Budget Adventure Itinerary in Hanoi: Kayaking, Snorkelling, and More

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Phở Bát Đàn

Start your day with a steaming bowl of delicious pho at this local favourite.
Walk from your accommodation to Phở Bát Đàn, located in Old Quarter, just 15 minutes away.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoying the serene atmosphere while watching locals practice tai chi.
Head southeast for a 10-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Cable Car Ride at Mt. Ba Na

Experience breathtaking views of the city with a thrilling cable car ride up to Mt. Ba Na for an outdoor adventure.
Catch a local bus to the cable car station; it's about 30 minutes away.
VND 800,000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Banh Mi 25

Enjoy a fresh and crispy banh mi, a staple of the street food scene that you can’t resist.
A short 5-minute walk from your last stop.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Street Roller Coaster Experience

Head to the local amusement park for a fun ride on their thrilling roller coaster.
Take a taxi to the park, which should take around 15 minutes.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore this stunning historical site, Vietnam's first university, steeped in culture and tranquility.
15-minute walk from the amusement park.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Indulge in a traditional cha ca, a grilled fish dish adored by locals.
Take a 10-minute taxi ride or grab a bus.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Night Market Exploration

Wander through the vibrant night market in Hanoi's Old Quarter, grabbing affordable souvenirs.
Short walk from dinner location.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 2: Adventure at Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a simple meal of local bread or pastries before heading out for your adventure.
Have breakfast where you are staying.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Halong Bay

Catch a local bus to Halong Bay, enjoying the beautiful landscapes along the way.
A direct bus from Hanoi's bus station to Halong Bay takes about 4 hours.
VND 200,000, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on a Cruise Boat

Step aboard a local cruise boat and relish a delicious seafood lunch, with stunning views of the bay.
Typically included with your cruise package.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Paddle through the stunning emerald waters, getting closer to the breathtaking limestone islands.
Kayak rentals are usually offered by your cruise company.
VND 100,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Swimming at Ti Top Island

Enjoy a refreshing swim at this beautiful beach; don't forget your beach towel!
Your cruise will typically guide you to this popular stop.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Hop back on the bus, discussing the adventures of the day with fellow travellers.
Transfer to the local bus at the same location where you arrived.
VND 200,000, 4 hours

10:00PM

Late Dinner at Local BBQ Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious BBQ late-night feast at a local eatery, trying various meat skewers.
Head back to the Old Quarter area for dining options.
VND 80,000, 1 hour
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Nature Exploration

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Street Vendor

Grab a quick banh mi from a street vendor near your accommodation to kickstart the day.
Get breakfast along the way to the bus station.
VND 25,000, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Travel to Ninh Binh

Catch a early bus to Ninh Binh, ideally booking your ticket in advance.
Direct bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh; journey takes around 2 hours.
VND 100,000, 2 hours

9:00AM

Tam Coc Boat Ride

Experience the magical landscapes of Tam Coc on a traditional boat ride, gliding through serene waterways.
Arrive at Tam Coc and find local vendors offering boat rides.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Savour the regional specialty of goat meat served with rice, a culinary highlight of Ninh Binh.
Find a local eatery near Tam Coc.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Bich Dong Pagoda

Discover the beautiful layout of Bich Dong Pagoda, set against the stunning backdrop of limestone mountains.
Short walk to the pagoda from lunch.
VND 20,000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Swim at Van Long Wetland

Cool off by swimming at Van Long Wetland, surrounded by picturesque rice paddies.
Catch a local taxi to reach Van Long Wetland, about 30 minutes from the pagoda.
VND 20,000 (for entry fee), 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Catch a bus back to Hanoi, reminiscing about the stunning natural scenery you've encountered.
Return to the same bus station for the ride back.
VND 100,000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Bún Chả Hương Liên

Delight in a scrumptious bowl of bun cha, grilled pork with noodles, which is a must-try in Hanoi.
Located in the same area; walk or take a taxi.
VND 70,000, 1 hour
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Day 4: A Day of Culture and Relaxation

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Giang

Try the famous egg coffee, a unique drink that has become a must-try in Hanoi.
Located in the Old Quarter, just a few minutes' walk.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects to Vietnam's founding father at this significant historical site.
Take a taxi or local bus to Ba Dinh Square.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about Vietnam's diverse cultures through interesting exhibits and artefacts.
Take a bus or taxi to reach the museum.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Koto Restaurant

Savour a meal at this social enterprise restaurant, providing training to underprivileged youth, giving back to the community.
A 15-minute walk from the museum.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Cable Car Ride at West Lake

Experience the views over West Lake with a cable car, offering an exhilarating way to admire the surrounding nature.
A short taxi ride to the cable car station.
VND 300,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at A Quán

Delight in a shared hotpot meal, an interactive dining experience that is a local favourite.
A taxi ride from West Lake.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Calm Evening at a Riverside Café

Enjoy the view of the sunset while sipping local craft beer or fresh lemonade at a riverside café.
Find a charming café along the river; it’s a walk from dinner.
VND 50,000, 1.5 hours
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