Comprehensive 2-Week Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi to Hoi An Highlights

Day 1: Arrival and Old Quarter Tour

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with an authentic bowl of Pho, Vietnam's famous noodle soup, at Pho Bat Dan, a popular spot in the Old Quarter that opens early to serve locals and visitors alike.
VND45000, 1h

9:30am

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, absorbing the vibrant street life, historic architecture, and plethora of small shops and cafes. Ideal for photography and souvenir shopping.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Sample the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and herbs, at this renowned local eatery that even drew President Obama during his visit.
VND60000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first university, a serene complex dedicated to Confucius that offers insight into Vietnam’s scholarly past and exquisite traditional Vietnamese architecture.
VND30000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy Cha Ca, Hanoi’s signature turmeric and dill fish dish, in a well-regarded restaurant that specialises in this unique local cuisine.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Try sticky rice with pork or chicken at this popular spot, a traditional Hanoi breakfast favourite.
VND40000, 1h

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the revered resting place of Ho Chi Minh along with the One Pillar Pagoda nearby, important symbols of Vietnamese history and culture. Note the mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy a meal at this social enterprise restaurant serving delicious Vietnamese dishes while supporting disadvantaged youth.
VND120000, 1h

2:00pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups and cultures through comprehensive exhibits and outdoor traditional houses.
VND40000, 2h

5:00pm

Evening walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

Relax by the lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple, and enjoy the lively atmosphere as locals engage in tai chi and social activities.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bun Bo Nam Bo

Try southern Vietnamese style beef noodle salad at this casual spot known for fresh ingredients and authentic flavours.
VND60000, 1h
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Day Trip

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Departure to Ninh Binh

Drive approximately 2 hours south from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and calm rural atmosphere.
Transport: VND500000 approx., 2h

9:30am

Boat tour at Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Enjoy a 2-hour boat ride through picturesque limestone karsts, caves, and lush greenery in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
VND200000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at local Ninh Binh restaurant

Taste regional specialties such as goat meat and river prawns offering a true local flavour experience.
VND100000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore this beautiful mountain pagoda that blends natural scenery with ancient architecture.
VND10000, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi to rest or enjoy the evening at leisure.
Transport included, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine on a variety of Vietnamese street foods offered in a more upscale setting, ideal to sample different dishes in one place.
VND120000, 1h
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Day 4: Ha Long Bay Cruise Start

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Depart early for the 3.5 to 4-hour drive to Ha Long Bay to join the cruise.
Transport VND600000, 4h

12:00pm

Board Cruise

Check into a traditional junk boat for an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise, enjoy lunch on board while cruising through magnificent limestone karsts.
From VND3000000 per person for 2-day-1-night cruise, Lunch and cruise start

3:00pm

Kayaking and Cave Visit

Explore hidden caves and kayak around the emerald waters and lush islands accessible only by boat.
Included in cruise price, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner on Board

Enjoy seafood and Vietnamese cuisine under the stars on the boat's deck.
Included, 1h30m
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Day 5: Ha Long Bay Cruise End

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on June 26, 2025

6:30am

Morning Tai Chi and Sunrise

Participate in onboard Tai Chi or relax to watch the sunrise over the bay's stunning seascape.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Breakfast on Boat

Enjoy a breakfast buffet with spectacular views as the boat returns to port.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Disembark and Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi where you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure or explore more local attractions.
Transport included in cruise, 4h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant

Savour traditional northern Vietnamese dishes with panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Phong Nha Caves

Phong Nha, Vietnam on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Flight Hanoi to Dong Hoi

Fly to Dong Hoi Airport (about 1 hour flight), then transfer 1 hour to Phong Nha.
Flight approx. NZD80-150 one way, Transfer VND400000, 2h total

10:30am

Check-in and Lunch

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a local lunch featuring fresh Vietnamese dishes.
Approx NZD10-15, 1h

1:00pm

Phong Nha Cave Exploration

Visit Phong Nha Cave by boat inside the national park, famous for its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites formations.
VND350000, 2h

4:00pm

Relax and Dinner in Town

Enjoy a relaxing evening in town with dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant featuring specialties of the region.
Approx NZD15, 1h30m
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Day 7: Explore Son Doong or Paradise Cave

Phong Nha, Vietnam on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Paradise Cave Tour

Take a guided tour to Paradise Cave, one of the world's largest and most impressive caves accessible within a couple of hours from Phong Nha town.
VND250000, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Eatery

Enjoy rural Vietnamese cuisine with well-prepared local ingredients at a popular spot.
VND80000, 1h

2:00pm

Optional Son Doong Cave Booking

If budget and timing allows, confirm booking for an ultra-exclusive tour of Son Doong Cave – the largest cave on earth (requires advance arrangement and can be very costly). Otherwise, explore local countryside by bicycle or relax.
From USD3500 per person for Son Doong, Optional

