12-Day Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Phu Quoc & Hoi An Exploration

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese Pho at this famous eatery, known for its rich broth and fresh herbs, perfect to start your Hanoi adventure.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around this central lake and visit the iconic Ngoc Son Temple for a peaceful introduction to Hanoi's cultural heart.
VND30000, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, appreciating its colonial architecture and bustling street markets filled with local crafts.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty of grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs, in this popular local spot.
VND70000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university, beautifully preserved with traditional architecture and tranquil gardens, representing Vietnam’s scholarly heritage.
VND30000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Enjoy a classic Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique art form showcasing rural life and folklore.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Savor grilled turmeric fish, a revered Hanoi dish prepared at this legendary restaurant known for its family recipe.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historical Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Start your day with artisan coffee and fresh pastries in a trendy cafe favored by locals and travelers alike.
VND70000, 1h0m

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the revered mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh lies in state, along with the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda nearby.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a garden restaurant setting featuring food stalls from across the country.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover diverse ethnic cultures of Vietnam with informative exhibits and traditional artifacts.
VND40000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Coffee break at Cafe Dinh

Experience classic Vietnamese drip coffee at this historic café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.
VND40000, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Restaurant

Enjoy a modern twist on Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy setting, with excellent service and fresh ingredients.
VND160000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Depart Hanoi early morning by car or shuttle for approximately 3.5 hours to Halong Bay for your cruise departure.
VND350000, 3h30m

12:00pm

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Set sail on a scenic cruise around Halong Bay’s limestone karsts, with lunch served on board featuring fresh seafood.
USD120, 4h0m

4:00pm

Kayaking and Cave Visit

Enjoy kayaking in calm waters and explore spectacular caves such as Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave during your cruise.
Included in cruise, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner on the Cruise

Dine on freshly prepared Vietnamese dishes under the stars while onboard the cruise boat.
Included in cruise, 1h30m

Overnight

Overnight on Halong Bay Cruise

Sleep aboard the cruise boat surrounded by the breathtaking seascape of Halong Bay.
Included in cruise, Overnight
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Day 4: Travel to Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on May 22, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast on Cruise

Enjoy breakfast served on the cruise as you take in the early morning views of Halong Bay.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

8:30am

Return to Halong Pier and Transfer to Hanoi

Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi by shuttle or private transfer for approximately 3.5 hours.
VND350000, 3h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Pho Thin in Hanoi

Refuel with the famous Pho Thin, known for its savory broth and well-grilled beef slices.
VND50000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Evening Overnight Train to Sapa

Board a comfortable overnight train or luxury sleeper bus to Sapa (approx. 8 hours).
USD40, Overnight
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Day 5: Explore Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Arrive in Sapa & Breakfast at Little Vietnam Restaurant

Start your day with breakfast at this charming spot serving local and western dishes.
VND90000, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Cat Cat Village

Explore this traditional Hmong village with beautiful landscapes and local handicrafts.
VND70000, 2h0m

11:00am

Cable Car to Fansipan Summit

Take a cable car ride to the summit of Fansipan, known as 'The Roof of Indochina', for stunning panoramic views.
VND800000, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at The Hill Station Signature Restaurant

Enjoy French colonial-inspired Vietnamese cuisine offering fantastic valley views.
VND150000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll through Sapa Market

Browse the vibrant local market to see traditional textiles and fresh produce.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at A Quynh Restaurant

Taste authentic northern Vietnamese dishes like grilled pork and mountain trout.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Trekking in Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for trekking.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages

Experience scenic hiking through rice terraces and interact with indigenous Black Hmong and Giay ethnic groups.
Free, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch Picnic in Village

Enjoy a traditional packed lunch amidst beautiful mountain scenery.
Included in trekking tour, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Sapa and Relax

Rest after your trek and explore more of Sapa town at leisure.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Good Morning View Restaurant

Dine with spectacular mountain views while enjoying local and western dishes.
VND130000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Sapa to Phu Quoc

Sapa to Phu Quoc, Vietnam on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast before checking out.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Private transfer back to Hanoi

Travel by private car or shuttle for approx. 6-7 hours from Sapa to Hanoi airport.
VND1000000, 6h30m

