Vietnam 12-Day Itinerary: Hanoi → Sapa → Da Nang → Phu Quoc (Oct 20–31, 2025)

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your trip with classic Hanoi pho — a fragrant beef broth with fresh herbs — iconic and energizing for a city introduction.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30AM

Stroll Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Peaceful lakeside walk and short visit to Ngoc Son Temple on the lake island; great for photos and local atmosphere. (Ngoc Son open ~8:00–17:00.)
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00AM

Wander Hanoi Old Quarter

Walk narrow streets, watch street life and shop for souvenirs — a compact way to feel the city’s pulse and sample snacks from vendors.
Free, 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try Bun Cha — grilled pork with vermicelli and herbs — a Hanoi specialty made famous internationally.
VND80000, 1h0m

3:00PM

Temple of Literature

Vietnam’s first university with serene courtyards and traditional architecture; open roughly 8:00–17:00, a calm cultural stop.
VND30000, 1h30m

5:30PM

Water Puppet Show (Thang Long Theatre)

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry — shows usually at 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00 PM; check showtimes and book ahead.
VND120000, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Taste Cha Ca — turmeric fish cooked with dill — a historic Hanoi dish prepared at your table for an authentic meal.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Hanoi Highlights

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Dinh (egg coffee)

Try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee and light bites at a classic lakeside café to energize the day.
VND70000, 1h0m

9:00AM

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the mausoleum, Presidential Palace area and One Pillar Pagoda for modern history — mausoleum open ~8:00–11:00 (closed Mon & Fri); check hours in advance.
Free, 2h0m

11:30AM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Extensive exhibits on Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups with indoor collections and outdoor village displays; open ~8:30–17:30.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Xoi Yen

Quick, satisfying local lunch of sticky rice with savory toppings — a popular, budget-friendly Hanoi option.
VND50000, 1h0m

3:00PM

Tran Quoc Pagoda & West Lake

Visit Hanoi’s oldest pagoda by scenic West Lake; a relaxed afternoon with photography opportunities and lakeside cafés.
Free, 1h30m

6:00PM

Street food crawl around Ta Hien & Beer Street

Evening walk to sample local beers and street snacks — lively at night and a great way to experience local nightlife safely.
Variable, 2h0m

8:30PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a tourist-friendly setting; good place to sample multiple regional tastes.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on October 22, 2025

7:00AM

Depart Hanoi for Sapa (bus or sleeper train)

Travel northwest through scenic hills; bus ~5–6 hours, train + bus combo ~8+ hours depending on schedule — book in advance for best seats.
VND250000, 6h0m

1:30PM

Check-in & Lunch at Sapa O’Chau

Fresh mountain vegetables and local specialties — a relaxed first meal while adapting to cooler highland climate.
VND120000, 1h0m

3:00PM

Visit Cat Cat Village

Short walk to a traditional H’Mong village with handicraft stalls and a small waterfall; easy half-day visit and good introduction to local culture.
VND70000, 2h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at The Hill Station

Comfortable restaurant offering modern Vietnamese dishes and mountain views — cozy for your first evening in Sapa.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Trekking Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on October 23, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast (local or Western) to prepare for a day of trekking through terraced rice fields.
Included, 0h30m

8:00AM

Guided trek: Lao Chai & Ta Van

Half-day guided trek through iconic rice terraces to minority villages — learn about local life and enjoy mountain vistas; guides usually available 7:30–17:00.
VND400000, 5h0m

1:30PM

Lunch in Ta Van Village

Home-cooked meal with local ingredients — a chance to taste authentic hilltribe cooking in a village setting.
VND120000, 1h0m

3:00PM

Return & relax at hotel

Rest and enjoy hotel facilities or short stroll in town to warm up after trekking.
Free, 2h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at Good Morning Vietnam Restaurant

Northern Vietnamese dishes in a warm atmosphere; good place to try regional specialties like Thang Co if available.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return & Fly to Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam on October 24, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast & check-out

Light breakfast before transferring back to Hanoi to catch your flight south — plan transfers in advance to meet flight time.
Included, 0h30m

8:30AM

Transfer to Hanoi & flight to Da Nang

Return to Hanoi by road/train then fly to Da Nang (~1.5 hours flight); total transfer time ~4 hours including transfers and check-in — check flight times and allowances.
VND1500000, 4h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Banh Xeo Ba Duong

Crispy Vietnamese pancakes (banh xeo) stuffed with shrimp and pork — local favorite in Da Nang.
VND60000, 1h0m

3:00PM

Relax at My Khe Beach

Famous long white-sand beach ideal for sunbathing and swimming — open all day and very accessible from central Da Nang.
Free, 3h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at BBQ BBQ Da Nang

Casual seafood and grill restaurant with lively atmosphere — perfect after a day of travel and beach time.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Da Nang Culture

Da Nang, Vietnam on October 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cong Caphe

Trendy retro café to sample Vietnamese coffee specialties and light breakfast items.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30AM

Marble Mountains

Cluster of limestone hills with caves, pagodas and panoramic views; open roughly 7:00–17:30 — watch for peak midday crowds.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Madam Lan

