5-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a traditional bowl of pho at Pho Bat Dan, a beloved local spot known for its rich broth and fresh ingredients, open from 6:00am to 10:00am.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful morning stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the iconic Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island, offering serene views and cultural insight. Open daily from 6:00am to 9:00pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, famous for its vibrant markets, street food, and unique crafts.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Bun Cha dish at Bun Cha Huong Lien, known internationally after a visit by President Obama. Open daily from 8:00am to 3:00pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam's first national university at the Temple of Literature, an essential historical site with beautiful gardens. Open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at a Café in the French Quarter

Unwind with a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee at a charming café in the French Quarter, enjoying colonial architecture and people-watching.
VND40000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a lively atmosphere at Quan An Ngon, open from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Depart early from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by car or shuttle bus; the journey takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, allowing time for the cruise.
VND200000, 4h0m

11:30am

Lunch on Ha Long Bay Cruise

Enjoy fresh seafood and Vietnamese cuisine aboard the cruise while admiring limestone karsts and emerald waters.
Included in cruise, 1h30m

1:00pm

Boat Tour and Kayaking

Explore caves and islands by boat and kayak, experiencing the calm waters and stunning nature of Ha Long Bay. Activities run until late afternoon.
Included in cruise, 3h0m

4:30pm

Sunset on Deck

Relax on the deck of your cruise ship and watch the spectacular sunset over the bay’s limestone formations.
Included in cruise, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner on Board

Enjoy a full-course dinner featuring local specialties and fresh seafood, served on the cruise.
Included in cruise, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Ha Long Bay to Hue (flight)

Return to Hanoi early morning and take a flight to Hue, the ancient imperial capital. Flight time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
USD50, 4h0m

11:00am

Lunch at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Taste royal Vietnamese cuisine that reflects the delicacy and refinement of the former imperial city. Open from 10:00am to 9:00pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Visit the Imperial City (Citadel)

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site majestically preserved, home to ancient palaces, temples, and walls. Open from 7:30am to 5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h0m

3:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the 7-story historic pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, a symbol of the city’s historic spiritual life.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mandarin Restaurant

Dine on excellent local specialties with beautiful city views in a comfortable setting. Open from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
VND140000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hoi An Charm

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Hue to Hoi An

Drive about 3 hours south to the ancient town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved architecture and riverside charm.
VND150000, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Bale Well

Sample mouth-watering local dishes in this popular casual eatery famous for cao lau noodles and other specialties.
VND60000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Walk the lantern-lit streets, visit local tailors for custom clothing, and explore historic buildings and museums. Open from 8:00am to 9:00pm.
VND120000, 3h0m

4:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend your late afternoon relaxing on the sandy shores of An Bang Beach, with opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant

Enjoy refined traditional dishes served in a beautiful colonial house setting, a favorite spot for visitors. Open from 10:30am to 10:00pm.
VND160000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 21, 2025

7:00am

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

Take an early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the energetic southern metropolis, flight duration is about 1.5 hours.
USD50, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at L'Usine Café

Enjoy a western-style breakfast and coffee in a trendy café blending art and fashion, opening at 8:00am daily.
VND90000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit the War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s turbulent past through powerful exhibits and historical artifacts; open daily from 7:30am to 6:00pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Relish some of the best pho in the city at Pho Hoa, a local institution serving classic beef noodle soup. Open from 6:00am to 22:00.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and local goods at this bustling central market, a great place to experience local life. Open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Admire the neo-Romanesque cathedral built during the French colonial period, open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop Restaurant

Conclude your trip with dinner at this charming rooftop venue offering authentic Vietnamese cuisine with skyline views. Open from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
VND180000, 1h30m
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