8-Day Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi Highlights, Ha Long Bay, Danang & Hoi An Exploration

Day 1: Hanoi Cultural Gems

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Begin your day with a flavorful bowl of traditional beef pho at one of Hanoi’s most iconic spots, open 6am to 10am.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:15am

St Joseph Cathedral

Visit this striking neo-Gothic cathedral located in the Old Quarter, free entrance and open daily.
Free, 30m

10:00am

Dong Xuan Market

Explore Hanoi’s largest indoor market filled with local goods, handicrafts, and street food stalls, open 8am to 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:45am

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

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

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor Hanoi’s renowned grilled turmeric fish dish served with noodles, open 10am to 2:30pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first university, known for its elegant architecture and lush gardens, open 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry with shows at 5pm and 6pm daily.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy classic Hanoi grilled pork with noodles at this famous eatery, open until 10pm.
VND90000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Hanoi Markets & Leisure

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Taste Hanoi’s famous egg coffee in a cozy café setting, open 7am to 10pm.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:00am

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Discover the bustling streets, local shops, and street food vendors of Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter with a self-guided or guided walk, open all day.
Free, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Xoi Yen

Enjoy traditional sticky rice dishes at this popular local spot, open 6am to 8pm.
VND40000, 1h0m

1:30pm

West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda

Relax by West Lake and visit Tran Quoc, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, open until 7pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at a local café

Rest and enjoy the lively café culture around the French Quarter or West Lake area.
Variable, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Sample a variety of regional Vietnamese foods in a charming ambience, 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 about 3 hours by shuttle or private car to Ha Long Bay for cruising.
USD30 approx., 3h0m

10:30am

Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Enjoy a scenic cruise featuring limestone islands, caves, and seafood lunch onboard for 6 hours.
USD70 (including lunch), 6h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi in the early evening.
Included, 3h0m

8:15pm

Dinner at KOTO Restaurant

Support a social enterprise while enjoying top-quality Vietnamese dishes, 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

Catch a morning flight, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
USD50, 1h20m

10:30am

Check-in & Refresh at Hotel

Settle in and prepare for afternoon sightseeing.
Variable, 1h0m

11:30am

Marble Mountains

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

1:30pm

Lunch at Banh Xeo Ba Duong

Enjoy delicious crispy Vietnamese pancakes famous in Danang, open 8am to 6pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

3:00pm

My Khe Beach

Relax or swim at one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll An Thuong Street

Explore trendy cafés, street food stalls, and shops in this lively area.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Madam Lan

Indulge in authentic central Vietnamese dishes in a cozy atmosphere, 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 heading out.
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 World Heritage-listed ancient town with charming architecture and colorful lanterns, open 8am to 9pm.
VND120000 entrance ticket, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste local specialties such as Cao Lau in an inviting setting.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge & Local Shops

See the famous bridge and browse tailor shops for custom clothing and souvenirs.
Included in ticket, 1h30m

4:00pm

Riverside Coffee Break

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

6:00pm

Evening Lantern Market

If your visit coincides with full moon, enjoy the Lantern Festival; otherwise, explore the lively night market open 5pm to 10pm.
Free, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club Riverside

Dine riverside with a menu combining Vietnamese and Western influences.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Hoi An Countryside & Beach

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for an active day with a satisfying breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Hoi An Bicycle Countryside Tour

Cycle through peaceful rice paddies, visit local craft villages, and learn about traditional lantern making, tours operate 8am to 5pm.
USD25 approx., 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hai Cafe by An Bang Beach

Enjoy fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes steps from An Bang Beach.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:30pm

An Bang Beach Relaxation

Spend the afternoon swimming or sunbathing at this tranquil beach.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Hoi An Town

Explore more shops or relax strolling the atmospheric streets.
Variable, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Sample creative Vietnamese and international dishes in a stylish, inviting setting.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Danang & Ba Na Hills

Danang, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Hoi An

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before traveling to Danang.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Danang

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

10:00am

Ba Na Hills

Explore Ba Na Hills attractions, including the Golden Bridge and French Village via cable car (7:30am to 9:30pm).
VND750000, 5h0m

3:00pm

Return to Danang City

Relax and refresh at your accommodation.
Included, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang

Dine on fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes overlooking the Han River.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Danang Beaches & Departure

Danang, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cong Caphe Danang

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

9:30am

My Khe Beach Morning

Enjoy a final swim or stroll along this famed beach before departure.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Riverside Café

Have a relaxed meal featuring fresh, local ingredients before packing up.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Last-minute shopping or leisure

Purchase any remaining souvenirs or relax depending on your flight schedule.
Variable, 2h0m
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