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Discovering the Charms of Hanoi: A 4-Day Itinerary

Viewed by 61 travelers

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a steaming bowl of traditional Pho at the famed Pho Gia Truyen, a local favorite.
Take a short walk to the Old Quarter after breakfast.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, a beautiful spot for some morning serenity.
Continue your walk around the Old Quarter.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, soaking in the vibrant local markets and street food stalls.
Make your way to lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Savor flavorful Bun Cha, grilled pork served with rice noodles in a tangy dipping sauce at Bun Cha Ta, a local favorite.
Head towards the next attraction after your meal.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visit the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and learn about the life of Vietnam's revolutionary leader.
Take a taxi or motorbike to your next destination.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Tour the One Pillar Pagoda

Explore the beautifully unique One Pillar Pagoda surrounded by peaceful gardens, which is a short walk from the mausoleum.
Walk back towards your hotel or dinner location.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy the famous Vietnamese dish Cha Ca, grilled fish with turmeric and dill at Cha Ca La Vong, a legendary eatery.
After dinner, head to the nearby night market.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Explore the Night Market

Stroll through the night market, where you'll find local crafts, snacks, and more to immerse in the vibrant local culture.
Return to your hotel when ready.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Art and History

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Giang

Indulge in the famous egg coffee at Café Giang along with a light breakfast to energise for the day.
Head over to the Museum of Ethnology by taxi.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore rich displays of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic cultures, immersing yourself in the country's heritage.
Afterwards, return to the city centre.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Xoi Yen

Try Xoi, a delicious sticky rice dish at Xoi Yen, a popular spot for locals.
Walk to a nearby historical site after lunch.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore the temple, dedicated to Confucius, and enjoy its beautiful gardens and ancient architecture.
Take a short stroll to relax in the area.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, deep diving into Vietnam's rich history and architectural marvels.
Head towards your hotel for a brief rest.
VND 30,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at New Hanoi

Dine at New Hanoi, enjoying a fusion of traditional and modern Vietnamese cuisines.
Post-dinner, go for a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Enjoy Water Puppet Show

Experience the iconic Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a delightful glimpse into Vietnamese culture.
Afterwards, head back to your hotel.
VND 100,000, 1 hour
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Day 3: Day Trip to Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before setting off for Halong Bay.
Board the shuttle bus to Halong Bay.
Included in tour package, 1 hour

8:00AM

Transfer to Halong Bay

Enjoy the scenic drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay while taking in stunning views of the countryside.
Arrive at Halong Bay.
Included in tour package, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on a Cruise

Savour a delicious seafood lunch aboard a traditional junk boat while cruising through the breathtaking karst landscapes of Halong Bay.
Continue the cruise through the bay after lunch.
Included in tour package, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Discover the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay.
Return to your cruise after the cave tour.
Included in tour package, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Paddle through the idyllic waters and experience the stunning scenery up close while kayaking around the bay.
Head back to the cruise to unwind.
Included in tour package, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Hanoi

Begin your journey back to Hanoi with more picturesque views along the way.
Upon arrival, transfer back to your hotel.
Included in tour package, 4 hours

9:00PM

Dinner at Highway4

End your day with a unique dining experience at Highway4, where you can try different traditional dishes.
Relax and prepare for the next day’s adventures back at your hotel.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Final Adventures in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Banh Mi 25

Begin your final day with a delicious Banh Mi at Banh Mi 25, reputed for its fresh ingredients.
Take a short walk to your next destination.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts

Explore an extensive collection of Vietnamese art spanning over a century at the National Museum of Fine Arts.
Walk to the nearby Hanoi Opera House next.
VND 50,000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Tour the Hanoi Opera House

Take a guided tour of the historic Hanoi Opera House and learn about its stunning architecture and history.
Walk over to a lunch spot.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Noodle 24

Savour tasty noodles at Noodle 24, a great stop for local specialty dishes.
Return to the Old Quarter for some final shopping.
VND 80,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Last-minute Shopping

Pick up souvenirs and local crafts from the markets in the Old Quarter before concluding your trip.
Prepare for departure after shopping.
Varies, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Hanoi Social Club

Enjoy a laid-back dinner at The Hanoi Social Club, sampling their international and Vietnamese fusion dishes.
After dinner, return to your hotel for the night.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Evening Stroll

Take a leisurely evening stroll through the Old Quarter, reflecting on your memorable experiences in Hanoi.
Return to your accommodation after your stroll.
Free, 1 hour
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