5-Day Vietnam Adventure: Exploring Hanoi's Charm and Danang's Coastal Beauty Starting May 21, 2025

Day 1: Historic Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy a traditional Hanoi breakfast of rich Pho at this legendary spot, known for its authentic beef noodle soup, open daily from 6am to 10am.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the peaceful Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island accessed by a red bridge, open from 7am to 9pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, where local shops and street vendors offer a lively atmosphere and authentic local culture.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor Hanoi's famous grilled turmeric fish with dill, a must-try dish, served at this well-regarded and traditional restaurant open 10am to 2:30pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam's first university and admire classical Vietnamese architecture and tranquil gardens, open from 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, a unique cultural art form, with shows daily at 5pm and 6:30pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles) in a casual setting, a dish beloved by locals and visitors alike. Open daily from 10am to 10pm.
VND90000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Culture and History

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Start your day with Hanoi's famous egg coffee, a creamy local specialty served in a cozy historic café open from 7am to 10pm.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh is preserved, the Presidential Palace grounds, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Open 8am to 11am, closed Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Museum of Ethnology

Explore extensive exhibits detailing Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups, open from 8am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Xoi Yen

Sample traditional sticky rice dishes at this popular spot open daily from 6am to 8pm.
VND40000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda

Walk around Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake and visit the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, open daily until 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine in a charming setting offering a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes from different regions, open from 9am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh

Travel by car or bus (approx 2 hours) to Ninh Binh for a scenic day trip exploring natural landscapes and ancient temples.
VND200000 (transport approx.), 2h0m

9:30am

Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Take a boat tour through limestone karsts, caves, and lush countryside, open from 7am to 5pm.
VND200000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at a local restaurant in Ninh Binh

Enjoy local specialties such as goat meat and rice dishes in a traditional countryside setting.
VND100000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore the vast temple complex known for its giant Buddha statues and scenic views, open from 7am to 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi to rest or explore evening options in town on your own.
Included, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Vong Grilled Fish

Try the famous grilled fish, traditional to Hanoi, offering a local flavors experience, open from 10am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Travel to Danang

Danang, Vietnam on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Hanoi to Danang

Catch a morning flight to Danang (about 1 hour 20 minutes), ensuring an early arrival to maximize sightseeing time.
USD50, 1h20m

10:30am

Check-in and Light Refreshment

Check into your hotel and enjoy a light snack or coffee to recharge for the day's activities.
Variable, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore the caves, pagodas, and panoramic views from the Marble Mountains; open daily from 7am to 6pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Banh Xeo Ba Duong

Try delicious, crispy Vietnamese savory pancakes known as Banh Xeo, served at this popular local restaurant from 8am to 6pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Enjoy sunbathing or a sea swim at one of Danang’s most famous beaches, open year-round.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Madam Lan

Dine on authentic central Vietnamese cuisine in a charming atmosphere, open from 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Danang & Surroundings

Danang, Vietnam on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cong Caphe Danang

Enjoy classic Vietnamese coffee and breakfast fare in a vintage, stylish cafe, open from 7am to 11am.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:00am

Ba Na Hills Visit

Take the cable car to Ba Na Hills resort to see the Golden Bridge and French village. Cable cars operate 7:30am to 9:30pm.
VND750000, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Bambino

Enjoy French and Vietnamese fusion cuisine near Ba Na Hills, open 11am to 9pm.
VND200000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Dragon Bridge and Riverside

Walk along the Han River waterfront, see the spectacular Dragon Bridge which lights up at night, and enjoy local cafes and shops.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nén Restaurant

Savor modern Vietnamese dishes with artistic presentation at this well-reviewed restaurant, open from 5:30pm to 10pm.
VND300000, 1h30m
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