Start your trip by flying into Da Nang and check in at your hotel. Spend the morning exploring the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills dotted with caves, temples, and pagodas. In the afternoon, head to My Khe Beach for some relaxation under the sun. As the evening sets in, visit the Dragon Bridge and witness its mesmerizing fire and water show.
Marble Mountains: Admission: Approx. $2, Time spent: 3-4 hours
My Khe Beach: Free, Time spent: Flexible
Dragon Bridge: Free, Time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Nook Cafe, a cozy spot serving delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Banh Xeo Ba Duong, a local favorite known for its crispy Vietnamese pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
For dinner, indulge in seafood at Seafood Paradise Restaurant, offering a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Tuesday, February 27, 2024: Exploring Da Nang
Start your day by visiting the Cham Museum, where you can learn about the ancient Cham civilization through its impressive collection of sculptures and artifacts. In the afternoon, take a trip to Ba Na Hills, a hill station featuring a French Village, a Golden Bridge, and stunning panoramic views. In the evening, stroll along the Han River Promenade and enjoy the city lights.
Cham Museum: Admission: Approx. $2, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Ba Na Hills: Cable Car (round trip): Approx. $30, Time spent: 4-5 hours
Han River Promenade: Free, Time spent: Flexible
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Banh Mi Phuong, a famous local spot known for their delicious banh mi sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 40,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Quan Com Hue Ngon, a popular restaurant specializing in traditional Hue cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For dinner, dine at La Maison 1888, a Michelin-starred restaurant located in InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort. Indulge in their refined French cuisine with Vietnamese influences. Average cost for a meal is about 2,000,000 VND per person.
Wednesday, February 28, 2024: Travel to Hanoi
Check out from your hotel in Da Nang and catch a flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check in at your Hanoi hotel. Start your exploration of the city by visiting the notorious Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton." In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the charming Old Quarter with its narrow streets and bustling markets. In the evening, watch a traditional water puppet show.
Hoa Lo Prison: Admission: Approx. $2, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Hoan Kiem Lake: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Old Quarter: Free, Time spent: Flexible
Water Puppet Show: Approx. $5-10, Time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cộng Cà Phê, a trendy cafe located in the heart of Hanoi. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese coffee and a selection of breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Bun Cha Ta, a popular local restaurant known for its mouthwatering grilled pork and rice vermicelli. The average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Quan An Ngon, a renowned restaurant offering a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes. The lively atmosphere and diverse menu make it a perfect choice for dinner. The average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Thursday, February 29, 2024: Cultural Gems of Hanoi
Explore the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university and a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country's diverse ethnic groups. Take a cyclo ride around the French Quarter and enjoy the colonial charm. Wrap up the day with an evening visit to St. Joseph's Cathedral.
Temple of Literature: Admission: Approx. $1, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Admission: Approx. $2, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Cyclo ride: Approx. $5-10, Time spent: 1 hour
St. Joseph's Cathedral: Free, Time spent: Flexible
Restaurants
Start your day with a tasty breakfast at Pho Bat Dan, a local favorite known for their delicious pho noodle soup. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Quan An Ngon, a popular restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese dishes. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and try their famous banh xeo. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a delectable dinner at Sen Tay Ho, renowned for their authentic Vietnamese seafood dishes. With a stunning lakeside location, this restaurant offers a picturesque setting. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Friday, March 1, 2024: Day Trip to Ha Long Bay
Embark on a mesmerizing day trip to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. Enjoy a scenic cruise, visit stunning caves, and indulge in a fresh seafood lunch on board. Take in the breathtaking views before returning to Hanoi in the evening.
Ha Long Bay Day Trip: Approx. $40-70 per person, Time spent: Full day
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Zephyr Café. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of options including fluffy pancakes, omelettes, and Vietnamese pho. Enjoy a satisfying meal with an average cost of around 100,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Secret Garden Restaurant located in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter. This hidden gem serves authentic Vietnamese dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Try their famous banh xeo or clay pot fish for an average cost of about 200,000 VND per person.
In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at Nhà Hàng Ngon. This bustling restaurant features a wide range of Vietnamese street food delicacies, from banh mi to spring rolls. Experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with an average cost of around 300,000 VND per person.
Saturday, March 2, 2024: Farewell to Vietnam
Before bidding farewell to Vietnam, spend your last day exploring the Hanoi Opera House, an architectural masterpiece. Take a tour of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, an ancient fortress that served as the political center of ancient Vietnamese dynasties. Finally, indulge in some souvenir shopping at the bustling Dong Xuan Market.
Hanoi Opera House: Admission: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: Admission: Approx. $2, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Dong Xuan Market: Free, Time spent: Flexible
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to "The Note Coffee" located near Hanoi Opera House. It offers a cozy atmosphere with delicious breakfast options like banh mi and Vietnamese coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try "Bun Cha Nem Cua Be Dac Kim" near the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This local eatery serves mouthwatering bun cha and nem cua be (crispy spring rolls). Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For dinner, visit "Cha Ca Thang Long" in the vicinity of Dong Xuan Market. This famous restaurant specializes in cha ca, a traditional Vietnamese fish dish. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, venture off the beaten path in Da Nang and Hanoi. In Da Nang, visit the Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, where skilled artisans create intricate stone sculptures. In Hanoi, explore the quirky Train Street, a narrow residential street where a train passes through several times a day. Don't miss the chance to sample incredible local street food in both cities, such as banh mi and pho, loved by the locals.