5-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Vietnam

Day 1: Historic Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a bowl of traditional Pho at Pho Gia Truyen, open from 7:00 AM, known for authentic northern Vietnamese flavors.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island, open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, experience traditional markets, and see colonial architecture.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Bun Cha dish at this popular spot, open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Museum of Ethnology

Learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups at this well-curated museum, open 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
VND40000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Evening Water Puppet Show

Enjoy a traditional water puppet performance at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, shows start at 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Indulge in Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi fish dish, at this historic restaurant open until 10:00 PM.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay

Begin the scenic 3.5-hour drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay, passing picturesque countryside views.
VND300000, 3h30m

10:30am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Embark on a full-day cruise around the UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning limestone karsts.
USD80, 7h0m

12:00pm

Lunch on board

Enjoy fresh seafood and local Vietnamese cuisine served during the cruise.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kayaking and Cave Exploration

Explore caves and limestone formations, and kayak around quiet lagoons during the cruise.
Included in cruise, 2h0m

5:30pm

Return to Halong Bay harbor and travel back to Hanoi

Disembark and take the 3.5-hour drive back to Hanoi for overnight stay.
Included in cruise, 3h30m

9:30pm

Late Dinner at Bun Bo Nam Bo

Try the flavorful Bun Bo Nam Bo, a southern Vietnamese beef noodle dish, open until 10:00 PM.
VND70000, 1h0m
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Day 3: Imperial Hue

Hue, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Fly from Hanoi to Hue

Take an early morning flight (about 1 hour) to Hue, the former imperial capital.
INR3500, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at Ancient Hue

Enjoy traditional Hue cuisine in a charming setting, open from 7:00 AM.
VND80000, 1h0m

10:00am

Imperial City (Citadel)

Explore the vast UNESCO World Heritage site of the ancient citadel, open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
VND150000, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Sample elegant Hue royal cuisine including Bun Bo Hue, open until 3:00 PM.
VND100000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Boat ride on Perfume River

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Perfume River to see scenic views and royal tombs.
VND150000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine in a French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant set in a colonial villa, open until 9:00 PM.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Hoi An

Take a 3-hour scenic drive from Hue to Hoi An, passing Hai Van Pass with spectacular views.
VND500000, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Morning Glory

Taste traditional Central Vietnamese cuisine in Hoi An’s Old Town, open from 11 AM to 10 PM.
VND90000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town tour

Discover well-preserved old houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and vibrant markets. The town is open all day.
VND120000 (entrance ticket), 3h0m

4:30pm

Tailor shopping

Explore tailor shops for custom-made clothes, with many open until 7:00 PM.
Prices vary, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy riverfront dining with a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes, open until 10:00 PM.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning flight (about 1.5 hours) from Da Nang Airport near Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City.
INR4000, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine

Modern cafe offering great coffee and fusion breakfast dishes in District 1, open from 7:00 AM.
VND100000, 1h0m

10:30am

War Remnants Museum

Insightful and powerful museum chronicling the Vietnam War, open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Sample one of the city’s best Pho dishes, open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, textiles, and local snacks in this bustling market, open daily until 6:00 PM.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

See two iconic French colonial landmarks close by each other, open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

End your trip with a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes at this popular spot, open until 11:00 PM.
VND150000, 1h30m
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