5-Day Vietnam Itinerary: Explore Northern Mountains and Southern Beaches in October

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese pho in this local favourite, open from 6am to 10am, offering authentic Northern-style beef noodle soup to start your day.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple located on an island, a peaceful spot open all day.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous grilled pork with rice noodles, popularized by President Obama’s visit, from 9am to 9pm.
VND80000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, experiencing its vibrant culture and shops open until evening.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and a serene historical site, open from 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Indulge in Hanoi’s unique grilled fish speciality served with fresh herbs, open from 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Mountain Adventure

Sapa, Vietnam on October 2, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Sapa from Hanoi

Take a morning train or bus to Sapa to enjoy stunning mountain landscapes; journey typically takes about 5-6 hours.
VND300000, 6h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Hill Station

Dine on delicious regional cuisine with great views of Sapa’s mountains, open 10am to 9pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Cat Cat Village

Explore this traditional Hmong ethnic minority village near Sapa, open until late afternoon; admire waterfalls and local crafts.
VND70000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Good Morning Vietnam Restaurant

Enjoy authentic northern Vietnamese dishes in a cozy setting, open from 6pm to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 3: Return & City Sights

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast before departing Sapa for Hanoi.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi by bus or train to continue your journey southwards.
VND300000, 6h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Hanoi Opera House & French Quarter

Explore elegant colonial architecture and the iconic Opera House, open generally 9am to 7pm.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Street food tour in Old Quarter

Sample diverse Hanoi street food options on a guided evening tour starting around 5pm.
VND250000, 2h0m

8:00pm

Rest at hotel

Relax after a packed day and prepare for next day’s flight south.
Included, Overnight
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Day 4: Hoi An & Da Nang

Hoi An, Vietnam on October 4, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Da Nang

Catch an early flight (about 1.5 hours) from Hanoi to Da Nang to reach Central Vietnam’s cultural hub.
VND1000000, 2h30m including transport

10:00am

Breakfast at Bánh Mì Phượng, Hoi An

Taste the world-famous Hoi An banh mi sandwich, open from 6am to 8pm.
VND50000, 0h45m

11:00am

Explore Ancient Town of Hoi An

Walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its lantern-lit streets and historic temples, open 8am to 9pm.
VND120000 (ticket for heritage sites), 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Central Vietnamese dishes in lively setting, open 10am to 9pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Unwind at An Bang Beach, just a short drive from Hoi An with soft sands and clear waters, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club Cafe

Dine beside the river with a variety of local and Western options, open till 10pm.
VND200000, 1h0m
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Day 5: Beach Relaxation

Nha Trang, Vietnam on October 5, 2025

7:00am

Fly from Da Nang to Nha Trang

Short morning flight to Nha Trang to enjoy some of Vietnam’s best beaches.
VND600000, 3h including airport transfers

10:30am

Breakfast at Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy a fresh breakfast with a wide selection of Vietnamese and international dishes, open from 7am.
VND150000, 1h0m

11:30am

Relax at Nha Trang Beach

Spend your day soaking up sun on the golden sands with calm waters, open all day.
Free, 4h0m

3:30pm

Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers

Explore this ancient Hindu temple complex with panoramic views of the bay, open from 8am to 5pm.
VND22000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sailing Club Nha Trang

Enjoy seafood and beachside dining in an elegant atmosphere, open from 7am to 11pm.
VND350000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Evening walk on the beach promenade

Take a leisurely stroll along Nha Trang’s waterfront to end your trip.
Free, 1h0m
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