3-Day Cultural and Culinary Adventure in Hanoi, Vietnam

Day 1: Arrival and Old Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with an authentic bowl of Pho at Pho Gia Truyen, renowned for their traditional recipe and fresh ingredients. Open from 7am to 10am.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Walking Tour of Old Quarter

Explore the bustling Old Quarter streets, famous for their colonial architecture, street markets, and unique shops selling local crafts. A must-see to experience Hanoi’s vibrant street life.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the small island. The tranquil atmosphere offers a peaceful contrast to the busy city streets.
VND30000, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste Bun Cha, a traditional Hanoi dish of grilled pork with noodles and herbs, famously eaten by President Obama here. Open from 9am to 9pm.
VND70000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university dating back to 1070. The gardens and architecture offer insight into Vietnam’s scholastic traditions.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Coffee Break at Cafe Dinh

Enjoy a cup of traditional Vietnamese egg coffee at Cafe Dinh, a local favourite known for its unique brewing style. Open daily until 9pm.
VND45000, 45m

6:00pm

Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, an art form unique to Northern Vietnam. Shows run from 6:30pm to 7:30pm and 8:00pm to 9:00pm.
VND100000, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

End your day with a dinner at Quan An Ngon, featuring a wide array of authentic Vietnamese street dishes in a charming setting.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 2: History and Culture

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Enjoy a local favourite sticky rice dish with a variety of toppings at Xoi Yen, open from early morning till evening.
VND40000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Tour the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his former residence, a place of great national significance. The mausoleum is open from 8am to 11am; closed Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Explore the Museum of Ethnology

Discover Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups and culture at this well-curated museum. Open 8am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try the signature Cha Ca dish — grilled fish with turmeric and dill, a Hanoi speciality. Open 11am to 2pm, then 5pm to 8pm.
VND120000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda

Relax by West Lake and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi dating back to the 6th century.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening Walk at Tay Ho District

Enjoy the lakeside atmosphere with cafes and bars perfect for an early evening stroll before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Madame Hien

Dine on traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a refined atmosphere. Open from 5pm to 10pm.
VND180000, 1h30m

Day 3: Local Life and Markets

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Start the day with a hearty breakfast and excellent coffee at this hip cafe in the Old Quarter, open from 7am.
VND60000, 1h

8:30am

Visit Dong Xuan Market

Explore Hanoi’s largest indoor market, perfect for picking up souvenirs and observing everyday local life. Open daily from 6am to 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

10:15am

Cyclo Ride Around French Quarter

Take a classic cyclo ride to admire the French colonial architecture and landmarks such as the Opera House and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
VND80000, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Indulge in the famous Hanoi grilled fish dish Cha Ca at its original restaurant, open until 2pm and again from 5pm.
VND110000, 1h

1:30pm

Leisure Time or Shopping

Relax at your hotel or browse nearby shops for last-minute purchases.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Departure Preparation

Head back to your accommodation to pack and prepare for onward travel or departure.
Free, 1h