Arrive at Nội Bài International Airport (HAN). Complete immigration and baggage, pick up a pre-arranged airport transfer (or Grab) to your hotel in the Old Quarter — expect ~45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Check in or drop bags at your hotel. If early check-in isn’t available, request luggage hold and freshen up. Recommended hotel: La Siesta Hotel Trendy or Hanoi Pearl Hotel for Old Quarter location.
Enjoy a relaxed Vietnamese brunch at Giang Café (39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân) to try their famous egg coffee and light snacks — gentle introduction to local flavors and energy after travel.
Stroll through the Old Quarter on a guided walking route: Hang Gai, Hang Bac and Ma May streets. Window-shop silk, lacquerware and traditional crafts while your guide points out the 36 streets’ history.
Visit Bach Ma Temple (Hoan Kiem area) for a quick cultural stop — a small but atmospheric temple tucked among Old Quarter alleys.
Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu) — enjoy bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) made famous by international visitors; alternatively try Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan) for classic pho.
Return to your hotel to check in fully and rest for 30-45 minutes. Unpack and prepare a light daypack for afternoon exploring.
Walk to Hoàn Kiếm Lake: visit Ngoc Son Temple on the lake’s small island, then enjoy people-watching on the lakeside promenades and historic Turtle Tower views.
Explore the French Quarter nearby: see the Hanoi Opera House from the outside and take photos along Trang Tien and Ly Thai To Park.
Coffee break at Café Dinh (18A Dinh Tien Hoang) or the atmospheric Maison de Tet for a slower pace and to savor Vietnamese coffee or tea.
Pop into the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre box office and, if tickets available, book an evening performance for later tonight (shows around 5pm and 7pm).
Return to the Old Quarter for a walking food tour along Ta Hien and Ma May streets: sample street-side appetizers such as nem chua (fermented pork), banh mi at Banh Mi 25 (25 Hang Ca), and iced chè dessert.
Dinner at Quan An Ngon (18 Phan Boi Chau) for a variety of traditional dishes in a comfortable setting — a good introduction to regional Vietnamese cuisine in one place.
Attend the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre show (if booked) for a 45-60 minute traditional performance set to Vietnamese folk music.
Post-show stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake to see the lit-up city and stop for a nightcap at Summit Lounge (Top of the Pan Pacific Hanoi) or a quieter drink at the Old Quarter’s Bia Hoi junction to experience local draft beer culture.
Return to your hotel. If you have energy, take a brief evening walk along Hang Dao for late-night shopping or a street-side dessert; otherwise, rest up—tomorrow is a full day of museums and deeper cultural exploration.
Wake up and enjoy breakfast at your hotel in the Old Quarter (try Vietnamese coffee and a bánh mì or fresh fruit). Use this time to confirm any museum opening hours and your afternoon transport to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area.
Walk or take a short taxi to the Ho Chi Minh Complex; begin with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (note strict dress and bag rules). Spend 45-60 minutes visiting the mausoleum grounds and the nearby Presidential Palace exterior.
Stroll the nearby Ho Chi Minh Museum for context on Vietnam’s modern history—plan 45-60 minutes to see exhibits and outdoor displays of historic vehicles and artifacts.
Cross back toward the French Quarter to visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a quick but photogenic stop that complements the Complex tour and offers a calm moment among the city bustle.
Head to the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) — arrive early to beat crowds and spend about 45 minutes exploring Vietnam’s first university, its courtyards, stelae and peaceful gardens.
Lunch at KOTO - Know One, Teach One (59 Van Mieu) near the Temple of Literature for a tasty meal supporting a hospitality training program; try the broken rice or stir-fried noodles.
Visit the Vietnam National Museum of History (or the Fine Arts Museum if preferred) to deepen your knowledge of Vietnamese art and archaeology; allow 60-75 minutes for highlights.
Return toward the Old Quarter and stop at a café—Cộng Cà Phê (20 Nguyen Huu Huan) or Café Pho Co behind St. Joseph’s Cathedral—for a mid-afternoon egg coffee or coconut coffee and a brief rest.
