10-Day Northern Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Hoi An & Ba Na Hills

Day 1: Arrival and Rest

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 7, 2025

9:00pm

Arrival at Noi Bai International Airport

Arrive at Hanoi’s main international airport from various origins. Arrange airport pickup through CozyCar or Hanoi Airport Transfer for convenient transportation to your hotel.
VND300000, 30m

10:00pm

Check-in at Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa

Stay in this affordable and well-rated boutique hotel close to Hoan Kiem Lake, ideal for easy access to Hanoi's Old Quarter attractions.
USD50 per night, N/A
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Day 2: Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen – Bat Dan

Enjoy authentic Hanoi-style pho, a must-try traditional noodle soup open daily from 6am to 10am.
VND50000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the peaceful lake, visit the temple on the lake, and witness locals practicing Tai Chi early in the morning.
VND30000, 1h

10:30am

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter by cyclo tour

Take a guided cyclo tour through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter to learn about local life and markets.
VND200000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Famous for bun cha, this popular spot is known for serving the late President Obama and Anthony Bourdain.
VND70000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first university and a picturesque cultural site with historic temples, gardens, and statues.
VND30000, 1.5h

4:00pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, a unique cultural performance held daily with shows around 4pm and 7pm.
VND100000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy the specialty dish Cha Ca—turmeric fish cooked at your table with fresh herbs.
VND150000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay Cruise

Hanoi to Halong Bay, Vietnam on September 9, 2025

7:00am

Private Van Transfer to Halong Bay

Book a private shuttle from Hanoi to Halong Bay (~3.5 hours) via Hanoi Open Tour or similar for comfort and reliability.
USD25 per person, 3.5h

11:00am

Check-in to Halong Bay Cruise – Bhaya Classic Cruise

Set sail on a 2-day, 1-night cruise exploring the limestone karsts and emerald waters of Halong Bay with a mid-range luxury experience.
USD150 per person (incl. meals), N/A

12:00pm

Enjoy Seafood Lunch on Board

Savor freshly prepared local seafood while cruising the scenic bay.
Included in cruise, 1.5h

2:00pm

Explore Sung Sot Cave & Titov Island

Visit the famous Surprise Cave and take a swim or hike up Titov Island for panoramic views.
Included in cruise, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner and Relaxation on Boat

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dinner and unwind on the deck after a day filled with sightseeing.
Included in cruise, 2h
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Day 4: Halong Bay & Travel to Sapa

Halong Bay to Sapa, Vietnam on September 10, 2025

7:30am

Morning Tai Chi and Breakfast on Cruise

Start with morning Tai Chi on the deck followed by a buffet breakfast.
Included in cruise, 1h

9:00am

Kayaking Around Limestone Islands

Take an optional kayak tour to explore hidden lagoons and islands.
Additional USD15, 1.5h

11:00am

Return to Halong City and Transfer to Hanoi

Disembark mid-day and take a transfer van back to Hanoi (~3.5 hours).
Included in cruise or USD25, 3.5h

4:30pm

Overnight Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai

Book a comfortable sleeper train (Fansipan Express) from Hanoi to Lao Cai, gateway to Sapa, departing around 7pm. Arrive early morning next day.
USD30-50, 8-9h

6:30pm

Quick Dinner near Hanoi Train Station

Try Banh Mi 25 for a quick and tasty Vietnamese sandwich near the train station before departure.
VND30000, 1h
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Day 5: Sapa Hill Tribe & Nature

Sapa, Vietnam on September 11, 2025

5:00am

Arrival in Lao Cai & Van Transfer to Sapa

Upon arrival early morning, take a van or taxi (~1 hour) to Sapa town. Check into U Sapa Hotel, centrally located and affordable.
USD10 for transfer, USD40 hotel/night, 1h

8:00am

Breakfast at Little Sapa Restaurant

Enjoy a warm breakfast with local favorites before heading out for trekking.
VND50000, 1h

9:30am

Guided Trek to Cat Cat Village and Ta Phin Village

Explore local ethnic villages with stunning mountain scenery, visiting Black Hmong and Red Dao communities.
USD20 for guide, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Mountain View Restaurant

