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This itinerary covers 4 days in vietnam, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

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Plan your perfect 4 days trip to vietnam. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

4-Day Cultural and Scenic Adventure in Vietnam

Viewed by 62 travelers

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Kickstart your day with a traditional bowl of Pho at this famous street-side eatery known for its authentic Hanoi flavors.

VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful morning walk around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake.

VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Old Quarter

Stroll through the bustling Old Quarter with its narrow streets lined with traditional shops and street vendors offering local crafts and foods.

Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and fresh herbs, a dish made popular internationally by President Obama’s visit.

VND80000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first national university, a serene site dedicated to Confucius and scholars, showcasing traditional architecture and landscaped gardens.

VND30000, 1h

4:00pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, a unique cultural performance.

VND100000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine in a charming setting offering a variety of authentic Vietnamese street foods and regional specialties all under one roof.

VND150000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Ha Long Bay

Travel by road from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its emerald waters and limestone islands.

VND300000 for bus, 3h

10:30am

Board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise through the bay, enjoying stunning vistas, limestone caves, and islands.

USD70, 5h

12:30pm

Lunch on board

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch served on the cruise while taking in the panoramic views of Ha Long Bay.

Included in cruise price, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Visit the famous Surprise Cave known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations.

Included in cruise, 1h

5:30pm

Return to Ha Long City and travel back to Hanoi

Disembark and begin your return journey to Hanoi.

Included in bus price, 3h

9:00pm

Dinner near Hanoi Old Quarter

Relax with dinner at Cha Ca La Vong, a restaurant famous for its Hanoi-style grilled fish, an iconic dish.

VND150000, 1h

Find Hotels in Ha Long Bay

Day 3: Historical Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

6:30am

Flight from Hanoi to Hue

Fly early to Hue, the historic capital of Vietnam known for its ancient citadel and royal tombs.

USD40, 1h20m

8:30am

Breakfast at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Try traditional Hue specialties including Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup unique to the region.

VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Imperial City (Citadel)

Explore the vast citadel, the former capital’s royal palace complex with impressive gates, gardens and temples.

VND150000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy fresh spring rolls and traditional Hue fare in this popular local eatery.

VND80000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Tour the beautiful seven-tiered pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, a symbol of Hue.

Free, 1h

3:00pm

Boat ride on the Perfume River

Relax with a scenic boat ride along the Perfume River, passing iconic sights and peaceful countryside.

VND100000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine on French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a charming colonial villa setting.

VND250000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Hue

Day 4: Hoi An Heritage

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Drive from Hue to Hoi An

Travel along the scenic Hai Van Pass from Hue to the ancient town of Hoi An.

VND350000 taxi, 3h

10:00am

Breakfast at Bale Well

Sample traditional Hoi An dishes like Cao Lau noodles and white rose dumplings at this local favorite.

VND70000, 1h

11:30am

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Walk through the beautifully preserved UNESCO-listed town featuring historic architecture, lantern-lit streets, and vibrant markets.

VND120000 entrance fee, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Enjoy a meal of authentic central Vietnamese dishes in an atmospheric setting along the Thu Bon River.

VND100000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge and local tailor shops

See the iconic 16th-century bridge and shop for custom-tailored clothes using quality fabrics from local tailors.

Bridge Free, Tailoring varies, 1h30m

5:00pm

Sunset at An Bang Beach

Relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a sunset by the sea just a short drive from town.

Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Cargo Club

Savor fresh seafood and international cuisine with views of the river and old town lit by colorful lanterns.

VND200000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Hoi An

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Itinerary created by Plantrip Team May 12, 2025 AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Step 1 Outline Preview:

4-Day Cultural and Scenic Adventure in Vietnam

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

8:00am

9:30am

11:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

6:00pm

Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

7:00am

10:30am

12:30pm

3:30pm

5:30pm

9:00pm

Day 3: Historical Hue

6:30am

8:30am

9:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

Day 4: Hoi An Heritage

7:00am

10:00am

11:30am

1:30pm

3:00pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

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