Walk to St. Joseph’s Cathedral to admire the Neo-Gothic façade and nearby streets; then meander through Ly Quoc Su and surrounding alleys to see daily life and small craft shops.
Explore the Hanoi Old Quarter’s hidden museums: visit the Museum of Ethnology (if you have transit time) or the small but interesting Women’s Museum for about 45-60 minutes—choose based on energy and interest.
Return to Hoàn Kiếm Lake area for light snack tasting and people-watching; try bánh cuốn at Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền Thanh Vân (14 Hàng Gà) or a sweet chè from a street vendor.
Take an early evening Vietnamese cooking class or street-food tour pickup (many start around 6pm) — this is a great hands-on way to learn local recipes or join a guided street-food crawl through the Old Quarter.
If you booked the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre last evening, consider a repeat visit or instead enjoy your cooking class; otherwise, head to the theatre to watch a 6:30-7:00 PM performance (45-60 minutes).
Dinner at Bun Cha Ta (above Bun Cha Huong Lien) or at Quan An Ngon (18 Phan Boi Chau) if you prefer a broader selection—sample bun cha, bún thang or other Hanoi specialties paired with fresh herbs.
After dinner, wander through the Old Quarter to the Bia Hoi Junction (Ta Hien Street) to experience local draft beer culture and lively street atmosphere; sip a beer and watch the world go by.
If energy permits, take a short evening cyclo ride around the lake or a guided night walk to see illuminated colonial buildings and hidden alleys; otherwise return to your hotel to pack light for tomorrow’s transfer to Ha Long Bay.
Back at the hotel: review pickup time and meeting point for tomorrow’s Ha Long Bay transfer, charge devices, and get a good night’s rest—tomorrow is an early start for the cruise.
Early wake-up and light hotel breakfast in Hanoi (confirmed with front desk or packed breakfast from La Siesta/Hotel Pearl); finish packing a small overnight bag for the cruise and keep full luggage at the hotel for later pickup.
Meet your pre-arranged shuttle or private transfer in the Old Quarter lobby — most Ha Long transfers depart between 6:30-7:30 AM to reach the bay by late morning; driver will collect any checked luggage left at the hotel.
Depart Hanoi for Hạ Long (road transfer approx. 2.5-3.5 hours depending on traffic); enjoy scenery en route and use this time to relax, charge devices and review cruise boarding instructions.
Short comfort stop en route at a service area with restrooms and coffee — stretch legs and grab a Vietnamese iced coffee or bottled water for the final drive to the harbor.
Arrive at Tuan Chau or Bai Chay Harbor and check in for your selected overnight cruise (recommended operators: Indochina Junk, Paradise Cruises, or La Vela Classic); cruise staff will process boarding and brief you on the itinerary and safety.
Board the junk and settle into your cabin; enjoy a welcome drink and safety briefing while the boat casts off toward the limestone karsts of Hạ Long Bay.
Lunch served on board featuring fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes (sample menu: steamed fish, prawns, vegetable stir-fry and garlic rice) as the boat cruises to iconic formations — relax on deck and take in panoramic views.
First excursion: tender boat or kayak to a nearby cave or floating village (common stops: Sung Sot Cave—Surprise Cave—or Titov Island and floating fishing villages); join the guided exploration or kayak among karsts.
Return to the junk for afternoon tea and light snacks; enjoy free time to sunbathe on the sundeck, take photos, or visit the cruise’s spa for a massage (optional, at extra cost).
Optional activity such as a cooking demonstration on board where the chef shows how to make spring rolls or Vietnamese caramelized fish; alternatively, join a guided sunset photo stop at a scenic anchorage.
Golden-hour cruise among the karsts as the boat anchors for the night; watch the sunset from the deck and sip a drink while the crew prepares the evening meal.
Dinner served in the dining salon—enjoy a multi-course seafood banquet with Vietnamese specialties and dessert; dine communally with other passengers or arrange a private table if booked.
Evening activities: join squid fishing off the stern, watch a short cultural show, or relax in your cabin; many cruises also screen a documentary about Hạ Long Bay or offer a nightcap on deck.