Relax with traditional Vietnamese dishes featuring local herbs and vegetables.
VND90000, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Silver Waterfall and Tram Ton Pass

Take a taxi or motorbike tour to Silver Waterfall and highest mountain pass in Indochina for breathtaking views.
VND200000 for taxi, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Red Dao House Restaurant

Sample traditional mountain dishes and enjoy the cozy atmosphere just near the hotel.
VND120000, 1.5h
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Day 6: Sapa Village Tour & Return to Hanoi

Sapa to Hanoi, Vietnam on September 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before starting the day’s tour.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Visit Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages

Continue trekking through terraced rice fields and meet local ethnic groups while enjoying the fresh mountain air.
USD20 guide fee, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch in Sapa Town

Have lunch at Good Morning Vietnam Restaurant for flavorful Vietnamese and Western dishes.
VND100000, 1h

2:00pm

Free time for shopping and exploring Sapa Market

Browse local handicrafts such as textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs from ethnic minorities.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Overnight Train Back to Hanoi

Catch the Fansipan Express sleeper train to Hanoi departing evening and arrive early next day.
USD30-50, 8-9h
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Day 7: Hanoi Rest & Flight to Da Nang

Hanoi to Da Nang, Vietnam on September 13, 2025

6:00am

Arrival Hanoi Train Station & Transfer to Hotel

Check into Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa to freshen up and rest.
USD50, N/A

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Dinh

Try Vietnamese coffee and bánh mì in a local favorite café open from 7am to 12pm.
VND40000, 1h

10:00am

Relax & Explore Hanoi as you like

Visit any missed attractions or relax around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter.
Varies, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy delicious Vietnamese fare while supporting a social enterprise working with disadvantaged youth.
VND120000, 1h

3:00pm

Flight to Da Nang

Take a 1.5-hour flight from Hanoi to Da Nang via Vietnam Airlines or VietJet Air. Book early for best prices (~USD40-60).
USD50, 1.5h

5:00pm

Taxi to Hoi An

Taxi or shuttle transfer (~45 minutes) to Hoi An, check in at the affordable and charming Hoi An Garden Villas.
USD20, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bale Well Restaurant

Savor local specialties like Cao Lau and white rose dumplings in this popular spot open until 9pm.
VND100000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Hoi An & Ba Na Hills Daytrip

Hoi An, Vietnam on September 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a light breakfast before an excursion.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Daytrip to Ba Na Hills

Take a private car or book a tour (~USD40 per person) to Ba Na Hills, famous for the Golden Bridge and French village, open daily 7:30am-6:00pm.
Ticket USD30, 8h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ba Na Hills Restaurant

Dine at one of the hill stations’ restaurants with stunning mountain views.
USD15, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Hoi An

Head back to Hoi An to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Included in tour, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant

Enjoy elegant dining featuring authentic central Vietnamese cuisine near the ancient town.
VND150000, 1.5h
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Day 9: Hoi An Ancient Town & Beach

Hoi An, Vietnam on September 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Rosie's Café

Relax with a Western and Vietnamese fusion breakfast in a cozy setting.
VND60000, 1h

9:00am

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge, old houses, local markets, and tailor shops in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
VND120000 entrance ticket, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cargo Club

Enjoy French-inspired Vietnamese dishes with great riverside views.
VND120000, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon at An Bang Beach

Spend relaxing hours at the nearby An Bang Beach with cafes and calm waves.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Experience authentic home-style Vietnamese cuisine in a beautiful garden ambiance.
VND100000, 1.5h
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Day 10: Return to Hanoi & Departure

Hoi An to Hanoi, Vietnam on September 16, 2025

7:00am

Morning Flight from Da Nang to Hanoi

Take a short early morning flight back to Hanoi Airport for international departures.
USD50, 1.5h

9:00am

Taxi to Noi Bai International Airport

Use reliable services like CozyCar for timely airport transfer for flights home to Japan and Myanmar.
VND300000, 30m
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