5-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Hanoi Heritage

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy a traditional Northern Vietnamese breakfast with authentic Pho, a delicious rice noodle soup that's iconic to Hanoi.
VND45000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Explore the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake area with its iconic red bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple, a symbol of Hanoi's cultural heritage.
VND30000, 1h

11:00am

Tour the Old Quarter

Walk through the bustling Old Quarter streets, experiencing local markets, artisan shops, and the colonial architecture that tells Hanoi's history.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savour the famous Hanoi dish Cha Ca — turmeric grilled fish with dill, served with noodles and peanuts.
VND150000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam's first university dedicated to Confucius, showcasing beautiful gardens and ancient architecture.
VND30000, 1h

4:00pm

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through informative displays and traditional artifacts. Open until 5:30pm.
VND40000, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and herbs, in the restaurant made popular by President Obama’s visit.
VND60000, 1h
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

6:30am

Early Pickup from Hanoi

Depart early from Hanoi to Halong Bay, approximately a 3.5-hour drive through picturesque countryside.
Included in cruise package, 3.5h

10:00am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Begin a scenic cruise around the UNESCO World Heritage site with limestone karsts and emerald waters. Enjoy lunch onboard.
USD100 covering cruise and meals, 3h

1:00pm

Kayaking or Cave Exploration

Optional kayaking in secluded lagoons or visit Sung Sot Cave, a spectacular grotto on Halong Bay. Available in the afternoon segment.
Included, 1.5h

4:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Cruise back to the harbor and return to Hanoi by private transfer.
Included, 3.5h

8:30pm

Dinner at Highway4 Restaurant

Dine on creative Vietnamese dishes in a stylish setting in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
VND250000, 1h
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Day 3: Historic Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Flight Hanoi to Da Nang

Take a morning flight to Da Nang (approx 1.5 hours), then transfer to Hoi An, about 30 minutes away.
Approx USD50, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Cargo Club Hoi An

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and a picturesque river view breakfast in this popular café.
VND120000, 1h

10:30am

Visit Ancient Town

Explore the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town featuring well-preserved buildings, Japanese Bridge, and riverside ambiance.
VND120000 entry ticket, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Sample traditional Central Vietnamese dishes such as Cao Lau noodles in a charming local setting.
VND150000, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend some leisure time at An Bang Beach, enjoying the sun and sea just a short ride from town.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Field Restaurant & Bar

Relish fresh farm-to-table Vietnamese cuisine with a cozy atmosphere.
VND200000, 1h
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Day 4: Imperial Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Drive from Hoi An to Hue

Embark on the scenic Hai Van Pass drive from Hoi An to Hue, approximately 3.5 hours with beautiful coastal views.
Taxi approx VND1200000, 3.5h

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Ancient Hue

Enjoy authentic royal cuisine for lunch at Ancient Hue restaurant, famous for its elegant dishes.
VND250000, 1h

1:00pm

Tour the Imperial City

Visit the vast Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former royal palace. Open 8am–5:30pm.
VND150000, 2.5h

3:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda Visit

Explore the scenic riverside pagoda, an iconic spiritual landmark of Hue.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Savour traditional Hue specialties like Bun Bo Hue noodle soup in a casual local spot.
VND100000, 1h
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Day 5: Vibrant Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Flight Hue to Ho Chi Minh City

Take an early morning flight from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 1.5 hours.
Approx USD55, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at L'usine

Start your Saigon day with a trendy café experience offering Western and Vietnamese breakfast options.
VND150000, 1h

10:30am

War Remnants Museum

Visit this important museum detailing the history and impact of the Vietnam War, open 7:30am–6pm.
VND40000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy authentic Southern-style Pho in one of Saigon’s most respected Pho restaurants.
VND70000, 1h

2:30pm

Ben Thanh Market Shopping

Explore the bustling market for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and street food inside the iconic market.
Free entry, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Dine on inventive Vietnamese dishes in a beautifully restored colonial villa setting, perfect for a memorable last night.
VND250000, 1.5h
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