6-Day Vietnam Experience: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay Cruise & Danang Highlights

Day 1: Historic Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a delicious bowl of traditional Hanoi beef pho at this famous local eatery, open from 6am to 10am.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the lake’s island, open 7am to 9pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Meander through the vibrant streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, experiencing local shops and street food vendors.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor the iconic grilled turmeric fish served with noodles and herbs, a distinct Hanoi specialty. Open 10am to 2:30pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Temple of Literature

Discover this historical complex, Vietnam’s first university, showcasing traditional architecture and serene gardens. Open 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Water Puppet Show - Thang Long Theater

Experience a captivating traditional art form of Vietnamese water puppetry, with shows at 5pm and 6:30pm daily.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy the famous Bun Cha grilled pork with noodles, celebrated by locals and visitors, open 10am to 10pm.
VND90000, 1h0m

Day 2: Hanoi Culture

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Taste the unique Hanoi egg coffee in this historic cafe, open 7am to 10pm.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the mausoleum, Presidential Palace grounds, and One Pillar Pagoda, open 8am to 11am (closed Mon & Fri).
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Museum of Ethnology

Explore detailed exhibits showcasing Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, open 8am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Xoi Yen

Sample scrumptious traditional sticky rice dishes, available 6am to 8pm.
VND40000, 1h0m

3:00pm

West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda

Walk around the largest lake in Hanoi and admire the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda, open daily until 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine on a variety of regional Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting, open from 9am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h30m

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Depart Hanoi for Ha Long Bay

Travel by shuttle bus or private car to Ha Long Bay (approximately 2.5-3 hours), preparing for the day cruise.
USD30 (transport approx.), 3h0m

10:30am

Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Embark on a scenic day cruise through UNESCO World Heritage Ha Long Bay, cruising among towering limestone karsts and emerald waters. Cruises typically run 4 to 6 hours and include lunch.
USD70 (cruise with lunch), 6h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi by vehicle after the cruise, arriving in the evening.
Included, 3h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy a comfortable dinner at this social enterprise restaurant serving diverse Vietnamese dishes, open until 9:30pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

Day 4: Travel to Danang

Danang, Vietnam on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Hanoi to Danang

Catch a morning flight to Danang, taking approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to optimize sightseeing time.
USD50, 1h20m

10:30am

Check-in and Refresh

Check into your accommodation and relax with a light snack or coffee.
Variable, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore the stunning caves, pagodas, and viewpoints across the Marble Mountains, open daily from 7am to 6pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Banh Xeo Ba Duong

Sample crispy Vietnamese savory pancakes at this popular local restaurant, open 8am to 6pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Unwind with swimming or sunbathing on the famous sandy shores of My Khe Beach, accessible year-round and free to visit.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Madam Lan

Delight in authentic central Vietnamese dishes in a warm atmosphere, open 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 5: Ba Na Hills & City

Danang, Vietnam on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cong Caphe Danang

Enjoy Vietnamese coffee and breakfast items in this trendy, vintage-themed café open 7am to 11am.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:00am

Ba Na Hills Excursion

Take the cable car to Ba Na Hills to experience the Golden Bridge and explore the charming French village. Cable cars operate 7:30am to 9:30pm.
VND750000, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Bambino

Relish French and Vietnamese fusion cuisine near Ba Na Hills, open 11am to 9pm.
VND200000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Dragon Bridge & Riverside Walk

Enjoy a pleasant walk along Han River, see the impressive Dragon Bridge, and explore cafes and shops nearby.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nén Restaurant

Experience contemporary Vietnamese cuisine served with artistic flair, open 5:30pm to 10pm.
VND300000, 1h30m

Day 6: Relax and Departure

Danang, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel to start your final day in Danang.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Cham Museum

Explore the world's largest collection of Cham sculptures and artifacts, open from 7:30am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Waterfront Danang

Have a leisurely lunch at a riverside restaurant offering fresh seafood and local dishes.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Last Minute Shopping & Leisure

Spend your remaining time shopping for souvenirs or relaxing on the beach before departure.
Variable, 2h0m