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12-Day Vietnam Route: Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang & Phu Quoc (Oct 20–31, 2025)

Viewed by 177 travelers

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 20, 2025

8:00AM

Arrival & Hotel Check-in

Settle into your Hanoi hotel; most city hotels allow luggage drop before official check-in so you can start exploring right away.
VND0, 0h30m

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Classic Hanoi pho with a rich bone broth and fresh herbs — an iconic way to start your trip.
VND60000, 0h45m

10:00AM

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

A gentle stroll around the lake and a quick visit to Ngoc Son Temple for photos and local atmosphere; the area is open daily.
VND30000, 1h0m

11:30AM

Wander Hanoi Old Quarter

Explore the narrow streets and craft shops; ideal for light shopping and sampling street snacks (open all day).
VND0, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Famous bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli) — hearty and local; popular at lunchtime so expect a short queue.
VND80000, 1h0m

3:00PM

Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and its tranquil courtyards; typically open daily 8:00AM–5:00PM and worth 45–60 minutes.
VND30000, 1h0m

5:30PM

Water Puppet Show (Thang Long Theatre)

Traditional water puppetry performance — shows typically run 5:00PM, 6:30PM and 8:00PM; confirm tickets in advance.
VND120000, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Try Cha Ca — turmeric fish cooked with dill — a Hanoi specialty and theatrical dining experience.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Hanoi Highlights

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Dinh (egg coffee)

Taste Hanoi’s famous egg coffee and light pastries in a small historic café near Hoan Kiem Lake.
VND70000, 0h45m

9:30AM

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the Mausoleum, Presidential Palace exterior, and One Pillar Pagoda; the mausoleum is typically open 8:00AM–11:00AM and closed on Mondays and Fridays — check the day's schedule.
VND0, 1h30m

11:30AM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Extensive exhibitions on Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups; open daily ~8:00AM–5:30PM and ideal for 1.5–2 hours.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Xoi Yen (sticky rice)

Quick local favorite for sticky rice topped with chicken, pork or mung beans — tasty and inexpensive.
VND50000, 0h45m

3:00PM

Tran Quoc Pagoda & West Lake

Visit Hanoi’s oldest pagoda with lakeside views; the area is open daily and nice for a relaxed afternoon walk.
VND0, 1h30m

5:30PM

Evening street food crawl on Ta Hien / Old Quarter

Sample beer, banh mi, and other snacks along the lively ‘Beer Street’ — great for people-watching; street stalls open nightly.
VND150000, 2h0m

9:30PM

Prepare for Sapa

Collect luggage and confirm next-day transport to Sapa (morning departures are common); rest early for travel.
VND0, 0h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on October 22, 2025

7:00AM

Depart Hanoi for Sapa (bus/train)

Scenic 5–6 hour journey into the northern highlands by comfortable tourist bus or daytime train + shuttle; depart early to maximize time in Sapa.
VND300000, 6h0m

1:30PM

Check-in & Lunch at Sapa O’Chau

Settle into your guesthouse and enjoy local mountain cuisine with organic vegetables and herbs fresh from nearby farms.
VND120000, 1h0m

3:00PM

Cat Cat Village Walk

Walk to nearby H’ Mong village to see traditional homes, small waterfalls and artisans; the site is typically open 8:00AM–5:00PM.
VND70000, 2h0m

5:30PM

Sunset Viewpoint & Market

Catch sunset views over rice terraces (weather permitting) and visit the local market to see ethnic-minority handicrafts.
VND0, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at The Hill Station

Comfortable restaurant offering northern Vietnamese dishes and international options — good for first-night relaxation.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Sapa Trekking

Sapa, Vietnam on October 23, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast to prepare for a full day of trekking in cooler mountain weather.
VND0, 0h30m

8:00AM

Guided Trek: Lao Chai & Ta Van

Full-morning guided trek through terraced rice fields to H’mong and Zay villages — experience local culture and panoramic vistas; guides usually operate 8:00AM–4:00PM.
VND450000, 5h0m

1:30PM

Lunch with Local Family (Ta Van)

Enjoy a homemade lunch in a village home — a cultural highlight and delicious way to try regional specialties.
VND120000, 1h0m

3:00PM

Return to Sapa & Free Time

Rest at your hotel or explore Sapa town’s cafés and handicraft shops in the late afternoon.
VND0, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Good Morning Vietnam Restaurant

Traditional northern Vietnamese plates in a cozy setting — try grilled pork or mountain-style hotpots.
VND150000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Sapa

Day 5: Return to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 24, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast & Check-out

Enjoy a final mountain breakfast and prepare luggage for return to Hanoi.
VND0, 0h30m

8:30AM

Scenic Drive back to Hanoi

Return by bus/train (5–6 hours) through the highlands, arriving in Hanoi mid to late afternoon.
VND300000, 6h0m

3:30PM

Relax & Quick Snack in Hanoi

Drop luggage at hotel and rest; try a light cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee) and local cake.
VND50000, 0h45m

5:00PM

Prepare for Ha Long Bay Cruise

Confirm Ha Long Bay transfer and cruise check-in time (most cruises depart early next morning or late morning); if time allows, stroll the Old Quarter again.
VND0, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Wide selection of Vietnamese dishes in a pleasant courtyard setting — a good final dinner before cruising.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on October 25, 2025

7:30AM

Transfer Hanoi → Ha Long Bay

Coach transfer from Hanoi (approx. 2.5–3.5 hours depending on traffic); coaches depart early — confirm pickup time with cruise operator.
VND400000, 3h0m

