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Hanoi, Vietnam
✅ Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Quarter
- Morning: Arrive in Hanoi, check into your hotel, and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Head to the Temple of Literature, which was Vietnam's first university. Spend your time exploring its five courtyards and learning about its history.
- Evening: Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre. Afterward, stroll through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, trying out local dishes like "pho" and "bun cha" at street-side eateries.
🛌 Accommodation Suggestions:
- Luxury: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi - Located near Hoan Kiem Lake; around €250 per night.
- Normal: La Siesta Classic - Located in the Old Quarter; around €70 per night.
- Budget: Hanoi Backpackers Hostel - Located in the Old Quarter; around €10 per night.
🥘 Restaurant Recommendations:
- Quan An Ngon - Known for offering a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a courtyard setting; around €5-€10 per person.
- La Badiane - French fusion cuisine, La Badiane is highly regarded for its sophisticated and beautifully presented dishes that blend French cooking techniques with Vietnamese flavours; around €20-€40.
🚶♀️Tour Ideas:
- Old Quarter Walking Tour - Explore the cultural and historical sights; around €10-€15.
- Street Food Tour - Sample local street foods with a guide; around €20-€25.
🎁 Souvenir Ideas:
- Lacquerware
- Vietnamese silk
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Ninh Bình, Vietnam
✅ Day 2: Nature and History of Ninh Binh
- Early Morning: Depart Hanoi for a day trip to Ninh Binh, about 90 minutes away by bus or train.
- Morning to Afternoon: Take a boat tour in Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its spectacular scenery of limestone karsts and serene waterways. Follow up with a visit to Mua Cave, climbing up to the viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views.
- Late Afternoon: Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and visit the Bich Dong Pagoda.
- Evening: Return to Hanoi, perhaps enjoying a casual dinner en route or once you're back in the city.
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Hanoi, Vietnam
✅ Day 3: Historical Insights
- Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where you can see Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda.
- Afternoon: Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake. It’s a peaceful place to observe local life and enjoy some tranquility.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant where you can try more Hanoian specialties.
🥘 Restaurant Recommendations:
- Duong's Restaurant - Offering both Vietnamese and international cuisine, Duong's Restaurant is famous for its contemporary takes on traditional Vietnamese dishes. Chef Duong’s pho cuon (rice noodle rolls) and spring rolls are particularly popular. The Average Price per Person: Approximately €10-€20. It's a great place to enjoy a blend of local and modern dishes in a chic setting.
- KOTO Van Mieu Training Restaurant - KOTO stands for "Know One, Teach One," and this social enterprise restaurant helps at-risk youth gain skills in the hospitality industry. Known for its excellent Vietnamese and Asian fusion dishes, it’s a place where you can enjoy a meal and support a good cause. The Average Price per Person: Around €10-€15. The menu offers a range of tasty dishes that are both traditional and innovative.
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Cát Bà Island, Vietnam
✅ Day 4: Journey to Cat Ba Island
- Morning: Travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island using a combination of bus and ferry. The journey offers scenic views, especially as you approach the island.
- Afternoon: After checking into your accommodation, visit Cat Co Cove, where you can relax on one of the three beaches or swim in the clear waters.
- Evening: Have dinner at a seaside restaurant in Cat Ba Town, trying local seafood dishes.
✅ Day 5: Exploring Cat Ba National Park and Lan Ha Bay
- Full Day: Start with a morning hike in Cat Ba National Park, exploring its rich biodiversity. Later, arrange for a half-day boat tour to Lan Ha Bay, which is less crowded than its famous neighbour, Ha Long Bay. Enjoy activities like kayaking through the limestone karsts and swimming in secluded coves.
- Evening: Return to your hotel and enjoy some leisure time.
🛌 Accommodation Suggestions:
- Luxury: Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa - Located on Cat Co 1 Beach; around €60 per night.
- Normal: Cat Ba Dream Hotel - Located near the centre of town; around €25 per night.
- Budget: Cat Ba Hostel - Central location; around €5 per night.
🥘 Restaurant Recommendations:
- Phuong Phuong Restaurant - Known for fresh seafood right by the waterfront; around €5-€15 per person.
