Board your international flight from Bangalore to Hanoi. Typical direct/one-stop flights depart early morning; confirm your carrier and check-in 3 hours prior.
Light afternoon stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and through the bustling Old Quarter lanes—great to get immediate local atmosphere and street-food snacks; open all day.
Quan An Ngon (good variety of Vietnamese street dishes in a clean setting) or Cau Go Rooftop for views over the lake; both are popular and well-located in the Old Quarter. Reserve if possible.
Catch the traditional Thang Long Water Puppet show (typically 8:00pm daily; also matinee shows). Book tickets in advance—great cultural introduction to Vietnam.
Start with authentic Hanoi pho at a well-known local spot (Pho Gia Truyen) or a trusted street vendor; local breakfasts open from early morning (6:00am onward).
Morning visit to Hoan Kiem Lake and cross to Ngoc Son Temple (Ngoc Son typically open 8:00am–5:00pm). Peaceful mornings are best for photos and fewer crowds.
Try Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles) at a recommended local place or an excellent Banh Mi stall—fast, flavorful and widely available around the Old Quarter.
Choose the Ethnology Museum (open 8:30am–5:30pm) for culture and minorities, or Hoa Lo Prison for wartime history; both give complementary perspectives on Vietnam.
Early coach transfer to Halong Bay port (2.5–3.5 hours depending on traffic). Book a reputable day cruise with on-board lunch included—departures typically start 8:00–9:00am.
Full day boat cruise through limestone karsts, caves and floating villages; most operators include a seafood lunch, short kayaking or cave visit. Cruises run daily; return late afternoon.
Early breakfast at hotel then taxi to Hanoi airport for a short domestic flight to Da Nang (flight ~1h20m). Domestic flights run frequently—book HAN→DAD morning slot.
Wander the lantern-lit streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and small Chinese assembly halls—Ancient Town is pedestrian-friendly and open all day.
Morning guided tour to the My Son Cham ruins (open ~7:30am–5:00pm) — UNESCO site with historic towers; avoid midday heat by going in the morning. Return midday.
Afternoon beach time at An Bang (quieter, good cafes) or Cua Dai; swim, sunbathe or enjoy a seaside drink—beach facilities generally open all afternoon.
Catch an evening domestic flight DAD→SGN (~1h20m). Alternatively, stay another night in Hoi An and fly next morning. If flying tonight, arrive Ho Chi Minh late and transfer to your hotel.
Short walk to see the colonial architecture; the cathedral exterior and ornate post office are iconic photo stops (exterior viewing, sites open publicly daytime).
Try southern specialties: Banh Xeo (savoury pancakes) at the famous 46A or a traditional setting at Secret Garden rooftop restaurant for Vietnamese classics.
Quick breakfast at the hotel, then join a half-day Cu Chi tour (tunnel systems open ~7:00am–5:00pm). Tours typically depart 7:30–8:00am and return by early afternoon.
Collect luggage, check out and transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your return flight to Bangalore. Domestic traffic can be heavy—allow sufficient time (min 1 hour city→airport).