6:00pm

Dinner in Phong Nha

Try a different local restaurant offering grilled specialties and fresh spring rolls.
Approx NZD15, 1h30m
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Day 8: Travel to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Travel by bus or private car to Hue

Depart early from Phong Nha, journey takes about 4 hours heading south along the historic Ho Chi Minh Highway.
VND350000 for bus or approx NZD40 for private car, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Taste Hue specialties such as Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup in this well-known local restaurant.
VND70000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Imperial Citadel

Tour the UNESCO-listed Hue Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City, reflecting the Nguyen dynasty history and Vietnamese royal architecture.
VND150000, 2h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Enjoy classic, authentic royal court cuisine in a stylish setting.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 9: More Hue Historical Sites

Hue, Vietnam on June 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Simple Vietnamese coffee and pastries to start the day.
VND40000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda and Perfume River

Take a boat or motorbike ride to this evocative, 7-story pagoda perched on the banks of the Perfume River, a symbol of Hue.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Khmer and Tu Duc Tombs

Explore the ornate imperial tombs of former emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, showcasing unique architecture and landscape design.
VND100000 each site, 3h

3:00pm

Coffee and Rest at Ancient Tea Garden

Relax with herbal tea and experience traditional ambience in a serene tea garden.
VND50000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de la Carambole

Dine French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a colonial villa atmosphere reflecting the legacy of French influence in Hue.
VND300000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Da Nang and Marble Mountains

Da Nang, Vietnam on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Travel Hue to Da Nang

Drive for about 2 hours south to Da Nang, the coastal city gateway to Central Vietnam attractions.
VND200000, 2h

10:30am

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore this cluster of five marble and limestone hills, with caves, Buddhist temples, and panoramic views of the coast.
VND40000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Banh Xeo Ba Duong

Sample crispy Vietnamese pancakes filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, a local favourite near the city.
VND60000, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Hoi An

Short 45-minute drive to Hoi An, known for its well-preserved Ancient Town.
VND100000, 45m

3:00pm

Check-in and Relax in Hoi An

Settle into your accommodation in this charming town and prepare for immersive exploration.
Free, Rest of day

6:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Hoi An cuisine in a beautiful central location, try Cao Lau noodles and white rose dumplings.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 11: Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An, Vietnam on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bale Well

Taste local breakfast treats like grilled pork skewers served with rice paper and fresh herbs.
VND60000, 1h

9:00am

Guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore historic streets, ancient houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and vibrant markets with a knowledgeable local guide.
VND150000, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ms Vy’s Market Restaurant

A favourite for traditional Hoi An dishes, showcasing local ingredients and recipes in a relaxed atmosphere.
VND100000, 1h

2:00pm

Free time to explore or shop

Discover artisan shops, tailors, lantern makers or relax by the riverfront.
Free, Afternoon

6:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine in style with river views, offering both Western and Vietnamese cuisine with excellent desserts.
VND150000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Lantern Festival (if coincides)

If visiting on the 14th day of the lunar month, experience the enchanting lantern festival as Hoi An’s Ancient Town lights up with colourful lanterns and floating candles.
Free, Evening
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Day 12: Cooking Class & Relaxation

Hoi An, Vietnam on July 3, 2025

8:30am

Morning Cooking Class

Join a half-day cooking class with market tour included, learning to prepare authentic Central Vietnamese dishes.
VND1000000, 4h

1:00pm

Enjoy your prepared lunch

Savour the dishes you have cooked during class for lunch.
Included in class, 1h

2:30pm

Afternoon free for beach or spa

Visit An Bang Beach for relaxation or book a spa treatment to unwind.
Free to VND1000000 depending on activity, Afternoon

7:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Delight in creative Vietnamese fusion cuisine with river views, a perfect spot to end your day.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 13: My Son Sanctuary Day Trip

Hoi An, Vietnam on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Depart for My Son Sanctuary

Travel approximately 1 hour to the UNESCO-listed My Son Hindu temple ruins, an important cultural and historical site.
VND150000, 1h

9:00am

Guided Tour of My Son Sanctuary

Explore the ancient Cham temples and learn about the region’s historical significance and architecture.
VND150000 guide fee, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch near My Son or return to Hoi An

Have lunch at a local restaurant or opt to return to Hoi An for dining.
VND80000 - 120000, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Hoi An and free time

Relax or explore any last spots in Ancient Town before departure.
Transport included, Afternoon

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Madame Lan

Enjoy a memorable meal in a refined setting with traditional Central Vietnamese flavours celebrating your trip finale.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 14: Departure

Da Nang, Vietnam on July 5, 2025

Morning

Travel to Da Nang International Airport

Take a short taxi ride to Da Nang airport to connect to your next destination or international flight home.
VND200000, 45m
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