Leisurely unwind in your cabin or on deck under the stars—the bay is peaceful at night; if you prefer, step outside for quiet stargazing and listen to the lapping water against the hull.
Return to your cabin for a restful night — set your alarm if you plan to rise early for sunrise activities (some guests choose an early morning tai chi session on the top deck).
Wake early aboard the cruise for a gentle morning—enjoy a tea or coffee on deck as the boat glides through misty karsts and prepare a small daypack for disembarkation.
Join a guided sunrise activity such as tai chi on the sundeck (if offered) or a short tender to a nearby quiet cove for photos and fresh air; savour the calm of Hạ Long Bay before breakfast.
Light breakfast served on board—try fresh fruit, Vietnamese coffee and a rice/noodle option while the crew lifts anchor and the junk makes a short morning cruise toward the harbor.
Take the final excursion: visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave or Titov Island for a 45-60 minute walk/climb and panoramic bay views, or opt for a final kayak among limestone karsts if time permits.
Return to the junk, pack your belongings and check out of your cabin; brief farewell by the crew and tender transfer back to Tuan Chau or Bai Chay Harbor for disembarkation.
Arrive at the harbor, complete cruise check-out formalities and board the pre-arranged transfer to Hạ Long airport shuttle or back to Hanoi (depending on your flight plan); enjoy bottled water and a restroom stop.
Transfer to Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong) or return drive toward Nội Bài/Hanoi for your domestic flight—selecting the Cat Bi to Da Nang flight saves time; luggage handled by the cruise/transfer service as arranged.
Arrive at Cat Bi Airport (or Nội Bài) and check in for your domestic flight to Da Nang; clear security and enjoy a quick snack or coffee at the terminal—expect domestic flights in this sector to take ~1 hour 15 minutes.
Domestic flight departs for Da Nang (approx. 1h 15m). Use the flight time to rest, review Hoi An highlights, or check transfer details from Da Nang Airport to your Hoi An hotel.
Land at Da Nang International Airport (DAD), collect checked bags and meet your pre-booked private transfer or shuttle to Hoi An (approx. 30-45 minutes depending on traffic).
Arrive in Hoi An and check into your hotel—recommended centrally located hotels: Almanity Hoi An, La Siesta Hoi An Resort, or Vinh Hung Heritage for easy access to the Ancient Town.
Freshen up and take a short orientation walk to the Japanese Covered Bridge and the riverside promenade—soak in Hoi An’s charming lantern-lit streets and plan an early evening food crawl.
Visit the Assembly Hall of Chaozhou (Phuc Kien) and then pop into a tailor shop (e.g., Yaly Couture or A Dong Silk) for measurements if you want a custom garment—expect a 24-48 hour turnaround for simple items.
Stop for a late-afternoon refreshment at Reaching Out Tea House or Faifo Coffee to sample local teas and relax before evening activities; enjoy river views and the slow rhythm of Hoi An life.
Return to the Ancient Town for a guided walking food tour or self-guided tasting: try cao lầu at Ba Lieu (local specialty), white rose dumplings at Ms. Vy’s, and banh mi Phượng if still available.
Dinner at Mango Rooms (for a modern Vietnamese meal) or Morning Glory (Ngoc Minh Restaurant) for well-executed local classics—reserve ahead as these popular spots fill up early.
After dinner, stroll along the Thu Bồn River and release a paper lantern for good luck (lanterns sold on the bridge and riverside) while admiring the glow of colorful lanterns reflected on the water.
Enjoy a nightcap at Q Bar or the rooftop at The Field Hoi An for a relaxed drink, or try a local egg coffee at a small cafe; soak up the intimate evening atmosphere of the Ancient Town.
Return to your hotel to unpack fully, collect any tailor-shop receipts and confirm tomorrow’s activities (e.g., cycling to rice paddies, My Son Sanctuary excursion, or a cooking class).
Lights out or a quiet bedside read—rest well after a day of bay scenery, flights, and the first taste of Hoi An’s timeless charm; tomorrow will be a full day exploring the town and surrounding countryside.
Wake up and enjoy a leisurely hotel breakfast—try fresh tropical fruit, Vietnamese coffee or a local bánh mì at Almanity Hoi An or your hotel’s buffet to fuel a full day of exploring.
