8-Day Adventure Itinerary in Vietnam: From Hustle of Hanoi to Serenity of Halong Bay

Day 1: Exploring Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Giang

Start your day with a delicious Vietnamese coffee and the famous egg coffee at Café Giang, a traditional establishment.
Located in the Old Quarter, a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, situated on an island in the lake.
Walking distance from Café Giang.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the vibrant and buzzing streets of the Old Quarter, discovering local shops and street food.
Easy to explore by foot.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Indulge in the unique dish of Bun Cha, featuring grilled pork and noodles, at Bun Cha Ta.
Located in the Old Quarter region.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an iconic symbol of Vietnam.
A short taxi ride from the Old Quarter.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam's first university, the Temple of Literature, known for its beautiful ancient architecture.
A 15-minute walk from the Mausoleum.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

End your day with a famous dish of Cha Ca, grilled fish, at Cha Ca Thang Long, a must-try in Hanoi.
Located in the Old Quarter for convenience.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Deep Dive

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Savour authentic Pho at Pho Bat Dan, known for its robust broths and fresh ingredients.
A quick ride from the hotel.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

National Museum of Vietnamese History

Explore Vietnam's rich history through an extensive collection of cultural artifacts at the National Museum.
20 minutes by taxi from the breakfast spot.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at KOTO

Enjoy a delicious meal at KOTO, a social enterprise training youth in hospitality.
Near the museum, a short walk.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at West Lake

Unwind by the serene West Lake, taking time to admire the beautiful surroundings.
Taxi ride from KOTO, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

Explore the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on an island in West Lake.
Short walk from the lake area.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Enjoy a Water Puppet Show

Experience traditional Vietnamese culture at the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
Back to the Old Quarter, around 20 minutes by taxi.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at 1969 Restaurant

Taste a range of local dishes at 1969 Restaurant, praised for its authentic flavours.
Located in the heart of the Old Quarter.
VND 120,000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam

5:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast at your hotel before departing for Sapa.
Prepare for your journey.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00AM

Train Travel to Sapa

Catch an early morning sleeper train to Sapa, soaking in the beautiful countryside views en route.
The train station is around 10 minutes from your hotel by taxi.
VND 700,000, 8 hours

2:00PM

Check-In at Hotel

Settle in at your hotel and refresh after the journey.
Your selected accommodation in Sapa.
Varies, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Cat Cat Village

Explore the charming Cat Cat Village, where you can discover local traditions and handicrafts.
Easy to reach by foot or local transport.
VND 20,000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Hill Station Signature Restaurant

Enjoy local cuisine with stunning views at The Hill Station Signature Restaurant.
Located near the town centre.
VND 180,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Adventure in Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before heading out for the day.
Check with your hotel for timings.
Free, 1 hour

8:30AM

Trek to Ta Phin Village

Embark on a guided trek to Ta Phin Village, famous for its ethnic minority handicrafts.
Meet with your guide at the hotel.
VND 500,000 (for guides), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ta Phin Village

Enjoy a simple, authentic meal in a local home in Ta Phin Village.
Home-cooked meal arranged by the tour guide.
Included in tour cost, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Silver Waterfall

Journey to the scenic Silver Waterfall, a perfect spot for photography.
Return to Sapa town first and then take a taxi or motorbike to the falls.
VND 30,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Sapa Market

Visit the local market where you can find handicrafts and experience local life.
A short walk from your hotel.
Free (shopping extra), 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Red Dao

Savour local dishes at The Red Dao after your adventure-filled day.
Back in Sapa town.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Discover Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting off to Halong Bay.
Check-out and prepare for the day.
Free, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Halong Bay

Take a private transfer or shuttle bus to Halong Bay, witnessing stunning coastal views.
Arrange transport through your hotel or tour service.
VND 300,000, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch on Cruise

Board a cruise and enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch while cruising through Halong Bay.
Set sail from the docks.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Venture into Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest caves in Halong Bay, adorned with fascinating rock formations.
Cruise will take you there.
Included in cruise package, 2 hours

4:30PM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Experience the beauty of the bay up close with kayaking amidst the towering karst formations.
Kayaks are provided by the cruise.
Included in cruise package, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner on Cruise

Indulge in a delightful dinner while enjoying the sunset views from your cruise.
Relax on the boat.
Included in cruise package, 2 hours
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Day 6: More of Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Enjoy breakfast on board as you continue to drift through the stunning beauty of Halong Bay.
Breakfast is included in the cruise.
Included in cruise package, 1 hour

8:30AM

Morning Tai Chi

Participate in a calming Tai Chi session on the deck as the sun rises over the bay.
With the cruise guide.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Ti Top Island

Relax on Ti Top Island beach or climb to the viewpoint for panoramic views of the bay.
Transported by the cruise.
Included in cruise package, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on Cruise

Savor another delicious meal on the cruise as you navigate back.
Enjoy it on board.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi by shuttle transfer, reflecting on your wonderful Halong experience.
Prepare for departure from the cruise.
VND 300,000, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Highway 4

Arrive back in Hanoi and enjoy dinner featuring regional dishes at Highway 4.
Located centrally in Hanoi.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Cultural Haven in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café des Amis

Savour fresh baguettes and Vietnamese coffee at Café des Amis in Hoi An.
Conveniently located in the town.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Walking Tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore the beautifully preserved ancient town of Hoi An, with its colourful architecture and lively atmosphere.
Walking tour starts from your hotel.
VND 200,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Sample traditional Hoi An specialities like Cao Lau at the renowned Morning Glory.
Located in the heart of Ancient Town.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

Marvel at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a historic symbol of Hoi An.
Short walk from lunch spot.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Hoi An's Tailor Shops

Get fitted for custom garments at one of Hoi An's famous tailor shops, a unique experience.
Walking distance across the town.
Varies (depends on customisation), 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Take a break at An Bang Beach, perfect for sunset views and relaxation.
A short taxi ride or bicycle from Hoi An Town.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bale Well

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Bale Well, renowned for its local specialties and fresh ingredients.
Back in Hoi An town.
VND 90,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Final Day in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho 2000

Relish a classic bowl of Pho at Pho 2000, a popular spot in Ho Chi Minh City.
Close to your accommodation.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, a maze of underground passages used during the Vietnam War.
Travel by shuttle bus or tour group.
VND 375,000, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Bazaar Saigon

Enjoy a variety of international cuisine at Bazaar Saigon after a long tour.
Back in Ho Chi Minh City.
VND 150,000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts at the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
Easily accessible from lunch spot.
Free (shopping extra), 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam's history at the War Remnants Museum, which provides deep insights.
Short taxi ride from the market.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Conclude your trip with a traditional meal at Cuc Gach Quan, offering a rustic dining experience.
Located centrally.
VND 200,000, 2 hours
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