Hanoi, Vietnam 12-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Hanoi

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi.

You will be met by a private car for transfer to your hotel.

Flight details will be confirmed in the full itinerary. Ensure you have your visa pre-arranged if required.

Hotel Check-in & Relax

Check into your 4-star hotel located conveniently in Hanoi.

Take some time to freshen up and relax after your journey.

Explore Old Quarter

Take a leisurely stroll through the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter.

Immerse yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere, narrow streets, and unique architecture.

The Old Quarter is best explored on foot. Be mindful of motorbikes and street vendors. This is a great opportunity for people-watching and initial souvenir shopping.

Dinner in Old Quarter

Enjoy your first authentic Vietnamese dinner at a local restaurant in the Old Quarter, sampling traditional dishes like pho or bun cha.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups through fascinating exhibits, traditional houses, and artifacts.

A highly-rated museum (4.4/5 on TripAdvisor) offering insightful exhibits both indoors and outdoors. Allow ample time to explore the grounds.

Local Lunch Experience

Savor local Vietnamese cuisine at a charming restaurant near the museum or on your way to the next stop.

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam's first national university, a beautiful temple complex dedicated to Confucius.

Admire the traditional Vietnamese architecture and serene gardens.

A peaceful and historically significant site. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, a central point of Hanoi.

Cross the iconic Huc Bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple, located on an island in the lake.

A popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Often has street performers and artists around the lake. The area is closed to traffic on weekends, but still lovely on a Monday.

Evening Dinner

Indulge in another delightful dinner at a restaurant of your choice in Hanoi, perhaps trying a different regional specialty.

Luxury Ninh Binh Full Day Tour

Embark on a full-day luxury tour to Ninh Binh, often called 'Halong Bay on land'.

This small group tour (max 8 people) includes a high-quality transfer, professional English-speaking guide, and visits to Trang An Grottoes and Hoa Lu ancient capital. Experience stunning landscapes with limestone karsts, rice paddies, and serene boat rides.

Rated 5/5 on Viator, this tour offers a comfortable and comprehensive way to see Ninh Binh. Includes lunch. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Hanoi/Luxury-Ninh-Binh-Full-Day-Tour-From-Hanoi-Limousine-Transfer/d351-252399P16

Hanoi Highlights & Hidden Gems Motorbike Tour

Discover the best of Hanoi's sights, sounds, and flavors on a vintage motorbike tour.

Explore hidden alleys, taste local street food, and see parts of the city often missed by tourists.

Rated 5/5 on Viator, this tour provides an exhilarating and authentic perspective of Hanoi. Includes food tastings. Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Hanoi/Hanoi-Backstreet-Tours-Parts-Unknown-and-No-Reservations-Exploration-For-Foodie/d351-87200P6

Afternoon Tea & Relaxation

Enjoy a tranquil afternoon tea at a stylish café or your hotel.

Optionally, indulge in a couple's massage at a local spa for some well-deserved relaxation.

Many spas in Hanoi offer couple's packages. An enriched option for a single person is 'L’essence Relaxation Package for Lady: 240’ (Viator Product Code: 167694P3) for USD 127, but a general spa offers couple's treatments.

Romantic Dinner

Experience a romantic dinner at one of Hanoi's fine dining establishments, savoring modern Vietnamese or international cuisine.

Dong Xuan Market Exploration

Visit Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi's largest indoor market, offering everything from fresh produce to clothing and souvenirs.

It's a great place to soak in local life and find unique gifts.

Be prepared for a bustling environment. Practice your bargaining skills if you plan to buy anything. Keep an eye on your belongings.

Hanoi Coffee Experience

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese coffee, such as egg coffee, at a famous local cafe.

A perfect way to relax after the market.

Farewell Hanoi Lunch

Savor a final delicious lunch in Hanoi, perhaps revisiting a favorite dish or trying something new before heading to your next destination.

