am - 6:00pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Vibrant market to shop local goods and try street food, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and Central Post Office

Admire French colonial architecture in the city center, open until early evening.
Free, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy traditional southern Vietnamese dishes in a charming rustic setting, open until 10:00pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability