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Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh via Sapa and Phu Quoc: A Scenic 12-Day Adventure

Viewed by 204 travelers

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on August 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan

Delight in authentic Hanoi pho, a signature Vietnamese noodle soup filled with rich flavors for a perfect start.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy the tranquil heart of Hanoi with a stroll and visit the charming Ngoc Son Temple on the lake.
VND0, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander the lively streets filled with traditional shops and sample street food snacks.
VND0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Bun Cha Hanoi-style grilled pork with noodles, enjoyed by locals and visitors.
VND80000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

See the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh, plus the surrounding gardens and the One Pillar Pagoda.
VND0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Thang Long Water Puppet Show

Enjoy traditional water puppetry, a unique Vietnamese art form, with shows until 6:30pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Experience the signature Hanoi dish, Cha Ca (turmeric fish with dill) in an authentic setting.
VND120000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Travel to Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on September 1, 2025

6:00am

Depart for Sapa by train or private car

Catch a morning train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (about 8 hours) or opt for a private car, then transfer to Sapa town (1h).
Train: VND350000+/ Private transfer: ~VND2000000, 9h0m

3:00pm

Check-in and relax in Sapa

Settle in your accommodation and enjoy cool mountain air.
Varies, Rest of day

6:00pm

Dinner at Good Morning View Restaurant

Savor traditional northern dishes with views of the terraced rice fields.
VND150000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Sapa

Day 3: Sapa Villages Trek

Sapa, Vietnam on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast for your trekking day.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Guided trek to Cat Cat and Lao Chai Villages

Explore ethnic minority villages, traditional life, waterfalls, and spectacular terraced rice paddies. Trekking usually lasts 4-5 hours.
Guide fee approx. VND500000, 5h0m

3:00pm

Return to Sapa and relax

Rest after trekking and enjoy local cafés.
Varies, Rest of day

7:00pm

Dinner at Little Hanoi Restaurant

Taste a variety of regional Vietnamese favorites in a cozy setting.
VND150000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Sapa

Day 4: Travel back to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy morning breakfast and check-out.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Return transfer to Hanoi

Travel down from Sapa to Lao Cai and then Hanoi by private car or train, approx 8-9 hours overall.
Train: VND350000+, Private transfer approx VND2000000, 9h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Trang An Restaurant

Relax with authentic Vietnamese cuisine near your hotel in Hanoi.
VND120000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 5: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on September 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Transfer to Halong Bay

Travel by shuttle or private car (~3.5-4 hours) to Halong Bay.
VND400000 for shuttle, 4h0m

12:30pm

Cruise embarkation and lunch

Board a traditional junk boat for a scenic cruise with fresh seafood lunch.
USD70 approx., 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore bay, cave visit and kayaking

Enjoy sightseeing, visit Sung Sot Cave and optional kayaking in the bay’s calm waters.
Included, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner on board

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with sunset views.
Included, 1h30m

Overnight

Sleep on boat

Experience the peaceful atmosphere of Halong Bay overnight.
Included, Overnight
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 6: Return to Hanoi & Fly to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on September 5, 2025

7:00am

Sunrise and breakfast on boat

Watch the sunrise and enjoy breakfast while cruising.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Final bay cruise activities

Last scenic spots before heading back to harbor.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Transfer to Hanoi airport

Return journey to Hanoi for flight connection.
Included, 4h0m

3:30pm

Flight to Hue

Take afternoon flight from Hanoi to Hue (approx 1h20m).
VND1500000 approx., 1h20m

5:00pm

Check in and relax at hotel

Unwind after travel and prepare for evening exploration.
Varies, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Garden Restaurant

Experience classic Hue cuisine in a beautifully restored home setting.
VND200000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hue

Day 7: Hue Heritage

Hue, Vietnam on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy hotel breakfast and prepare for a day of heritage visits.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Imperial City (Citadel)

Tour the vast grounds of the Nguyen dynasty’s palace complex, open till 5:30pm.
VND150000, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Try Bun Bo Hue, spicy beef noodle soup famous in central Vietnam.
VND100000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda and Perfume River

Visit the iconic riverside pagoda and enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Perfume River.
Boat ride VND150000 approx., 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Sample fusion French-Vietnamese cuisine in a colonial villa setting.
VND250000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hue

Day 8: Hoi An via Da Nang

Hoi An, Vietnam on September 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a wholesome breakfast before checking out.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Enjoy the 3-hour scenic coastal drive known for spectacular views.
VND500000 for transfer, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste the famous Cao Lau noodles and other regional delicacies.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Visit UNESCO-listed attractions including the Japanese Covered Bridge and historic houses with entry ticket to main sites.
VND120000, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Reaching Out Tea House

Enjoy a peaceful tea break supporting local artisans in a tranquil setting.
VND50000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bale Well

Sample grilled skewers and fresh rice paper rolls, popular with locals.
VND100000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 9: Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc, Vietnam on September 8, 2025

6:00am

Early Transfer to Da Nang Airport

Travel to Da Nang airport for flight to Phu Quoc, ensure timely arrival.
Private transfer approx VND500000, 1h0m

8:00am

Flight to Phu Quoc

Fly Da Nang to Phu Quoc (about 1h50m flight).
VND1500000 approx., 1h50m

10:00am

Check into resort and relax

Enjoy the stunning beaches and tropical environment.
Varies, Rest of day

12:30pm

Lunch at The Spice House

Enjoy fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes by the sea.
VND200000, 1h0m

Afternoon

Beach time and spa

Relax on the white sandy beaches or indulge in a spa session at your resort.
Varies, Rest of day

7:00pm

Dinner at Mango Bay Restaurant

Dine on fresh local dishes with coastal views.
VND200000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Phu Quoc

Day 10: Phu Quoc Island Exploration

Phu Quoc, Vietnam on September 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at resort

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with sea views.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Vinpearl Safari or Phu Quoc Night Market

Choose between wildlife exploration at Vinpearl Safari or souvenir and food shopping at the night market (open late evenings).
Safari approx VND600000, Market free, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ham Ninh Seafood Village

Taste fresh seafood in a local fisherman's village setting.
VND150000, 1h0m

Afternoon

Snorkeling or boat tour

Explore coral reefs or take a boat tour of the island’s natural beauty.
USD40 approx., 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Rory's Beach Bar & Restaurant

Relax with drinks and dinner seaside with a lively atmosphere.
VND200000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Phu Quoc

Day 11: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at resort

Breakfast and check-out from resort.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, about 1 hour flight.
VND1000000 approx., 1h0m

10:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Discover powerful exhibits on Vietnam's war history, open until 6pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Taste one of the city’s best traditional pho noodle soups.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and enjoy the bustling local market atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Admire French colonial architecture in the city center, open until early evening.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Dine on traditional Vietnamese home-style dishes in a unique setting.
VND200000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L’usine

Relax with breakfast in a stylish cafe before check-out.
VND90000, 1h0m

9:30am

Last minute shopping or sightseeing

Visit local shops or nearby sights depending on your flight time.
Varies, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Secret Garden

Enjoy rooftop dining with Vietnamese classics and city views.
VND150000, 1h0m

Afternoon

Airport transfer

Arrange transportation to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for departure.
Varies, N/A
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 13: Flight Home

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 12, 2025

Morning

Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

Fly back home or to your next destination with memorable experiences from Vietnam.
Varies, N/A
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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