6-Day Comprehensive Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with authentic Vietnamese pho, a must-try dish, at this popular Hanoi eatery known for its flavorful broth and traditional preparation.
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, a spiritual and cultural icon in Hanoi.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter, famous for its bustling markets, street vendors, and colonial architecture reflecting Hanoi’s rich history.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Hanoi’s signature dish, Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and fresh herbs, famously visited by President Obama.
VND80000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and admire ancient architecture dedicated to Confucius, offering insight into Vietnam’s educational heritage.
VND30000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance, showcasing folklore and legends with intricate puppetry on water.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Savor Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi dish of grilled fish with turmeric and dill, served with rice noodles and peanuts.
VND150000, 1h0m

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Hanoi to Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay

Travel to UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay, known for its emerald waters and limestone islands, approximately 3.5 hours by road.
VND500000, 3h30m

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Day Cruise

Embark on a day cruise to explore stunning limestone karsts, caves, and floating villages in Halong Bay with lunch included onboard.
USD70, 5h0m

4:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Complete the cruise and travel back to Hanoi, resting in the evening or exploring local night markets.
Included in transfer, 3h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Experience a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a garden setting popular with locals and tourists alike.
VND200000, 1h0m

Day 3: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Hue from Hanoi

Catch an early morning flight to Hue, the former imperial capital known for its historic citadel and royal tombs.
USD50, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Ancient Hue

Enjoy classic Hue cuisine in a charming setting, perfect to sample local specialties like Banh Beo and Bun Bo Hue.
VND80000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Imperial City (The Citadel)

Explore the vast UNESCO-listed complex of palaces, temples, walls, and gates that was the seat of Nguyen emperors.
VND150000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Taste traditional Hue royal dishes in a relaxed environment near the Perfume River.
VND100000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda and Tomb of Minh Mang

Tour two of Hue’s most spiritual and historical sites, offering scenic views and beautiful architecture.
VND60000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de la Carambole

Dine at a French colonial-style restaurant featuring fusion cuisine combining local and European flavors.
USD25, 1h0m

Day 4: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Travel Hue to Hoi An by car

Take a scenic 3-hour drive crossing Hai Van Pass with breathtaking coastal views en route to Hoi An.
VND600000, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savor Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau noodles and white rose dumplings in a vibrant central location.
VND90000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Old Town Hoi An

Walk through the well-preserved ancient town, admiring historic architecture, artisan shops, and riverside cafes.
Entry fee VND120000, 3h0m

4:30pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge and Old Houses

Discover the iconic 16th-century bridge and explore heritage homes showcasing Hoi An’s multicultural past.
Included in Old Town ticket, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Enjoy creative fusion dishes with river views in a lively setting highlighting local ingredients.
VND150000, 1h0m

Day 5: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 12, 2025

7:00am

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

Take a morning flight to reach the bustling southern metropolis to continue your Vietnam adventure.
USD40, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at The Workshop Coffee

Start your day with excellent coffee and light pastries in a modern cafe known for its specialty brews.
VND70000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s history through compelling exhibits about the Vietnam War and its lasting impact.
VND40000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Eat at one of Saigon’s oldest pho restaurants, serving rich, traditional beef noodle soup.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market and Surroundings

Shop and explore the busy market offering crafts, clothing, and street food in central Ho Chi Minh City.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Admire the iconic French colonial architecture of this historic cathedral in the city center.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy authentic southern Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy and charming atmosphere popular among locals.
VND150000, 1h0m

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L’usine

Enjoy a Western-style breakfast with Vietnamese influences in this trendy Saigon café and concept store.
VND90000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War, offering an immersive historical experience.
USD15, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Try tasty and affordable pho meals near Ben Thanh Market, famous after President Clinton's visit.
VND70000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax or Last Minute Shopping

Spend your last hours shopping for souvenirs or relaxing in a nearby café before heading to the airport.
Varies, 2h0m