Arrive at Nội Bài International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter; take a short rest and freshen up before stepping out. Begin with a relaxed walking orientation along Hoàn Kiếm Lake, visit Ngọc Sơn Temple on the little island, and sip a classic egg coffee at the historic Café Giảng to revive after your flight.
After lunch, wander the maze-like streets of the Old Quarter — explore the bustling markets of Hàng Đào and Hàng Ngang, peek into traditional craft shops, and watch silk and lacquer artisans at work. Pop into the Vietnam Military History Museum or the nearby St. Joseph’s Cathedral if you want a quick cultural fix, then pause for bánh mì from a well-known street stall to taste Hanoi’s sandwich staple.
As twilight falls, join a short cyclo ride through the illuminated Old Quarter to feel the neighborhood’s rhythm and learn about its street-by-street trade names from a local driver. Finish the night with a reservable table at a restaurant serving northern specialties (try bún chả or chả cá Lã Vọng), then catch a 50-60 minute traditional water puppet show at Thăng Long Theatre to end your first evening in Hanoi on a charming cultural note.
Start your day with a peaceful stroll around the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) to admire its tranquil courtyards and learn about Vietnam’s Confucian heritage, then pop into a nearby café for a strong drip coffee and a bowl of phở bò at Phở Thìn for an authentic northern breakfast. Continue to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex to see the mausoleum, Presidential Palace grounds and the modest stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived — allow time for respectful viewing and to soak up the site’s historical significance.
After lunch, head to the fine collections at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to deepen your understanding of the country’s many ethnic groups, then wander back toward the Old Quarter and visit the Hoa Lo Prison museum for a sobering, contextual look at Vietnam’s colonial and wartime past. Pause for a late-afternoon snack at a renowned street stall — try bún chả at a local favorite such as Bún Chả Hương Liên — and browse the artisan boutiques on Hàng Bông for silk and lacquer souvenirs.
As dusk settles, join a guided food tour through the Old Quarter to sample evening specialties (grilled skewers, fresh spring rolls, chè dessert) and learn the stories behind each dish from a local guide. Finish with rooftop drinks overlooking Hoàn Kiếm Lake or a reservation at a restaurant serving contemporary Vietnamese tasting menus to celebrate your full day of culture and cuisine before resting up for your Halong Bay cruise tomorrow.
After an early hotel pickup from the Old Quarter, drive about 2.5-3.5 hours to Hạ Long (or take the prearranged transfer), arriving at the Tuan Chau or Hon Gai pier in time to board your traditional-style junk or modern cruise vessel. Enjoy a welcome drink and safety briefing before cruising past iconic limestone karsts and emerald waters; step out onto the deck to photograph formations like Dinh Huong and Dog Stone and join a guided visit to Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave or Titov Beach for a short climb and panoramic views.
Savor a freshly prepared seafood lunch on board as the boat threads quieter waterways toward Lan Ha Bay or the less-crowded bays, then try kayaking or a bamboo boat trip to explore hidden lagoons and floating fishing villages such as Cua Van — meet local fishermen and see their daily life up close. Alternatively, join a guided cooking demo on the sundeck to learn how to make nem (spring rolls) before settling into your cabin for a short siesta while the cruise drops anchor in a calm cove for overnight mooring.
As dusk paints the karsts, relax with sunset cocktails on the deck and watch luminous fishing boats drift by, then enjoy a multi-course Vietnamese and international dinner served in the dining salon — expect grilled squid, clams steamed with lemongrass, and caramelized fish. After dinner, join the crew for squid-fishing off the stern, cozy up with a nightcap on the deck under the stars, or retire early to your cabin to wake up to the tranquil morning light across the bay before returning to Hanoi tomorrow.
Wake to the last views of Halong’s karsts as the cruise eases back toward the pier, enjoy a leisurely breakfast on deck, and disembark after a final walk around Tuan Chau/Hon Gai harbor where local vendors sell fresh fruit and dried seafood. Transfer by private coach back toward Hanoi with a comfort stop en route, arriving in the city in the early afternoon — use this window to drop bags at your Old Quarter hotel and freshen up before more sightseeing.