11:00AM

Board 1-night Ha Long Bay Cruise

Embark on an overnight cruise to explore limestone karsts and caves; typical cruises run daily with check-in 11:00AM–12:00PM and depart shortly after. Cruises include lunch, kayaking, and cave visits.
VND2000000, 6h0m

5:00PM

Sunset & On-board Activities

Kayak or swim (weather permitting), enjoy sunset from the deck and a fresh seafood dinner served on board; cruise staff will list evening activities.
Included, 3h0m
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Day 7: Ha Long → Fly to Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam on October 26, 2025

7:30AM

Morning Cruise Activities & Brunch

Morning tai chi on deck, visit a cave or floating village, then brunch before disembarkation; cruises usually finish around 11:00AM–12:00PM.
Included, 4h0m

12:30PM

Transfer back to Hanoi Airport

Coach transfer to Hanoi (2.5–3.5 hours) or direct transfer to Noi Bai Airport depending on your cruise operator; aim for an evening flight to Da Nang.
VND400000, 4h0m

6:30PM

Fly Hanoi → Da Nang

Evening domestic flight (~1.5 hours) to Da Nang; allow time for airport check-in and transfers.
VND1500000, 2h30m

9:30PM

Arrive & Dinner in Da Nang

Check in to your hotel then enjoy a late seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant or try local Mi Quang noodles.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 8: Da Nang Culture & Beach

Da Nang, Vietnam on October 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cong Caphe

Enjoy Vietnamese coffee and light breakfast in a retro-styled café chain (open daily).
VND60000, 0h45m

9:30AM

Marble Mountains

Explore caves, pagodas and viewpoints on the Marble Mountains; site usually open 7:30AM–5:30PM, climb the steps for panoramic coastal views.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Banh Xeo Ba Duong

Try central-Vietnamese style banh xeo (crispy pancakes) — a local favorite and casual spot.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00PM

Relax at My Khe Beach

White sand and warm water — perfect for swimming and sunbathing; the beach is open year-round.
VND0, 3h0m

6:30PM

Walk Han River & Dragon Bridge

Stroll the riverfront and see the Dragon Bridge illuminated; weekend evenings feature the dragon-breathing show (around 9:00PM).
VND0, 1h30m

8:00PM

Dinner at Nen Restaurant

Modern Vietnamese tasting menu showcasing regional ingredients (advance booking recommended).
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Ba Na Hills Day

Da Nang, Vietnam on October 28, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast & Depart for Ba Na Hills

Early departure to Ba Na Hills to beat crowds; cable car operates from ~7:30AM and the park is open daily (hours vary by season).
VND0, 0h30m

8:30AM

Ba Na Hills: Golden Bridge & French Village

Explore the iconic Golden Bridge, French Village, gardens and amusement areas; cable car ticket and park entry commonly bundled (open ~7:30AM–9:30PM).
VND750000, 7h0m

4:30PM

Return to Da Nang & Rest

Head back to your hotel to relax and freshen up after a long day at altitude.
VND0, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at La Maison 1888 (optional splurge)

Fine dining option inside InterContinental Sun Peninsula Resort — reserve well in advance; otherwise choose a local seafood restaurant.
USD150, 2h0m
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Day 10: Fly to Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, Vietnam on October 29, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast & Check-out

Have breakfast and head to Da Nang Airport for the morning flight to Phu Quoc.
VND0, 0h30m

9:00AM

Fly Da Nang → Phu Quoc

Domestic flight of roughly 1.5–2 hours; morning flights give you more beach time upon arrival.
VND1500000, 3h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Ham Ninh Fishing Village

Fresh island seafood in a traditional fishing village setting; open daily for lunch and dinner.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00PM

Check-in & Beach Relax (Ong Lang or Long Beach)

Spend the afternoon on soft sand and calm water; beaches on Phu Quoc are accessible year-round though conditions vary by season.
VND0, 3h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Raon Seafood Restaurant

Casual, popular spot for grilled seafood and island specialties.
VND200000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Phu Quoc

Day 11: Phu Quoc Island Tour

Phu Quoc, Vietnam on October 30, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Tropical fruit, coffee, and local breakfast options to fuel a day on the water.
VND0, 0h45m

8:30AM

Snorkeling & Island Hopping (An Thoi Archipelago)

Half-day boat tour visiting nearby islets for snorkeling in clear water; tours typically depart 8:30AM and return early afternoon.
VND600000, 5h0m

2:00PM

Lunch at The Pepper Tree Restaurant

Relaxed lunch with garden ambiance and seafood/ Vietnamese fusion dishes — good respite after the boat trip.
VND250000, 1h30m

4:00PM

Phu Quoc Prison Museum (reachable mid-afternoon)

Historical site offering insight into the island’s wartime history; open daily (approx. 7:30AM–5:00PM).
VND40000, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Mango Bay Restaurant

Beachfront dining serving organic and fresh local ingredients — nice ambiance for an island evening.
VND200000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Phu Quoc

Day 12: Last Day & Depart

Phu Quoc, Vietnam on October 31, 2025

7:30AM

Early Breakfast & Check-out

Leisurely final breakfast and pack; confirm airport transfer time with your hotel for your departing flight.
VND0, 0h30m

9:00AM

Short Morning Beach Walk or Dinh Cau Temple

A final stroll on Long Beach or a quick visit to Dinh Cau Temple for photos; Dinh Cau area is accessible all day but the night market is busiest after sunset.
VND0, 1h0m

10:30AM

Transfer to Phu Quoc Airport

Allow at least 60–90 minutes for airport transfer and domestic check-in procedures ahead of your onward flight.
VND0, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Phu Quoc
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