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12-Day Vietnam Couple Escape (Hanoi → Hạ Long → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh → Phú Quốc) — Dec 20–31, 2025 (From Bangalore)

Viewed by 155 travelers

Day 1: Travel day

Bengaluru, India → Hanoi, Vietnam (overnight flight) on December 20, 2025

10:00pm

Flight: BLR → HAN (via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur)

Board an overnight connecting flight from Kempegowda Airport (BLR) to Nội Bài (HAN). One-stop via SIN or KUL keeps total travel under ~10–12 hours door-to-door.
USD420, 10h0m

11:00pm

Pre-flight check-in & security

Arrive airport 2–3 hours early, check baggage and reconfirm connecting gate; pick aisle/window seats for comfort on overnight leg.
USD0, 2h0m

Day 2: Hanoi highlights

Hanoi, Vietnam on December 21, 2025

6:30am

Arrive & transfer to Old Quarter hotel

Arrive at Nội Bài Airport, clear immigration and take a private transfer (45–60 min) to a centrally located Old Quarter hotel such as La Siesta Hotel Trendy or Essence Hanoi for easy walking access to sights.
USD35, 1h30m

8:00am

Breakfast: Pho Bat Dan

Classic Hanoi pho at a local favorite; expect rich broth and early-morning lines — a perfect first-Vietnam meal and local ritual. Open roughly 06:00–10:30.
USD3, 45m

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngọc Sơn Temple

Stroll the lake and visit Ngọc Sơn Temple (usually open 08:00–17:00) to feel Hanoi’s historic core and watch local life around the lake.
USD1, 1h0m

11:00am

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first university — peaceful grounds and classical architecture (open ~08:00–17:00). Great for history and photos.
USD1.5, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch: Bún Chả or Bun Thang at Bun Cha Huong Lien or local eatery

Try bun cha (grilled pork and noodles) — an iconic Hanoi dish; many places open 11:00–15:00 and offer quick, tasty meals.
USD4, 1h0m

3:00pm

Check-in & short rest

Return to hotel to rest, freshen up and get ready for evening activities after long travel.
USD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Water Puppet Show (Thăng Long Theatre)

Attend an iconic water puppet show that starts at 5:00pm or 8:00pm; book tickets in advance. Theatre hours and showtimes: commonly 3:00, 5:00, 8:00 (check ahead).
USD6, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner: Cha Ca Thang Long (cha ca fish)

Try the city’s famous cha ca — turmeric fish with dill — served tableside; restaurant hours ~16:00–22:00.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00pm

Evening: Old Quarter Walk & Bia Hoi

Stroll the lively Old Quarter, sample local street beer (bia hơi) on Ta Hien Street and enjoy the vibrant night atmosphere.
USD4, 1h30m

Day 3: Hạ Long day trip

Hanoi → Hạ Long Bay (day trip) on December 22, 2025

6:30am

Depart for Hạ Long Bay (coach or private transfer)

Early pickup for a full-day Hạ Long cruise; the drive is ~2.5–3.5 hours from Hanoi depending on traffic. Book a reputable day cruise that includes boat, lunch, and activities.
USD95, 3h0m

10:30am

Hạ Long boat cruise & grotto visit

Cruise the karst islands, visit popular caves or grottos, enjoy panoramic views and photo stops. Boats often permit kayaking or bamboo-boat rides.
USD0, 3h30m

1:00pm

Onboard lunch (fresh seafood)

Enjoy a seafood lunch served on board — a highlight of the bay experience. Most tours serve lunch around noon.
USD0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return drive to Hanoi

Coach back to Hanoi, arriving evening; rest at hotel and relax after a long day.
USD0, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner: KOTO or local restaurant

KOTO supports hospitality training for youth and serves familiar Vietnamese dishes; open evenings (check exact hours). A relaxed meal after the Hạ Long day.
USD10, 1h0m

Day 4: Transfer to Hoi An

Hanoi → Da Nang → Hoi An, Vietnam on December 23, 2025

7:00am

Flight: HAN → DAD (Da Nang)

Morning flight from Nội Bài to Da Nang (about 1h15m). Book early for best fares; multiple carriers operate the route.
USD55, 1h15m

10:30am

Transfer: Da Nang Airport → Hoi An (private car)

45–60 minute scenic drive over the Hai Van area (or highway) to Hoi An; check into a riverside or beach resort such as Vinh Hung Heritage or Anantara Hoi An.
USD25, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch: Cao Lầu (Ba Buoi or local eatery)