Relaxation & Packing

Enjoy some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping, relaxation at the hotel, or packing for your onward journey to Da Nang.

Evening at Leisure

Enjoy a final evening meal and prepare for your check-out and morning travel to Da Nang tomorrow.

Flight to Da Nang

Board an internal flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, transferring from the vibrant capital to Vietnam's beautiful central coast.

Enjoy scenic views from above.

Hotel Check-in & Settle In

Check into your chosen 4-star resort or hotel in Da Nang.

Take some time to unpack, refresh, and get acquainted with your beautiful private room or villa.

Look for resorts near My Khe Beach for easy access to the coast and city attractions.

Relax at My Khe Beach

Enjoy the afternoon relaxing on the golden sands of My Khe Beach, one of Vietnam's most scenic coastlines.

Take a leisurely walk, swim, or simply soak up the sun.

Lifeguards are usually present, and beach vendors offer refreshments. The water is generally warm and calm in May.

Fresh Seafood Dinner

Savor a delicious dinner at one of Da Nang's renowned seafood restaurants, enjoying the day's fresh catch with ocean views.

Many restaurants line the beachfront. Ask your hotel for recommendations or look for places with live tanks to pick your own seafood.

Transfer to Hoi An

Take a short scenic drive south to Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved architecture and charming atmosphere.

Explore Ancient Hoi An

Wander through the narrow streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting historic merchant houses, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and vibrant markets.

Purchase an 'old town ticket' (approximately USD 5-6 per person) which grants entry to several heritage sites. Wear comfortable shoes as it's a pedestrian-friendly area. Entrance fee is not included in estimated cost.

Lunch & Tailor Visit

Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a riverside restaurant in Hoi An.

Afterwards, explore some of the famous tailor shops for bespoke clothing (optional).

Hoi An is famous for its fast and affordable custom tailoring. If interested, allow time for fittings.

Hoi An Lanterns & Dinner

Experience Hoi An as dusk falls and the town lights up with thousands of colorful lanterns.

Enjoy an evening meal overlooking the Thu Bon River.

Consider a short boat ride on the river to release a floating lantern for good luck (small additional cost).

Return to Da Nang

Transfer back to your accommodation in Da Nang after a magical day exploring Hoi An.

Jolie Da nang cooking class only (JDN3)

Learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes in a hands-on cooking class.

Meet at Jolie's place for a welcome drink and hear stories before diving into the culinary experience.

This is a highly-rated local experience. You'll learn about ingredients and techniques to recreate Vietnamese flavors at home. Booking Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Da-Nang/Jolie-Da-nang-cooking-class-only/d4680-101676P3?mcid=42383&pid=P00266106&medium=api&api_version=2.0

Explore Marble Mountains

Visit the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills filled with caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries.

Enjoy panoramic views from the pagodas.

You can take an elevator up for a small fee or climb the stairs. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking and climbing. Entry fee is approximately USD 2-3 per person, plus elevator fee if used.

Dragon Bridge View & Dinner

Enjoy an early dinner near the Han River, offering views of the iconic Dragon Bridge.

If it's Saturday or Sunday, you can witness the bridge breathing fire and water at 9 PM.

Since today is Sunday, the fire/water show will be on. Arrive early to get a good spot. Many riverside restaurants and cafes are available.

Da Nang Night Market Stroll

Experience the lively atmosphere of the Da Nang Night Market, browsing local crafts, souvenirs, and street food stalls.

A great place for a casual evening stroll and to sample some local snacks or purchase small gifts.

Endangered Monkeys Watching - Red Shanked Douc Langurs

Embark on an eco-tour to spot the critically endangered Red-shanked Douc Langurs on the Son Tra Peninsula.

An experienced guide will help you find these beautiful primates in their natural habitat.

