Choose a romantic river dinner cruise for city lights or The Deck for riverside fine dining—both nice for couples (cruise schedules vary, usually evening departures).
Visit Vinpearl Safari for a wildlife experience and easy walking routes — park usually opens around 8:30–9:00 and closes ~17:00; perfect for a morning/early afternoon visit.
Stroll Grand World’s canal 'Venice' area and take a gondola/venetian taxi for photos; visit the Teddy Bear Museum if open — many attractions operate 9:00–22:00 but check the local schedule.
Sample a wide variety of local seafood dishes and street desserts at the bustling night market near the ferry pier; usually open late into the evening.
Take a 4-island speedboat/snorkel tour visiting small islands, snorkeling spots and sandbanks; typically departs 8:00–9:00 and returns mid/late afternoon — perfect for active couples.
Ride the famous Hon Thom cable car (one of the world’s longest) and try the 'sky-water' walking/sea-walk experience if available; cable car typically operates 8:00–18:00 — book tickets in advance.
Depart early to Ba Na Hills (around 45–60 minutes from Da Nang) to beat crowds; park usually open 7:00–21:00 but best to arrive when cable car opens.
Ride the scenic cable car to the Golden Bridge and French Village for panoramic mountain views and spectacular photo ops; allow time to stroll the gardens and theme-park areas.
Wander the lantern-lit streets, Japanese Covered Bridge and riverside shops; the town core is open 24/7 but shops and museums are typically open 9:00–21:00.
Visit the Hindu temple complex at My Son (UNESCO) to see ancient Cham ruins; guided tours depart Hoi An in the afternoon and the site is generally open 6:30–17:30.
Return to Hoi An for a romantic candle-lit dinner by the river and launch a wish lantern on the water—many riverside restaurants and lantern stalls open until late.
Attend a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre—shows typically at 19:00 and 20:00; book tickets in advance for good seats.
Depart Hanoi early for Ha Long Bay; standard transfers take 3.5–4 hours—most overnight cruises depart around midday so plan to arrive at the port by late morning.
Board a 1-night cruise, enjoy welcome drinks and a seafood lunch while cruising among limestone karsts; cruises typically include kayaking, cave visits or bamboo boat rides.
Join guided kayaking or visit a scenic cave/island in the bay—activities depend on cruise itinerary; most activities run mid-afternoon and into sunset.
Start the day with sunrise views on deck and a light breakfast before disembarkation; many cruises include morning activities like visiting floating villages or a grotto.
Disembark around mid-morning and transfer toward Hanoi; to include Ninh Binh the schedule will be tight but feasible with a private transfer—expect 3.5–4 hours back to Hanoi then ~2 hours to Ninh Binh.
Take a 1–1.5 hour sampan boat ride through rice paddies and karst scenery at Trang An or Tam Coc; sites usually operate 7:00–17:00—private tours can be timed after Ha Long return.
If time permits, visit Bai Dinh complex (large temple complex, opens ~6:30) or climb Mua Cave steps for panoramic valley views—choose based on energy and time.
Drive back to Hanoi for a final romantic dinner in the Old Quarter or at a rooftop restaurant—reflect on your trip and make last-minute plans for departure.