5-Day Vietnam Highlights Tour: Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Phong Nha & Ha Long Bay Night Cruise

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at L'Usine

Start your day with a delicious fusion of Vietnamese and French pastries and coffee at this trendy café, open from 7am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

8:45am

War Remnants Museum

Explore compelling exhibits about the Vietnam War’s impact, open from 7:30am to 6pm. A must-see for historical insight.
VND40000, 1h30m

10:30am

Ben Thanh Market

Visit this bustling market to shop for souvenirs and try local snacks. It operates daily from 6am to 6pm.
Free entry, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese pho in the place where former US President Obama once ate. Open 6am to 9pm daily.
VND60000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Visit this iconic French colonial cathedral, open 8am to 5pm, for great photo opportunities.
Free entry, 0h30m

2:15pm

Saigon Central Post Office

Just next to the cathedral, admire the beautiful architecture and send a postcard. Open 7am to 7pm.
Free entry, 0h30m

3:00pm

Coffee break at The Workshop

Enjoy artisanal coffee in a stylish setting. Open from 8am to 10pm.
VND60000, 0h45m

5:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Indulge in traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming vintage villa, open until 9:30pm.
VND250000, 1h30m

Day 2: Da Nang & Hoi An Wonders

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

7:00am

Fly to Da Nang

Take an early morning flight (approx. 1h30m) from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang for your day of exploration.
USD50, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Banh Xeo Ba Duong

Savor Da Nang’s famous crispy savory pancakes known as bánh xèo. Open from 8am to 9pm.
VND50000, 0h45m

10:00am

Marble Mountains

Explore stunning limestone hills with caves, pagodas, and panoramic views. Open 7am to 5pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Travel to Hoi An (30 mins by car)

Arrive in the charming ancient town known for its lantern-lit streets and cultural heritage.
Transport approx. VND300000, 0h45m

1:15pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Taste authentic Hoi An specialties in a popular restaurant open 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour

Explore historic temples, traditional houses, and vibrant markets. Open all day; best to tour in afternoon to avoid crowds.
VND120000 (ticket for multiple sites), 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

Iconic 18th-century bridge symbolizing Hoi An, a must-see and great photo spot.
Included in town ticket, 0h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy French and Vietnamese fusion dishes with river views. Open 7am to 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Evening lantern walk

Experience Hoi An’s magical lantern-lit streets and riverside ambiance after dark.
Free, 1h0m

Day 3: Explore Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Hoi An to Hue

Take a morning car or bus (approximately 3 hours) to Hue to explore the former imperial capital.
VND400000 for car, 3h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Taste traditional Hue cuisine in a local setting. Open from 7am to 9pm.
VND100000, 0h45m

11:30am

Hue Imperial City (Citadel)

Visit the vast historical complex of palaces, temples and gardens. Open 8am to 5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Savor authentic royal-style Hue dishes. Open 10am to 9pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:45pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit this iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, open daily 7am-6pm.
Free entry, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Perfume River

Enjoy a peaceful riverside stroll or a short boat ride to take in the scenic views.
Boat ride approx. VND150000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Enjoy a French-Vietnamese fusion meal in a colonial-style setting. Open until 10pm.
VND250000, 1h30m

Day 4: Phong Nha Adventure

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

6:00am

Travel from Hue to Phong Nha

A scenic 4-hour drive to Phong Nha famous for its caves and stunning karst landscapes.
VND500000, 4h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Phong Nha Farmstay Cafe

Fresh local ingredients and coffee to refresh before your explorations. Open 7am-9pm.
VND70000, 0h45m

11:00am

Phong Nha Cave Tour

Boat trip into one of the most spectacular caves discovered in the region. Tours run 7am to 5pm.
VND300000, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Son Doong Restaurant

Enjoy hearty Vietnamese dishes after your cave tour, open 11am-9pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Dark Cave Ziplining & Mud Bath

For the adventurous, experience ziplining into the Dark Cave followed by a relaxing mud bath. Open 8am to 4pm.
VND350000, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at local eatery

Try local specialties like grilled pork and rice, perfect after a day in nature.
VND100000, 1h0m

Day 5: Ha Long Bay Night Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

6:00am

Fly or drive to Ha Long Bay

Early morning travel from Phong Nha to Ha Long Bay either via flight (Da Nang to Hanoi + transfer) or overnight bus.
USD70 approx., 5h0m

11:30am

Breakfast/Lunch at Chau Mai Restaurant, Ha Long City

Refuel before cruise with fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes. Open from 7am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Board Ha Long Bay cruise ship

Check in and begin exploring the stunning limestone karsts by boat. Cruise outings typically start early afternoon.
USD100 per person, 2h0m

3:00pm

Kayaking and Cave Tour

Enjoy kayaking around karst formations and visit some of Ha Long’s hidden caves during the afternoon.
Included in cruise, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner on board

Savor fresh seafood and Vietnamese cuisine on board while watching the sunset over Ha Long Bay.
Included in cruise, 2h0m

8:00pm

Relax on deck / Night squid fishing

Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the bay at night or join in night squid fishing, a popular onboard activity.
Included in cruise, 1h30m