2:30pm

Lunch en route or at Hanoi Airport

Grab a meal at a convenient airport or highway restaurant to prepare for your flight.
VND80000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Fly Hanoi to Phu Quoc

Catch a direct flight (approx 2 hours) to Phu Quoc Island.
USD80, 2h0m

6:00pm

Arrive and check-in to hotel in Phu Quoc

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the island’s relaxing atmosphere.
Varies, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Raon Seafood

Indulge in fresh seafood by the beachside, a signature meal on Phu Quoc.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Beach Relaxation

Phu Quoc, Vietnam on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with ocean views.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Sao Beach

Spend the morning relaxing on one of Phu Quoc’s most beautiful white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ham Ninh Fishing Village

Savor freshly caught seafood prepared traditionally with stunning sea views.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Phu Quoc National Park

Take an easy hike to experience the island’s lush tropical forest and diverse wildlife.
VND40000, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Spice House

Dine on fusion Vietnamese and international cuisine in a stylish restaurant near the beach.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Island Tour

Phu Quoc, Vietnam on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a buffet breakfast to prepare for a day of island exploration.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Phu Quoc Snorkeling and Island Hopping Tour

Explore coral reefs and small islands on a half-day boat tour, with snorkeling stops at An Thoi archipelago.
USD40, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at a beachside eatery

Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes near the beach post-tour.
VND120000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Long Beach

Unwind on the soft sand and swim in the calm waters on this popular resort beach.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Crab House Restaurant

Feast on delicious crab and other seafood specialties in a casual friendly setting.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Travel to Hoi An

Phu Quoc to Hoi An, Vietnam on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a good breakfast before checking out.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Flight from Phu Quoc to Da Nang via Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Phu Quoc to Da Nang with a short stopover, total approx. 4 hours flight time plus transfer.
USD100, 4h0m

12:30pm

Transfer Da Nang Airport to Hoi An

Private car transfer to Hoi An, approx. 45 minutes drive.
VND300000, 45m

1:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste authentic central Vietnamese cuisine in one of Hoi An’s most popular locales.
VND120000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Check-in and relax at hotel

Rest and prepare for afternoon exploration of Hoi An.
Varies, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town with its colorful lanterns, historic buildings, and unique shops.
VND120000 (entry ticket), 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood and western dishes accompanied by great desserts in a lively atmosphere.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 11: Hoi An Culture

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before a day of discovery.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Bike to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Enjoy a relaxing bike ride through countryside and learn traditional organic farming in this famed village.
Free or minimal fee for tour activities, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tra Que Local Home

Savor a farm-to-table meal cooked with fresh ingredients right from the village gardens.
VND100000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit An Bang Beach

Relax on a beautiful and peaceful beach just a short ride from Hoi An’s center.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen

Try the most famous and delicious Banh Mi sandwiches in town, a perfect street food experience.
VND60000, 1h0m
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Day 12: Return to Hanoi

Hoi An to Hanoi, Vietnam on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Hoi An.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Transfer to Da Nang Airport

Private transfer for approx. 45 minutes to Da Nang International Airport.
VND300000, 45m

11:00am

Fly Da Nang to Hanoi

Fly back to Hanoi, approximately 1.5 hours flight.
USD50, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Dine at a socially responsible restaurant serving excellent Vietnamese dishes while supporting local youth training programs.
VND150000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

Explore rich collections of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese art in a peaceful setting.
VND40000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine

Enjoy a delightful dinner with panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake and authentic Vietnamese flavors.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 13: Last Day Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cong Caphe

Experience a signature Vietnamese coffee and local breakfast specialties in a retro style café.
VND70000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Learn about Vietnam’s complex history at this historic site and former prison known as the 'Hanoi Hilton'.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Shopping and souvenir hunting in Old Quarter

Pick up last-minute souvenirs and enjoy the lively ambiance of Hanoi’s Old Quarter streets.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Banh Mi 25

Grab one of the best Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches in the city, perfect for a quick delicious meal.
VND40000, 45m

3:00pm

Departure or hotel check-out prep

Wrap up your Vietnam journey, prepare for your onward travel or next destination.
Varies, Variable
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