Spend a relaxed afternoon revisiting any Hanoi highlights you loved or grabbing a final cultural stop: consider a quick visit to the fine arts exhibitions at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum or a last stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the charming streets of the Old Quarter for gifts and street-food snacks like bánh cuốn or cà phê trứng. Collect an early dinner — try a northern hotpot or a bowl of bún chả near Hàng Mành — then return to your hotel to pick up luggage and prepare for your overnight journey north.
Board the overnight Victoria Express train or hop on the prearranged private transfer for the scenic climb into the northern highlands toward Lào Cai/Sapa; on the train, settle into your sleeper cabin with a light snack and enjoy the rhythmic click of rails as the countryside slips by under lamp light. If you opted for the sleeper bus/transfer, expect a comfortable drive with occasional rest stops and arrival in Sapa in the early morning ready for your trekking day — either way, sleep up, as tomorrow you’ll meet hilltribe villages and terraced rice fields.
Rise early in Sapa with tea or coffee at your guesthouse, then meet your local guide for a morning trek from the town center through the terraced slopes toward Lao Chai and Ta Van villages; along the way pause at panoramic viewpoints above Muong Hoa Valley to photograph the layered rice terraces and watch local Hmong farmers tending fields. Your guide will introduce hilltribe customs as you stroll past stilt houses and bamboo bridges, and you can stop at a homestay for a short visit to see traditional embroidery and enjoy freshly made corn tea.
After a rustic village lunch (try thang co or a simple hotpot at a local eatery), continue deeper into the valley on quieter trails toward Giang Ta Chai to seek waterfall views and bamboo groves; opt for a bamboo-raft ride on the small river or a short side trek to the cascade for refreshment. The afternoon also offers time to visit a Red Dao family to learn about herbal baths and local remedies, giving insight into daily life beyond the postcard vistas.
Return to Sapa town as dusk settles for a well-earned shower and a wander along the market streets where hilltribe vendors sell textiles, silver jewelry and woven bags—perfect for souvenir hunting and friendly haggling. Finish the day with a cozy dinner at a recommended restaurant such as Little SaPa Bistro or The Hill Station, sampling local mountain specialties (grilled trout, bamboo-tube rice) before turning in early to rest for tomorrow’s transfer back to Hanoi.
Wake early in Sapa and enjoy a strong Vietnamese coffee at your guesthouse before a final short stroll through Sapa Market to pick up last-minute textiles and snacks; meet your driver for the transfer to Lào Cai station (or the road transfer point) and board the morning express/train back toward Hanoi, watching the highland scenery give way to lowland paddy fields. Use the journey to rest and review your Hanoi layover plans — expect arrival in Hanoi mid-to-late morning, where you can freshen up at a city lounge or hotel near Nội Bài if time allows.
After collecting luggage and checking in for your flight, have a leisurely lunch at a recommended Old Quarter spot such as Cục Gạch Quán or a light meal at Nội Bài’s airport restaurant, then complete the short domestic flight to Phú Bài/Thừa Thiên-Huế (about 1 hour). Upon arrival in Hue, transfer to your riverside hotel, take a gentle walk along the Perfume River to reorient yourself, and visit the fragrant Hương River banks and the nearby Dong Ba Market to glimpse local produce and imperial-era snacks.
As dusk falls, cruise a short section of the Perfume River on a traditional dragon boat or sampan—many launches depart from the city center and include live traditional Ca Huế music—to arrive at a riverside restaurant for dinner; sample central Vietnamese specialties like bún bò Huế and bánh nậm. Finish with a contemplative stroll around the illuminated Nguyễn Dynasty citadel walls or a nightcap on your hotel terrace, preparing for a full day exploring the Imperial City tomorrow.
After a relaxed riverfront breakfast, walk or take a short cyclo to the UNESCO-listed Imperial City (Đại Nội) to explore the Meridian Gate, the Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City with a local guide who will bring the Nguyen dynasty’s ceremonies and court life to vivid life. Pause at the nearby Royal Antiquities Museum to see imperial costumes and lacquerware, then stroll through the tranquil gardens of the Tử Cấm Thành for photos and quiet reflection before lunch.
