8-Day Nature Lover's Itinerary in Vietnam

1. Day 1: Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter
   30 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport

   Walk the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, see the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, and try local street food.

2. Day 2: Cruise in Ha Long Bay
   3.5 hours (103 miles) from Hanoi

   Marvel at the stunning beauty of limestone cliffs rising out of the emerald waters as you cruise Ha Long Bay on a traditional junk boat.

3. Day 3: Trek in Sapa
   4 hours (152 miles) from Ha Long Bay

   Trek through the lush rice terraces and remote tribal villages in the northern highlands of Sapa for a peaceful escape in nature.

4. Day 4: Swim in Ban Gioc Waterfall
   4 hours (130 miles) from Sapa

   Cool off in the crystal-clear waters of Ban Gioc Waterfall, the largest and most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam located on the border of China.

5. Day 5: Kayak in Trang An
   5 hours (222 miles) from Ban Gioc Waterfall

   Paddle through the tranquil waters and dramatic limestone formations of Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a scenic boat ride included.

6. Day 6: Trek in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
   5.5 hours (226 miles) from Trang An

   Explore the stunning caves and dense jungle of one of the world's most biodiverse national parks with a guided trekking tour.

7. Day 7: Relax in Hoi An Ancient Town
   4 hours (210 miles) from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

   Take a break to wander the picturesque, lantern-lit streets of Hoi An's old port town, and visit the nearby scenic An Bang Beach.

8. Day 8: Hike Ba Na Hills
   1 hour (19 miles) from Hoi An

   Experience panoramic views of the Vietnamese countryside and French-inspired architecture as you hike the scenic trails of Ba Na Hills.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple (1 hour, free)
• Ha Long Bay Cruise (4 hours, $50-100)
• Sapa Trek (6-8 hours, $25-30)
• Ban Gioc Waterfall (2 hours, $5-10)
• Trang An Kayak (4 hours, $15-20)
• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Trek (5-6 hours, $20-25)
• Hoi An Ancient Town (2-4 hours, free)
• Ba Na Hills Hike (3-4 hours, $25-30)
• Total Estimated Costs: $140-240 per person

Useful Tips

For those with extra days, consider a visit to the scenic sand dunes of Mui Ne or the lush hill station of Da Lat. For those with less time, skip the trek in Sapa or Phong Nha-Ke Bang and spend an extra day exploring one of the other destinations. Book in advance and avoid the crowds by visiting during the weekdays.