Escape to Vietnam: Hanoi & Da Nang (6 Days / 5 Nights)

Curated by Off Grid Vacations

From the centuries-old colonial charm and emerald waters of Northern Vietnam to the misty mountain peaks and lantern-lit coastal allure of Central Vietnam, this 6-day package delivers a balanced blend of heritage, natural wonders, and iconic sights.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi | Leisure Day

  • Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), meet our airport representative for your private transfer to the hotel. Check in and take time to freshen up and unwind.

  • Afternoon & Evening at Leisure: Step out into the heart of the capital at your own pace.

    • Stroll around the tranquil perimeter of Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword).

    • Walk across the scarlet, sun-lit Huc Bridge to visit the classical Ngoc Son Temple situated on Jade Island.

    • Explore the bustling maze of the Hanoi Old Quarter, browsing silk boutiques, craft shops, and tasting authentic street-side egg coffee (Cà phê trứng) or a hot bowl of traditional Phở.

  • Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Hanoi.

Day 2: Full-Day Excursion to Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Bich Dong)

  • Morning (Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu): Depart Hanoi on a scenic drive south through rural landscapes to Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land.” Visit Hoa Lu, the 10th-century feudal capital of Vietnam, and tour the historic stone shrines dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.

  • Midday (Tam Coc Sampan Rowboat Ride): Board a traditional woven sampan rowboat at the Tam Coc pier. Glide along the winding Ngo Dong River through dramatic karst limestone peaks rising sheer from emerald rice paddies, drifting directly underneath three natural river caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba).

  • Afternoon (Cycling to Bich Dong Pagoda): Pick up bicycles for an easy ride along quiet village pathways flanked by lotus ponds and limestone bluffs. Arrive at Bich Dong Pagoda, a tiered cluster of ancient hillside cave temples built into the mountain cliff.

  • Transfer back to Hanoi in the late afternoon for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Halong Bay Full-Day Luxury Cruise

  • Morning: Travel along the modern highway toward the shores of the Gulf of Tonkin to board your premium day-cruise vessel at Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its thousands of towering limestone islets draped in tropical jungle.

  • Midday (Scenic Cruising & Seafood Buffet): Set sail through the bay while relishing a gourmet Vietnamese lunch featuring fresh coastal seafood. Pass iconic sea markers such as the Kissing Rocks (Fighting Cocks Islet) and Incense Burner Islet.

  • Afternoon (Caves, Kayaking & Ti Top Island):

    • Step ashore to explore the colossal caverns of Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), filled with illuminated stalactites and stalagmites resembling legendary figures.

    • Kayak or ride a local bamboo boat through the emerald lagoon of Luon Cave.

    • Stop at Ti Top Island to swim at its white sandy crescent beach or climb the 400 stone steps to the summit gazebo for sweeping 360-degree aerial views of the entire bay.

  • Late Afternoon & Evening: Enjoy a sunset tea party on the sundeck as the vessel sails back to the harbor. Transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Flight to Da Nang | Arrival & Evening at Leisure

  • Morning: Savor breakfast at your hotel and complete check-out formalities. Meet your chauffeur for the transfer to Noi Bai Airport to catch your domestic flight to Da Nang, the coastal hub of Central Vietnam.

  • Afternoon: Arrive at Da Nang International Airport (DAD), where your local driver will receive you and transfer you to your beachfront or city hotel for check-in.

  • Evening at Leisure:

    • Unwind along the golden sands of My Khe Beach, famous for its gentle surf and seafood promenades.

    • Take an evening stroll across the city to view the illuminated Dragon Bridge (Cau Rong), and if visiting on a weekend, catch the fire-and-water breathing show at 9:00 PM.

    • Optional: Take a short 30-minute cab ride to the ancient town of Hoi An to walk among thousands of glowing silk lanterns and historic shophouses along the Thu Bon River.

  • Overnight in Da Nang.

Day 5: Full-Day Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Tour

  • Morning (World-Record Cable Car Ascent): Head west to the foothills of the Truong Son Mountains to visit Sun World Ba Na Hills. Board one of the world’s longest single-wire cable cars, ascending through mountain mist, waterfalls, and primary forest.

  • The Iconic Golden Bridge (Cau Vang): Step out onto the world-famous Golden Bridge, suspended at 1,414 meters altitude. Walk along the curved golden pathway seemingly held aloft by two colossal moss-covered stone hands emerging from the cliffside, offering sweeping views out to the East Sea.

  • Midday to Afternoon (French Village & Fantasy Park):

    • Stroll through the cobblestone courtyards, Gothic spires, and European squares of the replica French Village.

    • Explore the colorful blooms of Le Jardin D’Amour flower gardens and visit the 27-meter-tall white Shakyamuni Buddha statue at Linh Ung Pagoda.

    • Enjoy rides, 4D cinemas, and family entertainment at Fantasy Park, Vietnam’s premier indoor amusement complex.

  • Ride the cable car down the mountain in the late afternoon and return to your hotel in Da Nang.

  • Overnight in Da Nang.

Day 6: Da Nang Sightseeing | Departure

  • Morning: Enjoy a relaxed buffet breakfast overlooking the ocean and complete your hotel check-out.

  • Last-Minute Sights & Shopping: Depending on your flight time, make a photo stop at the Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) or pick up local dried fruit, specialty coffee, and handicrafts at Han Market.

  • Airport Transfer: Meet your chauffeur for your private drop-off at Da Nang International Airport (DAD) for your onward or return flight home.

Package Inclusions & Highlights

  • Accommodation: 5 Nights in handpicked 4-star hotels (3 Nights Hanoi + 2 Nights Da Nang) with daily breakfast.

  • Transfers & Transport:

    • Private airport pick-up and drop-off in both Hanoi and Da Nang

    • Full-day air-conditioned transfers for all scheduled sightseeing tours

  • Tours & Tickets Included:

    • Full-day Ninh Binh tour (Hoa Lu temple tickets, Tam Coc sampan boat ride & village cycling)

    • Full-day Halong Bay luxury day cruise with seafood lunch, Sung Sot cave entry, and kayaking/bamboo boat

    • Sun World Ba Na Hills excursion including round-trip cable car passes, Golden Bridge, and French Village access

  • Guide & Support: English-speaking local tour guides on all group excursions and 24/7 on-ground customer assistance.