Vietnam marries millennia of history with an irresistible food scene and landscapes that feel hand-painted—emerald rice paddies, towering karsts, and mirror-still bays. In the north, Hanoi’s Old Quarter hums with tiny stools, sizzling pans, and café culture dating back to the French era. A short ride away, Ninh Binh’s river caves and karst peaks rival Ha Long Bay—on land.

This 7-day itinerary keeps your budget in check while dialing up the romance. You’ll base in Hanoi for flavorful street eats and cultural icons, slip away for a full-day Ninh Binh adventure, then sail among Ha Long Bay’s limestone towers on a photogenic day cruise. Think golden-hour lake walks, rooftop views, and shared bowls of steaming phở.

Practical notes: Vietnam offers a streamlined eVisa for many nationalities (check the latest rules before booking). Cash is king at street stalls; ATMs abound. In Hanoi, early mornings are cool, the coffee is strong, and crossing the street is a team sport—walk slowly, predictably, and together.

Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam’s soulful capital: temples that predate the city itself, tree-lined boulevards from the colonial era, and an Old Quarter that smells of grilled pork and star anise. It’s compact, walkable, and ideal for couples who love café-hopping and night markets.

• Top sights: Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Ngọc Sơn Temple, the Temple of Literature, Trấn Quốc Pagoda on West Lake, the French Quarter, and Long Biên Bridge.
• Why it’s romantic: sunset laps around the lake, egg coffee with a lake view, and intimate street-food counters where two stools make a date.
• Where to stay (budget to splurge):
  • Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa—excellent value, in-house spa, and boutique vibe near the Old Quarter.
  • Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi—historic grande dame for a special-occasion night.
  • Somerset Grand Hanoi—apartment-style suites for space and savings.
  • Lotte Hotel Hanoi—jaw-dropping skyline views and a romantic rooftop.
  • Browse more places on Hotels.com (Hanoi) or VRBO (Hanoi).
• Getting to Hanoi:
  • Find international or domestic flights on Trip.com (Flights) or Kiwi.com (Flights).
  • For DIY day trips (e.g., to Ninh Binh), check Trip.com (Trains) for schedules and fares.

Great eats near the Old Quarter: phở at Phở Gia Truyền (Bat Dan), bún chả at Bún Chả Hương Liên (“Obama bun cha”), and the turmeric-dill catfish at Chả Cá Thăng Long. For coffee, try Café Giảng (egg coffee), Café Đinh (retro, lake peeks), and Hidden Gem Coffee (recycled décor and calm corners).

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is Vietnam’s postcard: hundreds of toothy limestone islets rising from jade water. Even a day cruise feels epic—kayaking into coves, climbing to a lookout, and drifting past floating villages.

• Why go now: clear winter light (Oct–Apr) makes for crisp photos; summer brings warm water for swims and kayaks.
• Budget-friendly stay:
  • Ha Long DC Hotel—solid value near the bay with comfortable rooms.
  • Splurge for romance: Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long (island setting) or a night aboard Paradise Elegance Cruise.
  • Browse more on Hotels.com (Ha Long Bay) or VRBO (Ha Long Bay).
• Getting there from Hanoi: shared limousine vans take ~2.5–3 hours (~$15–20 pp); public buses are slightly cheaper but slower. Most day tours include round-trip transfers.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, golden-hour lake stroll

Afternoon: Land in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. If you’re traveling light, the orange 86 Airport Bus to the Old Quarter is a budget win; taxis and ride-hails take ~40–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Evening: Begin with a loop of Hoàn Kiếm Lake and a peek into Ngọc Sơn Temple. Slide into a tiny table at Bún Chả Hương Liên for smoky grilled pork with rice noodles and herbs, then grab egg coffee at Café Giảng. If you have energy, browse Đồng Xuân Night Market (Fri–Sun) for souvenirs and late-night snacks.

Day 2: Hanoi classics—temples, literature, and the French Quarter

Morning: Breakfast at Phở Gia Truyền (go early; it sells out). Visit the Temple of Literature—Vietnam’s first university—and continue to the Ho Chi Minh complex to see the Presidential grounds and stilt house (the mausoleum has limited hours; the leafy campus is lovely any time).

