Itinerary Overview

Days 1–3: North (Hanoi + Halong Bay) → Days 4–5: Central (Da Nang + Hoi An) → Days 6–8: South (Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Delta). Domestic flights are the most time-efficient way to travel between cities.

Days 1–3: Hanoi + Halong Bay

• Day 1: Old Quarter (36 Streets) → Hoan Kiem Lake → St. Joseph’s Cathedral → Evening water puppet show.
• Day 2: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum → Temple of Literature → West Lake’s Tran Quoc Pagoda → Coffee at a Train Street café.
• Day 3: One- or two-day cruise in Halong Bay (boat tour + caves + kayaking).

Days 4–5: Da Nang + Hoi An

• Day 4: Fly to Da Nang → My Khe Beach → Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge + French Village).
• Day 5: Hoi An Ancient Town (Japanese Covered Bridge, lantern streets) → Afternoon bike ride to An Bang Beach → Evening lantern release on the river.

Days 6–8: Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City → Central Post Office → Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica → Reunification Palace → Ben Thanh Night Market.
• Day 7: Cu Chi Tunnels (Vietnam War site) or one-day Mekong Delta tour (My Tho + Ben Tre).
• Day 8: Breakfast with coffee and baguette → Chinatown (Chinatown) → Depart from Tan Son Nhat Airport.

Tips

• For domestic flights, consider VietJet, Vietnam Airlines, or Bamboo Airways; fares around $28–$56 can often be found if booked in advance.
• Halong Bay cruises depart from Hon Gai Port; it’s about a 3-hour drive from Hanoi.
• Hoi An Ancient Town is most beautiful at night when the lanterns are lit—recommended to stay overnight.