7-Day Cultural Immersion, Foodie, Nature, Relaxation Itinerary in North and Central Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Start your day with a peaceful walk around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, a symbol of Hanoi's beauty and cultural significance.
Hoan Kiem Lake is centrally located and can be reached by walking from most hotels in the Old Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Stroll through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, filled with narrow lanes, street food stalls, and traditional Vietnamese architecture.
The Old Quarter is best explored on foot. Consider hiring a local guide for a more immersive experience.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Indulge in a traditional Hanoi dish, Cha Ca (grilled fish), at the iconic Cha Ca La Vong restaurant.
Cha Ca La Vong is a short walk from the Old Quarter.
20 USD, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Temple of Literature

Immerse yourself in Vietnam's rich history at the Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and scholars.
Take a short taxi ride from the Old Quarter to the Temple of Literature.
5 USD, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a diverse range of Vietnamese street food in a charming courtyard setting at Quan An Ngon.
Quan An Ngon is a short taxi ride from the Temple of Literature.
15 USD, 1 hour
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Day 2: Hanoi Cultural Experience

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay tribute to Vietnam's revolutionary leader at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an important historical site.
Take a taxi or walk from your hotel to the mausoleum.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through exhibitions and artifacts at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
The museum is a short taxi ride from the mausoleum.
3 USD, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor the famous Hanoi dish, Bun Cha, at Bun Cha Huong Lien, known for its historical significance.
Bun Cha Huong Lien is a short taxi ride from the museum.
10 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Hoa Lo Prison

Gain insights into Vietnam's wartime history at the Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the 'Hanoi Hilton'.
Walk or take a short taxi ride from the restaurant to the prison.
3 USD, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Highway4 Restaurant

End your day with a contemporary twist on traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Highway4 Restaurant.
Highway4 Restaurant is a short taxi ride from the prison.
20 USD, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Adventure

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

8:00AM

Trang An Grottoes

Embark on a boat trip through the scenic Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning natural beauty.
Take a private car or bus from Hanoi to Trang An Grottoes (2 hours).
10 USD, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Try authentic Ninh Binh cuisine at a local restaurant near the grottoes, known for fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
The restaurant is within walking distance from the grottoes.
15 USD, 1 hour

2:00PM

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex, one of the largest Buddhist pagodas in Vietnam, featuring intricate architecture and peaceful surroundings.
Take a short taxi ride from the grottoes to Bai Dinh Pagoda.
5 USD, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Relax and unwind at a cozy hotel in Ninh Binh, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil ambiance.
Check-in at your chosen hotel in Ninh Binh.
50 USD, N/A
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Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam

9:00AM

Board the Cruise

Embark on a memorable cruise journey through the enchanting limestone karsts and emerald waters of Halong Bay.
Take a private car or bus from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay (4 hours). Board the cruise at the designated pier.
100 USD, 6 hours

1:00PM

Seafood Lunch on Cruise

Indulge in a delectable seafood lunch on the cruise while enjoying panoramic views of the bay's natural wonders.
Lunch will be served on the cruise.
Included in cruise package, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Explore hidden caves and lagoons by kayaking around Halong Bay, immersing yourself in its serene atmosphere.
Participate in the kayaking activity organized by the cruise staff.
20 USD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner and Sunset Viewing

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner onboard as you witness a breathtaking sunset over the bay, creating magical moments.
Dinner will be served on the cruise deck for sunset viewing.
Included in cruise package, 2 hours
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Day 5: Historical Hue

Hue, Vietnam

9:00AM

Imperial City of Hue

Explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial City of Hue, with its ancient palaces, temples, and fortifications showcasing Vietnam's royal history.
Take a private car or train from Halong Bay to Hue (8 hours).
10 USD, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Dine at Ancient Hue Restaurant, known for serving traditional Hue cuisine in a charming setting with cultural performances.
The restaurant is a short taxi ride from the Imperial City.
25 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, offering panoramic views of the city.
Take a taxi from the restaurant to Thien Mu Pagoda.
2 USD, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Hotel Spa

Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa treatment at your hotel in Hue, designed to relax your mind and body.
Head to the hotel spa for your scheduled appointment.
50 USD, 2 hours
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Day 6: Hoi An Exploration

Hoi An, Vietnam

9:00AM

Ancient Town Walking Tour

Embark on a guided walking tour of Hoi An's ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved architecture and cultural charm.
Take a train or private car from Hue to Hoi An (4 hours). Start the walking tour at the designated meeting point.
20 USD, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Indulge in authentic Vietnamese dishes at Morning Glory Restaurant, a popular dining spot in Hoi An offering a variety of local flavors.
Morning Glory Restaurant is a short walk from the ancient town.
15 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Tra Que Vegetable Village

Visit Tra Que Village to learn about traditional farming practices and participate in hands-on activities like planting and harvesting vegetables.
Take a short bike ride or walk from the ancient town to Tra Que Village.
10 USD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cargo Club Restaurant

Enjoy a waterfront dining experience at Cargo Club Restaurant, known for its fusion cuisine and scenic views of the Thu Bon River.
Walk along the riverbank to reach Cargo Club Restaurant for dinner.
30 USD, 2 hours
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Day 7: Departure Day

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Morning Beach Yoga

Start your day with a revitalizing beach yoga session in Hoi An, embracing the tranquility of the ocean and gentle morning breeze.
Head to An Bang Beach for the beach yoga session.
10 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Shopping in Hoi An Market

Explore the vibrant Hoi An Market, known for its array of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and tailor shops offering custom-made clothing.
Walk from the beach to Hoi An Market for shopping.
50 USD, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bale Well Restaurant

Savor the famous Hoi An dish, Banh Xeo (sizzling pancake), at Bale Well Restaurant, a popular local eatery loved for its flavors.
Bale Well Restaurant is a short walk from Hoi An Market.
10 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relaxation at An Bang Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of An Bang Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the peaceful ambiance before your departure.
Take a short taxi ride or walk from the restaurant to An Bang Beach.
5 USD, 2 hours
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