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5-Day North to South Vietnam Cultural and Culinary Journey

Viewed by 82 travelers

Day 1: Explore Hanoi Charm

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with an authentic bowl of Hanoi’s famous Pho at this popular and highly rated local eatery.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Explore the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex to learn about the revered leader and Vietnam’s history. Arrive early as it closes at 11:00am.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Walk around the Old Quarter

Discover the bustling atmosphere of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, with its narrow streets and traditional shops and markets.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savour a traditional Bun Cha meal, grilled pork with noodles, famously enjoyed by President Obama here.
VND80000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first national university and a renowned historical site dedicated to Confucius and scholars.
VND30000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the small island in the middle.
VND10000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Try the signature dish Cha Ca, turmeric fish with dill and noodles, a must-eat Hanoi speciality.
VND150000, 1h30m

8:30pm

Watch a Water Puppet Show

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Shows typically start at 8:00pm.
VND100000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Discover Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Depart from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Enjoy a scenic 3.5-hour road transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay.
VND350000, 3h30m

10:30am

Board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Embark on a cruise to explore stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters, including caves and islets.
USD60, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch on board

Enjoy fresh seafood and local Vietnamese dishes prepared on the cruise while admiring the bay.
Included in cruise price, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kayaking or swimming

Optional kayaking or swimming in calm bay waters near the cruise, perfect for adventure lovers.
Included or small rental fee, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Ha Long City and travel back to Hanoi

Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi by road, arriving by evening.
Included in tour price, 3h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at KOTO Restaurant Hanoi

Dine at this social enterprise restaurant offering delicious Vietnamese meals while supporting youth training.
VND120000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Ha Long Bay

Day 3: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Hanoi to Hue

Take an early morning flight (approximately 1 hour) to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.
USD50, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the vast UNESCO-listed citadel including palaces, temples, and tombs of emperors.
VND150000, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Hue royal cuisine featuring dishes like Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup).
VND90000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

See the iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, an important spiritual site.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Tomb of Tu Duc

Wander the beautifully landscaped royal tomb complex of Emperor Tu Duc with lakes and pavilions.
VND100000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Feast on authentic local dishes served in charming traditional courtyard surroundings.
VND110000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hue

Day 4: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Hue to Hoi An by road

Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive crossing the Hai Van Pass with spectacular coastal views to Hoi An.
VND250000, 3h0m

11:30am

Check into hotel and lunch at Morning Glory

Settle in and taste Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau noodles at this well-known restaurant.
VND90000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore historic streets, Japanese Bridge, old merchant houses and lively markets.
VND120000 entry ticket, 2h0m

3:30pm

Visit to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Learn about traditional organic farming and enjoy a village walk and possibly a cooking demo.
Free or small tour fee, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Madame Lan

Dine riverside on classic Vietnamese dishes with a wonderful atmosphere and lantern-lit evening views.
VND150000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 5: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly approximately 1.5 hours south to the bustling economic hub of Vietnam.
USD50, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at L’Usine

Enjoy western-style and Vietnamese fusion breakfast in a trendy café setting.
VND120000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s turbulent war history through photographic and artefact exhibitions.
VND40000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Taste Ho Chi Minh’s famous version of Pho at this long-standing local favourite.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and street food in this busy central market.
Free to enter, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Central Post Office

Admire French colonial architecture at these iconic landmarks located close together.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Experience authentic home-style Vietnamese food in a charming vintage house setting.
VND150000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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