Afternoon: Lunch on bún bò Nam Bộ (stir-fried beef over noodles) at 67 Hàng Điêu. Wander the French Quarter’s boulevards past the Opera House and bookshops. Pause for retro vibes and strong coffee at Café Đinh.

Evening: Catch a Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre performance, then share sizzling turmeric-dill catfish at Chả Cá Thăng Long. Cap the night at Twilight Sky Bar for a romantic skyline toast.

Day 3: Backstreets by vintage jeep + hidden Hanoi

Morning: See Hanoi from a different angle in a classic army jeep—markets, alleys, the Long Biên Bridge, and tastings along the way.

Hanoi Jeep Tour: Food, Culture and Fun by Vietnam Army Jeep

Afternoon: Browse craft boutiques on Hàng Gai (silk) and Hàng Bạc (silver). Cool off at Hidden Gem Coffee with a coconut coffee or sour-sweet kumquat tea.

Evening: Dinner at Duong’s Restaurant for refined Vietnamese classics (try the green mango salad and claypot fish). Night stroll over Long Biên Bridge—the ironwork glows, scooters hum, and the river drifts below.

Day 4: Full-day escape to Ninh Binh—boat, bikes, and karst peaks

Today is a full-day small-group tour into the “Ha Long Bay on land.” You’ll visit Hoa Lư (the 10th-century capital), glide in a sampan through Tam Cốc’s cave-rivers, cycle quiet lanes past rice fields, and hike up Múa Cave steps for a sweeping viewpoint. Lunch is included; bring sun protection and good shoes.

Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave Via Boat & Bike

Alternative DIY: take the ~2-hour train from Hanoi to Ninh Bình via Trip.com (Trains), then rent a bicycle in Tam Cốc.

Day 5: Ha Long Bay day cruise—kayaks, caves, and jade water

Another full-day adventure. Depart Hanoi around 8:00 a.m. (drive ~2.5–3 hours), then board a modern boat for a generous lunch, kayaking or bamboo boating, a limestone cave visit, and a short hike or swim (seasonal). Sunset paints the karsts gold on the ride back.

Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour - best selling: Kayaking, Swimming, hiking & Lunch

Late return to Hanoi (around 8–9 p.m.). If you’re hungry, Pho 10 Lý Quốc Sư serves reliable late-evening bowls, or try Xôi Yến for savory sticky rice with crispy shallots.

Day 6: Hidden corners + Train Street (with a local) and spa time

Morning: Leisurely brunch at The Hanoi Social Club (excellent veggie options and calm courtyard). Browse the collective studios at the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic and small galleries nearby.

Afternoon: See Hanoi’s icons and squeeze down the famous Train Street safely with a licensed guide on a private, customizable tour.

Hanoi City Tour: Private Half-Day Customized with Train Street

Evening: Couples foot massage at Mido Spa or similar Old Quarter spot—prices are friendly and service is consistent. For a romantic dinner, book Home Hanoi for set menus in a restored villa, or try street-side bún riêu (crab noodle soup) and wander the lantern-lit alleys hand-in-hand.

Day 7: Slow sips and souvenirs, then departure

Morning: Final egg coffee at Café Giảng and a last loop around the lake to watch morning tai chi. Pick up lacquerware or silk scarves on Hàng Gai.

Afternoon: Head to the airport. Compare fares and flight times on Trip.com (Flights) or Kiwi.com (Flights). Keep a few small bills for airport snacks and souvenirs.

Budget and romance tips

• Eat like a local: street stalls average 35,000–80,000 VND ($1.50–$3.25) per dish. Split plates to sample more.
• Choose an Old Quarter base to walk most places and save on rides.
• Time your golden hours: sunsets on Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Long Biên Bridge are free and photogenic.

Optional/extra Hanoi activities (if you have time)

Prefer another guided taste of the city? This half-day landmark tour hits the must-sees efficiently.

Hanoi City Tour: Private Half-Day Customized with Train Street

In a single week, you’ve tasted Hanoi’s best bowls, glided through Ninh Binh’s green labyrinth, and sailed the storied waters of Ha Long Bay. It’s a romantic, budget-wise itinerary that still feels rich in flavor, history, and scenery—exactly the kind of trip you’ll reminisce about for years.