Central Vietnamese cuisine highlighting local herbs and spicy flavors — comfortable and locally celebrated.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:30PM

Museum of Cham Sculpture

Explore one of the world’s largest Cham art collections; open ~7:30–17:00 (sometimes closed Monday) — check before visiting.
VND40000, 1h30m

3:30PM

Han River Walk & Dragon Bridge

Stroll the riverfront and view the iconic Dragon Bridge; the weekend evening shows are especially lively.
Free, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at La Maison 1888 (optional fine dining)

Top-tier French fine dining at InterContinental Danang (reservation required) — expect gourmet experience and higher prices.
USD150, 2h0m
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Day 7: Ba Na Hills Day

Da Nang, Vietnam on October 26, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Good breakfast to prepare for a full day at Ba Na Hills — arrive early to avoid queues.
Included, 0h30m

8:30AM

Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge & French Village)

Cable car up to Ba Na Hills to see the Golden Bridge, French Village and gardens; park open daily ~7:30–21:30 — wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket (cooler up top).
VND750000, 7h0m

4:30PM

Return to Da Nang & rest

Recover from an active day; optional short evening walk or beach time.
Free, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Nen Restaurant

Seasonal tasting menu focusing on contemporary Vietnamese flavors — reservation recommended.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Fly to Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, Vietnam on October 27, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast & check-out

Early breakfast and hotel check-out before airport transfer to catch your flight to Phu Quoc.
Included, 0h30m

9:00AM

Flight Da Nang → Phu Quoc

Fly south to Phu Quoc (~1.5 hours). Allow extra transfer and check-in time; domestic flights frequent but book ahead.
VND1500000, 3h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Ham Ninh Fishing Village

East-coast village dining with freshly caught seafood and rustic island charm — enjoy simple grilled fish and squid.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00PM

Check-in & Beach Time

Settle into your resort and relax at Ong Lang or Sao Beach — great for sun and swimming (public beaches open all day).
Free, 3h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Raon Seafood Restaurant

Island seafood favorites with relaxed outdoor seating; try the grilled lobster or local snapper.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Island Hopping & Snorkel

Phu Quoc, Vietnam on October 28, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for a half-day boat trip to the An Thoi islands for snorkeling and swimming.
Included, 1h0m

8:30AM

Snorkeling & Island Hopping Tour

Half-day boat tour to nearby islands (An Thoi Archipelago) with crystal-clear water and coral snorkel spots; tours typically run 8:00–13:00.
VND600000, 5h0m

2:00PM

Lunch at The Pepper Tree

Relaxed garden dining with seafood and fusion dishes — a quieter, upscale lunch option on the island.
VND250000, 1h30m

4:00PM

Visit Phu Quoc Prison Museum

Historical site presenting Vietnam’s wartime past; open during daytime hours — informative and somber, plan 1–2 hours.
VND40000, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Mango Bay Restaurant

Beachfront dining with organic, locally sourced produce and seafood — pleasant ambiance for a relaxed evening.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Phu Quoc Leisure

Phu Quoc, Vietnam on October 29, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Leisurely breakfast with tropical fruit and local specialties to prepare for a slower day of island activities.
Included, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Pepper Farm & Fish Sauce Workshop

Explore local pepper farms and the island’s famous fish sauce factories to learn about Phu Quoc’s signature products; most sites open mornings.
VND80000, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Oc Dao Seafood

Casual island seafood eatery specializing in shellfish and barbecue — authentic, fresh and informal.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:30PM

Relax at Long Beach

Spend a long afternoon at Phu Quoc’s most popular beach — sunbathe, swim or enjoy beachfront bars; great for sunsets.
Free, 4h0m

7:30PM

Dinner & Sunset at Sunset Sanato Beach Club

Beachside restaurant and art installations with cocktails and fusion cuisine; great sunset spot and evening entertainment.
VND300000, 2h0m
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Day 11: Extra Island Day

Phu Quoc, Vietnam on October 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and plan a flexible day — spa, optional tours or more beach time depending on energy levels.
Included, 1h0m

9:30AM

Optional spa or scooter island loop

Choose a half-day spa for pampering or rent a scooter to explore southern beaches and secluded coves (rentals open daily).
VND400000, 3h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at local beachside cafe

Casual lunch with fresh seafood and salads near the beach — flexible choice depending on whereabouts.
VND150000, 1h0m

3:00PM

Explore Dinh Cau area & early market stroll

Visit the Dinh Cau temple area and stroll the nearby daytime market; the night market is liveliest after sunset but daytime visit is calmer.
Free, 2h0m

6:30PM

Farewell dinner at a beachfront restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed final big meal with seafood and island specialties — choose a venue with sunset views if possible.
VND300000, 2h0m
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Day 12: Departure

Phu Quoc, Vietnam on October 31, 2025

7:00AM

Early breakfast & check-out

Have an early breakfast and confirm airport transfer time with your hotel to ensure timely arrival for your flight home.
Included, 0h30m

8:00AM

Transfer to Phu Quoc Airport

Airport transfer typically 20–40 minutes depending on your hotel location; allow recommended check-in time for domestic/international flights.
Variable, 0h30m
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed