Hanoi is the charming capital city of Vietnam, known for its bustling streets, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Take a stroll through the Old Quarter to see the narrow streets filled with markets, street vendors, and French colonial architecture. Visit the **Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum** and the **Temple of Literature**, both important cultural landmarks in the city. Finish the day with an egg coffee (a local specialty) at Cong Caphe!
Ninh Binh, located south of Hanoi, is a beautiful area filled with natural wonders that the whole family will love. Take a boat ride in Trang An, and see the towering limestone cliffs and rice paddies as you float down the river. Climb to the top of the **Mua Caves** for a stunning panoramic view of the landscape. Head to **Cuc Phuong National Park** to see the diverse array of flora and fauna, including the endangered Delacour's langur.
Halong Bay is one of Vietnam's most famous attractions, and it's not hard to see why. The stunning scenery of towering limestone cliffs and emerald green water is best seen on a peaceful overnight **cruise**. Take a dip in the water, explore hidden caves or simply relax and enjoy the view. For those looking to stay overnight on land, Cat Ba Island is a great option with beaches, hiking, and kayaking available.
Hue was once the capital city of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty, and it has a rich history that is worth exploring. Visit the **Imperial City** and **Forbidden Purple City** with a guide to learn about the country's dynastic past. Don't miss the **Thien Mu Pagoda**, a beautiful temple on the banks of the perfume river. For a bit of a break from history, take a cyclo ride around town, and enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the city.
Hoi An is a charming town, known for its beautifully preserved architecture and lantern-lit streets. Take a **bike ride** around the countryside or book a half-day cooking class and learn about local ingredients and how to cook some Vietnamese specialties. Visit the **Japanese Bridge** and **Tan Ky House** to see the blend of Chinese, Japanese and European architecture. Don't forget to taste the local specialties like **Cao Lau** and **White Rose Dumplings**.
Finish your trip with a relaxing day at **Cham Island**, a beautiful destination off the coast of Hoi An. The pristine beaches and warm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Visit the local coral conservation center or take a **scuba diving trip** to see the beautiful underwater world. Enjoy a seafood lunch on the beach before heading back to Hoi An.
To travel from one location to the other, the best option is a combination of private car/taxi/flight tickets/ bus. This ensures flexibility for some locations where only private travel options are available. Flights between Hue and Hanoi saves 17 hours of driving time. A private car can be hired for the Halong Bay itinerary. Budget around $40 for transportation costs per day per person.
If you have more time, consider a visit to the mountainous region of Sapa, famed for its beautiful terraced rice fields and colorful ethnic minority villages. If you have less time, consider cutting down on the number of destinations and spending more time in each one.
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is the main international airport serving Hanoi, located approximately 17 miles from the city center. Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is the closest airport to Hoi An, located approximately 19 miles away from the town center.