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

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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.

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

💡 Good to know for this plan

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This is a planning draft. Check these changing details for your dates before booking or travelling.

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

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

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
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
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

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 entrance. The lady charging the fee may try to overcharge by implying that it also includes the entrance to the temples, but this is a lie
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

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

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

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

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

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

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
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
Be enchanted by one of Southeast Asia's finest venues, home to acrobatics.
50 min · Ho Chi Minh City

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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.

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