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7-Day North-to-South Vietnam Loop: Hanoi > Ha Long Bay > Hue > Hoi An > Da Nang > Ho Chi Minh City

Viewed by 95 travelers

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Classic Hanoi pho in the Old Quarter — great first bite of Vietnam. The stall is busiest in the morning and usually open from 6:00am–11:00am.
CURRENCYVND60000, 0h45m

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Scenic stroll around the lake and a short visit to Ngoc Son Temple for a peaceful introduction to Hanoi; the temple is generally open 8:00am–5:00pm.
CURRENCYVND30000, 1h0m

11:30am

Old Quarter walking & street food

Wander the buzzy lanes, try snacks and see local shops — ideal to soak up street life and prebook a short cyclo ride if you like.
CURRENCYVND0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Famous bun cha (grilled pork and noodles) — open for lunch, typically 10:00am–2:30pm, offering a true Hanoi specialty experience.
CURRENCYVND120000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Temple of Literature

Vietnam’s first university and a calm historical site; open roughly 8:00am–5:00pm — perfect for late-afternoon photos and history.
CURRENCYVND30000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Egg coffee at Cafe Giang

Try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee in a small, historic cafe (open through the evening) for a decadent mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
CURRENCYVND50000, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Speciality turmeric fish (cha ca) cooked at your table; restaurant typically serves dinner until about 9:30pm — a must-try Hanoi dish.
CURRENCYVND300000, 1h15m

8:30pm

Thang Long Water Puppet Show

Traditional water puppet theatre — shows commonly at 8:00pm and 9:00pm (check current schedule); a compact cultural performance good for all ages.
CURRENCYVND100000, 1h0m

Day 2: Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay (from Hanoi), Vietnam on September 19, 2025

7:30am

Hotel breakfast & check-out

Early breakfast and prepare for the road transfer; many hotels provide breakfast from 6:30–9:30am.
CURRENCYVND0, 0h45m

8:30am

Transfer Hanoi → Ha Long Bay

Scenic road transfer (~3.5–4h); leave early to board midday cruises — private transfers or shuttle buses available.
CURRENCYVND350000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Board 2D1N Ha Long overnight cruise

Check-in and enjoy a seafood lunch while cruising through karst islands; most cruises board around midday and include meals and cabin.
CURRENCYVND3000000, 24h0m

2:00pm

Kayaking / swimming (cruise activity)

Short guided kayak or swim stop in a calm bay cove — operated by the cruise, generally scheduled in the afternoon; wear swimwear.
CURRENCYVND200000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Sunset on deck & evening squid fishing

Relax on deck as the bay turns golden, then try optional squid fishing (rare, fun cruise activity); sunset timing varies seasonally.
CURRENCYVND0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner on board

Multi-course seafood meal included with your cruise cabin; a relaxed dining setting and local specialties are typical.
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9:30pm

Overnight on cruise

Sleep in your cabin aboard the boat — wake to sunrise and morning activities planned by the cruise operator.
CURRENCYVND0, 9h0m

Day 3: Ha Long → Hue

Ha Long → Hanoi → Hue, Vietnam on September 20, 2025

6:30am

Morning tai chi & sunrise views

Gentle tai chi on deck and sunrise over the limestone islets — cruises usually schedule this at first light.
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8:00am

Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave or Titov Island

Explore one of Ha Long’s main caves or a short island climb — caves open roughly 7:00am–5:00pm and included on most itineraries.
CURRENCYVND50000, 1h0m

10:30am

Brunch on board & disembark

Late brunch, then check out and transfer by road back to Hanoi; disembark times are typically around 11:00–12:30pm.
CURRENCYVND0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Transfer Ha Long → Hanoi (return)

Road transfer ~3.5–4h depending on traffic; use this window to rest before your flight to Hue from Hanoi Airport.
CURRENCYVND350000, 4h0m

6:30pm

Flight Hanoi → Hue

Domestic flight (~1h20m). Aim for an early-evening flight to arrive in Hue with time for dinner; flights run frequently between Hanoi and Hue.
CURRENCYVND800000, 1h20m

8:30pm

Dinner — Bun Bo Hue

Hearty, spicy Hue beef noodle soup at a local favourite; many spots open till late (check local hours; typically until 9:00–10:00pm).
CURRENCYVND80000, 0h45m

9:30pm

Check into Hue hotel & rest

Settle into your accommodation near the Perfume River to be well-located for next-day sightseeing.
CURRENCYVND0, 9h0m

Day 4: Imperial Hue

Hue, Vietnam on September 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Banh Beo & local coffee

Light local breakfast of Hue specialties — many street vendors open early (from 6:30–9:30am).
CURRENCYVND50000, 0h30m

9:00am

Imperial City (Dai Noi)

