Last Updated on April 12, 2022
Heading to Vietnam? The big decision is deciding where you want to go in Vietnam. The country is quite large and difficult to see everything in a short week. If you’re reading this post, there’s a good chance you’ve decided on Northern Vietnam! Here is an itinerary of what to do in 7 days in Northern Vietnam.
Day 1:
Location: Hanoi
Accommodations: Pan Pacific Hotel
Overview: Travel day + Tran Quoc Pagoda + Night Market
Fly into Hanoi
To avoid any delays at the airport, be sure to get your Vietnam visitor’s Visa ahead of time. Also, plan to get to the airport EARLY. We flew VietJet Air and had quite a frustrating experience. The check-in process was torturous; we waited in line for nearly 45 minutes, once we got to the desk, the paperwork in order to fly took quite a long time. We had previously attempted to purchase our bags online, but were unable to do so, so we had to purchase our bags at the airport. VietJet would not accept cash, so we had to hold up the line while we went to go find an ATM. After that debacle, we were only allowed one personal bag per person on board, and it had to be under a certain weight – they weighed my carry-on bag to make sure and scrutinized the size very carefully. After being at the counter for nearly a half hour, we were then released to a waiting area where we had to sit and wait for our checked bags to be inspected before we were released to go through security to get to our gate. After waiting for about 15 minutes, the security line was getting long and we were cutting it close on time. We asked the Vietjet counter if we were free to leave and they were surprised we were still there waiting, as if we knew when we were allowed to leave. Once through security, we ended up having to run through the airport to get to our gate on time – we even heard our names being called over the intercom… never a good sign.
Arrive in Hanoi
Once arriving at the airport, expect to have a bit of a wait. *Don’t go straight through customs, but head to the back window across from the customs desks and provide them with your Visa information and photos. If you did not bring passport photos with you, you can have your photo taken there for a small fee. Once through customs, be sure to get local currency (Vietnamese Dong) out at the airport and to purchase a SIM card. You can also arrange transportation from and to the airport at this point.
Stay at the Pan Pacific Hotel
Stay here for your first two nights in Northern Vietnam. The Pan Pacific Hotel is right outside of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. There isn’t much to do directly near the hotel, but it’s a relaxing spot to ease yourself into the chaos of Hanoi (plus get in a few massages while you’re there). They have a fantastic all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast, restaurants on-site, a gym, spa, pool and other amenities to keep you happy and relaxed at the start of your trip. The Old Quarter is close enough to walk to, but if you prefer, you can request the concierge arrange a private car for you to get there.
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Visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda at Sunset
The Tran Quoc Pagoda is just steps from the Pan Pacific Hotel and open to explore between the hours of 8am-4pm (you might even get a room with a view of the Pagoda, like we did!). If you are visiting during the winter months of the year, you may be able to time it perfectly with visiting right as the Pagoda is closing and then taking some beautiful photos of the Pagoda as the sun sets.
Walk or Taxi to the Old Quarter
If it’s a nice evening, I suggest walking to the Old Quarter. (Plan on bringing old shoes, as your feet will get very dirty on the streets). This is when you’ll probably start to experience the chaos of Hanoi. Everyone has a moped in Hanoi and they don’t stop for pedestrians. Best advice? Just walk out in front of them. Obviously be a little strategic about it, but just have faith that they won’t hit you and keep walking.
Head to Hanoi’s Night Market
The Night Market is a perfect place to start off your adventure in Hanoi. Weekends are the best time to go, as the streets are “motor-free” and you can shop in peace without dodging mopeds. You’ll find everything from shoes and clothing to North Face apparel and electronics. A word of advice – look around first before buying anything. You’ll be overwhelmed with all the options and won’t want to jump at the first thing you see.
Get a Nightcap before calling it a night
You may not find many chill bars in Hanoi to grab a drink, but there are plenty of coffee shops all over that stay open late. You can also end the evening with a relaxing massage at Pan Pacific.
Day 2:
Location: Hanoi
Accommodations: Pan Pacific Hotel
Overview: Explore the Old Quarter + Hanoi Hilton + Water Puppet Show
All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast at Pan Pacific Hotel
Get there early and spend time indulging in a scrumptious all-you-can-eat buffet at the hotel.
Check out some Vietnamese Coffee
Take a walk or grab a cab into the Old Quarter. As you probably discovered the day before, there are coffee shops galore in Hanoi! Vietnamese coffee is very well-known – and very strong. Take a tall Starbucks Americano and add 10 shots of espresso into that. That’s what we’re working with here. Coffee drinkers, beware.
Pay a visit to the Hanoi Hilton
No, not the hotel. The Hanoi Hilton, also known as the Hoa Lo Prison Memorial, is where the Vietnamese kept and tortured many American pilots and servicemen during the Vietnam War. Only a small portion of the actual prison remains, along with a small amount of truth of what actually took place within those walls. The remains and information try to make it seem like our soldiers were treated much better than they actually were, almost re-staging a better vision of what actually happened.
Try some local cuisine
If you haven’t done so already, today is the day to try some local cuisine. There are plenty of Vietnamese options – some of which also offering vegetarian or vegan options. Be sure to try some coconut ice cream for dessert!
Go to a Water Puppet Show
The story goes that back when the locals would work in the rice paddy fields and they would flood, they created these little puppets to entertain themselves. The tradition has evolved into these staged water puppet shows that are about an hour long. To be honest, it wasn’t my ideal form of entertainment (to put it nicely), but it certainly was interesting, and worth the experience. If you can, stop by the theatre early to purchase tickets, or buy them online to avoid waiting in line before the show.
End the evening with a spa treatment or swim
Head on back to the Pan Pacific Hotel for another spa treatment or dip in the pool before heading to bed.
Day 3:
Location: Ninh Binh
Accommodations: Emeralda Resort
Overview: Organized One-Way Day Trip to Ninh Binh
Head to Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is known as the Ha Long Bay on land, and about two hours south of Hanoi. We booked the trip with a group tour, which was just a day-trip from Hanoi, but planned on staying one extra night in Ninh Binh at a local resort. When booking your trip, ask the agency to arrange separate transportation at the end of the day trip so you can stay an extra day relaxing in Ninh Binh. With the Pan Pacific being outside of the Old Quarter, you will most likely be asked to meet the bus in town at a specified location. In our case, we met at the Hanoi Opera House.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
The first stop is the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, where you can visit the Dinh King Temple and the Le King Temple. To be honest, the history was not all that interesting to me, but the architecture and sights were really cool to experience.
Bike Ride through the countryside
After the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital visit, you will stop to take a bike ride through the countryside before grabbing lunch at a traditional Vietnamese buffet. If you choose not to ride a bike, you can stay at the buffet for a longer lunch break.
Row through the Trang An Wharf
The next stop is the Trang An Wharf, where you will be guided on small row boats on the river through caves – some of which are where King Kong was filmed! You’ll have the option to sit back and relax the whole time, or you can help row.
Climb the Mua Cave
In my opinion, the Mua Cave was the coolest part of the journey and I’m disappointed we didn’t have more time here. You can climb over 500 stone steps to an absolutely stunning view of the countryside and Ngo Dong River. There is a dragon at the top of this climb that many people try to reach and get pictures with. This stone dragon stretches over the top of the mountain with a steep drop-off to the Ngo Dong River. Play it safe and don’t climb on it like many other tourists try to do. After your climb back down, you can explore the beautiful area and winding boardwalk over the lily pond with a gorgeous backdrop of the mountains and countryside.
Depart to Emeralda Resort
Once your tour heads back to Hanoi, you will grab your private transportation (set up by the tour) to the Emeralda Resort (about 30-45 minutes from the Mua Cave). Check in to your room and head over to the resort’s restaurant for a nice dinner and glass of wine before heading to bed.
Day 4:
Location: Ninh Binh
Accommodations: Emeralda Resort
Overview: Relax and explore the Emeralda Resort
All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at the Emeralda Resort. Try to snag a table on the patio and enjoy the beautiful nature around you.
Spend some time at the pool
Grab a book and relax at the pool for a while. There is an indoor and outdoor pool to choose from. The outdoor pool has a bar with food and beverages to enjoy while kicking back.
Enjoy the Vietnam spa experience
The Emeralda Resort has many spa packages available. Try to book the evening before.
Relax some more
Head back to the pool for a pre-dinner drink and snack before freshening up for dinner.
Dinner on the patio
Make a reservation for dinner at Emeralda’s restaurant for a spot on the patio that overlooks the pool
Game night
There’s not a ton to do at the Emeralda Resort beyond relaxing. Bring some card games with you or enjoy a drink at the bar after dinner.
Day 5:
Location: Hanoi
Accommodations: Hotel de L’Opera Hanoi
Overview: Shopping + Coffee + Live Music
Private car back to Hanoi
When you arrive at Emeralda, request the concierge to set up private transportation back to Hanoi for you.
Stay in the Old Quarter
Back in Hanoi, change things up and splurge on a fancy hotel in the Old Quarter for the night. The Hotel de L’Opera Hanoi was a fantastic pick – very modern and chic.
Give Vietnamese Coffee another go
Check out some other coffee shops in the area. One of the oldest coffee shops in Hanoi is right down the street from the Hotel de L’Opera, called The Coffee House.
Go shopping
If you haven’t done so already, now is your chance to go shopping around Hanoi. You’ve seen the Night Market, but check out some of the other shops in the area filled with all the North Face apparel, shoes, bags, and more – all perfect for Christmas gifts for the family!
Squeeze in another massage
If you’re still in the mood to treat yourself to relaxation, now’s the time! Make an appointment at the Hotel de L’Opera spa or check out another local spa in the area. Gotta try them all, right? 😉
Live Music at the Bar
Check out some of the live music down at L’Opera’s bar. Accompanied with a nice cocktail and a scoop of ice cream makes for the perfect end to the evening.
Day 6:
Location: Ha Long Bay
Accommodations: Orchid Cruises
Overview: Cruise through Ha Long Bay
Breakfast in Bed
Arrange for breakfast in bed the night prior, or head down to breakfast at L’Opera’s restaurant.
Pick-up at L’Opera
Check out of the hotel and be ready for pick-up from your private transfer through Orchid Cruises to your Ha Long Bay excursion.
Arrive at Ha Long Bay
After about a two-hour ride to Ha Long Bay, you will check in with your tour company and they will call everyone to get on the correct transfer boat to head to your cruise.
Welcome Aboard!
You’ll be welcomed aboard your cruise with raining flower petals and a welcome drink. Your luggage will be taken directly to your room and you’ll be guided to the dining area for a quick briefing and overview of what to expect on the cruise. Afterwards, you’ll be given the keys to your room and have the opportunity to eat lunch at the buffet on board.
Excursion to Cat Ba Island Caves
An optional excursion to the Cat Ba Island Caves is a must! A small boat will take you from your cruise to Cat Ba Island, where a bus will pick you up and bring you to a cave that you get to explore with your guide.
Swimming
Once back on the boat, you’ll have the opportunity to take a dip or just relax and enjoy the beauty of Ha Long Bay.
Cooking Demo + Happy Hour
On the top deck, you will be invited for a pre-dinner cooking demo, where you will learn to make your own spring rolls and have a drink or two.
Dinner time
Dinner aboard is quite the event. If you are celebrating a birthday or other special occasion, this is the time the staff will make it known. For birthdays, they decorate your spot at a table and wish you happy birthday. For other occasions, they may turn off the lights and sing to you while bringing you a pineapple or something fun. The dinner itself was over-the-top. A four-course meal will definitely not leave you feeling hungry.
Squid Fishing
At the end of the evening, anyone who wishes will have the option to go squid fishing off the back of the boat. Luckily, our room faced the back of the boat, so we were able to look over our balcony down on the squid fishers without having to fish ourselves.
Day 7:
Location: Ha Long Bay + Hanoi
Accommodations: Orchid Cruises
Overview: Cruise through Ha Long Bay + Return to Hanoi for Flight
Sunrise + Tai Chi Lesson
Wake up early to watch the sunrise and learn Tai Chi on the top deck.
Breakfast
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.
Kayaking Ha Long Bay
Join in on an optional activity of kayaking around Ha Long Bay. The cruise will stop at a specific area for you to explore freely on kayak for a couple hours.
Brunch
Come back, pack your things, and freshen up before the departing brunch.
Back to Shore
A small boat will pick you up and bring you back to shore, where you will catch your private transfer back to Hanoi.
Cheap Hanoi Hotel
Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours to spare. There are plenty of cheap hotels in the Old Quarter where you can book a room and store your luggage for the afternoon while you go explore Hanoi one last time, or relax before your flight.
Tam Biêt, Vietnam!
Goodbye, Vietnam! Hope you had an incredible trip and made a ton of new memories.
Want more details of my visit? Check out my Weekly Journal Week 20-22: Vietnam Getaway.