Taste Hoi An’s signature noodle dish, cao lầu — pork, noodles and greens with special local texture; many stalls open 10:00–15:00.
USD4, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander the lantern-lit streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and old merchant houses. The tourist ticketed sites usually operate ~08:00–21:00 (evening entry times vary).
USD7, 2h0m

5:30pm

Sunset & dinner: Morning Glory or Mango Mango

Dine riverside at a well-regarded restaurant serving regional specialties; Morning Glory open around 11:00–22:00 and is a good choice for local flavors.
USD12, 1h30m

8:00pm

Evening lanterns on the Thu Bồn River

Release or float small lanterns on the river for a romantic experience (boats and lantern vendors operate ~18:00–21:30).
USD6, 1h0m

Day 5: Hoi An experiences

Hoi An, Vietnam on December 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast: Local market & street coffee

Start with banh mi or Vietnamese coffee at the morning market; markets and stalls open early from 06:00–10:00 for fresh ingredients and snacks.
USD3, 45m

8:30am

Half-day: Hoi An cooking class with market visit

Join a small-group class that includes a market tour, cooking local dishes (starts ~08:00–09:00 and lasts ~4–5 hours). Great for a hands-on cultural experience.
USD45, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch: Eat your class creations / or Banh Mi Phuong

Enjoy the meal you prepared in class, or sample Hoi An’s famous banh mi at Banh Mi Phuong (open ~07:00–19:00).
USD5, 1h0m

3:30pm

An Bang Beach relaxation or bicycle ride

Short taxi or cycle to An Bang Beach to relax, swim or have a beachside drink; beach access is unrestricted and ideal in late afternoon.
USD0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner: Cargo Club or riverside eatery

Finish the day with a comfortable riverside dinner and dessert. These spots are open in evenings for relaxed meals.
USD18, 1h30m

Day 6: Transfer to Ho Chi Minh

Hoi An → Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & check-out

Enjoy a leisurely hotel breakfast and check out. Allow time to transfer to Da Nang airport (45–60 minutes).
USD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Flight: DAD → SGN

Afternoon flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (about 1h20m). Plenty of flights daily; book an early-afternoon flight to maximize time in Saigon.
USD45, 1h20m

2:00pm

Hotel transfer & check-in (District 1)

Check into a central hotel such as Hotel Nikko Saigon or Hotel Des Arts for easy access to main sights and restaurants.
USD35, 1h0m

4:00pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office walk

Short walk to see the iconic French colonial landmarks in District 1; both attractions are typically open during daylight hours (08:00–17:00).
USD0, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner: Cục Gạch Quán (Cuc Gach) or Secret Garden

Taste refined Vietnamese home-style dishes in atmospheric settings; many popular restaurants are open 17:00–22:00 but may require a reservation at peak season.
USD20, 1h30m

9:00pm

Evening: Bùi Viện nightlife

If you want a livelier evening, stroll Bùi Viện street for bars, street food and people-watching.
USD6, 1h30m

Day 7: Cu Chi tunnels + city

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 26, 2025

7:30am

Half-day tour: Cu Chi Tunnels

Pickup for a guided excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels (about 1.5–2 hours each way). Explore the underground network and war history; tours commonly run in morning and afternoon slots.
USD30, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch: Pho Hoa Pasteur or local Vietnamese BBQ

Return to the city and sample a bowl of pho at a classic restaurant or enjoy a local com tam (broken rice) spot; many popular eateries are open midday.
USD6, 1h0m

3:00pm

War Remnants Museum & Reunification Palace

Visit the War Remnants Museum (typically open 07:30–12:00, 13:30–17:00; check seasonal hours) and the historic Reunification Palace for powerful exhibits on Vietnam’s 20th-century history.
USD2.5, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner: Quán Ăn Ngon or Hoa Tuc

Dine at a reputable restaurant offering regional specialties; reserve for dinner as places can fill during high season.
USD18, 1h30m

8:30pm

Rooftop drink or river cruise (optional)

Enjoy skyline views from a rooftop bar or take an evening Saigon River cruise for a different perspective of the city.
USD15, 1h30m

Day 8: Mekong or more Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta (optional day trip) on December 27, 2025

7:00am

Optional full-day Mekong Delta (My Tho or Cai Be)

Early departure for a full-day Mekong Delta tour with boat rides, orchard visits and local workshops; many tours run 7:00–19:00. Alternatively, explore Saigon neighborhoods and markets if you prefer city time.
USD40, 10h0m

12:30pm

Delta lunch or Saigon lunch at Ben Thanh Market

Have a riverside lunch on your Delta tour or sample street food and local stalls at Ben Thanh Market back in the city (market hours ~06:00–19:00).
USD8, 1h0m

5:30pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive back in the city, relax at the hotel and freshen up for a special evening meal.
USD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner: Hoa Tuc or Secret Kitchen

Enjoy modern Vietnamese cuisine in an atmospheric setting; great spot for a slightly upscale final evening in Saigon before the beach leg.
USD25, 1h30m

Day 9: Fly to Phú Quốc

Ho Chi Minh City → Phú Quốc, Vietnam on December 28, 2025

8:00am

Flight: SGN → PQC

Short flight (approx 1h15m) from Tan Son Nhat to Phú Quốc International Airport. Book early-morning flights to maximize beach time.
USD60, 1h15m

10:00am

Transfer & check-in at resort

Private transfer to your beach resort — recommend Salinda Resort, Fusion Resort, or JW Marriott for couples — check in and relax by the pool or beach.
USD30, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch: Local seafood or resort dining

Sample fresh island seafood at a beachside restaurant or at your resort. Most restaurants and hotels are open midday.
USD12, 1h0m

2:30pm

Afternoon: Snorkel/boat trip to An Thới islands

Half-day snorkeling trip or island-hopping to the southern islands (departures commonly midday–afternoon), swim with colorful fish and relax on quiet beaches.
USD50, 3h30m

7:00pm

Dinner: Dinh Cau Night Market

Explore lively Dinh Cau night market for grilled seafood, skewers and local treats; market typically operates 17:00–23:00.
USD10, 1h30m

Day 10: Phú Quốc island day

Phú Quốc, Vietnam on December 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at resort

Leisurely buffet breakfast at resort to fuel a full island day; resorts commonly serve breakfast 06:30–10:30.
USD0, 1h0m

9:00am

Full-day island tour or Vinpearl/VinWonders visit

Choose a snorkeling/island-hopping boat trip covering An Thới islands or visit VinWonders amusement park and Vinpearl Safari (VinWonders open ~09:00–17:00; Safari usually 08:00–17:00) for varied activities.
USD60, 7h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Long Beach / Sunset Sanato

Head to Sunset Sanato or Long Beach for a memorable island sunset and photo opportunities; sunset times vary seasonally but are typically around 17:30–18:00 in December.
USD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner: Raiz Resto & Lounge or local seafood restaurant

Enjoy cocktails and seafood near the beach at a popular evening spot; reservations suggested on busy nights.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 11: Relax & island culture

Phú Quốc, Vietnam on December 30, 2025

9:00am

Morning: Spa or yoga at resort

Take a restorative couples’ spa treatment or beachfront yoga session to unwind; most resorts offer spa services from morning through evening.
USD70, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit: Phú Quốc Pearl Farm & Pepper Farm

Short excursions to see local pearl farming and pepper plantations — learn about island industries and pick up small souvenirs. Many farms open ~08:00–17:00.
USD10, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch: Local family-run restaurant

Try freshly caught grilled fish and island specialties at a recommended local eatery — simple, authentic flavors.
USD8, 1h0m

3:30pm

Leisure: Swim, beach walk or pool time

Relax at the resort or walk along long stretches of sandy beach; ideal low-key afternoon before New Year’s Eve bustle.
USD0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Special dinner: Romantic beachfront meal

Arrange a beachfront private dinner through your resort or choose a highly-rated island restaurant to celebrate your trip together.
USD60, 2h0m

Day 12: Return to Bangalore

Phú Quốc → Ho Chi Minh City → Bengaluru on December 31, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast & final beach stroll

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a last walk on the sand; check out and prepare for airport transfer.
USD0, 1h0m

10:00am

Transfer to Phú Quốc Airport

Private transfer (15–30 minutes depending on resort) to airport to catch the mid/late morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City for your international connection.
USD10, 30m

11:20am

Flight: PQC → SGN

Short domestic hop back to Tan Son Nhat (about 1h15m). Schedule a comfortable connection (3–4 hours) for international flight to BLR.
USD60, 1h15m

4:30pm

Flight: SGN → BLR (via Singapore/Kuala Lumpur)

Evening connecting flight from SGN to BLR (one stop), timed to arrive in Bengaluru late night on Dec 31. Book seats and baggage carefully for the return sector.
USD440, 9h0m

11:30pm

Arrive: Bengaluru (BLR)

Arrive back at Kempegowda Airport with memories and photos; plan onward transfer home or airport hotel if needed.
USD0, 0h30m
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