Home › Journeys › Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on the Reunification Railway › 13 days

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on the Reunification Railway: 13-Day Plan You Can Actually Do

Last updated:

The 13-day version for March: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 8-day plan · 10-day plan · 13-day plan · best time to go.

Use this plan → Customize this plan →

13
days
1726 km
distance
47.3 h
on trains
48
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Hanoi

3 curated stops
Transit
0h14
Finish
~13:30
Temperature
16.2°C–26.6°C
Rainy days
~7
Daylight
11.9h
09:00
Temple of Literature vanmieu.gov.vn read more map ↗
Wander five courtyards honoring Vietnam's literary heritage.
90 min · Hanoi · Adult 30,000 dong; student, senior or disabled person 15,000 dong; child under 15 free
open: Daily 08:00-18:00
10:40
One-Pillar Pagoda read more map ↗
Admire a historic temple, charming despite crowd sizes.
50 min · Hanoi · Free
11:40
Hoàn Kiếm Lake read more map ↗
Enjoy a lively lakeside park, perfect for people-watching.
50 min · Hanoi · Park is free; 30,000 dong admission to the island temple (玉山祠).
12:30
Quán Cơm Bình Dân search map ↗
Feast on inexpensive, nutritious home-cooked meals.
60 min · Hanoi
open: 11:00-14:00
Overnight here
e.g. Little Charm Hanoi Hostel · Especen Hotel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 2 Around Hanoi

3 curated stops
Transit
0h12
Finish
~11:50
Temperature
16.2°C–26.6°C
Rainy days
~7
Daylight
11.9h
09:00
Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum read more map ↗
See the leader enshrined in a solemn mausoleum.
50 min · Hanoi · Free
open: Tu-Th 06:30–10:30 Sa Su 07:30-11:30
10:00
Fine Arts Museum vnfam.vn read more map ↗
Explore party-approved art in a colonial building.
50 min · Hanoi · Adult 40,000 dong
open: Daily 08:30-17:00
11:00
Hỏa Lò Prison read more map ↗
Walk through the somber remains of a notorious historic prison.
50 min · Hanoi · 50,000 dong
open: Daily 08:30-12:00, 14:00-16:30 (M & F from 08:00)
Overnight here
e.g. Little Charm Hanoi Hostel · Especen Hotel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 3 Ninh Binh

3 curated stops
Transit
3h46
Finish
~17:35
Temperature
17.4°C–25.3°C
Rainy days
~7
Daylight
11.9h
12:20
Trang An disantrangan.vn read more map ↗
Explore a vast network of tranquil waterways and hidden caves in a picturesque landscape.
180 min · Ninh Binh · 250,000 dong. Parking fee of 15,000 dong for motorbikes or free for bicycles
open: Daily, boats start from 07:00-16:30
15:35
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital read more map ↗
Walk among weathered temples of an ancient royal site.
50 min · Ninh Binh · 20,000 dong. Entrance to Xuyen Thuy cave is 15,000 dong
16:45
Bai Dinh Temple chuabaidinhninhbinh.vn read more map ↗
See Vietnam's largest pagoda tower glowing at night.
50 min · Ninh Binh · Free entrance, motorbike parking 15,000 dong, shuttle e-mobiles with fee
open: 07:00 to 20:00, entrance to the large tower until 17:00
Overnight here
e.g. Ngoc Anh Hotel · Queen Mini Hotel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 4 Around Ninh Binh

3 curated stops
Transit
2h14
Finish
~14:45
Temperature
17.4°C–25.3°C
Rainy days
~7
Daylight
11.9h
09:00
Phat Diem Cathedral read more map ↗
Admire intricate oriental architecture of a historic cathedral.
50 min · Ninh Binh
11:05
Bich Dong Pagoda search map ↗
Touch resonant stone and see carved temples in a mountain.
50 min · Ninh Binh · Free. Parking 20,000 dong, or free on the square in front of the entrance bridge if you buy a drink for 25,000 dong, or leave the bike farther away from the …
12:55
Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh bearsanctuary-ninhbinh.org map ↗
Observe rescued bears roaming freely in a protected haven.
50 min · Ninh Binh
open: 09:00-17:00 daily
13:45
Trung Tuyet Restaurant search map ↗
Savor hearty portions of local dishes in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
60 min · Ninh Binh
open: Open late
Overnight here
e.g. Ngoc Anh Hotel · Queen Mini Hotel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 5 Hue

3 curated stops
Transit
11h53
Finish
~16:15
Temperature
20.2°C–26.9°C
Rainy days
~6
Daylight
11.9h
09:50
Imperial City of Hue read more map ↗
Stroll through grand temples, pavilions, and walls in this expansive former imperial complex.
180 min · Hue · Adults 200,000 dong, children 40,000 dong
open: Daily, 06:30-17:00
13:05
Thien Mu Pagoda read more map ↗
Admire golden Buddha statues with a panoramic view over the Perfume River from this iconic pagoda.
50 min · Hue · Free
14:25
Tomb of Khai Dinh read more map ↗
Appreciate grand, well-preserved architecture blending traditional and modern influences in this tomb.
50 min · Hue · Adult 150,000 dong, children 30,000 dong
15:15
Quán Chay Thanh Liễu search map ↗
Delight in generous, flavorful vegan hot pot amidst local camaraderie.
60 min · Hue
open: 09:00-20:00
Overnight: aboard Vietnam Railways SE3 overnight to Hue

Day 6 Around Hue

3 curated stops
Transit
0h34
Finish
~13:05
Temperature
20.2°C–26.9°C
Rainy days
~6
Daylight
11.9h
09:00
Tomb of Tu Duc read more map ↗
Wander through a vast, poetic tomb complex that served as the emperor's peaceful retreat.
50 min · Hue · Adult 150,000 dong, children 30,000 dong
10:10
Tomb of Minh Mang read more map ↗
Explore an opulent tomb complex with lakes, bridges, temples, and a grand burial mound.
50 min · Hue · Adult 150,000 dong, children 30,000 dong
11:15
Tomb of Gia Long read more map ↗
Visit a quiet, somewhat neglected tomb of the first Nguyen emperor, shrouded in tranquility.
50 min · Hue · Adult 50,000 dong, children free
12:05
Banh Bao search map ↗
Enjoy delicious, savory Banh Bao from a friendly street vendor.
60 min · Hue
Overnight here
e.g. Homeland Hotel · Carnosa Hotel Hue
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 7 Da Nang

3 curated stops
Transit
4h12
Finish
~17:00
Temperature
20.3°C–27.0°C
Rainy days
~6
Daylight
11.9h
12:40
Dragon Bridge read more map ↗
Watch the dragon come alive with fire and water.
50 min · Da Nang
13:40
Museum of Cham Sculpture read more map ↗
See ancient stone artistry from a vanished civilization.
50 min · Da Nang · 60,000 dong
open: 07:30–11:00, 13:30–17:00
15:00
Marble Mountains read more map ↗
Hear echoes in cave temples amidst marble peaks.
50 min · Da Nang · 40,000 dong but may enter for free if arriving before 08:00; tickets for a ride up by elevator are 15,000 dong
16:00
Bánh Mì̀ Bà Lan search map ↗
Bit into a famous bánh mì que filled with pork pâté.
60 min · Da Nang · US$1 (price listed 2018)
open: 16:00-19:00
Overnight here
e.g. Danang Backpackers Hostel · Dang Viet Hotel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 8 Hoi An

3 curated stops
Transit
1h08
Finish
~14:25
Temperature
20.3°C–27.0°C
Rainy days
~6
Daylight
11.9h
09:50
Japanese Covered Bridge read more map ↗
See the iconic symbol of Hoi An, a historic bridge.
50 min · Hoi An
10:50
Museum of Trade Ceramics read more map ↗
Walk through an old Hoi An home filled with ceramic fragments.
50 min · Hoi An
11:55
Dong Duong search
Explore the ruins of a grand 9th-century Cham temple complex.
90 min · Hoi An
13:25
Banana fritters stall search map ↗
Savor sweet, crispy banana fritters freshly fried to perfection.
60 min · Hoi An · 6,000 dong/pc
open: Morning to noon/afternoon
Overnight here
e.g. Melody Boutique Villa · Hoang Trinh Hotel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 9 Around Hoi An

3 curated stops
Transit
0h12
Finish
~11:50
Temperature
20.3°C–27.0°C
Rainy days
~6
Daylight
11.9h
09:00
Quan Cong Temple search map ↗
Worship at this ancient temple dedicated to a loyal general.
50 min · Hoi An
10:00
Museum of Hoi An History and Culture search map ↗
Explore black-and-white photos and ancient artifacts.
50 min · Hoi An
11:00
Museum of Folk Culture search map ↗
Learn about rural Vietnamese dress and culture through exhibits.
50 min · Hoi An
Overnight here
e.g. Melody Boutique Villa · Hoang Trinh Hotel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 10 Nha Trang

