4-Day Solo Adventure in Vietnam: Culture, Cities, and Scenic Train Journeys

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start your day with a steaming bowl of traditional Pho at Pho Thin, the city's famous spot known for its authentic flavors.
Walk from your accommodation (or take a short ride) to the restaurant.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple located on an island in the lake.
Just a 15-minute walk from Pho Thin.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, visiting street vendors and local shops.
The Old Quarter is a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor Bun Cha, a delicious grilled pork dish, with a side of rice noodles at the restaurant made famous by Anthony Bourdain.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the Old Quarter.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Learn about Vietnam's revolutionary leader at his mausoleum and the surrounding historical sites.
A short taxi ride from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Temple of Literature

Dive into Vietnam’s educational history at the Temple of Literature, the first national university.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the mausoleum.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy dinner featuring Cha Ca, a unique dish of grilled fish, herbs, and rice noodles, prepared right at your table.
A 15-minute taxi ride to the restaurant.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Water Puppet Show

Cap off your evening with a traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Show, showcasing cultural stories and folk tales.
Walk to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre nearby.
VND 100,000, 1 hour
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to Ha Long Bay.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Transfer to Ha Long Bay

Embark on a scenic 4-hour bus ride to Ha Long Bay, being mesmerized by picturesque landscapes along the way.
Bus pickup from hotel.
VND 300,000, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on Cruise Ship

Step aboard your cruise ship and delight in a seafood lunch while cruising among the emerald waters and limestone karsts.
Lunch is included on the cruise.
Included with cruise package, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Discover the beauty of the Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave, with its stunning rock formations.
Accessible via the cruise.
Included with cruise package, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Get active with a kayaking adventure through the calm waters, taking in the magnificent bay from a different perspective.
Kayaks provided by the cruise.
Included with cruise package, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Dock & Travel to Hotel

Return to the dock and catch your transport back to the hotel for the evening.
Bus transport arranged by the cruise.
VND 300,000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at La Casa

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at La Casa, famed for its mix of traditional and modern Vietnamese cuisine.
A short walk from your hotel.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Relax and Explore Night Market

Spend your evening wandering through the local night market, browsing for unique souvenirs and street snacks.
Not far from your restaurant.
Free (unless you buy souvenirs), 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Day in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a fresh breakfast at your hotel, fueling you for a day of exploration.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Ninh Binh

Leave for Ninh Binh by bus after breakfast, eager to witness its majestic landscapes.
Bus takes you from Ha Long Bay.
VND 250,000, 3.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trung Tuyet Restaurant

Savor local specialties at Trung Tuyet, known for its regional delicacies such as goat meat.
Arrive in Ninh Binh and take a short taxi ride.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Tam Coc

Experience a boat ride through the picturesque Tam Coc, surrounded by verdant rice paddies and towering limestone cliffs.
20-minute ride to the dock.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Bich Dong Pagoda

Climb up to Bich Dong Pagoda for fantastic views and to appreciate the serene atmosphere of this ancient site.
A short boat ride followed by a short taxi ride.
VND 20,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Travel Back to Ninh Binh City

Make your way back to the city center and seek out your dinner destination.
Taxi ride back about 30 minutes.
VND 50,000, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Chay Garden

Enjoy a unique vegetarian meal at Chay Garden, where you can try various delicious plant-based dishes.
Located in central Ninh Binh.
VND 80,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Walk along the River

End your day with a serene evening walk along the river, soaking in the tranquility and beauty of Ninh Binh.
5-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City Adventure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast at your hotel before your journey to Ho Chi Minh City.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City, eagerly anticipated for its vibrant atmosphere.
Airport transfer by taxi around 30 minutes.
VND 1,000,000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Check in and drop off your bags at your hotel, preparing to explore the city.
Quick transfer from the airport.
Variable based on hotel, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Dig into another traditional Pho at Pho 2000, famous for serving this iconic dish to US President Bill Clinton!
15-minute taxi ride from hotel.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into the history of the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum, a poignant and educational experience.
A 10-minute taxi ride.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Dive into local culture and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs at the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
A 10-minute walk from the museum.
Free (unless you buy souvenirs), 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Discover the beautiful Jade Emperor Pagoda, an iconic religious site filled with intricate carvings and offerings.
A 15-minute taxi ride.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Ngon Restaurant

Indulge in regional specialities at Ngon Restaurant, where various traditional dishes are served in a charming setting.
A short taxi ride from the pagoda.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Nightlife at Bui Vien Street

Wrap up your unforgettable journey by exploring the nightlife on Bui Vien Street, known for its vibrant atmosphere and lively bars.
A short taxi ride from the restaurant.
Free (unless you buy drinks), Variable
View Hotel Availability