6-Day North to South Vietnam Journey: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese pho breakfast in this popular local spot. The beef pho here is renowned for its rich broth and fresh ingredients.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the small island, a serene spot located in the heart of Hanoi.
VND30000, 1h0m

11:00am

Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the bustling narrow streets lined with colonial architecture, local shops, street food, and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try Bun Cha, a grilled pork dish served with vermicelli noodles, which President Obama famously enjoyed here.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first university, a beautiful historical site dedicated to Confucius and education, showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture.
VND30000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through exhibits of traditional costumes, artifacts, and reconstructed homes.
VND40000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor Cha Ca, a signature Hanoi dish of turmeric fish with dill, served on the table-hot skillet style, perfect for an authentic culinary experience.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Depart early from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands.
VND350000 per person by shuttle, 3h30m

11:00am

Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Embark on a scenic boat cruise around the bay to admire stunning karst landscapes, visit caves and floating villages.
USD50, 4h0m

3:00pm

Lunch on the boat

Enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine served aboard the cruise while enjoying panoramic bay views.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

5:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi to prepare for overnight travel to Hue.
Included, 3h30m

9:30pm

Night train to Hue

Board the overnight train from Hanoi to Hue; enjoy sleeper cabins for comfortable travel.
VND700000, 12h0m
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Day 3: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

9:00am

Arrive in Hue and have breakfast at Banh Beo Thanh Thuy

Sample local Hue specialties like Banh Beo, steamed rice cakes topped with savory shrimp and herbs in a charming local eatery.
VND40000, 1h0m

10:00am

Imperial City (The Citadel)

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the former imperial palaces, temples, and gardens of the Nguyen dynasty.
VND150000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy traditional imperial cuisine at one of Hue’s best spots, known for refined banquets.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit this historic pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, one of Hue's iconic religious sites dating back to 1601.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Boat ride on the Perfume River

Enjoy a relaxed boat trip down the scenic river visiting tombs of emperors along the way.
VND150000, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine in a stylish colonial villa serving contemporary Hue cuisine with a romantic ambiance.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Ancient Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Hue to Hoi An

Take a scenic 3-hour drive south to the charming ancient town of Hoi An, known for its preserved historic architecture.
VND300000 by private car, 3h0m

11:00am

Check-in and Lunch at Cargo Club

Enjoy a delicious lunch with a riverside view, famous for cakes and international fusion dishes in Hoi An.
VND180000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour

Explore UNESCO-listed old town, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, historic houses, and vibrant market streets.
VND120000 entrance ticket for heritage sites, 3h0m

4:00pm

Tailor shopping and cafe break

Visit one of Hoi An’s famous tailors to arrange a custom garment, then relax at the Reaching Out Tea House for local tea.
Tailoring varies; Tea VND50000, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Taste classic central Vietnamese dishes such as Cao Lau and white rose dumplings in a lively local eatery.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Da Nang Highlights

Da Nang, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Da Nang

Short 45-minute drive from Hoi An to Da Nang, a coastal city with modern attractions and scenic beaches.
VND150000 by taxi, 0h45m

9:00am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Ba Lan

Try the famous Vietnamese banh mi sandwich at this popular local spot.
VND30000, 0h30m

10:00am

Marble Mountains

Explore limestone hills with caves, tunnels, Buddhist sanctuaries, and panoramic views of Da Nang coastline.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Madam Lan

Taste authentic Vietnamese dishes including fresh seafood at this beloved local restaurant.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Museum of Cham Sculpture

Visit this museum dedicated to Cham culture with a unique collection of sandstone sculptures dating back to the 7th century.
VND40000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon taking in the sun and sea at one of Vietnam's most beautiful beaches.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Maison 1888 (if available, reservations needed)

Enjoy a fine dining experience at this Michelin-starred French restaurant overlooking the sea, offering exquisite dishes.
Approximately VND2000000, 2h0m
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Day 6: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Take an early morning flight (approx 1.5 hours) from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City for your grand finale in southern Vietnam.
VND800000, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine Cafe

Enjoy a stylish cafe atmosphere with excellent coffee and Western-Vietnamese breakfast options in District 1.
VND120000, 1h0m

10:00am

War Remnants Museum

Visit this impactful museum offering perspectives on the Vietnam War through photography and exhibits.
VND40000, 1h30m

11:45am

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

See the iconic French-colonial cathedral, a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City's heritage.
Free, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Savor authentic southern Vietnamese pho at one of the city’s most famous noodle shops.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and street food at this bustling central market.
Free (shopping optional), 2h0m

4:30pm

Saigon Central Post Office

Admire the stunning colonial architecture and vibrant liveliness of this historic post office.
Free, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop Restaurant

End your trip dining on the rooftop with traditional Vietnamese cuisine and city views in a cozy setting.
VND200000, 1h30m
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