3 curated stops
Transit
12h08
Finish
~15:05
Temperature
24.7°C–27.1°C
Rainy days
~5
Daylight
11.9h
10:20
Po Nagar Cham Towers search map ↗
Feel the aroma of incense at these ancient Cham towers.
90 min · Nha Trang · 30,000 dong
open: 07:30-17:00
12:00
Long Son Pagoda read more map ↗
Behold a towering white Buddha in a historic pagoda.
50 min · Nha Trang · Free
open: 08:00-17:00
13:15
National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam search map ↗
Observe rare sea creatures in a lively aquarium.
50 min · Nha Trang · 40,000 dong
open: 07:00-17:30
14:05
Lac Canh search map ↗
Savor thinly sliced beef you grill yourself at your mini tabletop BBQ.
60 min · Nha Trang · 50-250,000 dong
open: 07:00-21:00
Overnight: aboard road reset to Da Nang station, then Vietnam Railways SE7 overnight to Nha Trang

Day 11 Around Nha Trang

3 curated stops
Transit
1h12
Finish
~15:00
Temperature
24.7°C–27.1°C
Rainy days
~5
Daylight
11.9h
09:00
Alexandre Yersin Museum read more map ↗
Explore scientific discoveries and equipment of Dr. Yersin.
50 min · Nha Trang · 26,000 dong
open: M-F 07:30-11:30 and 14:00-17:00, Sa 07:30-11:30
10:00
Khánh Hòa Museum search map ↗
Discover Cham statues and Ho Chi Minh's belongings.
50 min · Nha Trang
open: M W F Su 08:00-11:00, 14:00–17:00
12:00
Fairy Spring waterfalls search map ↗
Feel the cool stream's refreshing splash amidst jungle tranquility.
120 min · Nha Trang · 10,000 dong per person, 3,000 dong per motorbike
14:00
Mì Quảng 82 search map ↗
Enjoy a hearty, traditional Mì Quảng meal.
60 min · Nha Trang · 20–25,000 dong
open: Daily morning to late noon
Overnight here
e.g. Azura Gold Hotel · Blue Star Hotel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City

3 curated stops
Transit
9h20
Finish
~14:50
Temperature
23.0°C–36.6°C
Rainy days
~2
Daylight
11.9h
09:50
War Remnants Museum read more map ↗
Witness powerful exhibits and military hardware from the Vietnam War.
120 min · Ho Chi Minh City · Entry 40,000 dong
open: Open daily 07:30-12:00, 13:30-17:00, last admission 16:30
12:00
Notre Dame Cathedral chinhtoasaigon.org read more map ↗
View the cathedral’s French-era exterior from the public square while tourist entry remains closed for restoration.
50 min · Ho Chi Minh City · Free
open: Exterior view only during restoration; church closed to tourists, daily Mass remains for worshippers
13:00
Bitexco Financial Tower bitexcofinancialtower.com read more map ↗
Enjoy panoramic city views from the towering skydeck.
50 min · Ho Chi Minh City · Adult 240k VND, child (4-12) / senior (65+) / disabled 160k VND
13:50
The Lunch Lady search map ↗
Sample a different noodle dish daily, featured on Anthony Bourdain's show.
60 min · Ho Chi Minh City · 30,000 dong
open: 11:00-15:00
Overnight: aboard Vietnam Railways SE3 overnight to Saigon

Day 13 Around Ho Chi Minh City

3 curated stops
Transit
0h12
Finish
~11:50
Temperature
23.0°C–36.6°C
Rainy days
~2
Daylight
11.9h
09:00
Independence Palace read more map ↗
Step into a preserved 1960s time capsule, unchanged since 1975.
50 min · Ho Chi Minh City · 40,000 dong
open: Daily 07:30-11:00, 13:00-16:00
10:00
People's Committee Hall read more map ↗
Marvel at the beautifully floodlit French colonial architecture at night.
50 min · Ho Chi Minh City
11:00
Saigon Opera House luneproduction.com read more map ↗
Be enchanted by one of Southeast Asia's finest venues, home to acrobatics.
50 min · Ho Chi Minh City

🔍 Check before you book

Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

Use this plan → Change month, pace or interests →