Cross the Perfume River to visit the ornate Thien Mu Pagoda, climb its hill for sweeping river views and listen to your guide explain its role in modern Vietnamese history; afterwards, take a short boat ride upriver to the tomb of Emperor Minh Mạng or Khai Dinh—each mausoleum offers contrasting architecture, intricate stonework and atmospheric gardens for slow exploration. Stop at Dong Ba Market on the return for a taste of local street snacks (bánh bèo, nem lụi) and to browse spices, áo dài and regional souvenirs.
As the sun sets, board a traditional dragon boat for a Perfume River cruise accompanied by live Ca Huế music, arriving at a riverside restaurant for a dinner of regional specialties such as bún bò Huế and bánh khoái. Finish the night with a leisurely walk along the citadel walls or a rooftop drink overlooking the river, savoring the calm after two full days of travel and preparing for tomorrow’s drive to Hoi An.
After breakfast in Hue, depart by private car for the scenic 3-4 hour drive over the Hải Vân Pass, pausing at the Lang Co lookout to stretch and photograph the dramatic coastline before continuing to Da Nang; once in Da Nang visit the Marble Mountains briefly to climb caves and pagodas and enjoy coastal views. Arrive in Hoi An in time to check into your hotel and take a relaxed wander through the tree-lined streets to get your first glimpse of the lantern-lit Ancient Town.
Have lunch at a riverside café such as Reaching Out Teahouse or Morning Glory to sample cao lầu and white rose dumplings, then join a guided walking tour to explore Japanese Covered Bridge, the Assembly Hall of Fujian Chinese (Phuc Kien), and the Tan Ky house with its preserved merchant interiors. Spend late afternoon visiting a tailor for measurements (if ordering custom garments), or book a short basket-boat trip on the Thu Bồn River to see rural life and floating water coconut groves outside the town.
Return as dusk falls to watch Hoi An transform under thousands of silk lanterns; stroll the riverfront, release a paper lantern, and stop for dinner at Mango Room or The Cargo Club to enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties while listening to street musicians. Finish with cocktails at a rooftop bar or a moonlit cyclo ride through narrow lanes, soaking up the intimate atmosphere and gentle bustle that make Hoi An unforgettable.
Wake to Hoi An’s gentle light and enjoy a riverside breakfast—try cao lầu or bánh mỳ Phượng—then take a final guided stroll through the Ancient Town to revisit the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Tan Ky house while lanterns still hang from shopfronts. If you ordered a tailor-made garment, drop by the atelier for a fitting and pick-up, or visit the local market one last time to buy spices and souvenirs before transferring to Da Nang International Airport.
Transfer (about 30-45 minutes) to Da Nang airport, watching the coastline roll by, and board your midday or early-afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City (roughly 1 hour 20 minutes); on arrival, check into your District 1 hotel and refresh. Spend the late afternoon exploring the vibrant Ben Thanh Market and the nearby War Remnants Museum or stroll along Đồng Khởi Street to take in the colonial architecture and café scene as you transition from central to southern Vietnam.
As night falls, dive into Saigon’s energetic food culture with a guided street-food tour around District 1—sample cơm tấm, bánh xèo and fresh spring rolls—then head up to a rooftop bar such as Chill Skybar or The View for skyline views and a nightcap. Alternatively, book a dinner at Cục Gạch or Secret Garden to enjoy southern specialties in a stylish setting before turning in ahead of tomorrow’s full day exploring Ho Chi Minh City and your evening flight to Phu Quoc.
Start your day with a spirited Saigon breakfast of bánh mì at Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa or a local cà phê sữa đá, then visit the Reunification Palace to walk through its preserved command rooms and the nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office for classic French-colonial architecture and great photo opportunities. Finish the morning with a sobering but essential stop at the War Remnants Museum to deepen your understanding of Vietnam’s modern history before returning to the hotel to collect luggage for the flight.