Meeting time might vary based on animal activity. It's an excellent opportunity for wildlife photography. Booking Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Da-Nang/Endangered-Monkeys-Watching-Red-Shanked-Douc-Langurs/d4680-104310P6?mcid=42383&pid=P00266106&medium=api&api_version=2.0

Visit Linh Ung Pagoda

After your monkey watching tour, explore the serene Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the tallest Lady Buddha statue in Vietnam, offering stunning ocean views.

Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered). Entry is free. There's a beautiful garden and several smaller statues to admire.

Lunch & Resort Relaxation

Enjoy lunch at a local eatery on the peninsula or head back to your resort for a relaxing meal and some downtime by the pool or beach.

There are some small, local restaurants on Son Tra Peninsula offering simple Vietnamese fare. Alternatively, enjoy the amenities of your resort.

Sunset Beach Walk & Drinks

Enjoy a romantic sunset walk along the beach near your resort, followed by cocktails or fresh juices at a beachfront bar.

Da Nang's coastline offers beautiful sunset views over the water. A perfect way to wind down the day.

Morning Resort & Beach Leisure

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your resort.

Take a final swim, relax by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply enjoy the tranquility of your private accommodation.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy any resort amenities you haven't yet experienced. Spa treatments would be an additional cost.

Local Market & Lunch

Visit a local market in Da Nang, such as Han Market, for some last-minute souvenir shopping and to experience daily local life.

Enjoy a casual lunch at a market stall or nearby restaurant.

Han Market offers a wide array of local products, dried goods, and clothing. Be prepared to haggle politely for prices.

Relax & Prepare for Travel

Return to your resort to relax, pack your belongings, and prepare for your onward journey to Ho Chi Minh City tomorrow.

Farewell Dinner Da Nang

Enjoy a final dinner in Da Nang, perhaps revisiting a favorite spot or trying a highly-rated restaurant you haven't yet experienced.

Reunification Palace

Explore the historic Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam.

A landmark of Ho Chi Minh City, it offers a glimpse into the country's past with its preserved rooms and underground bunkers.

Arrive early to avoid crowds. Guided tours are often available.

Notre Dame & Central Post Office

Admire the French colonial architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the beautiful Central Post Office. Both are iconic symbols of the city.

The Cathedral's interior might be closed for renovations, but the exterior and Post Office are still worth seeing.

Lunch in District 1

Enjoy a delicious local Vietnamese lunch at a restaurant in District 1, offering a variety of culinary delights from pho to banh mi.

Many options available, from street food stalls to air-conditioned restaurants. Ask your hotel for recommendations.

War Remnants Museum

Visit the poignant War Remnants Museum, which offers a powerful and often sobering perspective on the Vietnam War.

Exhibits include military hardware, photographic displays, and artifacts.

A very impactful experience, prepare for emotional content.

Ho Chi Minh City Street Food by Scooter Tour

Embark on an exciting street food adventure by scooter, exploring the vibrant culinary scene of Ho Chi Minh City away from tourist crowds. Sample authentic local dishes and immerse yourselves in the city's nightlife.

Booking is highly recommended. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Don't be afraid to try new flavors!

Ben Thanh Market Exploration

Wander through the bustling Ben Thanh Market, one of the city's most iconic landmarks.

It's a great place for last-minute souvenir shopping, local handicrafts, textiles, and spices.

Be prepared to haggle for prices. The market can be quite busy and hot.

Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Financial Tower

Ascend to the Saigon Skydeck at the Bitexco Financial Tower for panoramic 360-degree views of Ho Chi Minh City.

A fantastic way to appreciate the city's scale and layout.

Ideal for clear weather conditions. There's also a cafe at the top if you'd like a drink with a view.

Farewell Vietnamese Lunch

Enjoy a final authentic Vietnamese lunch, savoring your favorite dishes before heading to the airport.

Consider trying a dish you haven't had yet or revisiting a favorite.

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

Arrange a private transfer or take a reputable taxi/ride-sharing service to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for your departure.

Allow ample time for traffic, especially during peak hours. Aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight.