Exploring the Beauty of Hanoi and Sapa: A 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a steaming bowl of Pho, Vietnam's famed noodle soup, at Pho Gia Truyen, which has been serving locals since 2000.
Located in the Old Quarter, it's an easy 15-minute walk from many hotels.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene escape right in the city center, where you can soak in the local atmosphere.
The lake is a 5-minute walk from Pho Gia Truyen.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the narrow streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, lined with bustling shops selling handicrafts, silk, and local snacks.
Just a 10-minute walk from the lake.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Experience Hanoi's specialty dish, Cha Ca, grilled fish with herbs, at this renowned local eatery.
Located in the Old Quarter, a short 10-minute walk.
VND 120,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay respects at this significant revolutionary leader's resting place and explore the surrounding gardens.
Take a taxi (about 10 minutes) from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Enjoy a Water Puppet Show

Immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture with a mesmerizing water puppet performance at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
Close to Hoan Kiem Lake, only 15 minutes by taxi.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Nhà Hàng Ngon

Savor a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a beautifully designed restaurant set in a French villa.
Take a 10-minute taxi ride from the theater.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Journey to Sapa

Hanoi to Sapa, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee House

Fuel up with fresh Vietnamese coffee and a croissant before your journey to Sapa.
A 5-minute walk from your hotel.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Depart for Sapa

Board the train to Sapa, enjoying stunning scenery along the way.
Walk to Hanoi Railway Station (15 minutes) and catch the 8:30 AM train.
VND 700,000, 5 hours

2:00PM

Arrive and Lunch at Sapa Town

Enjoy lunch at Sapa Market, trying local dishes like grilled corn and bamboo sticky rice.
Just a 10-minute walk from the train station.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Cat Cat Village

Explore the cultural village of Cat Cat, known for its traditional Hmong architecture and beautiful landscapes.
20-minute motorbike taxi ride from Sapa Town.
VND 50,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Hill Station

Indulge in a farm-to-table dining experience featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Head back to Sapa town (20 minutes).
VND 180,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Walk in Sapa

Enjoy a peaceful evening walk around Sapa, taking in the night market and vibrant atmosphere.
Just a short 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Adventurous Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at Little Sa Pa Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of eggs and local bread while taking in breathtaking views of the mountains.
A 5-minute walk from your hotel.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Trek to Fansipan Mountain

Embark on a challenging trek to the summit of Fansipan, the highest mountain in Indochina, for stunning panoramic views.
Join a guided tour that can be booked in advance (pick-up included).
VND 2,500,000, 8 hours

5:00PM

Return to Sapa Town

Arrive back in Sapa Town, exhausted yet exhilarated from your adventure.
Includes round trip with the guided tour.
Included in trekking cost, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Sapa Cuisine

Delight in a traditional dinner featuring local specialties, a perfect reward after a long day of trekking.
A short 10-minute walk from your hotel.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Visit the Sapa Night Market

Explore local crafts and goodies at the vibrant night market, and perhaps snag some unique souvenirs.
Just a 5-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 4: Back to Hanoi

Sapa to Hanoi, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast featuring local and Western options to fuel up for your departure.
Enjoy the comfort of your hotel’s dining options.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Check Out and Depart for Hanoi

Check out and prepare for your journey back to Hanoi via train or bus.
Book the train/bus in advance (same transport options as Day 2).
VND 700,000, 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles - a must-try in Hanoi.
Located near the Hoan Kiem Lake, easy taxi ride from the station.
VND 90,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first national university and admire beautiful traditional architecture and gardens.
A 15-minute taxi ride from the restaurant.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Enjoy a Traditional Vietnamese Coffee

Take a break at Cafe Giang and try the famous egg coffee that Hanoi is known for.
Nearby the Temple of Literature, just a 5-minute walk.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ocean Restaurant

Dine on freshly caught seafood while overlooking beautiful views of West Lake.
A 15-minute taxi ride from Cafe Giang.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Final Day in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Maison Marou

Indulge in artisanal pastries and rich coffee at this lovely café, a local favorite.
A 10-minute taxi ride from your hotel.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse cultures of Vietnam at this informative and engaging museum.
A 20-minute taxi ride from the café.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Koto

Support a good cause while tasting delicious Vietnamese cuisine at this restaurant run by hospitable trainees.
About a 15-minute walk from the museum.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Take a Leisurely Walking Tour

Wander through the streets of Hanoi, allowing for last-minute shopping and exploration of the city’s hidden gems.
Starts from Koto and is self-guided.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Enjoy a Farewell Drink at The Rooftop Bar

Conclude your journey with spectacular views of the skyline while enjoying a refreshing drink.
Head to the rooftop bar at the Pan Pacific Hanoi (15-minute taxi ride).
VND 150,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Press Club

End your adventure with a luxurious dinner at this fine dining establishment known for its exquisite flavors.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the rooftop bar.
VND 300,000, 2 hours
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