- Green Mango - Offers both Vietnamese and Western dishes; around €10-€20 per person.
🚶♀️Tour Ideas:
- Lan Ha Bay Kayaking and Swimming - Day tours including kayaking and lunch; around €25-€35.
- Cat Ba National Park Hiking Tour - Guided tours exploring wildlife and nature; around €15-€25.
🎁 Souvenir Ideas:
- Pearls and pearl jewellery
- Local handicrafts
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Hanoi, Vietnam
✅ Day 6: Travel to Sapa
- Evening: Catch an overnight train or bus to Sapa, preparing for a few days of adventure in the northern highlands.
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Sa Pa, Vietnam
✅ Day 7: Sapa’s Villages and Scenery
- Morning: Arrive in Sapa and check into your hotel. Begin your exploration with a guided trek to the nearby villages of Ta Van and Lao Chai, immersing yourself in the local cultures and enjoying the stunning views of terraced rice fields.
- Afternoon: Continue your trek, possibly visiting a local market or craft workshop.
- Evening: Dine at a local restaurant in Sapa, enjoying dishes influenced by various ethnic minorities.
✅ Day 8: Fansipan and Cat Cat Village
- Morning: Take a cable car to Fansipan Peak, the highest point in Indochina, for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
- Afternoon: Visit Cat Cat village, learning about the H’Mong community and seeing the Cat Cat waterfall.
- Evening: Explore more of Sapa town, perhaps enjoying a hot bowl of pho as the evening cools down.
✅ Day 9: Local Markets and Return to Hanoi
- Morning: If it's market day, visit a local market like Bac Ha, known for its colour and vibrancy.
- Afternoon: Travel back to Hanoi, resting after several days of hiking.
🛌 Accommodation Suggestions:
- Luxury: Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery - Located in the heart of Sapa; around €100 per night.
- Normal: Sapa Panorama Hotel - Offers great views of the valley; around €30 per night.
- Budget: Go Sapa Hostel - Central location; around €5-€10 per night.
🥘 Restaurant Recommendations:
- Sapa O’Chau Cafe - Centrally located in Sapa town, making it easily accessible for travellers. It's renowned for its commitment to the community and sustainable tourism. It serves a variety of traditional Hmong and other ethnic minority dishes, prepared using locally sourced ingredients. It’s also part of a social enterprise that supports local education and training programs. Prices are very affordable, typically around €3-€7 per person.
- Little Sapa Restaurant - Located conveniently in the centre of Sapa town, close to the main square and popular tourist spots.
It's known for its authentic local dishes, especially its hot pots and grilled specialties. It's a great spot to try local flavours like grilled pork, bamboo rice, and local greens. Prices are very reasonable, typically around €5-€10 per person, making it an affordable option for a hearty meal in a cosy setting.
🚶♀️Tour Ideas:
- Ethnic Village Trekking - Tours to Ta Van and Lao Chai villages; around €20-€30, including guide.
- Fansipan Peak via Cable Car - Round trip tickets for the cable car; around €30 per person.
🎁 Souvenir Ideas:
- Handmade ethnic textiles
- Silver jewellery
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Hanoi, Vietnam
Relax in Hanoi and prepare for next departure.
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Hue, Vietnam
✅ Day 10: Arrival in Hue
- Morning: Fly from Hanoi to Hue. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Start your visit in Hue by exploring the Imperial City, a vast complex where the Nguyen emperors once resided. Take your time to see the Forbidden Purple City and the many ornate buildings, temples, and galleries within the walls.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner by the Perfume River, perhaps trying local specialties like bánh khoái (Hue pancake).
✅ Day 11: Discovering Hue’s Heritage
- Morning: Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. It's a peaceful place for reflection and offers great photographic opportunities.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon visiting the royal tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Each tomb reflects the emperor’s personality and aesthetics, with Tu Duc’s being more traditional and Khai Dinh’s blending Eastern and Western styles.
- Evening: Consider a leisurely cruise on the Perfume River, watching the sunset.
🛌 Accommodation Suggestions:
- Luxury: Azerai La Residence, Hue - Located on the banks of the Perfume River; around €150 per night.
- Normal: Emm Hotel Hue - Located near the city centre; around €40 per night.
