Welcome to Hanoi! Start your trip by exploring the city's rich culture and history. In the morning, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can pay respects to Vietnam's beloved leader. Afterward, explore the Temple of Literature, a peaceful complex known as the first national university of Vietnam. In the evening, take a stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy a traditional water puppet show.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Temple of Literature: Entrance fee is around $2 USD, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Hoan Kiem Lake: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious meal at The Hanoi Social Club, a cozy cafe known for its charming atmosphere and excellent food. Enjoy their hearty breakfast options like the avocado toast or traditional Vietnamese pho. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
Lunch: For a flavorful lunch, head to Ngon Villa, a beautiful restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Indulge in their famous banh xeo, a crispy pancake filled with shrimp and pork. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Dinner: Cap off your day with a delightful dinner at Green Tangerine, a fine dining restaurant located in a French colonial building. Savor their exquisite fusion dishes like the grilled sea bass or the caramelized pork ribs. Average cost for a meal is about 500,000 VND per person.
Wednesday, October 25: Ha Long Bay
Embark on a breathtaking journey to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald-green waters. In the morning, take a cruise and explore the bay's hidden caves and floating villages. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on the boat. In the afternoon, go kayaking or swimming in the bay's crystal-clear waters. Watch the mesmerizing sunset over the bay before returning to Hanoi in the evening.
Ha Long Bay Cruise: Prices vary, estimated time spent: full day
Restaurants
A cozy café called "The Breakfast Nook" is a perfect spot for breakfast, offering a variety of fresh pastries and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
"Seafood Paradise" is a waterfront restaurant that serves up a mouthwatering spread of freshly caught seafood for lunch. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
"Rice & Spice" is a charming Vietnamese restaurant that offers flavorful local dishes for dinner. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Thursday, October 26: Explore Hanoi Nature
Escape the city and connect with nature in Hanoi. In the morning, visit the tranquil West Lake and enjoy a leisurely walk along its shores. Then, head to the Vietnam National Museum of Nature to learn about the country's diverse flora and fauna. In the afternoon, visit the Soc Son Temple and climb the steps to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Wrap up the day with a visit to the beautiful Botanical Gardens.
West Lake: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Vietnam National Museum of Nature: Entrance fee is around $2 USD, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Soc Son Temple: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Botanical Gardens: Entrance fee is around $1 USD, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bun Cha Ta restaurant, known for their traditional Vietnamese noodle dish. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, visit Hanoi Social Club, a trendy vegetarian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a delectable dinner at La Badiane, a fine dining restaurant offering French and Vietnamese fusion cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 600,000 VND per person.
Friday, October 27: Da Nang City
Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang, a coastal city known for its stunning beaches and lush mountains. In the morning, visit the Marble Mountains, a group of five limestone hills offering breathtaking views and hidden pagodas. Enjoy a seafood lunch by the beach. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Han Market and shop for local handicrafts. As the evening sets in, relax on My Khe Beach and admire the sunset.
Marble Mountains: Entrance fee is around $2 USD, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Han Market: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
My Khe Beach: Free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to My Casa Café, a cozy beachfront café serving delicious breakfast options such as avocado toast and fluffy pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 120,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Hoi An Banh Mi, a local favorite known for its mouthwatering banh mi sandwiches filled with grilled meats and fresh vegetables. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For dinner, indulge in the seafood extravaganza at Ocean's Prime Restaurant, offering a wide selection of grilled seafood and Vietnamese specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Saturday, October 28: Ba Na Hills
Go on an adventure to Ba Na Hills, a hill resort located just outside Da Nang. Take a cable car ride to the top and be amazed by the stunning French-inspired architecture and beautiful gardens. In the morning, visit the Golden Bridge, an architectural marvel. Enjoy lunch at one of the mountaintop restaurants. In the afternoon, explore Fantasy Park, an indoor amusement park with exciting rides and games. Return to Da Nang in the evening.
Ba Na Hills: Entrance fee is around $30-40 USD (including cable car), estimated time spent: full day
Fantasy Park: Entrance fee is around $10 USD, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Milano in Da Nang, a charming cafe with a cozy atmosphere. They offer a variety of breakfast options including eggs, pancakes, and croissants. The average cost for a meal here is about 100,000 VND per person.
For lunch, check out Orchid Garden Riverside Restaurant in Da Nang. This riverside restaurant offers delicious Vietnamese dishes with a focus on fresh seafood. The average cost for a meal here is about 200,000 VND per person.
For dinner, try the Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant in Da Nang. Experience a traditional Vietnamese dining atmosphere with lanterns hanging from the ceiling. They serve a wide range of Vietnamese dishes such as pho, spring rolls, and grilled seafood. The average cost for a meal here is about 300,000 VND per person.
Sunday, October 29: Ninh Binh Province
Travel from Da Nang to Ninh Binh, a province known for its stunning natural landscapes. In the morning, embark on a boat tour through the Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and explore the hidden caves. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Tam Coc, also known as the "Halong Bay on land," and take a scenic boat ride through limestone caves and rice fields. Return to Hanoi in the evening.
Trang An Grottoes: Entrance fee is around $7 USD, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
Tam Coc: Entrance fee is around $6 USD, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A breakfast hotspot in Ninh Binh is Café Tinh Ninh, known for its delicious Vietnamese-style breakfast items such as banh mi and pho. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For a tasty lunch option, head to Chookie's Restaurant, offering a variety of local and international dishes. Try their famous seafood noodles or crispy fried spring rolls. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Quan Minh Restaurant, specializing in traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Indulge in their flavorful grilled beef with lemongrass or delicious fried tofu. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Monday, October 30: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Explore some hidden gems and local favorites in Hanoi. In the morning, visit the Thanh Chuong Viet Palace, an art space showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture and artworks. In the afternoon, take a relaxing stroll around the West Lake and enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee at a lakeside cafe. In the evening, head to the Long Bien Bridge and witness the stunning sunset over the Red River. Experience the vibrant street food scene in the Old Quarter for dinner.
Thanh Chuong Viet Palace: Entrance fee is around $5 USD, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
West Lake: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Long Bien Bridge: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Old Quarter: Meal costs vary, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Pho Co, a charming cafe nestled in an ancient house in the Old Quarter. Enjoy a traditional bowl of pho or try their famous egg coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Bun Cha Huong Lien, a popular local spot known for its mouthwatering bun cha (grilled pork with noodles). Enjoy the authentic flavors of Hanoi at an average cost of 120,000 VND per person.
For dinner, dine at Cha Ca La Vong, a legendary restaurant famous for its specialty dish, cha ca (grilled fish with turmeric and dill). savor the unique flavors of this Hanoi classic at an average cost of 250,000 VND per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For nature lovers seeking off-the-beaten-path attractions, consider visiting Pu Luong Nature Reserve, located south of Hanoi. This untouched paradise offers stunning rice terrace landscapes, hiking trails, and opportunities to immerse yourself in the local village life. Another hidden gem is Cuc Phuong National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna. Explore the park's trails and visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. These hidden gems offer unique experiences away from the bustling tourist crowds.