{
"title": "Northern Vietnam Highlights – 5 Days",
"summary": "A 5-day journey through Northern Vietnam covering Hanoi's cultural treasures, Ha Long Bay's stunning seascape, and Sapa's terraced rice fields.",
"destination": "Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa",
"duration_days": 5,
"totalBudgetUsd": 500,
"bestTime": "October to April (cool, dry weather; avoid June–August humidity)",
"visaNote": "E-visa: https://applyvisavietnam.com/apply",
"places": [
{"name": "Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple", "why": "Iconic lake and temple in Hanoi's heart", "time": "1.5 hours", "fee_usd": 1},
{"name": "Ha Long Bay Cruise", "why": "UNESCO World Heritage – limestone karsts and caves", "time": "Full day", "fee_usd": 80},
{"name": "Sapa – Cat Cat Village", "why": "Ethnic minority village with terraced fields", "time": "Half day", "fee_usd": 3}
],
"stays": [
{"area": "Hanoi Old Quarter", "type": "Mid-range hotel", "budget_usd": "30–50/night", "booking_tip": "Book 2 weeks ahead for best rates"},
{"area": "Ha Long Bay", "type": "Overnight cruise cabin", "budget_usd": "80–150/person", "booking_tip": "Includes meals and activities"},
{"area": "Sapa Town", "type": "Homestay or hotel", "budget_usd": "20–40/night", "booking_tip": "Choose homestay for authentic experience"}
],
"food": [
{"name": "Pho Thin", "dish": "Pho bo (beef noodle soup)", "area": "Hanoi Old Quarter", "price_usd": 2},
{"name": "Bun Cha Huong Lien", "dish": "Bun cha (grilled pork with noodles)", "area": "Hanoi", "price_usd": 3},
{"name": "Sapa grilled specialties", "dish": "Grilled pork skewers with sticky rice", "area": "Sapa Night Market", "price_usd": 2}
],
"transport": [
{"route": "Hanoi → Ha Long Bay", "mode": "Limousine bus", "time": "3.5 hours", "cost_usd": 12, "tip": "Book via 12Go.asia or hotel"},
{"route": "Ha Long Bay → Hanoi", "mode": "Limousine bus", "time": "3.5 hours", "cost_usd": 12, "tip": "Same as above"},
{"route": "Hanoi → Sapa", "mode": "Overnight train (soft sleeper)", "time": "8 hours", "cost_usd": 30, "tip": "Book cabin for 4; depart 9pm, arrive 5am"}
],
"days": [
{"day": 1, "location": "Hanoi", "theme": "Cultural immersion", "morning": "Arrive Hanoi, check-in Old Quarter", "afternoon": "Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, walk Old Quarter", "evening": "Water Puppet Show, street food tour", "food": "Pho Thin, Egg Coffee", "stay": "Hanoi Old Quarter hotel", "transport": "Taxi from airport", "costUsd": 60},
{"day": 2, "location": "Ha Long Bay", "theme": "Scenic cruise", "morning": "Limousine bus to Ha Long Bay, board cruise", "afternoon": "Lunch on boat, kayaking, visit Sung Sot Cave", "evening": "Sunset on deck, seafood dinner, squid fishing", "food": "Seafood on cruise", "stay": "Overnight cruise cabin
💰 Book at Best Price