Arrive at Noi Bai Airport and transfer to your Old Quarter hotel to drop bags and rest; traffic to the city is about 40–60 minutes depending on time of day.
Try Bun Cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien (the 'Obama' restaurant) or a popular local stall in the Old Quarter; a great introduction to Hanoi street flavours. Most places open 10:00am–10:00pm.
Have dinner at Cha Ca La Vong or a recommended restaurant serving the grilled turmeric fish with dill (open 10:00am–10:00pm); it's a signature Hanoi dish and worth trying.
Shared transfer to Halong (approx 2.5–3.5 hours); most day cruises include return coach transport. Departure times depend on tour operator—confirm booking time.
Board a day cruise to see limestone karsts, caves and floating villages; day cruises commonly depart late morning and return late afternoon — most run 11:30am–5:30pm.
Open year-round; weather-dependent.
Wander the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, see the Japanese Covered Bridge and historic houses. The town is pedestrian friendly and open all day (some monuments have entrance fees and hours 8:00am–6:00pm).
Visit the My Son Cham ruins (open 7:00am–5:30pm) — a UNESCO site with Hindu temple complex. Tours typically include return transfer and guide and depart early morning.
Check in and head to Ben Thanh Market for street food and quick local eats; market stalls are generally open 6:00am–6:00pm though evenings are lively around the market area.
Visit the War Remnants Museum (open 7:30am–6:00pm) and Reunification Palace (open 7:30am–4:00pm). Both give deep insight into Vietnam's 20th-century history.
Depart for Cu Chi Tunnels (open 7:30am–5:00pm) to see the wartime tunnel network and demonstration areas; tours typically include hotel pickup and return (approx 4–5 hours total).
Visit the historic French-era Notre-Dame (note limited interior access during renovation) and the Central Post Office nearby; both are open in daylight hours and ideal for photos.
Early breakfast and check-out — if you have an evening flight, you can take a half-day Mekong Delta trip; otherwise prepare for airport transfer for departure.