9-Day Nature Itinerary: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay & Hoi An

Day 1: Arrive & Explore

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Green Farm Restaurant

Start your Hanoi adventure with a delicious farm-to-table breakfast featuring local Vietnamese herbs and fresh ingredients.
Walk to the restaurant located in the city center.
VND100,000, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple for insight into Vietnamese history.
Continue walking around the lake.
VND30,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor the famous bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) at a local favorite spot that Obama once visited.
Take a short taxi ride.
VND80,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the vibrant streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, filled with historical architecture and local shops.
Walk throughout the Old Quarter area.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover the ancient Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam's first university.
Short taxi ride from the Old Quarter.
VND30,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Indulge in Cha Ca, a Hanoi specialty dish of grilled fish with dill and turmeric.
Short taxi ride.
VND120,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at Phở Thìn

Enjoy a piping hot bowl of traditional Vietnamese pho to fuel up for the day.
Walk to the nearby pho restaurant.
VND70,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a significant landmark in Vietnam's history.
Take a taxi to the mausoleum.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse cultures and ethnic groups of Vietnam through engaging exhibits.
Taxi ride to the museum.
VND40,000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Koto Restaurant

Enjoy lunch at this training restaurant that empowers disadvantaged youth through hospitality.
Short taxi ride.
VND90,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax at Thong Nhat Park

Take a leisurely stroll or rent a pedal boat in this beautiful park, a perfect place to unwind.
Taxi ride to the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Experience authentic Vietnamese home-cooked meals in a cozy atmosphere.
Walk or taxi depending on location.
VND100,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Journey to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before setting off for Ninh Binh.
Hotel dining area.
Free, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Ninh Binh

Depart for Ninh Binh using a private car or bus for a scenic drive through the countryside.
Drive approximately 2 hours.
VND300,000, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Tam Coc

Experience the stunning landscapes as you take a boat ride through the enchanting caves of Tam Coc.
Boat rental station.
VND150,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tam Coc Center

Fuel up with local dishes while enjoying views of the river and limestone cliffs.
Walking distance from boat dock.
VND80,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Bich Dong Pagoda

Visit this beautiful pagoda situated on a mountainside, providing breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Short taxi ride.
VND20,000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Discover the history of Vietnam at the ancient capital, with impressive temples and rich heritage.
Short taxi ride from the pagoda.
VND100,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Trung Tuyet Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese dinner that showcases the flavors of the Ninh Binh region.
Walking distance from your lodging.
VND90,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Adventure & Nature

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast to prepare for a day of adventure in nature.
Hotel dining area.
Free, 1 hour

8:00AM

Hiking at Mua Cave

Trek up to the viewpoint at Mua Cave for panoramic views of the stunning rice paddies and karst mountains.
Self-drive or taxi ride to Mua Cave.
VND100,000, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Biking through the countryside

Rent a bike to explore the scenic rural landscapes, dotted with farms and impressive limestone formations.
Bike rental near Mua Cave.
VND50,000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at An's Restaurant

Refuel with great local dishes and a relaxing atmosphere in a countryside setting.
Taxi ride back to main area.
VND80,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Take a boat tour through the beautiful Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with caves and serene waters.
Short drive to Trang An boat dock.
VND200,000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to your hotel

Head back to your hotel and relax after a day filled with adventure.
Self-drive or taxi back.
VND50,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Thuy Anh Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at this charming eatery famous for its local specialties.
Walking distance from your hotel.
VND70,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cruising Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel before heading to Halong Bay.
Hotel dining area.
Free, 1 hour

7:30AM

Travel to Halong Bay

Set off for Halong Bay, enjoying the scenic drive along the coast.
Private car or tour bus for a 2.5-hour drive.
VND300,000, 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Board the Cruise Ship

Check-in to your chosen cruise and begin exploring the breathtaking limestone islands of Halong Bay.
Cruise ship dock.
VND1,500,000, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Take a kayak to explore hidden caves and floating villages, immersing yourself in the gorgeous scenery.
Onboard kayak.
Included in cruise package, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch on the Cruise

