Start with Hanoi’s famous egg coffee and a light pastry at Cafe Giang (historic spot) to wake up to local flavours; good for people-watching in the Old Quarter. Cafe Giang generally opens around 9:00am (some branches open earlier), so confirm the branch time before you go.
Peaceful lakeside stroll to Ngoc Son Temple gives a gentle orientation to Hanoi’s center and great photo opportunities; the lake area is open early (roughly 6:30am–9:30pm).
Explore the maze of streets, tailors and shops; sample banh mi, fresh spring rolls or fruit stalls as you go — self-guided wandering that highlights daily life.
Try Hanoi’s classic bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles) at a respected local spot; most bun cha places are busiest late morning–early afternoon (approx 10:00am–3:00pm).
Dine on cha ca (turmeric-fried fish with dill), a Hanoi speciality served tableside — an iconic local experience. The restaurant normally operates through the evening (roughly 11:00am–10:00pm).
Catch a traditional water puppet performance at the Thang Long Theatre (shows commonly at 8:00pm; there are afternoon shows too) — a fun cultural capstone to your first night.
Explore the Old Quarter’s evening food scene — try egg coffee, grilled corn, and noodle snacks; organised tours usually run 2–3 hours and start around 6:00pm.
Boarding usually around midday; lunch served as boat departs and you’ll cruise among karst islands with optional cave visits and kayaking in the afternoon. Cruises typically operate 12:00pm–11:00am next day for 2D/1N schedules.
Explore a limestone cave and join a guided kayak or bamboo-boat trip in a sheltered bay; these activities run in the afternoon and are included or offered as options depending on your cruise.
Optional early morning Tai Chi on deck followed by brunch; most cruises schedule morning activities and disembark around mid-morning (by 10:30–11:30am).
Arrive in Hanoi with time to collect bags and transfer to Nội Bài Airport for your afternoon/evening flight to Da Nang; leave at least 1.5–2 hours for domestic check-in.
Sample Hoi An specialties such as cao lau, white rose dumplings, or fresh seafood at a reputable restaurant open into the evening (most open 10:00am–10:00pm).
Light breakfast with tea and Vietnamese snacks in a calm, socially conscious cafe; many central cafes open ~8:00am but check the exact time for Reaching Out (often 9:00am).
Explore the UNESCO-listed streets, Japanese Covered Bridge and historic houses with a local guide or using the Heritage Ticket (ticket covers entry to multiple sites). Ticket booths open from morning (approx 8:00am).
Join a Hoi An cooking class (many run 3–4pm to evening) or make lanterns in a short workshop — both highlight Hoi An’s food and craft traditions and generally require advance booking.
Early departure to beat heat and crowds — the drive is ~1 hour each way; My Son opens around 7:00am and a morning visit is ideal for photography and cooler weather.
Explore the Cham temple complex — a UNESCO site that offers rich history and a quiet atmosphere in the morning; typical opening hours are 7:00am–5:00pm but check if any restoration works affect access.
Allow at least 45–60 minutes to drive to Da Nang and 1.5–2 hours for domestic/ international check-in depending on your flight; aim to be at the airport 2 hours before departure.
Depart from Da Nang — if your flight is later, have an early dinner at the airport or in Da Nang city if time permits (airport eateries generally open into the evening).