6-Day Vietnam Adventure Itinerary: Exploring Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Cultural Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a bowl of Hanoi’s famous pho at Pho Bat Dan, open from 6am to 10am. This local eatery is known for its rich broth and fresh herbs.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple visit

Enjoy a serene walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the scenic Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island, open 8am-5pm. Great for photography and local culture immersion.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Old Quarter exploration

Wander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, experiencing local markets and street shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Taste the legendary Hanoi grilled fish dish Cha Ca in this historic restaurant open from 11am to 2pm.
VND180000, 1h

3:00pm

Temple of Literature visit

Explore Vietnam’s first university and beautiful garden temple open 8am-5pm for a glimpse into Vietnamese history and Confucian culture.
VND30000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Watch the traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at Thang Long Theater, shows at 6:30pm and 8pm. A unique cultural experience.
VND100000, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles, a Hanoi specialty served until late night.
VND70000, 1h
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Day 2: Hanoi to Halong Bay

Hanoi to Halong Bay, Vietnam on September 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before departure.
Included in hotel, 1h

8:00am

Transfer to Halong Bay

Travel by shuttle bus or private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay, approximately 3.5 to 4 hours journey.
VND300000 per person, 4h

12:30pm

Check-in and lunch on cruise

Board your Halong Bay cruise around noon. Enjoy a welcome seafood lunch onboard while cruising through majestic limestone karsts.
USD120 (cruise package), 1h

2:00pm

Cruise and kayaking

Spend the afternoon cruising scenic Halong Bay, stopping for a kayaking excursion among limestone caves and islands.
Included in cruise, 3h

6:00pm

Sunset and dinner on boat

Enjoy the tranquil sunset on the bay followed by a delicious Vietnamese dinner served on board.
Included in cruise, 2h

8:00pm

Overnight stay on cruise

Spend the night aboard the cruise and enjoy the peaceful bay under the stars.
Included in cruise, 8h
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Day 3: Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh

Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 3, 2025

7:00am

Early morning Tai Chi session

Participate in a peaceful Tai Chi session on deck at sunrise, offered by many cruises.
Free, 1h

8:00am

Breakfast on board

Enjoy a buffet breakfast with fresh fruits while cruising to the harbor.
Included in cruise, 1h

9:30am

Disembark and transfer to Hanoi airport

Return transfer by shuttle or private car to Hanoi airport, about 4 hours.
$20 approx transport cost, 4h

3:30pm

Flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a short flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 2 hours.
USD50-70, 2h

6:00pm

Check into hotel and freshen up

Arrive at Ho Chi Minh and settle into your accommodation.
Varies, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Pho Le

Try the southern style Pho at Pho Le, open till 10pm, known for its flavorful broth and fresh herbs.
VND70000, 1h
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Day 4: Saigon City Tour

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at L'usine

Enjoy a French-Vietnamese fused breakfast at this popular café, open from 7am.
VND120000, 1h

9:00am

War Remnants Museum visit

Visit this important museum open 7:30am-6pm to learn about Vietnam War history and its effects.
VND40000, 1h30m

11:00am

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Explore this iconic French colonial cathedral, open to visitors throughout the day.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ben Thanh Market food stalls

Sample great Vietnamese street food at the market, open 6am-7pm, featuring pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls.
VND80000, 1h

2:00pm

Reunification Palace tour

Tour the historic site of the former presidential palace open 7:30am-4pm, witnessing important 20th century history.
VND40000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Coffee break at The Workshop

Relax in one of Saigon’s best specialty coffee shops from 8am-9pm before evening activities.
VND80000, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Dine on authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting open till 10:30pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Cu Chi Tunnels Trip

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a substantial breakfast to prepare for today’s excursion.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels day tour

Join a guided tour (8am-2pm) to explore the extensive underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War, about 1.5 hours from city center.
USD20, 6h

2:30pm

Late lunch at Pho 2000

Eat at the famous Pho 2000, known for serving President Bill Clinton in 2000, open 24/7.
VND60000, 1h

4:00pm

Free time for shopping at Saigon Square

Explore popular shopping outlets for souvenirs and fashion open till 9pm.
Variable, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P's

Enjoy award-winning pizza with unique Vietnamese ingredients in a popular dining spot open till midnight.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Departure Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Have a relaxing breakfast in this stylish café, open from 7am onwards.
VND90000, 1h

9:00am

Relax or last-minute shopping

Enjoy some leisure time at your hotel or nearby shops before departure.
Variable, 2h

11:30am

Check-out and transfer to airport

Leave your hotel and take a taxi or shuttle to Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
VND150000, 45m
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