5-Night Immersive Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Vietnam

Day 1: Historic Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with an authentic Vietnamese pho at Pho Bat Dan, a local favorite known for its rich broth and fresh herbs.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, a serene spot with cultural significance in central Hanoi.
VND30000, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling Old Quarter's narrow streets, uncovering shops, markets, and historic architecture.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy the famous bun cha, grilled pork with noodles, at the spot Anthony Bourdain visited with President Obama.
VND90000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and an architectural gem dedicated to Confucius, featuring beautiful courtyards and gardens.
VND30000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk around the French Quarter

Admire French colonial buildings and visit the Hanoi Opera House.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Water Puppet Theatre Show

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a cultural performance unique to northern Vietnam. Check showtimes, usually 5pm or 6:30pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Savor the iconic grilled turmeric fish served in a traditional Hanoi style at this historic restaurant.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Hanoi

Enjoy a hotel breakfast before heading out early for Halong Bay.
Included with hotel, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Halong Bay

Travel approximately 3.5 to 4 hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay for a scenic cruise departure.
VND400000 (transport), 4h0m

12:30pm

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Embark on a midday cruise on Halong Bay, famed for its limestone karsts and emerald waters.
USD100, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch on the boat

Enjoy fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes on board while cruising the bay.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore caves and islands

Visit stunning caves like Sung Sot Cave and kayak or swim near floating villages.
Included in cruise, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner on board

Relax with a dinner against the backdrop of Halong Bay sunset.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

7:30pm

Evening relaxation

Enjoy optional activities like squid fishing or simply unwind on deck.
Free, Variable
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Day 3: Hue Imperial City

Hue, Vietnam on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on cruise or hotel

Have an early breakfast before disembarking and transferring to the airport.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Return to Hanoi and fly to Hue

Catch a mid-morning flight from Hanoi to Hue (approx. 1hr 15min).
USD50-80 (flight), 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ancient Hue

Try local specialties like bo kho (beef stew) and banh beo in this traditional Hue restaurant.
VND80000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Imperial City (The Citadel)

Explore the historic UNESCO World Heritage site featuring palaces, temples, and royal tombs; open 7:30am-5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h30m

4:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda Visit

Visit the iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon Hue

Sample Hue cuisine with dishes like nem lui and bun bo Hue in a garden setting.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy hotel breakfast before heading out to Hoi An.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive from Hue to Hoi An

Travel approximately 3 hours to the charming town of Hoi An.
VND400000 (transport), 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Taste authentic Hoi An dishes like Cao Lau and white rose dumplings in a vibrant setting.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Ancient Town

Walk the lantern-lit streets visiting Japanese Covered Bridge, historic houses, and artisan shops. Open all day, best visited before sunset.
VND120000 (entry ticket), 3h0m

5:00pm

Shop at Central Market

Browse for local handicrafts, textiles, and food items in this bustling market.
Free to browse, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine riverside with options for Vietnamese and Western fare including great desserts.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast and flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch an early flight from Da Nang (nearest airport to Hoi An) to Ho Chi Minh City.
USD40-70 (flight), 3h0m including transfer

9:00am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore exhibits about the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective; open 7:30am-6:00pm daily.
VND40000, 1h30m

11:00am

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica & Central Post Office

Admire French colonial architecture in downtown Saigon with photo stops at these iconic landmarks.
Free, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy northern-style pho at one of the iconic local pho restaurants in the city.
VND60000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Reunification Palace Tour

Visit the historic site of the end of the Vietnam War with its preserved rooms and war bunkers; open 7:30am-4:00pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local products, and street snacks at this lively market.
Free to browse, 1h0m

5:00pm

Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Tower

Enjoy panoramic city views from the observation deck; open until 9:00pm.
VND200000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Experience Vietnamese home-style cooking in a charming setting.
VND150000, 1h30m
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