- Budget: Hue Happy Homestay - Located close to major attractions; around €10 per night.
🥘 Restaurant Recommendations:
- Les Jardins de La Carambole - Offers French and Vietnamese cuisine in a colonial setting; around €10-€20 per person.
- Hanh Restaurant - Known for authentic Hue cuisine like Bun Bo Hue; around €3-€7 per person.
🚶♀️Tour Ideas:
- Imperial City and Royal Tombs Tour - Guided tours covering major historical sites; around €25-€35.
- Perfume River Cruise - Evening cruises with dinner options available; around €15-€20 per person.
🎁 Souvenir Ideas:
- Conical hats (non la)
- Hue-style sesame candies
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Hội An, Vietnam
✅ Day 12: Travel to Hoi An
- Morning: Depart for Hoi An in the morning. The drive itself is beautiful, passing through coastal roads and the scenic Hai Van Pass.
- Afternoon: Upon arrival in Hoi An, start exploring the Ancient Town. Walk through the narrow lanes lined with historic homes, silk shops, and lantern makers.
- Evening: Experience the charm of Hoi An’s Night Market. Try some street food like cao lầu (a local noodle dish), and enjoy the lantern-lit ambiance.
✅ Day 13: Leisure in Hoi An
- Morning: Continue exploring the nooks and crannies of Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Halls of the Chinese community. If you had clothes made by the tailors, this is a good time to pick them up.
- Afternoon: Relax at An Bang Beach, a serene spot perfect for some downtime by the sea.
- Evening: Dine at one of Hoi An’s renowned restaurants, perhaps enjoying a riverside view.
🛌 Accommodation Suggestions:
- Luxury: Anantara Hoi An Resort - Located along the Thu Bon River, close to Ancient Town; around €120 per night.
- Normal: Bel Marina Hoi An Resort- Close to the Ancient Town; around €50 per night.
- Budget: Vietnam Backpacker Hostels - Hoi An - Near the edge of Hoi An’s historic Old Town; around €8-€15 per night.
🥘 Restaurant Recommendations:
- Morning Glory - Famous for Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau; around €5-€10 per person.
- Miss Ly Cafeteria - Known for local flavours in a cozy setting; around €5-€10 per person.
🚶♀️Tour Ideas:
- Ancient Town Walking Tour - Explore historical sites with a knowledgeable guide; around €10-€15.
- Cooking Class with Market Tour - Learn to cook Vietnamese dishes; around €25-€35 per person.
🎁 Souvenir Ideas:
- Custom-made clothing
- Lanterns
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Da Nang, Vietnam
✅ Day 14: Discover Da Nang
- Morning: Travel the short distance to Da Nang. Once there, visit the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five hills made from limestone and marble. Explore the caves and temples that have been placed into the mountains.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Da Nang and then head to My Khe Beach, known for its long, sandy coast and clear waters.
- Evening: Explore the local dining scene in Da Nang.
✅ Day 15: Day Trip to Ba Na Hills
- Day: Spend a full day at Ba Na Hills. Start by taking the cable car up to the resort area, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Walk across the Golden Bridge, held up by giant stone hands, and explore the French Village with its quaint European-style buildings.
- Evening: Return to Da Nang.
🛌 Accommodation Suggestions:
- Luxury: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort - Located on a private bay; around €200-€300 per night.
- Normal: Sanouva Danang Hotel - Located in the city centre; around €40 per night.
- Budget: Memory Hostel - Situated on the riverside of Bach Dang Street; from €8 to €12 per night, depending on the room type and the booking season.
🥘 Restaurant Recommendations:
- Fatfish Restaurant - Known for seafood and international dishes with a contemporary twist; around €10-€30 per person.
- Nén Restaurant - Offers a modern take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine; around €15-€25 per person.
🚶♀️Tour Ideas:
- Marble Mountains Exploration - Self-guided or with a tour guide; tours around €10-€20.
- Day Trip to Ba Na Hills - Includes cable car tickets and access to the Golden Bridge; around €30-€40 per person.
