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

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start your day with a classic Vietnamese breakfast of Pho, a fragrant noodle soup, at this popular Hanoi spot known for its rich broth.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Take a peaceful morning walk around the iconic lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island, a spiritual landmark dating back to the 18th century.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:15am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, famous for its narrow lanes, street markets, and traditional shops.
Free, 2h

1:15pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Bun Cha, grilled pork served with rice noodles and herbs, a dish made famous worldwide after an Obama lunch here.
VND70000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Explore the final resting place of Vietnam’s revered leader and visit the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Note: Mausoleum closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 1h30m

4:15pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, a cultural performance unique to the region, lasting about an hour.
VND100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Dine on Hanoi’s famous grilled fish dish, served with turmeric, dill, and noodles in a charming historic setting.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Enjoy a Western-style breakfast with strong Vietnamese coffee to energise for the day ahead.
VND80000, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Depart Hanoi for approximately 3.5 hours to Ha Long Bay for a day cruise among spectacular limestone karsts.
Included with cruise, 3h30m

12:00pm

Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Board a boat for a scenic cruise, enjoy lunch on board, and explore caves and floating villages. Most cruises include kayaking and swimming options.
USD80, 4h

4:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi by coach, relaxing after a day on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Included with cruise, 3h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Sample a variety of authentic Vietnamese street dishes in a stylish courtyard setting.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Central Vietnam Culture

Hue, Vietnam on July 1, 2025

6:30am

Flight to Hue

Catch an early morning flight to Hue, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam.
USD50, 1h15m

8:30am

Breakfast at Ancient Hue

Eat traditional Hue cuisine, famous for dishes like Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), at this well-regarded local spot.
VND70000, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, a vast complex of palaces, temples, and gardens from the Nguyen dynasty.
VND150000, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Sample central Vietnamese dishes like Banh Khoai (Hue pancakes) in a relaxed local eatery.
VND90000, 1h

2:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda Visit

Visit this historic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, a symbol of the city.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Relax by the Perfume River

Enjoy a leisurely walk or a boat ride along the scenic river to unwind.
VND100000 for boat ride, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine on French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a beautiful colonial villa setting.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hoi An Charm

Hoi An, Vietnam on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Hue

Enjoy a buffet breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Hoi An

Travel by road (approx. 3 hours) via the scenic Hai Van Pass to the ancient town of Hoi An.
Transport cost approx. VND400000, 3h

11:15am

Check-in and Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Sample the local speciality Cao Lau noodles and fresh seafood in a traditional setting.
VND120000, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander the UNESCO-listed lantern-lit streets, visit the Japanese Bridge and ancient houses, and shop at local markets.
Entry ticket VND120000, 3h

4:00pm

Visit An Bang Beach

Relax on this beautiful sandy beach just a few kilometres from town, perfect for swimming or sunbathing.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bale Well

Enjoy a hands-on dining experience where you prepare your own fresh rolls with grilled meats and herbs.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 3, 2025

6:30am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Take an early morning flight to Vietnam’s southern metropolis.
USD60, 1h30m

8:15am

Breakfast at L'usine Cafe

Relax at a trendy cafe offering excellent coffee and Western-style breakfasts in a stylish setting.
VND90000, 1h

9:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore detailed exhibits on the Vietnam War, offering powerful insights into the nation’s history.
VND40000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy the best traditional Pho noodles in town, a beloved South Vietnamese variation.
VND70000, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and street food in this lively and colourful market.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica & Central Post Office

Visit these iconic French colonial architectural landmarks located close to each other in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Enjoy a stroll or rest at this peaceful park popular with locals.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Dine riverside with sophisticated international and Vietnamese cuisine in a stylish setting by the Saigon River.
VND400000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Departure Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your onward journey.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour

Explore the extensive underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War, located just outside Ho Chi Minh City. Open from 7:00am to 5:00pm.
VND110000, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Try Ho Chi Minh City's famous banh mi sandwich, filling and flavourful from a renowned local stall.
VND50000, 45m

3:00pm

Return to hotel and prepare for departure

Relax and collect your belongings to check out from your hotel in time for your flight.
Free, 2h
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