Enjoy a lavish lunch on board with freshly prepared seafood and stunning views.
Onboard restaurant area.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, known for its impressive rock formations and views of Halong Bay.
Boarding the small vessel to the caves.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax on the deck or swimming

Enjoy some leisure time on the deck, swimming or soaking in the views of the landscape.
Onboard deck area.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner on the Cruise

Indulge in a multi-course dinner featuring local specialties and fresh seafood.
Onboard restaurant area.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Explore Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

6:30AM

Tai Chi on the Deck

Wake up early for a peaceful Tai Chi session on the deck while enjoying the stunning sunrise.
Onboard deck area.
Free, 1 hour

7:30AM

Breakfast on the Cruise

Feast on a delicious breakfast while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Onboard restaurant area.
Included in cruise package, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Ti Top Island

Enjoy swimming or hiking to the viewpoint on Ti Top Island for breathtaking views of the bay.
Boarding small vessel to the island.
Included in cruise package, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on the Cruise

Savor another delicious lunch with fresh seafood onboard.
Onboard restaurant area.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visiting Floating Villages

Experience the traditional lifestyle of local fishermen by visiting a floating village.
Short boat ride to the village.
Included in cruise package, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to the Cruise

Relax and enjoy the views as you head back to your cruise for more leisure time.
Boarding the cruise vessel.
Included in cruise package, 1 hour

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner on the Cruise

Celebrate your Halong Bay experience with a festive farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
Onboard restaurant area.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Travel to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

6:30AM

Early Breakfast on the Cruise

Enjoy your last breakfast onboard before returning to the mainland.
Onboard restaurant area.
Included in cruise package, 1 hour

7:30AM

Disembark from Cruise

Check-out from the cruise ship and head to the mainland.
Return to the port and taxi ride to the bus station.
VND50,000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Hoi An via Bus

Enjoy the journey down the coast on a comfortable bus to Hoi An.
Bus for approximately 5 hours.
VND250,000, 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Indulge in a culinary treat at this highly-rated restaurant known for its traditional dishes.
Walking distance from your lodging.
VND120,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander the charming streets of Hoi An, filled with old architecture and colorful lanterns.
Walking in the Ancient Town area.
Free (entrance fee may apply), 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

Marvel at this iconic symbol of Hoi An's heritage, a fantastic photo opportunity at sunset.
Walking distance from Ancient Town.
VND30,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Mango Mango

Enjoy a fusion of Vietnamese and western cuisine with fantastic riverside views.
Short walk from the bridge.
VND150,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Relax & Unwind

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café 43

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at this café offering local flavors.
Walk to the café.
VND60,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Cooking Class at Red Bridge Cooking School

Join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes from local chefs.
Taxi ride to the cooking school.
VND1,200,000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch prepared by yourself

Savor the dishes you've cooked during the class, a rewarding experience.
Dining area at the cooking school.
Included in the cooking class fee, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon unwinding at the sandy shores of An Bang beach.
Short taxi ride to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hoi An

Head back and freshen up at your hotel before dinner.
Taxi back to hotel.
VND50,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Nu Eatery

Finish your day with a sumptuous dinner at this trendy restaurant known for modern Vietnamese cuisine.
Walking distance from your hotel.
VND150,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return Journey

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Have a final breakfast in Hoi An at your accommodation.
Hotel dining area.
Free, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel back to Hanoi

Depart for Hanoi via bus or train, enjoying the last view of the countryside.
Bus or train for approximately 4 hours.
VND250,000, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy a final meal at this Hanoi institution famous for its cha ca dish.
Walking distance from the bus station.
VND90,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Free Time for Shopping

Take a stroll through the markets of Hanoi to pick up some souvenirs or local goodies.
Shopping areas around Old Quarter.
Free (depends on purchases), 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

Explore the diverse range of Vietnamese art and culture in this well-curated museum.
Short taxi ride.
VND40,000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at La Place

Enjoy a farewell dinner at this cafe that serves a superb selection of French and Vietnamese cuisine.
Short taxi ride from the museum.
VND150,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability