International flight from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Noi Bai (HAN). Aim for a morning flight so you arrive in Hanoi with afternoon daylight to explore.
Immigrate and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter; the area is compact and perfect for a first stroll along narrow streets and street food stalls.
A gentle walk around the lake and a quick visit to Ngoc Son Temple; excellent first introduction to Hanoi's atmosphere at golden hour. The lakeside area is always open; Ngoc Son Temple typically open until early evening.
Try bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien (popular with visitors) or choose Quan An Ngon for a wide selection of Vietnamese dishes in a comfortable setting; both open into the evening and showcase northern flavours.
Sample egg coffee, street-side banh mi and fresh sugarcane juice while wandering the busy Old Quarter streets; a relaxed way to finish your arrival day.
Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and the nearby Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda; mausoleum opening hours are usually 8:00–11:00 and it is commonly closed on Mondays and Fridays — check before you go.
Vietnam's first university with tranquil courtyards and traditional architecture; open roughly 8:00–17:00, giving a nice cultural contrast to the busy streets.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre performances start around 7:30pm (tickets sold earlier); the show is a charming introduction to northern Vietnamese folk tales.
Early tai chi on deck or short morning excursion (some cruises include sunrise activities) before breakfast and returning to port to disembark around mid-morning.
Return transfer to Hanoi or, for faster travel, book a cruise that returns you near Hanoi with a connecting flight; alternatively travel back to Hanoi then fly — for efficiency, many travellers book Hanoi > Da Nang flight direct after returning from Ha Long (allow buffer time).
Wander the lantern-lit streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and riverside markets; the town is most atmospheric at dusk and many attractions stay open into the evening.
Regional Central Vietnamese dishes in a popular spot that celebrates local recipes; great for trying cao lau and other Hoi An specialities. Open evenings.
Visit the UNESCO-listed Cham ruins at My Son (about 1h–1.5h from Hoi An). Tours usually depart early and return by midday; the site typically opens around 7:00–8:00am.
Rent a bicycle (available widely, open daytime) and cycle through nearby villages to the mellow An Bang Beach for sun and swim; perfect afternoon relaxation.
Hoi An is famous for tailors who can make garments in 24–48 hours; alternatively join an evening cooking class (check times as many start late afternoon).
Choose riverside dining for atmospheric lantern-lit views; Cargo Club is known for desserts and quality international/Vietnamese options and stays open late.
Guided tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels depart mid-morning and afternoon; the site is open roughly 7:00–17:00. The visit explains wartime life and includes walking through selected tunnel sections.
Powerful exhibits about the Vietnam War; open roughly 07:30–12:00 and 13:00–17:00 — if you miss during daytime, consider a morning visit instead. Check opening hours for any changes.
Full-day boat trip exploring local life along the Mekong — expect boat rides, coconut workshops, orchard visits and riverside lunches. Tours typically depart between 7:00–8:00am and return late afternoon.
Finish with a last Saigon meal: street food near Bui Vien for lively atmosphere, or a rooftop bar in District 1 for views and drinks; check closing times depending on venue.
Evening or late-night international flight from SGN to DEL (many flights depart late evening — choose a direct or one-stop itinerary). Arrive next day in New Delhi.