14-Day Cultural and Culinary Adventure in Hanoi

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

2:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Hanoi and check into your hotel to freshen up after your journey.
From the airport, take a taxi or pre-booked shuttle to your hotel for a 30-minute trip.
USD30, 1 hour

4:00PM

Nguyễn Thái Học Street Walk

Stroll along Nguyễn Thái Học Street, soaking in the sights and sounds of Hanoi as you get acclimated.
Easily walk from your hotel if located in the Old Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy the famous Cha Ca dish, grilled fish with turmeric and dill, in a historic setting.
Head towards the Old Quarter on foot, just a 10-min walk.
USD10, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Explore the Old Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try the famous Vietnamese egg coffee before exploring.
Walk to Cafe Giang located in the heart of the Old Quarter.
USD3, 1 hour

9:30AM

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Join a guided walking tour to learn about the history and culture of this vibrant district.
Meet at the tour guide’s location near Hoan Kiem Lake.
USD20, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famed Bun Cha, a local delicacy of grilled pork.
A short walk from the end of your tour.
USD5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere surrounding this iconic lake.
Walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, which is nearby.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Green Tangerine

Enjoy French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a charming courtyard.
Take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
USD25, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Water Puppet Show

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance, a unique cultural experience.
Walk back towards the lake to find the theatre.
USD5, 1 hour
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Day 3: Historical Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho 10

Start your day with a steaming bowl of Pho, the national dish of Vietnam.
A short 10-minute stroll from your hotel.
USD4, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Learn about Vietnam's history by visiting the solemn resting place of Ho Chi Minh.
Take a taxi directly to the mausoleum.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

One Pillar Pagoda

Visit the stunning One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural marvel.
Short walk from the mausoleum.
USD1, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Koto

Dine at Koto, supporting at-risk youth through hospitality training.
Walk or taxi to the restaurant depending on location.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Temple of Literature

Explore the first national university in Vietnam, rich in culture and history.
Take a bicycle taxi to the Temple of Literature.
USD2, 2 hours

4:00PM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse culture of Vietnam and its ethnic groups through engaging exhibits.
Take a taxi to the museum, it's a bit far.
USD2, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Badiane

Savour an exquisite dining experience featuring modern Vietnamese cuisine.
A quick taxi ride will take you there.
USD20, 2 hours
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Day 4: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

6:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Situated within your hotel, no travel needed.
Included, 1 hour

7:30AM

Drive to Ninh Binh

Enjoy the scenic 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh, often called 'Halong Bay on land'.
Pre-arranged transportation will take you directly.
USD15, 2 hours

10:00AM

Trang An Boat Tour

Experience breathtaking landscapes on a 2-hour guided boat tour through the caves and rice paddies.
Boat tours are organized on-site.
USD10, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Try local specialities such as goat meat and fried rice.
Restaurants are available near Trang An.
USD8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Tam Coc

Explore the stunning limestone karsts and paddy fields with a scenic bike ride.
Rental bikes are available on-site.
USD5, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi after a fulfilling day in Ninh Binh.
Transportation arranged for your return.
USD15, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Quince

Relax with a delightful meal at Quince, appreciating its modern ambiance.
Take a taxi to the restaurant upon arrival.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Food Trail in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cộng Cà Phê

Savour traditional Vietnamese coffee and a light breakfast in a themed café.
Located nearby in the Old Quarter.
USD5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Street Food Tour

Join a guided street food tour to taste a variety of local dishes unique to Hanoi.
Meet the guide at the predetermined location.
USD30, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Phở Bò Nhớ

Relish a bowl of top-notch beef pho after your food tour.
Short walk or taxi depending on the location.
USD5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Cooking Class

Get your hands dirty and learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Walk to the cooking school conveniently located in the area.
USD40, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at 36 Phố Phường

Enjoy a splendid meal while reflecting on your culinary journey.
A taxi ride takes you to this fine-dining establishment.
USD25, 2 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Insights

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tropical Forest

Begin with fresh fruit and traditional Vietnamese pastries.
A nearby café within the Old Quarter.
USD7, 1 hour

9:30AM

Literature Tour

Engage in a local-guided discussion exploring Vietnamese Literature and its influences.
Meet in a central location to start this engaging experience.
USD25, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

Discover Vietnamese art from traditional to modern through various exhibitions.
Walk to the museum, followed by a visit.
USD2, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Bobby Chinn

Savour a unique menu blending Vietnamese and international influences.
Short taxi ride from the museum.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Cultural Workshop

Participate in a traditional craft workshop to learn about Vietnamese art.
Travel to the workshop location using a taxi.
USD30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Green Oasis

Indulge in delicious vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine.
A short walk from the workshop venue.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Art and Creativity

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Breakfast at Dinh Cafe

Delight in authentic Hanoi coffee and a light breakfast.
Located within the city, perfect for a quick meal.
USD4, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Art Galleries

Explore local art galleries and meet artists in their studios.
A walking tour can be arranged to cover multiple galleries.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Tomato

Savour a delicious selection of Vietnamese ray dishes.
Walk over to the nearby restaurant.
USD10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Interactive Painting Session

Join a painting class to explore your creativity with guidance from a local artist.
Arranged by the art gallery you previously visited.
USD35, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The KOTO Training Restaurant

Dine at a restaurant that offers training to at-risk youth while enjoying passionate local cuisine.
Take a taxi for a more straightforward route.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Markets and Shopping