Explore the UNESCO-style citadel and royal structures; the site usually opens 8:00am–5:30pm and gives deep historical context to Vietnam’s Nguyen dynasty.
CURRENCYVND150000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at a riverside restaurant

Try grilled lemon-basil fish or Com Hen (clam rice) by the Perfume River — many restaurants open midday.
CURRENCYVND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Khai Dinh or Minh Mang Tomb

Visit one of the royal tombs (Khai Dinh is ornate, Minh Mang is serene). Tombs typically open 8:00am–5:00pm and are best visited in the afternoon light.
CURRENCYVND100000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda & Perfume River boat-view

Photogenic riverside pagoda (open roughly 7:00am–5:30pm); short boat rides on the Perfume River are available through local operators.
CURRENCYVND20000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Les Jardins de la Carambole or local Hue cuisine

For a refined meal choose the French-Vietnamese restaurant; otherwise enjoy classic Hue flavours at a local eatery (check reservations and opening hours).
CURRENCYVND400000, 1h15m

Day 5: Drive to Hoi An

Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An, Vietnam on September 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast & check-out

Quick breakfast and prepare for scenic coastal drive — book a private car for stops at viewpoints and Marble Mountains.
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9:30am

Drive Hue → Da Nang via Hai Van Pass

World-famous coastal route with dramatic views; the drive takes about 2–3 hours with stops, and is best done morning to avoid traffic.
CURRENCYVND700000, 3h0m

12:30pm

Marble Mountains visit

Explore caves, pagodas and vantage points above Da Nang; site typically open 7:30am–5:30pm — allow time for stairs and photo stops.
CURRENCYVND40000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch in Da Nang — Mi Quang

Regional specialty noodles to refuel; many local restaurants open at noon and serve until mid-afternoon.
CURRENCYVND70000, 0h45m

3:00pm

Arrive Hoi An & Ancient Town walking tour

Buy the Hoi An Heritage ticket (covers multiple sites) and wander the lantern-lit lanes, historic houses and Japanese Covered Bridge; the town is pedestrian-friendly and evenings are atmospheric.
CURRENCYVND120000, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Popular Hoi An restaurant offering regional dishes with a polished touch — good for trying Cao Lau and other local favourites; open evenings (reserve if possible).
CURRENCYVND300000, 1h15m

Day 6: Hoi An & My Son

Hoi An & My Son Sanctuary, Vietnam on September 23, 2025

7:00am

Half-day trip to My Son Sanctuary

UNESCO Champa ruins about 1h from Hoi An; the site typically opens 6:30am–5:00pm — early visits avoid heat and bus crowds.
CURRENCYVND600000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Hands-on Vietnamese cooking class & lunch

Learn local recipes and enjoy the meal you prepare; most classes run 3–4 hours including market visits and are open midday onwards (prebook).
CURRENCYVND700000, 3h0m

4:00pm

An Bang Beach relaxation

Short taxi ride from Hoi An to An Bang for late-afternoon beach time and sunset; beach area is open all day and has casual seafood cafes.
CURRENCYVND0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Tailor visit or evening lantern boat

Collect or order a tailored item (many shops open late) or take a small boat on the Thu Bon River to see glowing lanterns after dusk.
CURRENCYVND300000, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango or local riverside cafe

Enjoy fusion or local cuisine while watching river life; restaurants typically open through late evening — perfect final night dining in Hoi An.
CURRENCYVND350000, 1h15m

Day 7: Fly to Saigon

Da Nang/Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam on September 24, 2025

7:00am

Early transfer to Da Nang Airport & flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Short transfer to Da Nang (30–45 min from Hoi An) then a domestic flight (~1h30m). Book morning flights to maximise your final day in Saigon.
CURRENCYVND1200000, 3h0m

10:00am

Arrive Ho Chi Minh City & coffee

Settle into the city with a strong Vietnamese coffee and short walk around District 1 to orient yourself; many cafes open from early morning.
CURRENCYVND60000, 0h30m

11:00am

Half-day Cu Chi Tunnels OR War Remnants Museum

If you choose Cu Chi (half-day tours generally run mornings 7:00–12:00), see the tunnel system and history up close; alternatively visit War Remnants Museum (open roughly 7:30am–11:30am & 1:30pm–5:00pm) for powerful exhibits on the war.
CURRENCYVND500000, 4h0m

3:30pm

Ben Thanh Market & street-food walk

Explore the lively market for souvenirs and late-afternoon street food; vendors and stalls are busiest from late afternoon into evening.
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6:00pm

Dinner in Bui Vien or rooftop bar

Try a street-food crawl on Bui Vien for casual eats, or a rooftop restaurant for city views; many venues open into the night.
CURRENCYVND200000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Evening options & departure planning

If you have onward travel/flight, ensure you reach the airport early; otherwise enjoy Saigon nightlife or an evening river cruise (check operating times in advance).
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