North & Central Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, Explore

Welcome to Vietnam! After arrival at Hanoi's airport, you'll take some time to relax and unwind at your hotel. If you're feeling energetic, head out to explore the city on foot. Dating to 3,000 BCE, Hanoi is one of the most ancient capitals in the world. Today, it's a mix of the old and the new, a city defined by the contradictions of a rapidly developing yet deeply traditional society. Walk around the French colonial Old Quarter, absorb the energy of Hanoi's motorbike-packed streets, browse through outdoor markets and silk shops, and try bánh mì from a street food vendor.

Then, go for a stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. At the north end of the lake is an arched red bridge leading to Jade Island and the Temple of the Jade Mountain. This temple was built in the 18th century to honor Tran Hung Dao, a military commander. Nearby, in the center of the lake, is Turtle Tower, a small stone tower built to commemorate the Golden Turtle God, Kim Qui. According to Vietnamese myth, he reclaimed a magical sword from Emperor Lê Lợi in order to return it to the Dragon King. 

Day 2: Hanoi City & Street Food Tour

In the morning, you'll embark on a guided tour of Hanoi, first stopping at Hang Be Market. Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, just a five-minute walk from Hoàn Kiếm Lake, this municipal market has been open for over 100 years. It offers a wide variety of products, from fresh produce, meat, and fish to dry goods, flowers, and clothing.

Afterward, your guide will lead you north to West Lake (Hồ Tây) and the Trấn Quốc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. Dating to the 6th century, it was built during the reign of Emperor Lý Nam Đế during his dynasty of 544-548 CE. This 11-story, 49-foot (15 m) Buddhist shrine has undergone several changes and renovations over the years, but it's still home to Buddhist monks who pray every day at various shrines on the temple grounds.

Next, you'll head to the Museum of Ethnology. This massive museum complex preserves cultural heritage by offering information on the 54 different ethnic groups in Vietnam. Then, you'll visit Ba Dinh Square and see the outside of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the dominating structure that serves as the final resting place for the revolutionary leader. This is followed by a stop at the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, one of the most iconic Buddhist temples in the city. Move on to the Temple of Literature, which was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to Confucius. This temple was the first university in Vietnam, and it's still a place where students burn incense and pray at the altars for academic success.

Following that, indulge in a delightful street food tour through the Old Quarter. Your guide will lead you around a maze of historic streets as you try seasonal fruits from produce stalls and tasty French-inspired snacks from street carts. Famous northern Vietnamese dishes you'll sample include bún chả (a grilled pork and noodle dish) and bánh cuốn (rice noodles filled with ground pork). The next stops are at outdoor barbecue stalls, where you'll sit down with locals and sample various flame-grilled meats. Finish the tour with something sweet: a famous Vietnamese egg coffee, which is made with egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk. You can also sample some local rice wine before returning to your hotel to relax.

Day 3: Transfer to Hạ Long Bay, Overnight Cruise

Your destination today is the coastal retreat and fishing community of Hạ Long Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the true natural wonders of the world. In this sweet spot where the land meets the Gulf of Tonkin, over 1,000 karst islets rise above emerald waters. Legend has it that these islands originated as precious jewels that were sprayed into the water by a great dragon who was battling invaders in Hạ Long Bay centuries ago. Mythology aside, you can't deny the otherworldly beauty of the seascape here.

On arrival, you'll board a boat departing from the port for a memorable tour of the bay. Not only will you enjoy fresh seafood for lunch and dinner, but you'll overnight aboard the ship as well. This will allow you to see the sunset over the water.

Day 4: Morning Cruise & Transfer to Hội An

In the early morning, you'll wake up to a spectacular sunrise over the bay. After a leisurely breakfast onboard the ship, you'll cruise the bay a bit longer before returning to the pier. From here, you'll transfer back to Hanoi by bus, then to the airport, where you'll catch a short flight to Da Nang, located on the coast of Central Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, you'll transfer to adjacent Hội An and check into your hotel. This colorful city sits on Vietnam's central coast at the entrance to the Thu Bồn River and has a long and storied history. You'll get a sense of it as you stroll its old streets along the waterfront. Feel free to spend the evening relaxing and enjoying dinner out in town.

Day 5: Cycling by the Thu Bồn River

After breakfast, you'll meet a local guide at your hotel and hop on a bicycle for a 15-minute ride along the banks of the Thu Bồn River. Your first stop is the Kim Bong carpentry village. This small town is home to a community of artisans who spend their days in their workshops. You'll visit the shops of various artisans, including woodcarvers, mosaic designers, and even shipbuilders. Throughout the experience, of course, your guide will translate. 

Then, continue down the river to the Tra Nhieu, an ecological village that has retained its traditional roots. This 148-acre community is in the Duy Xuyen District of Quang Nam Province. The locals earn their living in a number of ways, including fishing, mat-weaving, palm-leaf braiding, and making handicrafts. After a brief presentation on the history of the village, you'll take a tour, strolling amid coconut palms and over bamboo bridges to little river islands and listening to the sounds of exotic birds.

Your next stop is near Tra Que, a small village famous for its organic vegetables. The farmers here grow many herbs and vegetables without pesticides or chemicals. To fertilize their crops, they use a type of river seaweed that they harvest by boat. During your visit, local farmers will teach you about these cultivation methods, and you'll join in gardening activities like watering, transplanting, and tending to the greens.

Later, relax and soak your feet in a solution of water infused with local herbs: it's guaranteed to soothe. You'll take a hands-on approach to lunch as you prepare a meal with a local family, learning to prepare traditional dishes like tam hữu (herb-wrapped spring rolls) and bánh xèo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes). Enjoy the meal with the family before transferring back to Hội An.

Day 6: Free Day in Hội An 

Today, you'll have the freedom to enjoy Hội An. To learn more about the history of the city, you can visit the Hội An Museum, which houses many fascinating artifacts dating from early dynasties to the colonial period. Or enjoy some unabashed fun in the sun with a trip to An Bang Beach with its white sands and sky-blue waters.

When the sun sets, Hội An really comes alive. Go for an evening stroll, as the waterfront is particularly romantic after dark when the river lights up as colored lanterns and floating candles illuminate the night sky. You might even be inspired to visit Hội An's Lantern Market to pick up a traditional lantern to take home.

Day 7: Depart Hội An

In the morning, you'll leave Hội An for the short drive north to Da Nang. Your Vietnam adventure ends here. Come back soon!

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