Land at Noi Bai Airport (HAN) and take a Grab taxi to the Old Quarter for about 350,000 VND ($15). Drop bags at your accommodation and get oriented near Hoan Kiem Lake.

Walk the 1.7 km loop around the lake and cross the red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple. Go early to avoid the heat and crowded sidewalks.

Wander the 36 streets named after guilds like Hang Gai (silk) and Hang Bac (silver). Duck into Dong Xuan Market at the north end for local goods and cheap snacks.

Head to Ta Hien Street, known as Beer Street, where tiny plastic stools line the sidewalk. Order a Bia Ha Noi for about 10,000 VND and point to whatever looks good at nearby stalls.

Head to Cau Giay district about 7 km from the Old Quarter. Allocate 2 to 2.5 hours to see indoor exhibits on Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups plus the outdoor reconstructed village houses.

Search for any pho stall near the museum or along Nguyen Van Huyen street. Ask for pho bo (beef pho) and add fresh lime, chili, and herbs at the table.

Located on Van Mieu street just south of the museum area. Walk through the five courtyards and look for the stone steles on turtle backs listing scholars from 1076.

Walk to the lake's northern edge and find a cafe on Dinh Tien Hoang street with a balcony view of Turtle Tower. Order ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) for about $1.50.

Hire a private taxi or take a bus from Hanoi's Giap Bat station to Ninh Binh city. The drive takes around 2 hours via Highway 1A. Arrange pickup from your hotel for an early 7am departure.

Take a 3-hour boat tour through limestone karst caves and rivers at this UNESCO site. Buy tickets at the main entrance, boats seat 4 people and depart continuously. Bring a hat and sunscreen as boats are uncovered.

Rent a bicycle from any guesthouse near Trang An for around 50,000 VND. Head south towards Tam Coc road and cycle along the rice paddy paths between the limestone mountains. Google Maps is reliable for staying on the back roads.

Catch a return bus or taxi back to Hanoi by early evening. Many tour companies offer round-trip vans, or book a Grab car (around 600,000 VND) from Ninh Binh to your Hanoi hotel. Aim to leave Ninh Binh by 6pm.

Book a morning flight with Vietnam Airlines or VietJet (1.5 hours). Grab a Banh Mi from a street cart at Noi Bai Airport before boarding.

Walk from the Japanese Covered Bridge down Nguyen Thai Hoc Street toward the Central Market. Visit a tailor shop on Le Loi Street for custom clothing if interested.

Head to the Old Town along the Thu Bon River after dark when lanterns light up. Walk along Bach Dang Street and cross the Japanese Covered Bridge for the best photo spots.

Head to An Bang Beach, a laid-back stretch of sand just 3km east of Hoi An Ancient Town. Rent a lounger and umbrella from one of the beachfront cafes along the main strip for a few hours of swimming and sun.

Walk to the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau) at the western end of Tran Phu Street. This iconic 17th century wooden bridge is Hoi An's most recognizable landmark, free to view from outside; entry inside is ticketed.

Walk from the bridge to the Central Market (Chợ Hội An) on Tran Quy Cap Street. Browse the produce stalls and fresh seafood section, and try a glass of cà phê sữa đá from one of the small coffee vendors inside.

Stroll along the Hoai River on Bach Dang Street where many bars set up low tables and stools right by the water. Order a local Bia Hoi (fresh draft beer) for around 5,000 VND and watch the lantern-lit boats drift by.

Head to Da Nang early (30 min drive) to explore the five marble and limestone hills with caves, Buddhist pagodas, and panoramic views. Search for Thuy Son (Water Mountain) which has the most temples and climb to the summit for views of the coastline.

Return to Hoi An's Old Town and browse along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street for lanterns, silk scarves, and custom tailoring. Visit the Central Market for spices, dried fruits, and ceramic goods.

Book a table at a family-run restaurant in the Old Town or along the Thu Bon River. Look for places on Bach Dang Street with outdoor seating and order the local Hoanh Thanh (Vietnamese wonton) or Cao Lau noodles.

Have breakfast at a nearby café in Da Nang city center and order a final bowl of Phở or a quick Bánh mì with Cà phê sữa đá before checking out by 9 AM.

Take a Grab taxi from the city center to Da Nang International Airport (DAD), about 15 minutes and roughly 40,000-60,000 VND. Arrive at least 1 hour before domestic or 2 hours before international flights.