Collect bicycles from your hotel (many hotels lend them) and pedal through quiet streets toward the rice paddies north of town for a gentle morning ride; stop for photos of farmers and scenic water channels.
Arrive at Tra Que Vegetable Village for a short guided farm tour—learn about organic herbs and vegetables, try traditional watering methods, and sample herbal tea from a local family-run cooperative.
Return by bike to Hoi An Ancient Town, park near the Japanese Covered Bridge, and begin a walking exploration of major landmarks including the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) and the 400-year-old Fujian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien).
Visit the Hoi An Museum of History & Culture (12 Nguyen Hue) for 30-45 minutes to understand the town’s trading past and view ceramics, maps and period artifacts that shaped this UNESCO site.
Stroll to the Tan Ky Old House or the Tan Ky family home for an interior visit—admire wooden beams, carved altars and preserved merchant-period architecture while learning about merchant family life.
Head to the Central Market (Cho Hoi An) and wander the produce and spice stalls; sample local snacks such as bánh ít, sesame sweets and freshly made chè from a market vendor.
Lunch at Morning Glory (106 Nguyen Thai Hoc) to taste Hoi An specialities—order cao lầu, white rose dumplings and cơm gà (chicken rice) while enjoying atmospheric courtyard seating.
Take a relaxed post-lunch walk across to the riverside and join a short boat ride on the Thu Bồn River—see riverside trade life and enjoy a calm perspective of lantern-strewn waterfront houses.
Spend time shopping in the Ancient Town’s boutique lanes: visit Reaching Out Teahouse for handmade crafts, Yaly Couture for tailoring questions, and local galleries like Artbook An Phu for prints and lacquerware.
Join a 2-2.5 hour hands-on cooking class (e.g., Red Bridge Cooking School or Green Bamboo Cooking School) that includes a market tour, cooking traditional Hoi An dishes, and enjoying your creations for a late snack/dessert.
Return to the hotel to freshen up and change for the evening; pick up any tailor-made garments ready for fitting at Yaly Couture or A Dong Silk if you placed an order earlier in the trip.
Walk back into the Ancient Town as lanterns begin to glow; stop by the Old House of Tan Ky or the Museum of Folklore for a quick photo and take your time along the lantern-lined backstreets.
Dinner at Mango Rooms or Cargo Club (12 Phan Boi Chau) for riverside seating and contemporary Vietnamese dishes—try a tasting of cao lầu, local seafood and a refreshing passionfruit mocktail.
After dinner, stroll to the Thu Bồn River near the Japanese Covered Bridge to buy a paper lantern, make a wish, and set it afloat as the river fills with colorful reflections—an iconic Hoi An ritual.
Enjoy live acoustic music at Q Bar or a quiet drink at The Field Hoi An rooftop while watching lantern-lit reflections; alternatively, visit the night market for souvenir shopping and street snacks like bánh kẹp or sugarcane juice.
Take a gentle final walk through the Ancient Town’s illuminated alleys—stop for white rose dumplings at Ms. Vy’s if open, or sample a late-night cà phê sữa đá (iced condensed-milk coffee) at a riverside café.
Return to your hotel to collect any purchased tailor items, confirm tomorrow’s transfer or flight details, and prepare for an early start the next day for your transfer to Da Nang and flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Early wake-up in Hoi An and quick hotel breakfast—enjoy coffee and fresh fruit, confirm your airport transfer pickup time, and pack a small daypack for Ho Chi Minh City.
Check out and meet your pre-booked private transfer to Da Nang Airport (approx. 30-45 minutes); keep travel documents and flight e-tickets handy for check-in.
Arrive at Da Nang International Airport (DAD), check in for your domestic flight to Tan Son Nhat (SGN), clear security and grab a light coffee or bánh mì if you missed breakfast.
Board and depart on your morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (typical flight time ~1h 20m); use the flight to rest or skim notes about Cu Chi Tunnels and Saigon highlights to decide today’s plan.
Arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), collect baggage and meet your pre-arranged driver or Grab to transfer to central District 1 (approx. 30-45 minutes depending on traffic).
Check in or drop bags at your hotel in District 1 — recommended hotels: Hotel Nikko Saigon, Caravelle Saigon, or Liberty Central Saigon Riverside — then freshen up for an active afternoon.
Light lunch nearby at Pho Hoa Pasteur (260C Pasteur St) for classic pho or Ben Thanh Street Food Market for a variety of quick local dishes; hydrate and prepare for either the Cu Chi excursion or city intro.
If you choose Cu Chi: meet your guided tour pickup in hotel lobby for a 1.5-2 hour transfer to the tunnels; if you prefer a Saigon intro, begin a guided walking tour of central District 1.
Depart for Cu Chi Tunnels (recommended if you want history and a countryside drive) — the guided tour includes an orientation and stops at the Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc tunnel networks.
Arrive at Cu Chi Tunnels: join a guided exploration of the underground network, see preserved trapdoors, bunkers and wartime displays, and try the short tunnel crawl for a visceral understanding of guerrilla life.
Return transfer to Ho Chi Minh City; on the way back your guide may stop at a local workshop or lacquer store for a quick cultural stop and restroom break.
Arrive back in District 1 and return to your hotel to rest and change; if you chose the city intro earlier, use this time to visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum instead.
Late-afternoon coffee or refreshment at The Workshop Coffee (27 Ngo Duc Ke) or a rooftop drink at Chill Skybar to watch Saigon’s frantic traffic and begin unwinding after the day’s activities.
Walk to the Opera House area to admire colonial architecture, then stroll down Dong Khoi Street toward the river for evening views; photos at the Saigon River and City Hall are especially nice at dusk.
Dinner at Hum Vegetarian, The Chopsticks Saigon, or Secret Garden (Rooftop) to sample Southern Vietnamese specialties—book ahead if you prefer evening river views or a refined dining atmosphere.
Optional evening activity: take a 60-90 minute Saigon River dinner cruise for sparkling skyline views, or explore Bui Vien Backpacker Street for a livelier nightlife scene with bars and street food stalls.
If you prefer a calm evening, enjoy a nightcap at the Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar (Caravelle) for classic cocktails and panoramic lights of District 1, or try bia hơi at a local street-side venue for an informal experience.
Return to your hotel to pack for tomorrow’s Mekong Delta day trip—confirm pickup time with reception, charge devices, and rest after a full day of travel and exploration.
Early pickup at your District 1 hotel lobby for a full-day Mekong Delta tour (confirm the exact pickup time with reception the night before). Enjoy a short drive while the guide outlines the day and hands out bottled water and a light snack.
Arrive at the highway rest stop en route for a restroom break and more coffee; stretch legs and buy any last-minute travel essentials before the final leg to My Tho/Bến Tre.
Reach My Tho and board a motorized boat to begin your Mekong exploration—cruise past floating fish farms and small islets while the guide explains delta life and river ecology.
Disembark at a riverside dock and transfer to a smaller sampan steered by a local rower for a peaceful ride through narrow canals lined with fruit trees and traditional wooden houses.
Visit a coconut workshop (typical stop in Ben Tre area) to sample coconut candy, watch demonstrations of coconut-crafting, and try coconut tea while learning about local cottage industries.
Cycle or ride a short local cart along shaded village paths to meet a local family and observe village life—your guide will explain rice farming, orchards and everyday routines of Mekong residents.
Return to the main boat and cruise to a riverside garden restaurant for a leisurely lunch featuring Mekong specialties—expect dishes such as grilled river fish, fresh river prawns, tropical fruit platters and braised pork.
After lunch, enjoy traditional folk music performed by local musicians at the garden restaurant (common on Mekong tours); relax with coffee or tropical fruit juice while listening to the performance.
Board the boat again for a short transfer to a local market or village pier where you can wander stalls selling fruit, honey, and handicrafts—practice a little bargaining and pick up edible souvenirs.
Take a final sampan ride through narrow canals shaded by coconut palms—this tranquil stretch is ideal for photos of daily life and the delta’s lush waterways.