Transfer to Tân Sơn Nhất Airport and enjoy a short domestic flight to Phú Quốc (about 1 hour) — if time allows, grab a light lunch at a recommended District 1 spot like Cục Gạch Quán or make a quick pit stop for cơm tấm near the airport; upon arrival in Phú Quốc, check into your beachfront hotel and spend the afternoon unwinding on Long Beach or snorkeling at the An Thới archipelago, or explore Dương Đông Market for fresh seafood and island handicrafts.
As evening falls, savor a seaside sunset dinner at a beachside restaurant such as Mango Bay or Rory's Beach Bar with grilled fish and local pepper crab, then stroll the lively Dương Đông night market to sample street snacks like sườn nướng and nước mía or pick up last-minute souvenirs. Return to your resort to relax under the stars and enjoy the gentle island breeze, concluding your journey from Saigon to a well-deserved island interlude.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nội Bài International Airport → Old Quarter transfer (taxi or private car) | VND 300,000-700,000 (taxi); VND 800,000-1,500,000 (private car transfer) |
| Hoàn Kiếm Lake & Ngọc Sơn Temple | Ngọc Sơn Temple entry VND 30,000-50,000; lake walk free |
| Café Giảng (egg coffee) | VND 40,000-80,000 per person |
| Old Quarter walking & markets (Hàng Đào, Hàng Ngang) | Free to browse; purchases vary (souvenirs VND 50,000-1,000,000+) |
| Vietnam Military History Museum | VND 40,000-80,000 |
| St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Hanoi) | Free (donations optional) |
| Bánh mì street stall | VND 20,000-40,000 |
| Cyclo ride in Old Quarter | VND 150,000-300,000 per cyclo (negotiate) |
| Northern specialties dinner (bún chả / chả cá Lã Vọng) | VND 120,000-400,000 per person (varies by restaurant) |
| Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre | VND 100,000-250,000 per ticket |
| Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) | VND 30,000-60,000 |
| Phở Thìn (phở bò breakfast) | VND 60,000-120,000 per bowl |
| Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex (grounds & stilt house) | Mausoleum free; stilt house and grounds free; small donation possible |
| Vietnam Museum of Ethnology | VND 40,000-100,000 (additional VND 40,000-60,000 for temporary exhibits or audio guide) |
| Hoa Lo Prison Museum | VND 40,000-80,000 |
| Late-afternoon bún chả (e.g., Bún Chả Hương Liên) | VND 80,000-200,000 per person |
| Guided evening food tour (Old Quarter) | VND 500,000-1,100,000 per person (depends on operator & inclusions) |
| Rooftop drinks overlooking Hoàn Kiếm Lake | VND 120,000-400,000 per person (drinks) |
| Transfer Hanoi → Hạ Long (coach or private car) | VND 200,000-350,000 (shared shuttle); VND 1,200,000-2,500,000 (private car) |
| Halong Bay cruise boarding fee / pier charge | Often included in cruise price; if separate VND 50,000-200,000 |
| Halong Bay overnight cruise (standard 1-night) | VND 1,500,000-4,000,000 per person (budget/basic); VND 4,000,000-9,000,000+ (mid-range to luxury). Includes meals on board usually |
| Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave or Titov Beach visit | Usually included in cruise; if separate VND 50,000-150,000 |
| Kayaking / bamboo boat / village visits | Often included; if optional VND 100,000-300,000 per activity |
| Cooking demo on cruise | Often included; optional classes VND 200,000-600,000 |
| Squid-fishing on cruise (evening) | Usually included |
| Transfer Hạ Long → Hanoi after cruise | Often included in cruise price; if private transfer VND 1,200,000-2,500,000 |
| Vietnam Fine Arts Museum | VND 40,000-60,000 |
| Overnight Victoria Express train Hanoi → Lào Cai (sleeper) | VND 400,000-1,400,000 per person (soft sleeper/shared cabin); private cabin or higher-class berths cost more |
