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

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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
Find Hotels in Hanoi

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
Find Hotels in Sapa

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
Find Hotels in Sapa

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
Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

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
Find Hotels in Cat Ba Island & Halong Bay

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
Find Hotels in Phu Quoc Island

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
Find Hotels in Phu Quoc Island

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
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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