Captivating Vietnam: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay

Day 1: Historical Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on December 18, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho 10

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Pho at Pho 10, a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike.
Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. About 10 minutes from the Old Quarter.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, known for its scenic beauty and the iconic red bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple.
It's a short 5-minute walk from Pho 10.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy a delicious lunch of Bun Cha, a grilled pork noodle dish famously eaten by former President Obama and Anthony Bourdain at this local favorite restaurant.
Address: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi. Approximately 15 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake.
VND 80,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam's first national university, the Temple of Literature, an architectural gem steeped in history and culture.
Located at Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da, Hanoi. A 15-minute drive from Bun Cha Huong Lien.
VND 30,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in a variety of Vietnamese dishes at Quan An Ngon, a charming restaurant offering a taste of authentic local cuisine.
Address: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Around 10 minutes from the Temple of Literature.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nature's Beauty in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on December 19, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ninh Binh Family Homestay

Start your day with a home-cooked breakfast at the homestay, preparing you for an adventure-filled day in Ninh Binh.
Address: Phuc Son village, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh. Your accommodation for the night.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Trang An Grottoes

Embark on a boat tour through the picturesque Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, admiring the stunning limestone karsts and tranquil waters.
Entrance near Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, approximately 30 minutes from the homestay.
VND 200,000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trang An Restaurant

Savor a delicious meal at Trang An Restaurant, offering local specialties with a view of the surrounding karst landscape.
Located near the Trang An Grottoes entrance.
VND 120,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Bike Ride in Tam Coc

Explore the scenic countryside of Tam Coc on a bicycle, passing rice fields, villages, and karst formations, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Ninh Binh.
Bike rentals available near Trang An entrance.
VND 50,000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Chez Loan

Indulge in a French-Vietnamese fusion dining experience at Chez Loan, a charming restaurant known for its delightful menu and cozy ambiance.
Address: Yen Ninh, Ninh Binh, around 20 minutes from Tam Coc.
VND 200,000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Majestic Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam on December 20, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel as you prepare for a day of cruising and exploring the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay.
Your hotel in Ninh Binh.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

10:00AM

Halong Bay Cruise

Embark on a memorable cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, marveling at the limestone islands and caves that make this place a natural wonder.
Cruise departing from the Tuan Chau Pier, about a 2-hour drive from Ninh Binh.
VND 1,000,000, 5 hours

3:00PM

Kayaking Adventure

Experience the beauty of Halong Bay up close with a kayaking excursion, paddling through crystal-clear waters and exploring hidden lagoons and caves.
Guided kayaking session from the cruise boat.
Included in cruise package, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner on the Cruise Deck

Enjoy a delightful dinner on the deck of the cruise ship, savoring a variety of seafood dishes as you witness the breathtaking sunset over Halong Bay.
Provided by the cruise crew.
Included in cruise package, 2 hours
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Day 4: Return to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on December 21, 2024

8:00AM

Return to Hanoi

After breakfast, return to Hanoi by private car, enjoying the scenic views along the way as you reflect on the beauty of Ninh Binh and Halong Bay.
Private car transfer from Halong Bay to Hanoi.
Included in tour package, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Treat yourself to a local specialty, Cha Ca (grilled fish), at the historic Cha Ca La Vong restaurant, a dish that has been served for generations.
Address: 14 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Around 15 minutes from the Old Quarter.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shop at Dong Xuan Market

Explore the bustling Dong Xuan Market, one of Hanoi's oldest and largest markets, offering a variety of goods including souvenirs, clothing, and local street food.
Located at Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. A short walk from Cha Ca La Vong.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Hanoi Night Market

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Hanoi Night Market, where you can shop for souvenirs, try local snacks, and immerse yourself in the lively street scene.
Starting from Hang Dao Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Highway4 Restaurant

End your day with a dinner at Highway4 Restaurant, known for its innovative take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine and unique dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Address: 25 Bat Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Around 10 minutes from the Night Market.
VND 250,000, 2 hours
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Day 5: Last Day in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on December 22, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cong Caphe

Start your day with a Vietnamese coffee experience at Cong Caphe, a popular café known for its cozy ambiance and delicious coffee blends.
Multiple locations in Hanoi, including 54 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore the diverse cultures of Vietnam at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, with exhibitions showcasing the country's rich heritage and traditions.
Located at Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay, Hanoi. A 20-minute drive from Cong Caphe.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy a meaningful meal at KOTO (Know One, Teach One) Restaurant, which supports disadvantaged youth by providing hospitality training and delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Address: 59 Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi. About 15 minutes from the museum.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shopping at Old Quarter

Take a stroll through Hanoi's Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets and bustling shops selling everything from silk clothing to handicrafts and street food.
Explore the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake for a traditional shopping experience.
Depends on your shopping preferences, 2 hours

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Green Tangerine

Conclude your journey with a memorable dinner at Green Tangerine, a local favorite housed in a colonial villa, serving French-inspired Vietnamese cuisine in a charming setting.
Address: 48 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Close to the Old Quarter.
VND 300,000, 2 hours
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