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

Day 1: Discover Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a delicious bowl of authentic Hanoi pho, a flavorful noodle soup that locals rave about. Open from 6am to 11am.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Explore the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake area and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake. Open daily from 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta Hang

Enjoy the famous Hanoi dish, Bun Cha, grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, at a popular local spot. Open 10am to 3pm.
VND60000, 1h

1:00pm

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first national university and admire beautiful traditional architecture. Open 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Water Puppet Theater

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show that showcases local folklore and culture. Shows start at 3:30pm and 5pm.
VND100000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Taste Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi dish of grilled fish with turmeric and dill, at this well-known restaurant. Open until 9pm.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Ha Long Bay

Travel by shuttle bus from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, approximately a 3.5-hour journey.
VND350000 (bus only), 3h30m

11:00am

Ha Long Bay Boat Cruise

Board a traditional wooden boat for a scenic cruise through limestone karsts and islands. Includes lunch on board. Cruise runs from 11am to 5pm.
USD60, 6h0m

5:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Return shuttle bus to Hanoi arriving around 9pm.
Included, 3h30m

9:30pm

Late Dinner at Bun Thang Ba Duc

Try Bun Thang, a delicate noodle soup unique to Hanoi, perfect for a late night meal. Open till 10pm.
VND70000, 1h
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Day 3: History & Art

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Xuan Dao Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy a healthy vegetarian Vietnamese breakfast with fresh juices. Open from 7am to 10am.
VND80000, 1h

9:30am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through fascinating exhibits. Open 8am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Dine at a social enterprise restaurant serving wholesome Vietnamese dishes and supporting disadvantaged youth. Open 11am to 9pm.
VND100000, 1h

2:00pm

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Visit the historic prison known as the “Hanoi Hilton” to learn about Vietnam’s colonial and wartime history. Open 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h

4:00pm

Stroll in Old Quarter

Explore the bustling streets, shops, and cafés of Hanoi’s Old Quarter at your own pace.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Taste a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting. Open until 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Imperial Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Hue

Take an early morning flight from Hanoi to Hue (approx. 1h15m).
USD50, 1h15m

9:30am

Breakfast at Ancient Hue

Enjoy Hue specialties like Banh Beo at this local restaurant. Open from 7am to 11am.
VND60000, 1h

10:30am

Imperial City (The Citadel)

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the ancient royal palace and military structures. Open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
VND150000, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Savor authentic Hue cuisine including Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup. Open from 11am to 3pm.
VND80000, 1h

3:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit Hue’s emblematic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. Open 7am to 6pm.
Free (donations welcome), 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Experience French-inspired cuisine in a beautifully restored colonial villa. Open until 10pm.
VND300000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Hoi An

Drive or take a train from Hue to Hoi An, approximately 3 hours.
VND150000, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong

Try the world-famous banh mi sandwich fresh from this local eatery. Open from 7am to 6pm.
VND40000, 30m

11:30am

Old Town Hoi An

Stroll through the UNESCO-listed old town with its historic buildings, lantern-lit streets, and traditional shops. Open all day.
VND120000 (entry ticket for heritage sites), 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Taste exquisite Central Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting. Open 10am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky House

Explore iconic landmarks that reveal the multicultural heritage of Hoi An.
Included in heritage ticket, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine riverside and try seafood or classic Vietnamese dishes. Open till 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Lantern Festival or Evening Walk

If your visit coincides with the full moon, enjoy Hoi An’s famous Lantern Festival; otherwise, enjoy a peaceful walk along the riverbanks lit by colorful lanterns.
Free, 1h
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Day 6: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a morning flight from Da Nang (near Hoi An) to Ho Chi Minh City, about 1h30m.
USD60, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at The Workshop Coffee

Enjoy quality Vietnamese coffee and a light breakfast at this trendy café. Open from 7am to 7pm.
VND80000, 1h

10:30am

War Remnants Museum

Gain insights into Vietnam's turbulent Vietnam War history with thought-provoking exhibits. Open 7:30am to 6pm.
VND40000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Relish the famous southern-style Pho in one of Saigon’s most beloved restaurants. Open 6am to 10pm.
VND60000, 1h

2:30pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Visit two iconic French colonial landmarks located close to each other in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Ben Thanh Market

Explore bustling market stalls for souvenirs, clothing, and local snacks. Opens until 7pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop

Dine on rooftop with spectacular city views and enjoy a variety of Vietnamese dishes. Open until 10pm.
VND250000, 1h30m
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