5-Day Ultimate Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with Hanoi's famous pho at Pho Bat Dan, a popular spot known for authentic flavors and fresh ingredients.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful walk around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple on the lake’s island, perfect for photos and local culture.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling Old Quarter’s narrow streets filled with shops, street food vendors, and traditional architecture.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste authentic Bun Cha, a grilled pork and noodle dish praised worldwide, famously enjoyed by President Obama here.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university, the Temple of Literature, to appreciate traditional Vietnamese architecture and history.
VND30000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Water Puppet Theater

Attend an engaging Water Puppet show at Thang Long Theatre, showcasing traditional Vietnamese folk tales through puppetry on water. Shows typically start at 5:00pm and 6:30pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor Cha Ca, a local specialty of turmeric-marinated fish with dill, at one of Hanoi’s most beloved restaurants.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Depart early by a 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its emerald waters and limestone islands.
VND600000, 3h30m

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Begin a scenic boat cruise around Halong Bay, exploring caves, floating villages, and stunning karst formations.
USD100, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch on the boat

Enjoy freshly prepared seafood dishes onboard while cruising through the bay’s breathtaking landscape.
Included, 1h0m

3:30pm

Kayaking and Swimming

Participate in kayaking or swimming near the bay's calm waters and caves, available during the cruise.
Included, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to Halong City and travel back to Hanoi

The cruise ends by early evening; travel back to Hanoi by car or shuttle.
Included, 3h30m

9:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Relax with traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting at Quan An Ngon, located in Hanoi downtown.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 3: Discover Hue

Hue, Vietnam on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Hanoi to Hue

Fly early morning (about 1h15m) to Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam famed for its historic citadels and royal tombs.
USD50, 1h15m

9:00am

Breakfast at Ancient Hue

Enjoy central Vietnamese specialties such as Bun Bo Hue at this authentic restaurant near the citadel.
VND70000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit the Imperial City (Citadel)

Explore the vast UNESCO-listed Imperial City with its palaces, temples, and the Forbidden Purple City, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Sample Hue’s famous dishes like Nem Lui (grilled lemongrass pork skewers) in a local favorite spot.
VND80000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, a symbol of the city’s religious heritage.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Tomb of Minh Mang

Discover the grandeur of this emperor’s mausoleum with peaceful architecture and gardens.
VND100000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine in a French colonial style restaurant offering a fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisines, ideal to wind down your day.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Charm of Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Hue to Hoi An

Take a 3-hour scenic drive passing through Hai Van Pass to historic Hoi An, known for its preserved pedestrian-friendly Ancient Town.
VND400000, 3h0m

11:15am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong

Enjoy one of the best banh mi sandwiches in Vietnam, a must-try street food in Hoi An.
VND30000, 0h45m

12:00pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Walk the lantern-lit streets visiting historic houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and vibrant market stalls. The Ancient Town is open daily.
VND120000, 3h0m

3:00pm

Tailor shop visit & shopping

Visit renowned tailors to have custom clothes made, an iconic Hoi An experience, or shop for souvenirs.
Varies, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Savor traditional Central Vietnamese dishes in an atmospheric garden setting popular among tourists and locals.
VND150000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Evening lantern river boat ride

Relax on a peaceful boat ride along the Thu Bon River while releasing floating lanterns, a beautiful local tradition.
VND100000, 1h0m
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Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Da Nang (near Hoi An) to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch an early 1h20m flight to Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.
USD50, 1h20m

8:30am

Breakfast at L'usine Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and coffee at this trendy cafe blending French and Vietnamese styles.
VND120000, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insightful perspectives on Vietnam’s history and the Vietnam War at this sobering but informative museum open daily 7:30am–6:00pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Relish a bowl of Saigon-style pho at this long-established restaurant renowned for its rich broth and fresh herbs.
VND60000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Visit these iconic French colonial architectural landmarks located close to each other in downtown Saigon.
Free, 1h0m

2:45pm

Shopping at Ben Thanh Market

Browse endless stalls with souvenirs, clothing, and local snacks at one of the city’s busiest markets.
Free entry, 1h15m

4:15pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Take a leisurely walk or rest at this large city park with beautiful trees and sculptures, providing a calm retreat from the busy streets.
Free, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon Saigon

Enjoy a final Vietnamese feast featuring diverse regional specialties within a lively garden restaurant setting.
VND180000, 1h30m
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