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5-Day North-to-Central Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay & Hoi An (19–23 July)

Viewed by 52 travelers

Day 1: Hanoi city

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 19, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast — Pho or Egg Coffee

Start with authentic pho at Pho Gia Truyen or a strong egg coffee at Cafe Giang to fuel a full day of walking the Old Quarter.
VND60000, 0h30m

9:00am

Walk Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll narrow streets, shop for handicrafts and enjoy the peaceful early-morning atmosphere around Hoan Kiem Lake; great orientation for first-time visitors (area accessible 24/7).
VND0, 2h0m

11:30am

Ngoc Son Temple

Small island temple on Hoan Kiem Lake with local history and good photo ops; visit while on your lake walk (open ~8:00–18:00).
VND50000, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Bun Cha

Try Bun Cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien (famous spot) for classic northern Vietnamese grilled pork with noodles; casual, iconic meal.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Temple of Literature

Vietnam's first university (1070) with peaceful courtyards and Confucian architecture — open roughly 8:00–17:00 and excellent for history and photos.
VND50000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Exhibit on Vietnam's modern history and the prison's role during the colonial era and war; open around 8:00–17:00, important context for visitors.
VND40000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Cha Ca (Hanoi specialty)

Dine on Cha Ca (turmeric fish with dill) at Cha Ca Thang Long or similar restaurant to taste a distinct Hanoi specialty.
VND250000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Water Puppet Show

Attend a classic Thang Long water puppet performance to experience traditional Vietnamese music and storytelling; shows commonly at 6:00pm & 8:00pm (check local schedule).
VND100000, 1h0m

Day 2: Halong Bay

Halong Bay (day trip from Hanoi), Vietnam on July 20, 2026

6:30am

Hotel pickup & transfer to Halong Bay

Coach picks up early from Hanoi and transfers to Tuan Chau or Hon Gai harbor (approx 2.5–3.5h depending on traffic); arrive in time to board a day cruise.
VND300000, 3h0m

9:00am

Board Halong Bay Day Cruise

Full-day cruise through UNESCO-listed karsts, with scenic cruising, commentary and onboard lunch; one-day cruises typically run ~8–10 hours round trip.
VND1600000, 8h0m

10:30am

Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave or similar

Explore a large, impressive cave with stalactites/stalagmites — cave sites usually open 8:00–17:00 and are included on many day itineraries.
VND0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch on Board (Seafood)

Enjoy a buffet or set seafood lunch served on the cruise while anchored among the islands — fresh seafood is a highlight of Bay tours.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kayaking or Bamboo Boat in a Lagoon

Optional paddling around a quiet lagoon or bamboo-boat trip through caves and floating villages (activity availability depends on itinerary and weather).
VND150000, 1h0m

5:30pm

Return to Harbor & Transfer to Hanoi

Disembark and return by coach to Hanoi; expect late evening arrival around 9:00–10:30pm depending on traffic.
Included in cruise, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner back in Hanoi (if time permits)

If you arrive early enough, stop for a relaxed dinner at Quan An Ngon or a nearby restaurant for more regional dishes; otherwise have a light meal on the coach.
VND180000, 1h0m

Day 3: Fly to Hoi An

Hanoi to Hoi An (via Da Nang), Vietnam on July 21, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast & check-out

Quick breakfast at your hotel or a nearby cafe (egg coffee or banh mi) before transfer to the airport for your flight south.
VND60000, 0h30m

9:30am

Transfer to Noi Bai Airport & Flight to Da Nang

Transfer to Hanoi airport (approx 45–60 min), then fly to Da Nang (flight time ~1h15); book a mid-morning flight to maximize time in Hoi An.
VND900000, 3h30m

12:30pm

Arrive Da Nang & Transfer to Hoi An

Short drive from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An (approx 30–45 min); check into your Hoi An hotel and settle in.
VND200000, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch — Morning Glory (Hoi An specialties)

Taste regional Quang-style dishes and Hoi An specialties at Morning Glory for a well-regarded local meal; restaurant open from morning through evening.
VND150000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town walking tour

Explore the Japanese Covered Bridge, old merchant houses and riverside lanes; the core historic area is best visited in the afternoon when shops and museums (8:00–17:30/18:00) are open.
VND20000, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Riversides (e.g., Mango Mango)

Dine riverside with fusion and seafood choices while watching lanterns light up the canal; many restaurants open until late evening.
VND250000, 1h30m

8:30pm

Lantern Boat Ride & Night Stroll

Take a short lantern-boat ride on the Hoai River and enjoy the atmospheric illuminated lanterns and night market (boat rides available until around 9:30–10:00pm).
VND150000, 0h30m

Day 4: Hoi An day

Hoi An, Vietnam on July 22, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast — Banh Mi or Cafe

Grab a famous Banh Mi Phuong or relax at a riverside cafe for coffee and pastries before a countryside morning.
VND50000, 0h30m

8:30am

Tra Que Vegetable Village — bike & cooking class

Cycle to Tra Que village (short ride) and join a hands-on farming experience and cooking class; classes/operators typically run mornings 8:00–11:30 and include lunch.
VND350000, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch — village meal (included)

Enjoy the meal you helped prepare (local specialties) — fresh and flavorful, included with most Tra Que experiences.
Included in class, 1h0m

2:00pm

An Bang Beach relaxation

Short drive to An Bang Beach to swim, sunbathe and visit beachside cafes; beach is open all day and perfect for afternoon relaxation (sunbeds/umbrellas available).
VND0 (sunbed VND50000), 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Cargo Club or Local Riverfront

Return to town for a comfortable dinner at Cargo Club or a riverside restaurant; great spot to sample Vietnamese fusion and desserts.
VND200000, 1h30m

8:30pm

Evening — Hoi An night market & snacks

Sample local street snacks like white rose dumplings and stroll the night market for lanterns and souvenirs; most night vendors operate until about 10:00–11:00pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

Day 5: My Son + depart

Hoi An / Da Nang, Vietnam on July 23, 2026

6:30am

Early Breakfast & check-out

Quick breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe to prepare for the morning cultural trip to My Son Sanctuary (or choose Marble Mountains as a closer alternative).
VND50000, 0h30m

7:30am

Transfer to My Son Sanctuary (optional)

Drive ~1h to the Cham ruins at My Son (UNESCO); site open roughly 7:00–17:30 — guided tours last ~2 hours and provide historical context for the temple complex.
VND150000, 2h30m

10:30am

Return to Hoi An & Lunch

Return to Hoi An and have lunch at Bale Well or a local restaurant — quick, tasty regional dishes to finish your visit.
VND120000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Check luggage & Transfer to Da Nang Airport

Drive ~45 min to Da Nang Airport for onward flights; schedule an afternoon flight depending on your travel plans (allow extra time for traffic).
VND200000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Flight from Da Nang (suggested)

Fly out from Da Nang to your next destination or home; pick a convenient afternoon/evening flight to avoid tight connections after morning activities.
VND900000, 1h15m

7:00pm

Dinner option in Da Nang (if staying)

If you remain in Da Nang for the night, try local specialties like banh xeo at Ba Duong or a riverside dinner near Dragon Bridge; many restaurants open till late.
VND120000, 1h0m
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