Vietnam, Vietnam
📍 Travel Plan: Vietnam (May 23 - Approx. June 1)
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi (May 23)
Arrival: Land at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Hanoi.
Transport to Old Quarter:
Option 1: Airport shuttle bus (approx. 45,000 VND / £1.50, 1 hour).
Option 2: Grab/taxi (~300,000 VND / £10, 40 minutes).
Accommodation: Stay in Hanoi Old Quarter (e.g., The One Hostel, Little Charm Hanoi Hostel).
Activities:
Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Visit the Train Street (check if open)
Explore the Night Market (Fri-Sun)
Enjoy dinner at a local spot (Bún Chả 34 for traditional Bún Chả).
Day 2: Exploring Hanoi Old Quarter (May 24)
Morning:
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & One Pillar Pagoda
Explore the Temple of Literature
Afternoon:
Check out the Vietnamese Women's Museum or Hoa Lo Prison
Coffee break at Café Giảng (Egg Coffee)
Evening:
Watch the Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre
Drinks at Ta Hien Street (Beer Street)
Day 3: Travel to Ha Long Bay (May 25)
Morning:
Bus transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay (3-4 hours, ~$12).
Afternoon:
Check in for 1 or 2-day cruise (recommend Rosa Cruise or Paradise Cruise).
Explore limestone karsts, kayak, visit caves, swim.
Evening:
Sunset party & squid fishing on board.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay & Return to Hanoi (May 26)
Morning:
Tai Chi on deck, visit Ti Top Island for panoramic views.
Afternoon:
Return to Ha Long Bay pier, bus back to Hanoi.
Evening:
Relax in Hanoi, prepare for Ha Giang Loop.
Day 5-8: Ha Giang Loop Adventure (May 27-30)
Day 1: Bus from Hanoi (6-7 hours) to Ha Giang. Stay overnight.
Day 2-4: Rent a motorbike or join a tour. Highlights include:
Dong Van Karst Plateau
Ma Pi Leng Pass (epic views!)
Lung Cu Flag Tower (China border)
Local ethnic villages
Day 5: Return to Hanoi (bus or private transfer).
Day 9: Departure to the Philippines (June 1)
Morning: Final sightseeing & last-minute shopping.
Afternoon: Travel to Noi Bai Airport (Grab/taxi or shuttle).
Evening: Flight to Philippines.