5-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi City Tour

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy an authentic Vietnamese breakfast of pho, the famous local beef noodle soup at this popular and highly rated spot, open from 7am to 10am.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the iconic Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake. The lake is a peaceful urban oasis open all day.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore the Old Quarter

Walk through the Old Quarter’s bustling streets lined with traditional shops, street vendors, and colonial architecture, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Taste the local specialty dish Cha Ca (turmeric fish with dill), a must-try Hanoi delicacy at this well-known restaurant, open 11am to 2pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university and a temple dedicated to Confucius, featuring elegant traditional architecture and tranquil gardens. Open 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax with Egg Coffee at Giang Cafe

Sample Hanoi’s unique egg coffee, a creamy and rich local specialty, at this historic cafe known for perfecting the recipe. Open 7am to 7pm.
VND40000, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Bun Cha, a Hanoi-style grilled pork and noodle dish, at the famous Bun Cha restaurant popularized by international visitors. Open 10am to 10pm.
VND90000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Depart early from Hanoi for a 3.5-hour drive to Ha Long Bay, heading northeast towards the UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its limestone karsts.
VND450000, 3h30m

11:00am

Begin Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Board a day cruise to explore Ha Long Bay’s stunning emerald waters and spectacular limestone islands, including stops for kayaking and visiting caves. Cruise usually runs 11am to 5pm.
USD60, 6h0m

12:30pm

Lunch on Board

Enjoy a fresh seafood buffet lunch served aboard the cruise boat with panoramic views of the bay.
Included, 1h0m

5:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi by bus, arriving in the evening.
Included, 3h30m

9:30pm

Late Dinner at Bun Thang Ba Duc

Try Bun Thang, another Hanoi noodle specialty featuring chicken, egg, and pork, at this local favorite open until 10:30pm.
VND70000, 1h0m
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Excursion

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Depart early for the 2-hour drive southwest to Ninh Binh, known as the 'Halong Bay on Land' for its stunning limestone mountains and river scenery.
VND250000, 2h0m

9:30am

Boat Ride at Tam Coc

Take a peaceful sampan boat ride through rice paddies and spectacular karst landscapes in Tam Coc; rides typically last about 2 hours. Open 7am-5pm.
VND150000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Chookie’s Beer Garden

Relax and enjoy Vietnamese and Western dishes in a garden setting, open from 10am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore the serene multi-level cave pagoda nestled into limestone cliffs, open daily 8am to 5pm.
VND20000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Climb Mua Cave Viewpoint

Climb to the top of Mua Cave to enjoy one of the best panoramic views over the Tam Coc river and rice fields. Opens 7am to 6pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi for a restful evening.
VND250000, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Try a variety of authentic Vietnamese street food dishes in a charming setting; open until 10pm.
VND100000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Morning Flight to Da Nang and Transfer to Hoi An

Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang (about 1.5 hours), then take a 30-minute taxi ride to Hoi An Ancient Town, a charming UNESCO heritage site.
USD80 + VND300000, 3h0m

11:00am

Check-in and Light Refreshment

Settle into accommodation and enjoy a light refreshment before afternoon exploring.
Varies, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savor traditional Central Vietnamese cuisine in a vibrant setting, open 11am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk Around Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore beautifully preserved old buildings, lantern-lit streets, and historical sites such as the Japanese Covered Bridge. Town open to visitors from 8am to 9pm.
VND120000 (entry ticket), 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit Hoi An Market

Browse fresh produce, handicrafts and street food at this lively market open daily until around 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy a mix of Western and Vietnamese dishes with the delightful river view, open until 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Morning Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, about 1.5 hours flight, to explore the bustling southern city.
USD60, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at L'usine Cafe

Start your day with a delicious fusion breakfast and great coffee at this fashionable cafe open from 7am.
VND120000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about the Vietnam War through powerful exhibits in the museum open from 7:30am to 6pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

12:15pm

Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

View this iconic French colonial cathedral, open daily with free entry.
Free, 0h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Have a classic bowl of southern-style pho at Pho Hoa, famously delicious and open from 6am to 10pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Discover local products, souvenirs, and street food at this bustling market, open until 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Experience home-style Vietnamese cooking in a cozy atmosphere, open until 10pm.
VND180000, 1h30m
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