Vietnam-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

  • Morning
    • Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport
    • Obtain a Vietnamese visa (if required) - See Visa Requirements below
    • Take a taxi or Uber to your hotel
    • Check-in and freshen up
  • Afternoon
    • Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum (entry fee: 30,000 VND ~ $1.25 USD)
    • Explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - a UNESCO World Heritage Site (entry fee: 40,000 VND ~ $1.67 USD)
    • Enjoy traditional Vietnamese street food for dinner
  • Evening
    • Take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy the evening atmosphere
    • Visit the Old Quarter and explore the local markets and shops

Day 2: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

  • Morning
    • Take an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay (book in advance)
    • Explore the limestone karsts, caves, and beaches of Ha Long Bay
    • Enjoy lunch on board the cruise
  • Afternoon
    • Visit the Sung Sot Cave - one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Vietnam
    • Take a swim or kayak in the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay
    • Enjoy dinner on board the cruise
  • Night
    • Spend the night on the cruise boat

Day 3: Return to Hanoi

  • Morning
    • Wake up early and enjoy a sunrise over Ha Long Bay (if weather permits)
    • Visit the Ti Top Island for some great views of the bay
    • Return to Hanoi by car or bus
  • Afternoon
    • Visit the Dong Xuan Market - one of the largest markets in Hanoi
    • Explore the Temple of Literature - a historic temple dedicated to Confucius
    • Enjoy a farewell dinner in Hanoi

Other Things to Know

  • Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
  • Language: Vietnamese, English widely spoken in tourist areas
  • Weather: Best time to visit Vietnam is from September to November or March to May
  • Safety: Generally safe for tourists, but be mindful of pickpocketing and scams
  • Respect Local Customs:
    • Remove shoes when entering temples and homes
    • Avoid public displays of affection
    • Dress modestly in rural areas

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of the following countries can enter Vietnam without a visa: Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei
  • Other nationalities can obtain an e-visa online or at the airport on arrival
  • Visa fees:
    • E-visa: 25 USD ~ 550,000 VND
    • Tourist visa (single entry): 30-50 USD ~ 660,000 - 1.1 million VND

Transportation

  • Getting Around Hanoi: Taxi, Uber, motorbike taxis, and walking are popular options
  • From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay: Car or bus ( approx. 3 hours), ferry from Hai Phong port
  • In Ha Long Bay: Cruise boat is the primary mode of transportation

Note: Prices may vary depending on the season and availability. This itinerary is meant to be a general guide, and you should research and book accommodations, transportation, and activities in advance to ensure availability.