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This itinerary covers 3 days in Vietnam, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

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Plan your perfect 3 days trip to Vietnam. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

3-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Vietnam: Hanoi to Halong Bay and Hoi An

Viewed by 79 travelers

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan

Start your day with traditional Vietnamese Pho, a delicious and hearty noodle soup famous in Hanoi. This local spot opens early and is beloved by locals.

VND50,000, 1h0m

9:45am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island, a perfect introduction to Hanoi’s peaceful and spiritual side.

VND30,000, 1h30m

11:30am

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter with its maze of streets showcasing colonial architecture, street food stalls, and artisan shops.

Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles and herbs, famously enjoyed by former US President Obama here. This local eatery is open for lunch.

VND70,000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first national university dedicated to Confucius, featuring classical architecture and tranquil gardens, open until 5:00pm.

VND30,000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance, a unique cultural experience reflecting rural Vietnamese life, shows start at 5:00pm and 6:30pm.

VND100,000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Dine on Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi grilled fish dish, in a restaurant known for this iconic specialty, open till late evening.

VND150,000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Depart to Halong Bay

Travel by shuttle or private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay (approx. 3.5 hours). Start early to maximize your day on the bay.

VND350,000 (shuttle), 3h30m

10:30am

Board Halong Bay Day Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise around Halong Bay, famous for its limestone karsts and emerald waters, including stops for kayaking and cave visits.

USD50, 5h0m

12:00pm

Lunch on the Boat

Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch aboard the cruise featuring local specialties with spectacular bay views.

Included with cruise, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Disembark the cruise and transfer back to Hanoi for overnight stay.

Included, 3h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savour a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes from different regions in a charming garden setting open till late.

VND120,000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 3: Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An, Vietnam on July 9, 2025

6:00am

Fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An

Take an early morning flight from Hanoi to Da Nang (1h30m) followed by a 30-minute transfer to Hoi An, the well-preserved ancient town.

VND1,500,000 (flight), 3h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong

Try the famous Hoi An Banh Mi sandwich at this popular spot for a quick, delicious start to your day.

VND30,000, 0h45m

10:30am

Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour

Explore historic landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient Chinese temples, and traditional houses; town opens early and is open all day.

VND120,000 (ticket for multiple sites), 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Sample Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau noodles in a lovely garden setting, open for lunch and dinner.

VND150,000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend the afternoon unwinding on the pristine sands of An Bang Beach, just a short ride from town.

Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Cargo Club

Enjoy a mix of Vietnamese and Western cuisine with river views at this stylish café turned restaurant, open until late.

VND200,000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Hoi An

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Itinerary created by Plantrip Team July 7, 2025 AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Step 1 Outline Preview:

3-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Vietnam: Hanoi to Halong Bay and Hoi An

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

8:30am

9:45am

11:30am

1:30pm

3:00pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

7:00am

10:30am

12:00pm

3:30pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Hoi An Ancient Town

6:00am

9:30am

10:30am

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

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