🇻🇳 VIETNAM — Detailed travel guide
Key practical notes
Hanoi → Halong Bay transfer time ~ 2–4 hrs depending on route and traffic; many operators take ~3 hrs.
Vietnam offers e-visas and visa-on-arrival options for many nationalities; check requirements for your passport. (e-visa details differ by nationality).
Day 01 :
Arrive Hanoi & Old Quarter
- Morning: Arrive Noi Bai Airport → taxi to Old Quarter (40–60 min). Check-in.
- 12:00–15:00: Pho for lunch, then Hoan Kiem Lake walking loop & Ngoc Son Temple.
- 17:00: Water puppet show near Old Quarter.
- Tip: Old Quarter streets are busy — use small cash and watch scooters.
Day 02 :
Hanoi city highlights
- 09:00–12:00: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One-Pillar Pagoda, Presidential Palace (note mausoleum opening hours/closures).
- 13:00–16:00: Temple of Literature & Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (if interested in ethnic groups).
- Evening: Sample Bun Cha / Banh Mi.
Day 03 :
Halong Bay (overnight cruise)
- 06:30: Departure by coach (booked with cruise operator) from Hanoi (pick-up hotels). Typical drive ~3 hrs.
- 10:30: Board cruise — lunch, cruise through karst islands. Visit Sung Sot Cave or Titop Island; kayaking optional.
- Evening: Sunset on deck; dinner and optional squid fishing. Overnight on cruise.
- Costs: 1-night midrange cruise ≈ $100–180 pp; budget boats cheaper.
Day 04 :
Fly to Hue (central Vietnam)
- Morning: Fly Hanoi → Hue (~1 hr).
- Afternoon: Visit the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda. Take a Perfume River boat trip at sunset.
- Tip: Hue is a great place for royal cuisine tasting.
Day 05 :
Hue → Hoi An (via Hai Van Pass / Da Nang)
- Morning: Drive or train to Da Nang (scenic Hai Van Pass if by private car). Stop at Marble Mountains.
- Afternoon: Continue to Hoi An (UNESCO), check into old town.
- Evening: Lantern-lit riverside dinner.
Day 06 :
Hoi An exploration
- Morning: Walking tour of Hoi An old town (Japanese Bridge, old houses), tailor visits.
- Afternoon: Cycle to An Bang beach or My Son ruins (half-day).
- Evening: Street food & riverside lanterns.
Day 07 :
Return / fly out from Da Nang or connect at Ho Chi Minh City
Transfer to Da Nang airport (20–40 min) for onward flight.