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Authentic Hanoi Experience

Viewed by 59 travelers

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start your day with a bowl of steaming hot Pho at the famous Pho Thin. The flavours will awaken your taste buds.
Pho Thin is located in the Old Quarter, easily accessible by walking or a short taxi ride from most hotels.
5 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a leisurely stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake. Enjoy the views of the iconic red bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple.
Hoan Kiem Lake is centrally located in the Old Quarter, a short walk from Pho Thin.
Free, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in a variety of Vietnamese dishes at Quan An Ngon, a popular restaurant known for its traditional flavours.
Quan An Ngon is a short taxi ride from Hoan Kiem Lake.
15 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Temple of Literature

Immerse yourself in history at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. Admire the well-preserved architecture and tranquil gardens.
The Temple of Literature is a short ride from Quan An Ngon.
3 USD, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bun Cha Hang Manh

Savour the local specialty, Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and herbs, at Bun Cha Hang Manh for an authentic dining experience.
Bun Cha Hang Manh is located in the Old Quarter, not far from the Temple of Literature.
10 USD, 1 hour
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Day 2: More of Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Breakfast at Banh Mi 25

Start your day with a delicious Banh Mi sandwich at Banh Mi 25, a local favourite known for its fresh ingredients and flavourful fillings.
Banh Mi 25 is located in the Old Quarter, close to most accommodations.
3 USD, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Discover the diverse ethnic groups through exhibits and artefacts.
The museum is a short taxi or Grab ride from Banh Mi 25.
5 USD, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Highway4 Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of traditional and fusion Vietnamese dishes at Highway4 Restaurant. Don't miss their specialities like grilled mountain catfish and spring rolls.
Highway4 Restaurant is located in the Old Quarter, easily accessible from the museum.
20 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Step back in time at the UNESCO-listed Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Wander through the ancient ruins and learn about Vietnam's imperial history.
The citadel is a short taxi ride from Highway4 Restaurant.
4 USD, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Return to Quan An Ngon for dinner and try more of their delectable Vietnamese dishes in a vibrant setting.
Quan An Ngon is a short taxi ride from the citadel.
15 USD, 1 hour
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Day 3: Ha Long Bay Delight

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

8:00AM

Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Embark on a scenic journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands.
You can take a bus or book a guided tour for a comfortable ride. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.
20 USD, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch on a Cruise

Enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch on a traditional junk boat as you cruise through the stunning karst landscapes of Ha Long Bay.
Most cruises provide onboard meals as part of the tour package.
Included in tour package, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Discover the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave, with its intricate rock formations and cavernous chambers.
The cave is accessible by boat from the cruise ship.
10 USD, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner with Sunset Views

Indulge in a delightful dinner on the cruise deck, surrounded by the breathtaking sunset views of Ha Long Bay.
Most cruises offer dinner service with panoramic views of the bay.
Included in tour package, 1 hour
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Day 4: Discover Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

9:00AM

Travel from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh

Embark on a journey from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh, a land of limestone peaks and lush rice paddies, often referred to as 'Halong Bay on land'.
Take a bus or hire a private car for a scenic drive of around 3 hours.
15 USD, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Relish a simple yet delicious lunch at a local eatery, enjoying authentic Vietnamese flavours amidst the picturesque countryside of Ninh Binh.
Ask your driver for recommendations on local eateries along the way.
10 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Trang An Landscape Complex

Embark on a boat ride through the mystical karst landscape of Trang An, a UNESCO site dotted with caves, temples, and lush greenery.
Boat tours are available at the entrance of Trang An. The tour guides will navigate the boats through the complex.
20 USD, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Riverside Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a riverside restaurant in Ninh Binh, savouring local delicacies while soaking in the tranquil evening ambiance.
Your driver can recommend a good riverside restaurant for dinner.
15 USD, 1 hour
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Day 5: Final Day in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cong Caphe

Enjoy a unique Vietnamese coffee experience at Cong Caphe, offering a variety of traditional and modern coffee blends in a nostalgic setting.
Cong Caphe has multiple branches across Hanoi. Choose one convenient to your accommodation.
5 USD, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Explore the historical Hoa Lo Prison Museum, also known as the 'Hanoi Hilton', to learn about its significance during the Vietnam War.
The museum is a short taxi ride from Cong Caphe.
3 USD, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Support a good cause by dining at KOTO (Know One, Teach One) Restaurant, a social enterprise offering delicious Vietnamese dishes prepared by disadvantaged youth.
KOTO Restaurant is located in the Old Quarter, a short distance from the museum.
15 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shop at Dong Xuan Market

Browse through the bustling Dong Xuan Market for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and traditional Vietnamese goods. Practice your bargaining skills!
Dong Xuan Market is within walking distance from KOTO Restaurant.
Depends on purchases, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Essence Restaurant

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Essence Restaurant, known for its elegant ambience and a fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisine.
Essence Restaurant is a short walk from Dong Xuan Market.
25 USD, 1.5 hours
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