7-Day Northern to Central Vietnam Cultural and Scenic Journey

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a traditional bowl of fresh Pho at Pho Gia Truyen, renowned for its authentic flavours and lively street-side atmosphere.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Take a tranquil morning walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake. It's a great spot to experience local life and quick history.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter on foot, discovering colonial architecture, street vendors, and local handicrafts in this vibrant district.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy the famous Hanoi dish Cha Ca — grilled fish with turmeric and dill — at the established Cha Ca Thang Long restaurant.
VND120000, 1h

3:00pm

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam's first university, the Temple of Literature, known for its peaceful gardens and traditional Vietnamese architecture, a perfect cultural immersion.
VND30000, 1h

5:00pm

Water Puppet Show

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show in the Thang Long Theatre, which showcases folklore and Vietnamese culture through unique puppetry.
VND100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine at Quan An Ngon where you can sample a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming open-air setting.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong City, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Depart to Halong Bay

Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by car or shuttle (approximately 3.5 hours) to embark on your scenic cruise.
VND500000, 3h30m

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Board a traditional junk boat for a day cruise on Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and limestone islands.
USD70, 6h

12:00pm

Lunch on Board

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch featuring local ingredients prepared on the boat while cruising the stunning bay.
Included, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Halong City

Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi or stay overnight in Halong City as preferred.
Depends on transport choice, 3h30m

7:30pm

Dinner in Hanoi at Bun Cha Huong Lien

If back in Hanoi, enjoy the iconic Bun Cha, a grilled pork and noodle dish favoured by locals and visitors alike.
VND60000, 1h
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Nature

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Depart Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Travel 2 hours south of Hanoi to Ninh Binh, known as 'Halong Bay on land' for its karst landscapes and rivers.
VND150000, 2h

10:00am

Boat Tour at Tam Coc

Take a serene rowboat ride through Tam Coc's limestone caves and rice paddies, providing breathtaking photo opportunities.
VND150000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Dine on traditional Vietnamese countryside cuisine featuring local freshwater fish and vegetables.
VND80000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore the beautiful multi-level cave pagodas nestled in limestone mountains with panoramic views over rice fields.
VND20000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Take another boat tour or hike around the world heritage site with its spectacular karst scenery and historic temples.
VND200000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Long Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed meal with local dishes in a peaceful setting in Ninh Binh town centre.
VND100000, 1h
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Day 4: Cultural Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Morning Train to Hue

Take an early train or flight from Hanoi to Hue, the former imperial capital with royal heritage.
VND400000, 1h15m flight or 12h train

10:30am

Visit Imperial City

Explore the vast UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City showcasing Nguyen dynasty architecture.
VND150000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Taste Hue royal cuisine featuring delicate flavours and ancient recipes.
VND120000, 1h

3:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit this iconic seven-storey pagoda by the Perfume River with historical significance and lovely river views.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Boat Ride on Perfume River

Enjoy a calm river cruise at sunset along the Perfume River, a peaceful way to see Hue’s landscape.
VND150000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Madam Thu Restaurant

Dine on authentic Hue dishes with a focus on aromatic rich flavours in a cozy setting.
VND130000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hoi An Heritage

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Hoi An

Journey by road from Hue to Hoi An (approx. 3 hours), passing the scenic Hai Van Pass.
VND200000, 3h

11:00am

Explore Ancient Town

Walk through Hoi An’s beautifully preserved Ancient Town with lantern-lit streets, Japanese Bridge and historic houses.
VND120000, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savour local favourites such as Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings in this popular traditional restaurant near the market.
VND150000, 1h

3:00pm

Tailor Shopping

Visit some of Hoi An’s many tailors and shops to get custom garments made at excellent prices.
Varies, 2h

5:30pm

Sunset at An Bang Beach

Relax and enjoy the sunset at beautiful An Bang Beach just a short bicycle ride from town.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bale Well

Try a delicious local street food experience with grilled meats and rice paper wraps in a casual setting.
VND100000, 1h
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Day 6: Hoi An Relaxation & Culture

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Espresso Station

Enjoy fresh coffee and bakery in a quaint café to start your day in Hoi An.
VND70000, 1h

9:30am

Cooking Class

Join a morning cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes and visit the local market as part of the experience.
USD40, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at class

Enjoy the dishes you prepared in the cooking class for lunch.
Included, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

Explore this organic farming village famous for its fresh produce and traditional farming techniques.
VND35000, 2h

6:00pm

Evening Lantern Experience

Take a gentle evening stroll along the Thu Bon River and release a traditional lantern as locals do to wish for good luck.
VND20000, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy riverside fine dining with international and Vietnamese dishes, complemented by excellent desserts.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Da Nang Highlights

Da Nang, Vietnam on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Da Nang

Short 45-minute transfer from Hoi An to Da Nang, the vibrant coastal city with modern attractions and beaches.
VND30000, 45m

9:00am

Marble Mountains

Explore the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble and limestone hills with caves, Buddhist sanctuaries and panoramic views.
VND40000, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Madame Lan

Enjoy traditional Central Vietnamese cuisine in a stylish setting with outdoor garden seating.
VND150000, 1h

1:00pm

Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

Visit this compelling museum housing the world's largest collection of Cham artefacts dating back over a millennium.
VND40000, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon on the white sands of My Khe Beach, enjoying swimming or beachfront cafes.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Han River Dragon Bridge

Watch the spectacular dragon breath fire and water at sunset on weekends or enjoy views from riverside cafés.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang

Conclude your trip with fresh seafood and local dishes at this popular riverside eatery in the heart of Da Nang.
VND200000, 1h30m
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