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13-Day Vietnam Adventure: Da Nang to Hanoi with Ba Na Hills, Sapa, and Halong Bay

Viewed by 334 travelers

Day 1: Da Nang Highlights

Da Nang, Vietnam on August 31, 2025

3:30pm

Marble Mountains

Explore the Marble Mountains with temples, caves, and viewpoints providing scenic city and sea views. Note the steps can be slippery, so wear comfortable shoes.
VND 133000, 2h

5:00pm

Vietnamese Pizza Snack

Try bánh tráng nướng (Vietnamese pizza) from street vendors near Marble Mountains or en route to My Khe Beach, requesting vegetarian options without meat but with egg.
Approx. VND 20000, 0.5h

5:00pm

My Khe Beach

Relax at My Khe Beach and watch the beautiful sunset around 6:00-6:15 PM. Remember to bring sunscreen and stay hydrated in the hot, humid climate.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Han Market

Shop souvenirs, textiles, and enjoy vegetarian food stalls featuring mi Quang chay and tofu rolls. The market closes at 7:30 PM.
Free entry, 1h

8:00pm

Love Bridge

Take a stroll along Love Bridge to enjoy river views and colorful lanterns near the Dragon Bridge.
Free, 1h

9:00pm

Dragon Bridge Fire/Water Show

Watch the spectacular fire and water show at Dragon Bridge, starting promptly at 9 PM on Sundays and lasting about 15 minutes.
Free, 0.25h
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Day 2: Ba Na Hills & Hoi An

Da Nang to Hoi An, Vietnam on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Ba Na Hills Cable Car

Take the scenic cable car to Ba Na Hills, enjoying the mountain views en route. Visit the French wine cellar and browse souvenirs at Debay Station.
VND 4185000 per person, 0.5h

9:20am

Golden Bridge

Walk the iconic Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands and admire panoramic views of the Annamite Mountains.
Included with cable ticket, 0.5h

10:30am

French Village and Fantasy Park

Explore the Alpine-style French Village followed by fun time at Fantasy Park where you can enjoy arcade games, rides, and cinemas.
Included with cable ticket; Alpine Coaster extra, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ba Na Hills

Enjoy an included buffet lunch with a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes to refuel after the morning's adventures.
Included in day ticket, 1h

3:00pm

Transfer to Hoi An

Drive from Ba Na Hills to Hoi An via the scenic coastal highway, approximately 60-90 minutes.
Taxi or private car fare approx VND 600000, 1.5h

5:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town

Arrive and explore Hoi An Central Market and later walk to the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Market free; Bridge entrance minimal, 1h

6:00pm

Lantern Boat Ride

Take a 20-minute lantern boat ride on the Hoài River, experiencing the magical river glows and release a wish lantern.
Approx VND 150000, 0.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Minh Hiền Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty vegetarian dinner with egg-friendly options at this popular Hoi An eatery.
Approx VND 100000 - 150000, 1h
Find Hotels in Da Nang to Hoi An

Day 3: Hoi An & Bay Mau Tour

Hoi An, Vietnam on September 2, 2025

10:00am

Bay Mau Coconut Basket Boat Tour

Enjoy a unique 40-50 minute boat ride through lush waterways, including a fun spinning performance and traditional songs.
650 INR for two, 0.75h

12:30pm

Lunch in Hoi An

Try local vegetarian specialties such as coconut silk cake, grilled Vietnamese pancakes, or visit Phi Banh Mi Eatery for banh mi.
Approx VND 80000, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander the lantern-lit streets, enjoy the night market, and soak up Independence Day festive decorations.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Depart for Da Nang and night bus to Hanoi

Return to Da Nang by car and board an overnight bus to Hanoi for further travel.
Transport fare approx VND 300000, Overnight
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Day 4: Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Arrival & Check-in

Arrive in Hanoi, check in and rest briefly to refresh for city exploration.
Varies by hotel, 2.5h

10:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake & The Note Coffee

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake visiting Turtle Tower and Ngọc Sơn Temple, then enjoy a signature coconut coffee at The Note Coffee.
Coffee approx VND 40000, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch in Old Quarter

