8-Day North to South Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Cat Ba, Halong, Phu Quoc & Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Arrival & Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start the day with authentic Hanoi Pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup cherished by locals.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Old Quarter

Walk through Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter with its colonial architecture, street vendors and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and herbs, famously frequented by President Obama.
VND70000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Relax at the lake and visit the temple on the small island connected by a red bridge, a symbol of Hanoi.
VND30000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Learn about Vietnam's history of war and independence through this prison museum that housed POWs.
VND30000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Experience Cha Ca, a signature Hanoi dish featuring grilled fish with dill and turmeric.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Travel to and Explore Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on October 24, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Sapa by bus/train

Take a scenic 5-6 hour journey north to Sapa, famous for terraced rice fields and ethnic minorities.
VND250000, 6h0m

1:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Sapa Jade Hill Resort

Rest and enjoy local Vietnamese and mountainous regional cuisine at the resort.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Trek to Cat Cat Village

Explore this traditional Hmong village with stunning waterfalls and cultural sites.
VND100000, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Hill Station Signature Restaurant

Enjoy a meal featuring local produce and freshly caught trout, a regional specialty.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 3: Sapa Markets and Trekking

Sapa, Vietnam on October 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Nutritious breakfast before a full day of trekking in picturesque surroundings.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages

Experience stunning rice terraces and meet ethnic minority villagers on this half-day trek.
Guided tour VND600000, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at a local home in Ta Van Village

Sample authentic regional dishes and learn about local culture through a home stay meal.
VND80000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Good Morning Sapa Restaurant

Dine on classic Vietnamese dishes with a cozy atmosphere near the town center.
VND120000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Return to Hanoi, Travel to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on October 26, 2025

7:00am

Return trip to Hanoi

Travel south from Sapa back to Hanoi by bus/train, preparing for onward journey.
VND250000, 6h0m

2:00pm

Transfer to Ninh Binh

Short 2-hour drive south to Ninh Binh, known as the 'Halong Bay on land'.
VND300000, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore beautiful pagodas nestled in limestone mountains offering panoramic views.
VND20000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Chookie’s Beer Garden

Casual dining serving Western and Vietnamese dishes with a lively atmosphere.
VND120000, 1h0m
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Day 5: Halong Bay Cruise via Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island & Halong Bay, Vietnam on October 27, 2025

7:00am

Morning boat trip in Trang An or Tam Coc

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through caves and karst landscapes in Ninh Binh.
VND200000, 3h0m

11:00am

Transfer to Cat Ba Island

Drive and ferry combined to reach Cat Ba Island, gateway to Halong Bay adventures.
VND300000, 3h0m

2:30pm

Embark on Overnight Halong Bay Cruise

Board a comfortable cruise boat and set sail to explore stunning islands and waters of Halong Bay.
USD120, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner onboard

Enjoy freshly prepared seafood and Vietnamese cuisine while cruising.
Included, 1h0m
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Day 6: Halong to Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam on October 28, 2025

7:00am

Morning activities on cruise

Start with Tai Chi or visit caves and kayaking before breakfast.
Included, 2h0m

9:00am

Breakfast onboard

Enjoy breakfast with scenic views of Halong Bay.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Disembark and transfer to Hanoi airport

Return to Hanoi via ferry and car for afternoon flight to Phu Quoc.
VND500000, 5h0m total transfer

3:30pm

Fly to Phu Quoc (Flight approx 2h)

Catch an afternoon flight from Hanoi to Phu Quoc island.
USD70, 2h0m

6:00pm

Check into resort and dinner at Rory’s Beach Bar

Relax on the beach with freshly grilled seafood and cocktails at a popular beachside restaurant.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 7: Relax and Explore Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam on October 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mango Bay Restaurant

Fresh tropical fruit and Vietnamese coffee to start the day beside the sea.
USD10, 1h0m

9:30am

Snorkeling or Diving at An Thoi Islands

Explore coral reefs and vibrant marine life around the An Thoi archipelago.
USD50, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Ham Ninh Fishing Village

Taste fresh seafood caught daily at the local fishing village restaurant.
USD15, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Phu Quoc Night Market

Browse stalls selling souvenirs, street food and local crafts in a lively night market atmosphere.
Free to browse, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ra Khoi Seafood

Another local favorite for fresh seafood with a casual setting near the market.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 8: Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 30, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before check-out and travel.
Included in room price, 1h0m

9:00am

Fly from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City

Flight time is about 1 hour, making for a quick connection to final destination.
USD60, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore exhibits covering the complexities and legacy of the Vietnam War.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Sample Saigon’s finest pho at this long-established favorite spot.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral

Visit two iconic French colonial landmarks located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy authentic southern Vietnamese home-style cooking in a charming setting.
VND150000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Departure from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Head to the airport for your onward flight from Ho Chi Minh City.
Taxi approx VND150000, Timing depends on flights
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