🎁 Souvenir Ideas:
- Stone sculptures
- Coffee
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
✅ Day 16: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
- Morning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the War Remnants Museum to gain insights into the Vietnam War through Vietnamese eyes. Follow this with a walk around iconic buildings such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Post Office.
- Evening: Explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for souvenirs and try local dishes.
✅ Day 17: Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels
- Day: Take a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located outside of Ho Chi Minh City. Learn about the ingenious methods used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.
- Evening: Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Saigon River, offering a different perspective of the city.
🛌 Accommodation Suggestions:
- Luxury: The Reverie Saigon - Located in District 1, with opulent interiors; around €200 per night.
- Normal: Silverland Yen Hotel - Located in District 1, close to major attractions; around €50 per night.
- Budget: The Hideout Hostel Saigon - Located in District 1, right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, close to major attractions and vibrant nightlife; around €6-€10 per night.
🥘 Restaurant Recommendations:
- Pho Quynh - Famous for Pho, a must-try in Vietnam; around €2-€5 per person.
- Cục Gạch Quán - Offers a rustic setting with traditional Vietnamese home cooking; around €5-€15 per person.
🚶♀️Tour Ideas:
- Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip - Learn about Vietnam War history; around €15-€25 including transport.
- Mekong Delta Tour - Explore the river life, including boat rides and local workshops; around €20-€30 per person.
🎁 Souvenir Ideas:
- Lacquer Art
- Ao Dai: The traditional Vietnamese dress can be tailored for you in various silk and fabric stores around the city.
- Vietnamese Chocolate
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Phú Quốc, Vietnam
✅ Day 18: Travel to Phu Quoc
- Morning: Catch a morning flight to Phu Quoc. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind.
- Afternoon: Spend your afternoon at Sao Beach, one of Phu Quoc's finest with white sands and turquoise waters.
- Evening: Visit Dinh Cau Night Market to taste fresh seafood and local specialties.
✅ Day 19-21: Relaxing and Exploring in Phu Quoc
Over the next three days, explore more of what Phu Quoc has to offer:
- Visit Vinpearl Safari to see a variety of animals in a large conservation park.
- Explore Phu Quoc National Park, which covers more than half of the island, offering hiking trails and opportunities to observe native wildlife.
- Snorkelling and diving trips to see the coral reefs and marine life around the island.
🛌 Accommodation Suggestions:
- Luxury: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa - Located on Khem Beach, this beautifully designed resort offers luxury accommodations and top-tier amenities; expect prices around €250-€350 per night.
- Normal: La Veranda Resort Phú Quốc - A charming colonial-style resort situated on the beachfront; prices are typically around €100-€150 per night.
- Budget: Langchia Home - Located close to the centre of Duong Dong, this hotel offers clean and comfortable accommodations for about €20-€30 per night.
🥘 Restaurant Recommendations:
- Crab House - Known for its delicious seafood, especially the crab dishes, in a laid-back, rustic setting; average cost per person is around €10-€20.
- The Pepper Tree at La Veranda Resort - This restaurant offers fine dining with sea views, specialising in French and Vietnamese fusion cuisine; expect to spend about €20-€40 per person.
- Bun Quay Phu Quoc - Famous for its unique style of Kien Giang noodle soup, a local delicacy; very affordable at around €3-€5 per person.
🚶♀️Tour Ideas:
- Snorkelling and Scuba Diving Tour - Explore the coral reefs around the An Thoi archipelago; tours generally cost around €20-€50, depending on the duration and included amenities.
- Phu Quoc National Park and Suối Tranh Waterfall Excursion - A tour exploring the lush forests and beautiful waterfalls of Phu Quoc; prices range from €15 to €30 for a half-day tour.
- Night Squid Fishing - Experience fishing like the locals; tours include dinner cooked from your catch and are priced around €15-€25.
🎁 Souvenir Ideas:
- Phu Quoc Pearls
- Fish Sauce: Phu Quoc produces some of the world's best fish sauce, a staple of Vietnamese cuisine.
- Sim Wine: Made from the fruit of the Rose Myrtle tree, which grows abundantly on the island; this sweet wine is a unique local product.
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
✅ Day 22: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and Departure
- Morning: Fly back to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you might have a few hours to enjoy last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Evening: Depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport.