9 days in Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Hoi An Itinerary

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has bounded back from the effects of war, and today serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub bursting at the seams.

On your second day here, take in the spiritual surroundings of Chua Tran Quoc, steep yourself in history at Presidential Palace Historical Site, then admire the masterpieces at Fine Arts Museum (Bao Tang My Thuat), and finally view the masterpieces at TiredCity Hang Bong.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Hanoi trip website.

Use the Route module to see travel options from your home to Hanoi. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) so you can go by car to Ninh Binh.

A fairly nondescript town, Ninh Binh acts as a base for explorations of the province of the same name, with the karst landscape and lush valleys that surround the town offering a wealth of scenic vistas of rice paddies and rugged rocks.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Cuc Phuong National Park and Kenh Ga. Hoa Lu Temple and Nhà xứ Phát Diệm are good opportunities to explore the local culture. The adventure continues: Head underground at Ma Tien Cave, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Thai Vi Temple, and don't miss a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda.

To see maps, ratings, and tourist information, read Ninh Binh trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. March in Ninh Binh sees daily highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Wed) so you can travel to Hoi An.

Indisputably one of Vietnam's most atmospheric destinations, Hoi An contains a World Heritage-listed old town boasting over 2,000 years of culture and history.

Do some cultural sightseeing at XQ Hand Embroidery and Thanh Ha Terracotta Park. Take a break from the city and head to Danang Unplugged Tours and Stand-Up Paddleboarding. Explore Hoi An's surroundings by going to Da Nang Museum (in Da Nang) and Hue (Le Ba Dang Art Museum & Luc Bo Culture Space). There's much more to do: experience rural life at Tra Que Minty Garden, admire the masterpieces at Cotic, appreciate the extensive heritage of March Gallery, and get engrossed in the history at Hoi An Museum.

To find maps, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Hoi An trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Ninh Binh to Hoi An by combination of bus and flight takes about 7.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Ninh Binh in April: highs in Hoi An hover around 36°C, while lows dip to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.