Vietnam in a nutshell

Hanoi

When you arrive in Hanoi early in the morning (Hanoi Charming Hotel is recommendable!), refreshen yourself and go out on the streets. Eat a tasty baguette near Hoan Kiem Lake and get used to Hanoi's streetlife. If you aren't up for street food and want something more fancy; go to the Green Mango restaurant. Next day visit the Hanoi Hilton (go their on foot so you can enjoy the street life a bit more!) /Hoa Lo Prison to understand a bit of the experiences of POW's in the Vietnam war (both Vietnamese and American). Afterwards you still have enough time to visit Uncle Ho's mausoleum and museum. You can also choose to first visit the mausoleum early in the morning (bigger chance of the mausoleum being open to visitors) and go to Hanoi Hilton in the afternoon. In the following days you will enjoy Halong Bay. You can choose to go there by your own mode of transport or book a tour in Hanoi.

Hạ Long Bay

You can go to Halong Bay by your own mode of transport or book a tour in Hanoi. The tour the Hanoi Charming hotel booked is carried out by Galaxy Cruise. I would recommend the 2d/1n tour. You will visit Sung Sot Cave, go kayaking, go squid fishing, visit a floating fishing village and cook spring rolls.

Hanoi

Stopover to collect your bags and take the overnight train to Sapa.

Sa Pa

Walk around, enjoy the surroundings and the company of the H'mong ladies... They love to guide you around, but they expect you to buy something from them afterwards.

Hanoi

Visit Hanoi while traveling to tp. Huế.

tp. Huế

When you arrive in the early afternoon, you can visit the Citadel that same day. Next day you can choose to visit the other temples & tombs in the area (by motorcycle or with a private driver) .

tp. Hội An

After Hue you take a bus or a taxi to Hoi An. Let the tailors make you some clothes or a nice pair of shoes. The Hai Au Hotel has a nice pool. Enjoy the great restaurants in Hoi An at the riverside or have a few beers. You can also go to the beach by bicycle. For nice custom made sandals I'd recommend Shoes Shop Velvet. Do a early morning trip to My Son, which some people see as a smaller brother of Angkor Wat.

Nha Trang

Take an early morning flight to Nha Trang. Nha Trang isn't really recommendable for the vibe; lots of Russian tourists who drink a lot of vodka all day... But if you don't mind the vodka and just want to relax on the beach for a bit; Nha Trang will do :)

Ho Chi Minh City

You will end your trip in Ho Chi Minh City (Beautiful Saigon 3 Hotel). Visit the markets, try to cross the streets in one piece, learn more about the Vietnam war by visiting the Reunification Palace and the very impressive War Remnants Museum. If you don't have much time, book a day tour to the Mekong Delta (although I would recommend a two day tour if you have the time; one day was a bit too short). Finish your trip with a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels.

Hanoi

Rest a bit before you fly home :)