Begin your trip by exploring the historic Hanoi Old Quarter, a cultural hub known for its beautifully preserved traditional architecture, delectable cuisine, and a buzzing night market. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, built-in 1121, is a must-visit to see an ancient art form performed on the water, accompanied by authentic music and singing. Stroll along the Hoan Kiem Lake, which is known as the "Lake of the Restored Sword" and visit Hanoi's most iconic pagoda - One Pillar Pagoda.
Embark on a luxury Halong Bay Cruise, which offers stunning natural scenery, an abundance of delicious food, and plenty of onboard entertainment. Watch the sunrise and sunset from the top deck while sightseeing and click photos of thousands of dramatic limestone cliffs and rock formations. Swim and kayak in the crystal clear waters and relish the opportunity to go squid fishing at night.
Explore Vietnam's largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, by first visiting the cities most iconic landmark - The Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica which features towering spires, red-brick walls, and beautiful stained glass windows. Then head towards the War Remnants Museum, to learn in-depth about Vietnam's struggle for independence from colonial powers. Lastly, shop at Vietnam's high-end fashion stores at the Dreamplex Mall.
If you have more time, do take a flight or spend a day on the road to reach the Da Nang city to visit the world-renowned Golden Bridge and the Marble Mountains. It is also worth visiting the old imperial city of Hue and spending an entire day or more exploring the Citadel, Royal Tombs, and Pagodas. For those with a shorter period, it is best to choose to explore either Halong Bay or Ho Chi Minh City to fully experience the culture of Vietnam.