10-Day Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Danang, and Historic Hoi An Exploration

Day 1: Hanoi Cultural Gems

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 best-known spots for authentic broth, open 6am to 10am.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:15am

St Joseph Cathedral

Visit this iconic neo-Gothic cathedral with stunning architecture in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, open daily.
Free, 30m

10:00am

Dong Xuan Market

Explore Hanoi’s largest indoor market with a diverse range of goods and street food, open 8am to 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:45am

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the small yet scenic Ngoc Son Temple, open 7am to 9pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Taste Hanoi’s famous grilled turmeric fish served in a unique style, open 10am to 2:30pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Temple of Literature

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

4:30pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppetry show, with daily shows including 5pm and 6pm performances.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Delight in classic Hanoi grilled pork with noodles at this famed eatery, open till 10pm.
VND90000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Historic Hanoi Tour

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try the legendary Hanoi egg coffee in this cozy cafe, open 7am to 10pm.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

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

11:30am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups through fascinating exhibits, open 8am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Xoi Yen

Taste traditional sticky rice specialities at this local favorite, open 6am to 8pm.
VND40000, 1h0m

3:00pm

West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda

Enjoy peaceful views at Vietnam’s largest freshwater lake and visit the country’s oldest pagoda, open until 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a variety of regional Vietnamese 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 approximately 3 hours by shuttle or private car to Ha Long Bay, ready for the cruise.
USD30 approx., 3h0m

10:30am

Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Cruise the breathtaking limestone karsts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site including a fresh seafood lunch onboard, for 6 hours.
USD70 (including lunch), 6h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi after a full day exploring the bay.
Included, 3h0m

8:15pm

Dinner at KOTO Restaurant

Support a great cause and enjoy quality Vietnamese food at this social enterprise, open until 9:30pm.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Fly to Danang; Marble Mountains

Danang, Vietnam on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Hanoi to Danang

Morning flight to Danang, roughly 1 hour 20 minutes.
USD50, 1h20m

10:30am

Hotel Check-in & Refresh

Rest and prepare for afternoon sightseeing.
Variable, 1h0m

11:30am

Marble Mountains

Explore caves, pagodas, and panoramic views atop these five marble and limestone hills, open 7am to 6pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Banh Xeo Ba Duong

Enjoy crispy Vietnamese pancake specialties at this popular local spot open 8am to 6pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

3:00pm

My Khe Beach

Relax or swim on the beautiful My Khe Beach, which is free and open all day.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore An Thuong Street

Discover trendy cafes, street food, and shops along this vibrant street in Danang.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Madam Lan

Try authentic central Vietnamese dishes in a welcoming ambiance, open 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before travel.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Hoi An

Short 30-minute drive from Danang to historic Hoi An town.
USD10 taxi approx., 0h30m

9:45am

Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient town with its traditional architecture, lantern-lit streets, and historic sites, open 8am to 9pm.
VND120000 entrance ticket, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste traditional Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau in a charming setting.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge & Museums

See the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and nearby museums that tell the town’s rich history.
Included in ticket, 1h30m

4:00pm

Hoi An Riverside Coffee

Relax with coffee along the scenic Thu Bon River in one of the many riverside cafés.
VND50000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Lantern Festival or Evening Market

If the full moon day coincides, enjoy the Lantern Festival; otherwise visit the lively night market with crafts and street food open from 5pm to 10pm.
Free entry, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club Riverside

Enjoy a delightful dinner with riverside ambiance and Western-Vietnamese fusion dishes.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Hoi An Countryside & Beach

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the hotel

Prepare for a day outside town with a solid breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Hoi An Bicycle Tour & Countryside

Cycle through rice paddies, visit local villages, and see traditional crafts like lantern making, typically open for tours 8am to 5pm.
USD25 approx., 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hai Cafe by the Beach

Relax and enjoy fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes just steps from An Bang Beach.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:30pm

An Bang Beach Relaxation

Enjoy sunbathing and swimming at this peaceful and popular beach near Hoi An.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll the quaint streets or visit shops for tailor-made clothing and souvenirs.
Variable, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Experience flavorful Vietnamese and international dishes in a stylish setting.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Return to Danang & Ba Na Hills

Danang, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Hoi An

Enjoy an early breakfast before heading back to Danang.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel back to Danang

Drive or taxi back to Danang, around 30 minutes.
USD10 approx., 0h30m

10:00am

Ba Na Hills

Spend the day visiting Ba Na Hills with the famous Golden Bridge and French Village. Cable cars operate 7:30am to 9:30pm.
VND750000, 5h0m

3:00pm

Return to Danang City

Relax and refresh after your excursion.
Included, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang

Dine at a popular riverside restaurant specializing in fresh seafood and Vietnamese cuisine.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Danang Museums & Beach

Danang, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cong Caphe Danang

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese coffee and breakfast snacks in a trendy vintage-style café, open 7am to 11am.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Cham Museum

Explore impressive Cham sculptures and artifacts, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at a riverside restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and local Vietnamese dishes overlooking the Han River.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:00pm

My Khe Beach Afternoon

Relax or take a swim at one of Vietnam’s most famous beaches.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Shopping & Exploring Danang

Visit local markets or malls for souvenirs or gifts.
Variable, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Danang Night Market

Sample diverse street foods and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, market open 6pm to midnight.
Variable, 2h0m
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Day 9: Leisure & Departure Prep

Danang, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and pack for departure day.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Relaxation or last-minute shopping

Use remaining time for beach visits or final souvenir purchases.
Variable, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at a local café

Savor your final Vietnamese meal comfortably before heading to the airport.
VND100000, 1h0m
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