Morning: Land at Nội Bài International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter. After freshening up, stroll along Hoàn Kiếm Lake to soak in the bustling atmosphere and catch a glimpse of the iconic Turtle Tower.
Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch before visiting the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, where you can admire ancient architecture and tranquil gardens. Continue to the Hoa Lo Prison Museum for a poignant look at the country’s wartime history.
Evening: Savor a street‑food dinner on Ta Hien Street, sampling pho, bun cha, and local craft beer. End the night with a water‑puppet show at the Thăng Long Theatre, a unique Vietnamese art form.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart Hanoi early for the scenic drive to Ha Long Bay. Board a comfortable cruise boat and set sail among the limestone karsts, stopping at Surprise Cave for a quick exploration.
Afternoon: Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch on deck while the boat glides into Ti Top Island. Climb to the summit for panoramic views, then relax on the beach for swimming or kayaking.
Evening: Participate in a cooking demonstration and learn to make fresh spring rolls. After dinner, the crew organizes a squid‑fishing activity under the stars before you retire to your cabin.
Find HotelsMorning: Return to the mainland and catch a short flight to Hue. Check into your hotel and head straight to the majestic Imperial City (Citadel) to explore its palaces, ponds, and the Forbidden Purple City.
Afternoon: After lunch, take a leisurely boat ride on the Perfume River to visit the serene Thien Mu Pagoda. Continue to the royal tombs of Emperor Khai Dinh and Emperor Tu Duc, marveling at their intricate architecture.
Evening: Dine on Central Vietnamese specialties such as bánh khoái at a riverside restaurant. End the day with a gentle walk along the riverbank, enjoying the illuminated citadel silhouette.
Find HotelsMorning: Transfer to Hoi An (≈2 hrs). After checking in, wander the lantern‑lit streets of the Ancient Town, admiring Japanese Covered Bridge and historic merchant houses.
Afternoon: Join a guided bicycle tour to the surrounding rice paddies and visit the tranquil Thanh Ha Pottery Village. Return for a cooking class where you’ll prepare Cao Lầu noodles.
Evening: Relax at An Bang Beach for a sunset swim, then head back to town for dinner at a riverside café, watching the lanterns reflect on the water.
Find HotelsMorning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and settle into your hotel. Begin with a visit to the bustling Ben Thanh Market to sample tropical fruits and shop for souvenirs.
Afternoon: Explore the poignant War Remnants Museum followed by a short walk to the historic Notre‑Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, showcasing French colonial architecture.
Evening: Enjoy a rooftop dinner with panoramic city views at a venue near Bitexco Financial Tower. End the trip with a leisurely stroll along Nguyen Hue (Saigon) Walk, soaking up the lively night atmosphere.
Find HotelsIf you have extra days, consider adding a visit to the Mekong Delta for a boat tour or extending your stay in Hoi An to enjoy a full day at My Son Sanctuary. To shorten the trip, skip the Ha Long Bay cruise and replace it with a half‑day bay tour, or combine Hue and Hoi An into a single day using a fast‑track itinerary.