7-Day Vietnam Journey: Hanoi Highlights & Danang's Vibrant Markets and Landmarks

Day 1: Hanoi Culture & Markets

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your Hanoi adventure with an authentic beef pho breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen, open from 6am to 10am, famous for its traditional recipes.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Dong Xuan Market Visit

Explore the largest indoor market in Hanoi where locals shop for everything from fresh produce to souvenirs, open 6am to 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

St. Joseph Cathedral

Visit this beautiful neo-Gothic cathedral, an iconic Hanoi landmark, open daily and a great spot for photography and local church-going culture.
Free, 30m

11:45am

Hanoi Old Quarter Exploration

Enjoy wandering through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, sampling street snacks and observing traditional crafts.
Free, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor the unique grilled turmeric fish dish, a culinary specialty of Hanoi, open 10am to 2:30pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university and tranquil gardens, open 8am to 5pm, highlighting Vietnamese heritage.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater

Experience traditional Vietnamese culture with a captivating puppet show at 5pm, tickets available in advance.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

End your day tasting Bun Cha, a dish popularized by international celebrities, open 10am to 10pm.
VND90000, 1h0m

Day 2: Hanoi Landmarks & Lakes

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Enjoy Hanoi’s iconic egg coffee and light breakfast treats in a charming cafe open 7am to 10pm.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the mausoleum and nearby sites including the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda, open 8am to 11am except Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore Vietnam’s diverse ethnic cultures through engaging exhibits, open 8am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Xoi Yen

Try delicious sticky rice dishes at this local favorite, open 6am to 8pm.
VND40000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Walk around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, open 7am to 9pm, a serene city retreat.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda

Visit the peaceful West Lake and the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda, open until 7pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine on a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a lively ambiance, open 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

Take a comfortable shuttle or private car to Ha Long Bay, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours travel time.
USD30 approx., 3h0m

10:30am

Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Spend six hours cruising among stunning limestone karsts, including a lunch meal on board during the UNESCO World Heritage Site tour.
USD70 (including lunch), 6h0m

5:00pm

Return Travel to Hanoi

Relax during your return trip to Hanoi after a scenic and refreshing day on the bay.
Included, 3h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy a socially conscious dining experience at KOTO supporting underprivileged youth, open until 9:30pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

Day 4: Fly to Danang & Marble Mountains

Danang, Vietnam on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Flight Hanoi to Danang

Catch a morning flight to Danang, approx. 1 hour 20 minutes flight duration.
USD50, 1h20m

10:30am

Hotel Check-in & Rest

Check into your hotel and take some time to refresh for the afternoon activities.
Variable, 1h0m

11:30am

Marble Mountains Exploration

Visit the Marble Mountains with caves, temples, and panoramic views, open 7am to 6pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Banh Xeo Ba Duong

Savor crispy Vietnamese pancakes stuffed with shrimp and pork at this popular local restaurant, open 8am to 6pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Enjoy the crystal-clear water and white sand of My Khe Beach, free and open anytime for sunbathing or swimming.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Stroll An Thuong Street

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this street filled with cafes, bars, and street food sellers for an early evening walk.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Danang Night Market

Explore the bustling Danang Night Market open from 6pm to midnight, great for street food, souvenirs, and local crafts.
Free to enter, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Madam Lan

Enjoy authentic central Vietnamese cuisine in a warm setting, open until 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 5: Ba Na Hills & City Evening

Danang, Vietnam on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cong Caphe Danang

Start your day with Vietnamese coffee and light bites in a vintage cafe setting, open 7am to 11am.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:00am

Ba Na Hills Day Trip

Ride cable cars to Ba Na Hills, enjoy the French village and the Golden Bridge. Cable cars operate 7:30am to 9:30pm.
VND750000, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Bambino

Enjoy French-Vietnamese fusion fare near Ba Na Hills, open 11am to 9pm.
VND200000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Dragon Bridge & Riverside Walk

Walk along the scenic Han River and marvel at the Dragon Bridge, a Danang icon.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nén Restaurant

Experience contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant atmosphere, open 5:30pm to 10pm.
VND300000, 1h30m

Day 6: Final Day & Departure

Danang, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast buffet at your hotel to prepare for your last day.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Cham Museum Visit

Explore the Cham Museum’s rich collection of ancient artifacts from 7:30am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Waterfront Danang

Dine riverside with fresh seafood and Vietnamese specialties nearby Cham Museum.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Shopping & Beach Leisure

Spend your final hours shopping for souvenirs and relaxing on the beach before departure.
Variable, 2h0m