| Sleeper bus / private transfer Hanoi → Sapa (overnight) | VND 250,000-600,000 per person (sleeper bus); VND 1,800,000-3,500,000 (private car) |
| Sapa guided trek to Lao Chai / Ta Van / Giang Ta Chai (day tour) | VND 500,000-1,500,000 per person (includes guide and lunch; private guide higher) |
| Homestay short visit / embroidery demo | Often included in trek; small tip/fee VND 50,000-200,000 |
| Bamboo-raft ride / waterfall side-trip | VND 100,000-300,000 |
| Red Dao visit / herbal bath demonstration | VND 150,000-400,000 (bath experience costs extra) |
| Meals in Sapa (local restaurants) | VND 60,000-200,000 per person |
| Transfer Sapa → Hanoi (train/express) | See train and private transfer estimates above |
| Domestic flight Hanoi → Phú Bài (Hue) | VND 600,000-2,000,000 per person (one-way, depends on carrier and booking time) |
| Airport lounge / freshen-up near Nội Bài | VND 200,000-500,000 if using paid lounge or day-room |
| Transfer Phú Bài → Hue city / riverside hotel | VND 150,000-400,000 (taxi/private transfer) |
| Perfume River short cruise / dragon boat with Ca Huế | VND 200,000-600,000 per person (depends on private vs shared and live music option) |
| Bún bò Huế / regional dinner | VND 50,000-200,000 per person |
| Imperial City (Đại Nội) | VND 150,000-350,000 per person (entry VND 100,000-200,000; guide extra VND 200,000-400,000 split among group) |
| Royal Antiquities Museum | VND 30,000-60,000 |
| Thien Mu Pagoda visit | Free (donation suggested VND 20,000-50,000) |
| Boat upriver to Minh Mạng or Khai Dinh tomb | VND 300,000-800,000 per person (boat + entry; private car alternatives similar) |
| Dong Ba Market snacks & shopping | Snacks VND 20,000-100,000; souvenirs variable |
| Private car Hue → Hoi An via Hải Vân Pass (with stops) | VND 1,200,000-2,500,000 (private car); shared transfer cheaper per person |
| Marble Mountains (Da Nang) | VND 40,000-80,000; VND 15,000-30,000 for parking/short electric lift at some entries |
| Hoi An Ancient Town walking tour (Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky, Phuc Kien) | Entry tickets combined Hoi An Ancient Town VND 120,000-150,000 per person; guide extra VND 300,000-700,000 |
| Cao lầu / white rose lunch at recommended cafés | VND 80,000-250,000 per person |
| Tailor measurement & fittings | Garments VND 300,000-3,000,000+ depending on item and fabric; express surcharge possible |
| Basket-boat trip on Thu Bồn River | VND 150,000-400,000 per boat (split among passengers) |
| Lantern release & riverfront activities | Paper lanterns VND 30,000-100,000 each |
| Transfer Hoi An (Da Nang) → Ho Chi Minh City (flight) | VND 700,000-2,000,000 per person one-way |
| Ben Thanh Market visit | Free to browse; purchases vary (VND 50,000-2,000,000+) |
| War Remnants Museum (Ho Chi Minh City) | VND 40,000-150,000 (entry varies by exhibit) |
| Guided Saigon street-food tour (District 1) | VND 500,000-1,200,000 per person (depends on operator and inclusions) |
| Rooftop bar (Chill Skybar / The View) drinks | VND 150,000-500,000 per person (drinks) |
| Morning Saigon visits: Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame, Post Office | Reunification Palace VND 40,000-90,000; Notre-Dame & Post Office free |
| Flight Ho Chi Minh → Phú Quốc | VND 600,000-2,000,000 per person one-way |
| Transfer Phú Quốc airport → Long Beach / hotel | VND 150,000-400,000 (taxi); VND 300,000-800,000 (private transfer) |
| Snorkeling / boat trip to An Thới archipelago | VND 400,000-1,200,000 per person (shared tour); private boat higher |
| Dương Đông Night Market | Snacks VND 20,000-200,000; shopping variable |
| Beachfront dinner (Mango Bay, Rory's) | VND 200,000-600,000 per person (mid-range to upscale) |
| Estimated Total (per person) | VND 18,000,000-55,000,000 per person (approximate) |