Enjoy vegetarian spring rolls and bánh mì with bubble tea at local eateries in the bustling Old Quarter.
Approx VND 80000, 1.5h

2:00pm

Dong Xuan Market

Explore Hanoi’s largest covered market for souvenirs and local crafts.
Free entry, 1.5h

3:30pm

Train Street Experience

Visit the famous Train Street for a unique urban experience and relax at Ga Đông Dương Café.
Coffee approx VND 40000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Namaste Hanoi

Enjoy vegetarian Indian cuisine with specialties like vegetable biryani in a cozy setting.
Approx VND 150000, 1.5h

8:30pm

Ta Hien Beer Street

Experience Hanoi nightlife on Ta Hien Street with laid-back bars and vibrant street scenes.
Varies, Flexible
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Day 5: Ninh Binh Natural Beauty

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on September 4, 2025

10:00am

Tràng An Scenic Landscape

Enjoy a serene 3-hour boat trip through caves and temples on Route 3, experiencing stunning limestone karsts.
Included in boat tour ticket, 3h

12:30pm

Climb Hang Múa

Climb 500 stone steps for panoramic views of the Tam Coc valley. Bring water and go early to avoid heat.
VND 332000, 1h

2:00pm

Lunch at Bánh Mì Minh Khôi

Enjoy classic bánh mì sandwiches in Tam Coc for a quick and tasty lunch.
Approx VND 30000-40000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Bích Động Pagoda

Explore this peaceful pagoda complex, best visited by late afternoon to avoid crowds and before closing at 4:30 PM.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Evening at Tam Coc

Relax with coconut coffee and visit the Bus Bar while enjoying Ninh Binh’s calm evening atmosphere.
Approx VND 30000, 3h

9:30pm

Night Bus to Sapa

Board the bus from Tam Coc to Sapa for overnight travel, departing ideally at 9:30 PM.
Varies by bus company, Overnight
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Day 6: Sapa Fansipan Adventure

Sapa, Vietnam on September 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Good Morning Vietnam

Start with a vegetarian-friendly breakfast near Fansipan cable car, enjoying egg dishes and French coffee with city views.
Approx VND 80000, 45m

9:25am

Fansipan Cable Car Ride

Take the cable car to the summit of Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak, and explore temples and viewpoints above the clouds.
Included in prebooked tickets, 1.5h

11:45am

Visit Moana Café

Enjoy a coconut latte, fresh herbal teas, and local chestnut cake with views at Moana Café near Fansipan.
299 INR entry redeemable, 1h

1:00pm

Red Dao Herbal Bath

Relax in a wood barrel tub with locally foraged herbal bath, booked in advance for 45-60 minutes of rejuvenation.
Prebooked, 1h

Evening

Rest in Sapa

Rest well as next day involves bus travel.
N/A, Flexible
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Day 7: Sapa Culture & Village

Sapa, Vietnam on September 6, 2025

Morning

Sapa Love Market and Stone Church

Visit the Love Market in front of the Stone Church. Experience local culture and shop for souvenirs.
Free, 2h

Afternoon

Cat Cat Village

Explore the cascading waterfall and hanging bamboo watermills. Catch a free folk performance if scheduled between 3 and 5 PM.
Free, 2h

Late Afternoon

Relax with Chilled Sung Chai

Enjoy a fermented plum drink or tea at a cozy café near the Stone Church.
Approx VND 30000, 1h

9:00pm

Night Bus to Hanoi

Take the 9 PM bus returning to Hanoi for overnight travel.
Varies, Overnight
Find Hotels in Sapa

Day 8: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on September 7, 2025

12:00pm

Halong Bay Full-day Cruise

Cruise includes visits to Sung Sot Cave with a guided 45-minute tour, kayak or bamboo boat ride around Luồn Cave lagoon, and a stop at Ti Top Island for swimming or hiking with panoramic views.
Prebooked tour price varies, 5.5h

5:30pm

Return from Cruise

Enjoy afternoon tea and cake on deck as you sail back past majestic limestone karsts, docking at Tuan Chau.
Included in cruise, 0.5h
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Day 9: Departure Day

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 8, 2025

10:00am

Flight to India

Take your return flight from Hanoi to India, reflecting on an eventful Vietnam trip.
Varies, Varies
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