Ultimate 3-Day Vietnam Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Start your morning at the historic Hoan Kiem Lake. Stroll along the lakeside, watch locals practice tai chi, and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the picturesque Jade Island.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Head to Pho Gia Truyen to savor a steaming bowl of Hanoi’s most famous pho, a breakfast tradition beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Pho Gia Truyen

Explore the bustling Old Quarter, where narrow streets are filled with street vendors, French colonial architecture, and vibrant markets. Don’t miss the chance to sample authentic egg coffee at a hidden local café.

Old Quarter

Visit the serene Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university and a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture set in peaceful gardens.

Temple of Literature

Experience a traditional water puppet show at the iconic Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a unique Vietnamese performing art dating back to the 11th century.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

End your day with dinner at Quan An Ngon, an atmospheric restaurant offering a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes from different regions.

Quan An Ngon

Begin your day with a scenic drive to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands topped with rainforests.

Ha Long Bay

Board a traditional Junk Boat for an unforgettable cruise, admiring the bay’s iconic karst formations and crystal-clear waters.

Junk Boat

Discover the magical Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in the bay, featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and dramatic chambers illuminated by colorful lights.

Sung Sot Cave

Relax and swim at the tranquil Ti Top Island, or climb to the summit for panoramic views over the bay.

Ti Top Island

Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner on board your Overnight Cruise as the sun sets over the limestone islands, and take part in evening activities like squid fishing or stargazing.

Overnight Cruise

Wander the enchanting streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its lantern-lit alleyways, preserved merchant houses, and vibrant riverside ambiance.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Don’t miss the beautifully preserved Japanese Covered Bridge, an iconic 18th-century landmark that’s a symbol of the city.

Japanese Covered Bridge

Enjoy a hands-on cooking class at Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you’ll learn how to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes using fresh, local ingredients.

Tra Que Vegetable Village

Sample Hoi An’s legendary banh mi at the beloved Banh Mi Phuong, a local favorite praised by international chefs for its perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Banh Mi Phuong

As night falls, stroll along the Thu Bon River, where hundreds of lanterns light up the water, and take a boat ride for a magical view of the illuminated old town.

Thu Bon River

Cap your adventure with a meal at Cao Lau Ba Le, a hidden gem renowned for its signature cao lau noodles—a must-try Hoi An specialty.

Cao Lau Ba Le