6-Day Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Journey

Day 1: Hanoi City Discovery

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a traditional bowl of Hanoi-style pho at this well-loved local spot, open from early morning.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Walk around the picturesque lake in central Hanoi and visit the Ngoc Son Temple located on the island; open 8am-6pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore the Old Quarter

Roam the lively streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter to see street markets, shops, and colonial buildings.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy grilled pork with noodles, a Hanoi favorite, in a popular local restaurant open 10am-10pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university featuring lovely gardens and architecture; open 8am-5pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Water Puppet Theater

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at Thang Long Theater with shows at 3:30pm and 5:00pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine on authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming vibrant restaurant open till late.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ninh Binh Day Trip

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy quick breakfast to prepare for travel to Ninh Binh, the natural wonder also called 'Halong Bay on land'.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Ninh Binh

Travel 2 hours south of Hanoi to reach this picturesque area famous for limestone karsts and river scenery.
VND600000 (transport), 2h0m

10:00am

Boat ride at Tam Coc

Cruise gently down the river in a traditional sampan boat exploring caves and lush landscapes during this 2-hour trip.
VND150000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant

Sample local dishes featuring goat meat and fresh river fish near Tam Coc.
VND80000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Bich Dong Pagoda visit

Explore the historic pagoda complex with stunning views, open until 5pm.
VND10000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Climb Mua Cave viewpoint

Hike to the viewpoint to capture breathtaking panoramic views of the Ninh Binh landscape.
VND100000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi and get rest for your flight the next day.
Included in transport cost, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Taste Hanoi’s famous cha ca (turmeric fish with dill) in a renowned local restaurant open till 10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 3: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast early at your hotel before heading to the airport.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Noi Bai Airport

Travel to Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
VND200000 (taxi), 45m

10:00am

Flight Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch a morning flight from Hanoi to Tan Son Nhat Airport, approximately 2 hours flight time.
USD70 (approximate airfare), 2h0m

12:30pm

Check-in and lunch at hotel

Check into your hotel in District 1 and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Explore this iconic French-colonial cathedral in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, open daily.
Free, 0h30m

2:30pm

Saigon Central Post Office

Admire the beautiful French architecture and vibrant interior of this historic post office located nearby.
Free, 0h30m

3:30pm

Walk along Dong Khoi Street

Stroll this bustling street lined with shops, cafes, and galleries—a lively introduction to Saigon life.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ngon Restaurant

Indulge in a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting in District 1, open till 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Cu Chi Tunnels & City Tour

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast early before the day trip to Cu Chi tunnels.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Depart for Cu Chi Tunnels

Travel about 1.5 hours to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a network used during the Vietnam War.
VND200000 (transport), 1h30m

9:30am

Explore Cu Chi Tunnels

Tour the tunnels, learn about their history, and try crawling through safe sections; open 7:30am-5pm.
VND110000, 2h0m

11:30am

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Drive back to the city for lunch and afternoon sightseeing.
Included in transport cost, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy a savory bowl of southern-style pho at one of Saigon’s best-known pho restaurants, open till late.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam’s history and war impact; museum open 7:30am-6pm daily.
VND40000, 1h30m

4:15pm

Reunification Palace

Tour this historical landmark where the Vietnam War ended, open 7:30am-4pm; arrive early to explore fully.
VND40000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop

Dine on rooftop with delicious Vietnamese cuisine and city views, open till 11pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Mekong Delta, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before leaving for a fulfilling day exploring the Mekong Delta region.
Included, 0h45m

7:15am

Depart for Mekong Delta

Travel roughly 2 hours to the Mekong Delta and enjoy a day of river cruising and rural village visits.
VND250000 (transport and tour), 2h0m

9:30am

Boat ride and island visits

Cruise the Mekong River, visit local workshops (coconut candy, bee farms), and interact with villagers.
Included in tour, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local Mekong restaurant

Enjoy fresh, regional dishes featuring river fish and tropical fruits.
Included in tour, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore local markets and fruit orchards

Walk through markets and orchards to spot unique tropical fruits and local products.
Included in tour, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to the city for an evening at leisure.
Included in tour, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Relish fine dining by the river with international and Vietnamese dishes, open till late.
VND300000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Final Day in HCMC

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'usine Cafe

Start your last day with great coffee and a light breakfast at this trendy cafe open from early morning.
VND70000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Marvel at the intricate Taoist temple full of statues and carvings; open 8am-5pm daily.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Shopping at Ben Thanh Market

Browse souvenirs, textiles, and local food products at this famous market open till 6pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hum Vegetarian, Café & Restaurant

Enjoy healthy and flavorful vegetarian Vietnamese dishes in a peaceful garden setting.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to hotel & prepare for departure

Relax and pack before heading to the airport or next destination.
Free, Remainder of day
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