Morning: Arrive at Nội Bài International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter. After settling in, enjoy a leisurely walk through the bustling streets, sampling fresh pho from a local stall.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Hoàn Kiếm Lake and climb to the Ngọc Sơn Temple for panoramic views of the city. Continue to the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, to admire its serene courtyards.
Evening: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ta Hien Street, where you can taste local craft beers and watch street performers. End the night with a traditional water puppet show at the Thăng Long Theatre.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early by shuttle bus to the harbor and board a comfortable luxury cruise for a full day on Ha Long Bay. Sail among the towering limestone karsts and explore the hidden Surprise Cave.
Afternoon: Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch on board while cruising to Ti Top Island. Climb to the island’s viewpoint for breathtaking vistas and optional swimming in the emerald waters.
Evening: Return to the harbor and transfer back to Hanoi. Relax at your hotel or stroll through the illuminated streets of the Old Quarter before bedtime.
Find HotelsMorning: Fly to Hue and check into a boutique hotel near the Perfume River. Begin your exploration at the expansive Imperial City (Citadel), wandering through palaces, shrines, and the Forbidden Purple City.
Afternoon: Cross the river to visit the historic Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s oldest religious sites. Afterwards, take a relaxing boat ride on the Perfume River to view the serene countryside.
Evening: Dine on authentic Hue cuisine at a riverside restaurant, sampling specialties like bún bò Huế. Conclude the day with a gentle walk along the riverbanks, soaking in the city’s quiet charm.
Find HotelsMorning: Transfer to Hoi An and settle into a historic townhouse. Stroll through the lantern-lit streets of the Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Old House of Tan Ky.
Afternoon: Participate in a hands‑on traditional lantern‑making workshop or take a cooking class to learn how to prepare cao lầu. Later, unwind at Cua Dai Beach, where you can swim or simply relax on the sandy shore.
Evening: Return to the town centre for a dinner of fresh river fish at a local eatery. Afterward, join a guided night walk to admire the glowing lanterns that give Hoi An its magical atmosphere.
Find HotelsMorning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and check into a central hotel. Start with a visit to the War Remnants Museum to gain insight into Vietnam’s recent history.
Afternoon: Explore the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and the nearby Saigon Central Post Office. Continue to the bustling Ben Thanh Market for souvenir shopping and street‑food tasting.
Evening: Savor a farewell dinner on the rooftop of a sky‑bar overlooking the city’s skyline. If time permits, enjoy a nightcap at the lively Bui Vien Street before heading to the airport for departure.
Find HotelsTo extend the trip, add a day in Ha Long Bay for a kayaking adventure or a visit to Cat Ba Island, and consider an extra day in Ho Chi Minh City to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine Day 3 and Day 4 by flying directly from Hue to Da Nang and spending only half a day in Hoi An before heading to Saigon.