4-Day Vietnam Highlights: Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue & Ha Long Bay Night Cruise

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L’usine Cafe

Start your day with a trendy and delicious breakfast at L’usine, known for great coffee and western-style dishes in a stylish setting.
VND150000, 1h0m

9:30am

War Remnants Museum

Explore Vietnam’s turbulent history at the War Remnants Museum, open daily from 7:30am to 6pm. A must-see for understanding the Vietnam War’s impact.
VND40000, 1h30m

11:30am

Ben Thanh Market

Shop and browse the lively Ben Thanh Market for local crafts, souvenirs, and street food treats.
Free entry, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese pho at Pho Hoa, one of the city’s best-known spots for this classic noodle soup, open daily from 6am to 9:30pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Visit this iconic French-colonial cathedral in the heart of the city, a beautiful place for photos and quiet reflection.
Free entry, 0h30m

3:00pm

Saigon Central Post Office

Explore the stunning architecture and pick up postcards at the historic central post office, open daily until 7pm.
Free entry, 0h30m

4:00pm

Flight to Da Nang

Catch an afternoon flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, approximately 1.5 hours.
VND1500000 approximately, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hai San Be Man

Enjoy fresh seafood at this popular restaurant near Da Nang’s coast, perfect after your flight, open until 10pm.
VND300000, 1h30m

Day 2: Da Nang & Hoi An

Da Nang & Hoi An, Vietnam on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cong Ca Phe Da Nang

Enjoy Vietnamese coffee and local breakfast dishes at this trendy cafe, opens early at 7am.
VND80000, 1h0m

9:00am

Marble Mountains, Da Nang

Visit the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble and limestone hills with caves, temples, and panoramic views, open 7am-5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

11:30am

Drive to Hoi An Ancient Town

A short 30-minute drive to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved historic architecture.
Taxi fare approx VND200000, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste authentic Central Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant setting in Hoi An, open 10am to 10pm.
VND250000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour

Wander through lantern-lit streets, visit iconic sites like the Japanese Covered Bridge and old merchant houses, open all day with shops typically closing by 9pm.
VND120000 for town entry ticket, 2h30m

4:00pm

Relax by An Bang Beach

Unwind at An Bang Beach for some sun and sea before heading back to Da Nang.
Free entry, 1h30m

6:00pm

Drive back to Da Nang City

Return to Da Nang for your overnight stay.
Taxi fare approx VND200000, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Banh Xeo Ba Duong

Try the famous Da Nang savory pancakes (banh xeo) at this local favorite spot, open until 9pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

Day 3: Hue Historic Exploration

Hue, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local eatery

Enjoy a light Vietnamese breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby café before heading out.
VND50000, 0h45m

7:30am

Drive from Da Nang to Hue

Take the scenic route over Hai Van Pass to Hue, approximately 3 hours by car.
Taxi fare approx VND800000, 3h0m

10:30am

Imperial City (The Citadel)

Explore the historic Imperial City with palaces, temples, and gardens. Open from 8am to 5:30pm, this UNESCO site is a key highlight of Hue.
VND150000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sisters Restaurant

Savor royal-style Hue cuisine in a charming setting; open daily 10am to 10pm.
VND200000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, open daily from 7am to 6pm. It’s a symbol of the city’s spiritual heritage.
Free entry, 1h0m

3:30pm

Tomb of Khai Dinh

Discover the unique architecture of this elaborate royal tomb, open 7am to 5:30pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening flight or drive to Hanoi

Prepare for your next day at Ha Long Bay; evening transfer depends on flight availability or overnight train/bus options.
Variable, Variable

Day 4: Ha Long Bay Night Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Early morning transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, approximately 3.5 hours by car or shuttle.
VND450000, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch on board the Cruise

Board your luxurious night cruise and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch while cruising through the breathtaking karst landscape.
Included with cruise, 1h30m

1:30pm

Explore Ha Long Bay Islands & Caves

Visit notable caves and floating fishing villages as part of the cruise itinerary, available throughout the afternoon.
Included with cruise, 3h0m

5:00pm

Sunset Dinner on the Cruise

Enjoy a delicious dinner on deck with spectacular sunset views as the boat sails through the bay.
Included with cruise, 2h0m

7:30pm

Night Activities Onboard

Relax with onboard activities such as squid fishing, cooking classes, or simply stargazing from the sundeck.
Included with cruise, Evening