5-Day Vietnam Exploration: Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Hoi An Highlights

Day 1: Hanoi City Tour

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan

Start your day with a traditional bowl of Pho, Hanoi's famous noodle soup, at this popular spot known for its authentic flavors.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful walk around this iconic lake and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island, a symbol of Hanoi's rich culture.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter where you can observe local life, shop for souvenirs, and admire colonial architecture.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Vietnamese dish Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and dipping sauce, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
VND80000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first national university, dedicated to Confucius, featuring beautiful traditional architecture and peaceful gardens.
VND30000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Experience a unique Vietnamese art form with a cultural water puppet show, depicting folklore and rural life.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy Hanoi’s speciality ‘Cha Ca,’ a turmeric fried fish dish served with fresh herbs and noodles in a lively, traditional setting.
VND120000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay

A comfortable 3.5-hour drive north to the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its towering limestone karsts and emerald waters.
USD20 - transport, 3h30m

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Begin a scenic cruise around the bay, enjoying stunning views and on-board meals. Check-in and safety briefing included.
USD120 - cruise with meals, 4h0m

3:00pm

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Visit the largest and most famous cave in Halong Bay, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

5:00pm

Kayaking or Swimming

Optional activity to kayak around the limestone islands or swim in the calm bay waters for a refreshing experience.
Included or small fee, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner on Board

Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner prepared on the cruise ship while taking in the sunset views over the bay.
Included in cruise, 1h0m
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Day 3: Hoi An Arrival

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Return to Hanoi and Fly to Da Nang

Travel back to Hanoi and catch a morning flight to Da Nang, the nearest airport to Hoi An.
Airfare approx USD50-100, 6h0m including transfer

2:00pm

Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town

Short 45-minute drive to Hoi An, check into your hotel and rest.
VND300000 taxi fare, 45m

4:00pm

Walk around Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through the beautifully preserved streets lined with historic architecture, lantern-lit evenings, and art galleries.
Entrance fee VND120000, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Savor authentic Central Vietnamese cuisine at one of Hoi An’s top-rated restaurants, known for local specialties like Cao Lau noodles.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hoi An Local Life

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Espresso Station

Enjoy a great coffee and western-style breakfast with excellent people-watching on the town square.
VND90000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoi An Market

Experience the vibrant local market with fresh produce, food stalls, and handicrafts, perfect for souvenir shopping.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Bike Ride to An Bang Beach

Take a short bike ride to the scenic coastline where you can relax, swim, or rent a sunbed at a beach café.
Free, bike rental approx VND50000, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Soul Kitchen

Beachfront dining offering fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.
VND150000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tailor Shop Visit

Explore local tailor shops to order custom-made garments within a few hours or a day, a Hoi An specialty.
Varies, 1h30m

5:00pm

Lantern Lighting on Thu Bon River

Participate in the traditional lantern lighting ceremony along the river and enjoy the magical atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Dine on creative fusion dishes inspired by Vietnamese flavors with international influences, overlooking the river.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Da Nang & Departure

Da Nang, Vietnam on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before checking out and heading to Da Nang.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore the cluster of five marble and limestone hills featuring caves, pagodas, and panoramic views of the coastline.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ba Duong

Try Mi Quang, a regional noodle dish with turmeric noodles and savory broth at this much-loved local eatery.
VND70000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Transfer to Da Nang International Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your enriching Vietnam journey.
Taxi approx VND300000, 30m
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