7-Day Vietnam Journey: Hanoi’s Heritage & Markets, Ha Long Bay, and Danang with Marble Mountains & Nightlife

Day 1: Hanoi Highlights

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start with a traditional bowl of beef pho at Pho Gia Truyen, one of Hanoi’s top spots for authentic broth, open 6am to 10am.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:15am

St Joseph Cathedral

Visit this iconic neo-Gothic cathedral, open daily, a beautiful landmark with impressive architecture in the Old Quarter.
Free, 30m

10:00am

Dong Xuan Market

Explore Hanoi’s largest indoor market, offering everything from textiles to street food, open 8am to 6pm.
Free to enter, 1h30m

11:45am

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Walk around scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, open 7am to 9pm, an oasis in the city.
VND30000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try Hanoi’s specialty grilled turmeric fish with noodles, at Cha Ca Thang Long, open 10am to 2:30pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first university with beautiful traditional architecture, open 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater

Enjoy a 5pm show of traditional puppetry on water, a must-see cultural experience.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Sample grilled pork with noodles at this popular spot, open 10am to 10pm.
VND90000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Historic & Ethnic Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try the famous Hanoi egg coffee in a cozy setting, open 7am to 10pm.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and One Pillar Pagoda, open 8am to 11am (closed Mondays and Fridays).
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore exhibits on the country’s ethnic groups, open 8am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Xoi Yen

Enjoy traditional sticky rice specialties at this local gem, open 6am to 8pm.
VND40000, 1h0m

3:00pm

West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda

Visit tranquil West Lake and Vietnam’s oldest pagoda, open daily till 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine on diverse regional dishes in a charming setting, open 9am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h30m
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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 or private car for about 2.5 to 3 hours to Ha Long Bay to start your cruise.
USD30 approx., 3h0m

10:30am

Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Embark on a 6-hour cruise through the stunning karst landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including lunch on board.
USD70 (includes lunch), 6h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Journey back to Hanoi after a memorable day exploring Ha Long Bay.
Included, 3h0m

8:15pm

Dinner at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at KOTO, a social enterprise supporting disadvantaged youth, open until 9:30pm.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Fly to Danang & Explore

Danang, Vietnam on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Flight Hanoi to Danang

Take an early flight to Danang, about 1 hour 20 minutes flying time.
USD50, 1h20m

10:30am

Hotel Check-in & Refresh

Check into your hotel and rest before afternoon adventures.
Variable, 1h0m

11:30am

Marble Mountains

Discover caves, pagodas, and views atop the Marble Mountains, open 7am to 6pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Banh Xeo Ba Duong

Savor crispy Vietnamese savory pancakes, open 8am to 6pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

3:00pm

My Khe Beach Relaxation

Spend time admiring and swimming at one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches, open all day free of charge.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

An Thuong Street Stroll

Experience the lively and trendy area with cafes, bars, and street food vendors during the early evening hours.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Madam Lan

Enjoy authentic central Vietnamese dishes in a cozy ambiance, open 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Ba Na Hills & Night Market

Danang, Vietnam on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cong Caphe Danang

Sample Vietnamese coffee and light breakfast in a vintage-style café, open 7am to 11am.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:00am

Ba Na Hills Visit

Take a cable car to the French Village and the Golden Bridge. Cable cars operate 7:30am to 9:30pm.
VND750000, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Bambino

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

3:00pm

Dragon Bridge & Riverside Walk

Walk along the Han River and see the stunning Dragon Bridge, perfect for photos.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Danang Night Market

Explore vibrant stalls featuring local street food, souvenirs, and crafts. Night markets typically open from 6pm to midnight.
Free entry, expense varies, 2h0m

9:30pm

Late Dinner or Snacks at Night Market

Sample local delicacies and enjoy the lively ambiance of Danang’s nightlife at the market.
Variable, 1h0m
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Day 6: Museum & Leisure

Danang, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast in the comfort of your hotel before starting your day.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Cham Museum

Visit the Cham Museum with its collection of ancient sculpture and artifacts, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

11:30am

Riverside Lunch

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

1:00pm

Shopping & Beach Leisure

Spend your last hours shopping for souvenirs or relaxing on the beach at your leisure.
Variable, 2h0m
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