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Xôi Yến

Start with a traditional sticky rice breakfast, a popular choice among locals.
Located in the Old Quarter, an easy walk from your hotel.
USD3, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Dong Xuan Market

Browse the bustling market, immersing yourself in local products and fresh ingredients.
Walk over to the market from the café.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho Thin

Savour the famous Hanoi beef noodle soup in a local setting.
About a 10-minute taxi ride away.
USD5, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Hang Da Market

Visit this lesser-known market for unique souvenirs and cultural insights.
A short taxi ride takes you there.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Café con Miel for Coffee

Take a break at this café offering brews from local beans.
Walk back towards the Old Quarter.
USD4, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Tandoor

Explore Indian flavours blending into Hanoi's culinary landscape.
A taxi ride will take you there quickly.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Day Trip to Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your morning meal before heading out for a day trip.
Within your hotel premises, no travel required.
Included, 1 hour

7:00AM

Drive to Halong Bay

Set off early for the extraordinary scenery of Halong Bay.
Transportation pre-arranged for the trip.
USD25, 3.5 hours

10:30AM

Cruise Tour of Halong Bay

Experience a relaxing cruise tour while taking in limestone karsts and islets.
Onboard arrangements made by the tour agency.
USD50, 4 hours

2:30PM

Lunch on the Cruise

Enjoy local seafood and Vietnamese cuisine as you cruise through the islands.
Included in your cruise package.
Included, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Conclude your Halong Bay adventure and head back to Hanoi.
Transportation arranged for your return trip.
USD25, 3.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Bia Hoi Corner

Join the locals for a casual meal at the famed Bia Hoi with tasty street cuisine.
Take a taxi to the famous Bia Hoi Corner.
USD10, 2 hours
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Day 10: Hanoi's Hidden Gems

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:30AM

Breakfast at Avenue Café

Savour a delightful breakfast in a serene atmosphere.
Walk to the café for a relaxing start to the day.
USD7, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Bat Trang Pottery Village

Discover the traditional art of pottery in this charming village.
Take a short guided trip via taxi or arranged transport.
USD12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery in Bat Trang

Indulge in local specialties while located in the pottery village.
Nearby eatery in Bat Trang.
USD5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Hanoi's Train Street

Experience the thrilling sight of trains passing down narrow streets lined with cafés.
Return to Hanoi and walk over to Train Street.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Green Mango Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful meal with a creative menu in a relaxed atmosphere.
Take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Learning Local Cuisine

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Hanoi Social Club

Start your day with homemade pastries and freshly brewed coffee.
Located in the Old Quarter, easy to reach on foot.
USD6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Attending a Cooking Class

Dive deeper into Vietnamese cooking and learn to make classic dishes.
A local cooking school will host this interactive class.
USD40, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Cooking Class

Enjoy the delicious meal you prepared during the class.
Included within the cooking class experience.
Included, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Local Markets

Experience the buzz of local markets and gather ingredients for future cooking.
Walking tour including a visit to local vendors.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Coffee Tasting Workshop

Learn about different coffee beans and brewing methods in this engaging session.
End the walking tour in a nearby workshop.
USD15, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at home-style restaurant

Experience a meal reminiscent of Vietnamese family meals at a highly-rated local spot.
A taxi ride takes you there smoothly.
USD10, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Influences of Colonial History

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Nhà Hàng Chay

Enjoy a vegetarian breakfast beautifully plated in a serene setting.
Walk to the nearby vegetarian restaurant from your hotel.
USD5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Vietnam National Museum of History

Delve into Vietnam's history through this extensive exhibit on colonial history.
Take a taxi to the museum.
USD3, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hanoi Buffet

Savour a wide range of local delicacies in a buffet setting.
Short taxi ride from the museum.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore French Colonial Architecture

Wander around the Opera House and the French Quarter while learning about the architecture.
Walking guided tour of the area.
USD10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ly Club

Savour delectable dishes in a stylish colonial setting.
A short taxi ride takes you to this renowned restaurant.
USD25, 2 hours
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Day 13: Natural Escapes

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Home Coffee

Start your day with a unique coffee experience in a delightful setting.
Within walking distance in the Old Quarter.
USD6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ho Tay Lake

Enjoy the scenic beauty of Ho Tay Lake, ideal for a peaceful morning walk.
Take a taxi directly to the lake.
USD5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sunset Lake Restaurant

Relish a selection of Vietnamese dishes while enjoying stunning lake views.
Located on the lakeside, a quick walk from your location.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Ho Chi Minh's Presidential Palace

Explore the beautiful gardens and architecture surrounding this historical site.
Nearby the lake, easily walkable.
USD3, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Amato

Enjoy a casual atmosphere with delicious Vietnamese tapas.
A quick taxi ride away from Ho Chi Minh's Palace.
USD10, 1.5 hours
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Day 14: Departure

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Hanoi with a range of local dishes.
Within your hotel premises before departure.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Last-minute Shopping in Old Quarter

Catch some final souvenirs and gifts before heading back.
Walk over to the Old Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Check out of Hotel

Gather your belongings and check out of the hotel, saying goodbye to Hanoi.
Involves packing and checking out with hotel staff.
Free, 1 hour

2:00PM

Transfer to Airport

Head to Hanoi airport for your onward journey.
Pre-arranged taxi or shuttle to the airport.
USD30, 1 hour
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