Vietnam highlights: Ha Long Bay and Hoi An (plus Hanoi)

1. Hanoi’s Old Quarter on foot

Start with a morning walk before the heat: coffee, street breakfast, and a lake lap at Hoan Kiem. Hire a guide for the first food walk so you learn what to order — then freestyle the rest.

2. Ha Long or Lan Ha by boat

Overnight cruises are the classic; day trips work if time is tight. Read recent reviews for food and kayak time, and treat “5-star” labels sceptically. Ninh Binh is a strong land-based alternative if seasick is a hard no.

3. Hoi An Ancient Town after dark

Lanterns, tailor shops, and the Japanese Bridge earn the crowds — go early evening, then peel into quieter alleys. A cooking class or basket-boat add-on fills a second day without rushing Da Nang beaches.

4. A north–south stitch that is not everything

Hanoi → Ha Long → flight to Da Nang/Hoi An → optional Ho Chi Minh City is enough for 10–12 days. Adding Sapa, Hue, and the Mekong in one go usually means transit, not travel.

5. Practical notes

• Visa rules change — check entry requirements before you pay for hotels.
• Grab and Xanh SM work in cities; trains and short flights cover the long legs.
• Carry small cash for street food; card coverage is improving but uneven.

Lock one Ha Long cruise and one Hoi An evening experience through trusted partners, keep Hanoi flexible, and leave room for the bowl of noodles you did not plan.