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Exploring Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay

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Day 1: Historic Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Explore Old Quarter

Start your day by wandering through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, filled with ancient temples, street food stalls, and vibrant markets.
Walk or take a cyclo (cycle rickshaw) around the Old Quarter to soak in the authentic atmosphere.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Indulge in a traditional Hanoi specialty, Cha Ca, a delicious pan-fried fish dish served with herbs, rice noodles, and fish sauce.
Cha Ca La Vong restaurant address: 14 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
USD 10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, and visit Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake.
Located in the center of Hanoi. Entrance to Ngoc Son Temple is around USD 1.
USD 1, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Bun Bo Nam Bo

End your day with a tasty bowl of Bun Bo Nam Bo, a popular Hanoi beef noodle dish that locals love.
Bun Bo Nam Bo restaurant address: 67 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
USD 5, 1 hour
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Day 2: Scenic Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Baguette & Chocolat Sapa

Start your day with a delicious French-inspired breakfast at Baguette & Chocolat Sapa, known for their fresh pastries and coffee.
Baguette & Chocolat Sapa address: 32 Cau May, Sapa.
USD 7, 1 hour

9:00AM

Trekking in Sapa Valley

Embark on a scenic trek through the lush rice terraces and minority villages of Sapa Valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Join a local guided trek or book a trekking tour in advance for an immersive experience.
USD 20, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The View Sapa Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty Vietnamese meal with a view at The View Sapa Restaurant, overlooking the picturesque valley and mountains.
The View Sapa Restaurant address: Cau May, Sapa.
USD 15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Cat Cat Village

Discover the traditional H'mong ethnic culture and handicrafts in Cat Cat Village, known for its stunning waterfall and cultural performances.
Cat Cat Village is about 3 km southwest of Sapa Town, entrance fee around USD 3.
USD 3, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gecko Restaurant

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Gecko Restaurant, offering a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes in a laid-back atmosphere.
Gecko Restaurant address: 2B Fanxipan Street, Sapa.
USD 12, 1 hour
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Day 3: Tranquil Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

8:00AM

Explore Tam Coc

Embark on a scenic boat ride through the limestone karsts and rice paddies of Tam Coc, also known as the 'Halong Bay on land'.
Boats can be hired at Van Lam pier, and the boat ride takes around 2 hours.
USD 8, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chookie's

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Chookie's, a charming cafe in Ninh Binh serving delicious Vietnamese and Western dishes.
Chookie's address: 29 Trang An, Ninh Binh.
USD 10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest Buddhist pagodas in Southeast Asia, featuring intricate architecture and serene gardens.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is about 15 km from Ninh Binh city center, entrance fee around USD 2.
USD 2, 2 hours

5:00PM

Biking in Trang An

Discover the scenic landscapes of Trang An by biking through the countryside and limestone caves, offering a unique perspective of the region.
Bike rentals are available in Ninh Binh city center, and the biking experience takes around 2 hours.
USD 5, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Bamboo Restaurant

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Bamboo Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood dishes and Vietnamese delicacies in a serene setting.
Bamboo Restaurant address: 25 Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.
USD 15, 1 hour
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Day 4: Majestic Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

8:00AM

Cruise in Ha Long Bay

Embark on a memorable cruise through the iconic limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Book a day cruise or overnight cruise to explore the bay, with various activities like kayaking, cave visits, and seafood meals on board.
USD 50, 6 hours

2:00PM

Seafood Lunch on Board

Enjoy a delectable seafood lunch on board the cruise, featuring fresh catches from the bay and Vietnamese specialties.
Lunch is usually included in the cruise package price.
Included, 1 hour

4:00PM

Kayaking in the Bay

Experience the tranquility of Ha Long Bay up close by kayaking through the natural caves and hidden lagoons, immersing yourself in the beauty of the surroundings.
Kayaks are provided by the cruise operator, and the activity is usually included in the package.
Included, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Lantern Restaurant

Savor a gourmet dinner at Lantern Restaurant, offering a blend of Vietnamese and international cuisines with a view of the bay at night.
Lantern Restaurant address: Tuan Chau Island, Ha Long Bay.
USD 20, 1 hour
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Day 5: Relaxing Day in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Coffee at Cong Caphe

Start your morning with a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee at Cong Caphe, known for its unique decor and delicious coffee blends.
Cong Caphe locations can be found throughout Hanoi.
USD 3, 1 hour

10:00AM

Shop at Dong Xuan Market

Explore the vibrant Dong Xuan Market, the largest covered market in Hanoi, where you can find a wide variety of goods from clothing to souvenirs.
Dong Xuan Market address: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in a feast of Vietnamese street food and local delicacies at Quan An Ngon, a popular restaurant known for its diverse menu and authentic flavors.
Quan An Ngon address: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
USD 10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay homage to the Vietnamese leader at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can view Ho Chi Minh's preserved body and learn about his legacy.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum address: 2 Hùng Vương, Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Ta Hien Street

Immerse yourself in the bustling nightlife of Hanoi by strolling down Ta Hien Street, known for its vibrant bars, street food vendors, and live music.
Ta Hien Street is located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Nang Tien Restaurant

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at Nang Tien Restaurant, offering a fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisines in a cozy setting.
Nang Tien Restaurant address: 36C Dang Dung, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
USD 15, 1 hour
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Day 6: Exploring Hanoi's Culture

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Visit Temple of Literature

Begin your day with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university and a symbol of Confucian architecture and learning.
Temple of Literature address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
USD 2, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at KOTO Van Mieu Restaurant

Support a good cause and enjoy a delicious meal at KOTO Van Mieu Restaurant, a social enterprise training underprivileged youth in culinary skills.
KOTO Van Mieu address: 59 Van Mieu, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
USD 12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Hanoi's Street Art

Take a leisurely walk around Hanoi to discover the vibrant street art scene, showcasing colorful murals and graffiti by local and international artists.
Explore areas like Hoan Kiem District and Tay Ho District for striking street art pieces.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Taste Egg Coffee at Giang Cafe

Indulge in Hanoi's unique specialty, egg coffee, at Giang Cafe, a famous spot known for serving this creamy and decadent beverage.
Giang Cafe address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
USD 3, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Essence Restaurant

End your exploration with a refined dinner at Essence Restaurant, offering a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes in an elegant setting.
Essence Restaurant address: 22 Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
USD 20, 1 hour
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