7-Day Northern Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh Exploration

Day 1: Hanoi City Sights

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan

Start with classic Vietnamese Pho in this famous Hanoi street-side eatery open daily from 6am to 10am; a perfect way to taste authentic northern Vietnamese cuisine.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a leisurely walk around Hanoi’s iconic lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island with a picturesque red bridge; open daily 24 hours with free access.
Free, 1h0m

10:45am

Explore the Old Quarter on foot

Wander the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to see colonial architecture, traditional shops, and vibrant street life; this self-guided walk is always open.
Free, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Famous for its Bun Cha, this restaurant is open 10am to 9:30pm and was visited by President Obama; enjoy grilled pork with noodles and herbs.
VND80000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

See the final resting place of the Vietnamese leader, open from 8am to 11am and 2pm to 4:30pm (exclude Mondays and Fridays); allow 1 hour for the visit.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university built in 1070, open 8am to 5pm; enjoy the peaceful gardens and traditional architecture.
VND30000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Try the renowned Hanoi grilled fish with dill and turmeric served in this historic restaurant; open 11am to 9pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Hanoi to Sapa

Hanoi to Sapa, Vietnam on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at KOTO Hanoi

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this social enterprise restaurant offering great Vietnamese and western dishes, open daily from 7am to 9pm.
VND90000, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel from Hanoi to Sapa by shuttle bus

Approximately a 5-hour scenic trip north via shuttle bus; book in advance for a comfortable air-conditioned coach.
VND150000, 5h0m

2:00pm

Check-in and relax at Sapa Lodge Hotel

Settle into your accommodation; the hotel is located near the town centre with views of the terraced mountains.
Varies, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Cat Cat Village

A traditional Black Hmong ethnic minority village located 3km from Sapa town, open until 6pm; explore local crafts and scenery.
VND50000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Good Morning Vietnam Restaurant

Taste authentic northern Vietnamese dishes in a cozy setting; open daily 6pm to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Sapa Trekking

Sapa, Vietnam on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast to fuel your trekking day ahead, usually served from 7am to 9am.
Included in hotel price, 1h0m

8:30am

Guided trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages

Join a trekking tour through rice terraces and ethnic minority villages; tours typically last 4-5 hours and end by early afternoon.
VND450000 (private guided tour), 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch in Ta Van village

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese home-cooked meal with a local family; usually arranged as part of the trekking tour.
Included in tour or approx VND150000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return trek back to Sapa town

Continue scenic walking back through varied landscapes to Sapa, completing the trekking experience.
Included in tour, 1h30m

5:30pm

Relax at hotel or visit Sapa market

Explore the local market for handicrafts or enjoy spa services to unwind after trekking; market open all day, best late afternoon.
Free (shopping optional), 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at A Quyn Restaurant

Specialises in local Sapa dishes such as grilled pork and sticky rice; open 6pm to 10pm.
VND130000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Return to Hanoi

Sapa to Hanoi, Vietnam on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing on your trip back to Hanoi, served from 7am to 9am.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Shuttle bus from Sapa to Hanoi

Return journey to Hanoi, approximately 5 hours on a comfortable air-conditioned coach; book tickets in advance.
VND150000, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kham Thien Restaurant in Hanoi

Savour authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a casual restaurant, open from 11am to 2pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, open daily from 8am to 5:30pm; a must-see educational experience.
VND40000, 2h0m

5:30pm

Evening at leisure

Relax at your hotel or enjoy a walk around the Old Quarter at night to experience vibrant street food and nightlife.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Offers a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a lively atmosphere; open 10am to 10:30pm.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a quick breakfast before transfer to Ha Long Bay; hotel breakfast service times vary but generally from 6:30am.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Approximately 3.5 hours by private car or shuttle bus to Ha Long City where the boat docks for cruise embarkation.
VND200000, 3h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch on Ha Long Bay cruise

Begin your overnight cruise with a welcome meal while cruising around the stunning karst limestone islands; cruises usually depart at noon.
USD150 (approx., includes meals and accommodation), 2h0m

2:00pm

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore one of Ha Long Bay’s most famous caves famous for its impressive chambers and stalactites, open daily 8am to 6pm.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax and kayaking

Enjoy kayaking or swimming in the bay’s emerald waters near the boat’s anchorage; equipment included in most cruises.
Included, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner on board

Savour fresh seafood and Vietnamese cuisine prepared on the cruise; relaxed dining with scenic views.
Included, 2h0m
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Day 6: Ha Long Bay & Hanoi Return

Ha Long Bay to Hanoi, Vietnam on July 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on board

Start your day with a delightful breakfast while cruising through the bay’s natural beauty.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Visit Ti Top Island

Stop at this beautiful island for a hike or swim; open 6am to 7pm. The island offers panoramic views of Ha Long Bay.
Included in cruise, 1h30m

10:00am

Cruise back to Ha Long City

Return to the dock while enjoying the scenic bay views before disembarkation around 11am.
Included, 1h0m

11:30am

Transfer back to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi with arrival expected around 3pm to 3:30pm.
VND200000, 4h0m

4:00pm

Afternoon tea at The Note Coffee

Unwind at this artistic cafe near Hoan Kiem Lake, open 8am–10pm, perfect for a light refreshment and people watching.
VND60000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P’s

Enjoy gourmet pizza with a Vietnamese twist, popular for its cozy atmosphere and open 11am to 10pm.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Ninh Binh Day Trip

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on July 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at the hotel from 7am to 9am before your day trip.
Included, 1h0m

7:30am

Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Approximate 2-hour drive south to Ninh Binh province, known as 'the Halong Bay on land'.
VND100000, 2h0m

9:30am

Boat trip at Tam Coc

Experience a serene sampan boat ride through rice paddies and limestone karsts at Tam Coc; open daily 7am to 5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore this beautiful mountain pagoda complex offering spectacular views; open 7am to 6pm.
VND20000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant Ninh Binh

Enjoy local specialties such as goat meat and rice crust; typical opening times from 11am to 2pm.
VND80000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Explore the historical site with temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, open 8am to 5pm.
VND20000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi with an expected arrival time around 5:30pm to 6pm.
VND100000, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Cap off your trip with authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a charming atmosphere, open 6pm to 10pm.
VND130000, 1h30m
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