Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. For a 4 nights and 5 days trip, I’ll suggest an itinerary that covers some of the must-visit destinations in the northern part of the country, focusing on Hanoi and Halong Bay. Keep in mind that travel times and availability may vary, so it’s best to double-check and make reservations in advance.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

– Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.
– Transfer to your hotel and check-in.
– Rest and recover from your journey.
– In the evening, head to the bustling Old Quarter to explore the lively streets, try delicious street food, and get a glimpse of Hanoi’s nightlife.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

– Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House.
– Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a significant historical site.
– Have a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
– Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
– In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay

– Check out from your hotel in Hanoi and depart for Halong Bay (approximately 3-4 hours’ drive).
– Arrive in Halong Bay and board a traditional Vietnamese junk boat for an unforgettable overnight cruise.
– Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch while cruising through the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Halong Bay.
– Explore the Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) and take in the breathtaking views from the Titop Island viewpoint.
– Participate in optional activities like kayaking or swimming (depending on the weather).
– Watch the sunset over the bay.
– Have a delightful dinner on board and relax under the stars.

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi

– Start your morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck.
– Explore more of Halong Bay and its hidden gems.
– Return to the main harbor and disembark from the cruise boat.
– Transfer back to Hanoi.
– In the evening, you can take an overnight train to Sapa (optional) if you’d like to extend your trip.

Day 5: Departure from Hanoi

– Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to explore Hanoi further or do some last-minute shopping.
– Check out from your hotel.
– Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight.

Note: If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Ninh Binh to explore the stunning landscapes and visit the Trang An Grottoes or Tam Coc. Also, remember that this itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can customize it according to your interests and preferences. Enjoy your trip to Vietnam!