Re-board the motorized boat for the return to My Tho dock; enjoy light refreshments and chat with your guide about what you’ve seen and the region’s role in Vietnamese culture and agriculture.
Depart the Mekong Delta and begin the drive back to Ho Chi Minh City; use this time to rest, sort photos, and freshen up mentally for the evening farewell in Saigon.
Arrive back in District 1 and be dropped at your hotel to shower and change; if you’d rather continue straight away, ask the guide to drop you near the Ben Thanh Market area for convenience.
Take a short late-afternoon walk to the War Remnants Museum (if not visited earlier) or to the nearby Reunification Palace for a few quick exterior photos and a sense of Saigon’s modern history.
Early dinner reservation at Secret Garden (Rooftop) or Hum Vegetarian for a relaxed final meal—sample Southern specialties or a refined vegetarian tasting menu while reminiscing about the week’s highlights.
Head to the Saigon River for an optional evening cruise (60-90 minutes) that showcases the skyline lit up at night, or stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street to soak in the city’s energetic evening atmosphere.
Enjoy a farewell drink at Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar (Caravelle) or the rooftop at Chill Skybar—toast to your trip with panoramic views and a final taste of Vietnam’s lively nightlife.
If you prefer a casual end, explore Bui Vien Backpacker Street for street food and people-watching, or pick up last-minute souvenirs at Ben Thanh Night Market (open late) before returning to your hotel.
Return to your hotel to pack and prepare for departure tomorrow; confirm airport transfer time with reception and set out travel documents so you have a smooth check-out in the morning.
Lights out — reflect on the week: Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hạ Long Bay’s karsts, Hoi An’s lanterns and the Mekong’s waterways, and rest well before your farewell flight the next day.
Wake early, finish last-minute packing and double-check passport, boarding pass and any duty-free receipts; place luggage outside your hotel room if bell service is handling the airport transfer.
Enjoy a light hotel breakfast or request a takeaway box from the hotel restaurant (many hotels like Caravelle Saigon and Hotel Nikko offer early options); confirm your pre-booked airport transfer time with reception.
Hotel check-out and meet your private transfer or shuttle in the lobby—allow 30-60 minutes travel time to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) depending on traffic, earlier if your flight is international.
Arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport (Domestic or International terminal as required). Collect luggage at the carousels if needed and proceed to your airline’s check-in counter or the automated kiosk to drop bags.
Complete check-in and luggage drop for your flight; if you have time, buy last-minute local snacks like bánh khọt or packaged coffee and pick up any souvenirs at the terminal shops.
Clear security and immigration (for international departures). Use the time to relax in the departure lounge, charge devices, and hydrate—consider a coffee at Highlands Coffee or a light bite at Tous les Jours in the terminal.
If your flight boarding begins early, proceed to the gate; otherwise, browse the airport duty-free for Vietnamese coffee, lacquerware or local tea as gifts to take home.
Board the aircraft when called—present passport and boarding pass, stow carry-on items and settle in for your flight; use this quiet moment to review photos and memories from the trip.
Flight departs (approximate time—adjust to your booked schedule). Enjoy in-flight service and rest; if flying during daytime, take in aerial views and reflect on Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay, Hoi An and the Mekong Delta highlights you experienced.
On arrival at your onward destination (local time dependent), clear immigration and collect checked luggage; if you have a connecting flight, follow signs to transfer desks or re-check your bag as instructed by airline staff.
If returning home directly, arrange ground transport from the arrival terminal (pre-booked transfer, airport taxi rank, or rideshare) and confirm pickup details; keep a small itinerary and contact details handy for a smooth onward journey.
Head to your onward transport and depart the airport—use the travel time to relax and plan any immediate post-trip logistics such as notifying family of arrival time or arranging a short rest upon getting home.
If you have later connections or a long layover, consider a short city transit (time-permitting and visa-dependent) or use airport lounges to freshen up; otherwise, take it easy and enjoy the end of a fulfilling Vietnam highlights trip.
Final note: keep all travel documents and receipts until your journey is fully complete and review any photos and notes from guides for addresses or restaurants you’d like to remember—safe travels and farewell to Vietnam.