4-Day Ultimate Itinerary in Hanoi, Vietnam

Day 1: Explore Old Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a steaming bowl of authentic Pho at Pho Bat Dan, a local favorite known for its rich broth.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the charm of Hanoi by exploring the narrow streets filled with shops and street vendors offering local crafts.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Savor the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles, at Bun Cha Ta, a well-regarded local eatery.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque spot that reflects the heart of Hanoi.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Ngoc Son Temple

Explore Ngoc Son Temple, located on an island in the lake, showcasing rich cultural heritage.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Evening Street Food Tour

Join a street food tour to sample local delicacies like banh mi, spring rolls, and sugar cane juice.
VND 300,000, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

End your day with a diverse selection of Vietnamese dishes in a lively atmosphere at Quan An Ngon.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hoa Sua

Enjoy a delicious local breakfast at Hoa Sua, renowned for its traditional Vietnamese breakfast dishes.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a solemn site where the iconic leader rests.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh

Explore the presidential palace and surrounding gardens to learn more about Vietnam’s history.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at KOTO

Dine at KOTO, a social enterprise that trains underprivileged youth in hospitality.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Temple of Literature

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, filled with beautiful architecture and tranquil gardens.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about Vietnamese culture at this comprehensive museum which showcases diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Do not miss the famous Cha Ca, seasoned fish dish served with vermicelli and peanuts at Cha Ca Thang Long.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Day Trip to Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Grab an early breakfast at your hotel before heading out for the day trip to Halong Bay.
Included in tour, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Halong Bay

Enjoy the scenic 3-4 hour bus ride through the picturesque landscape of Northern Vietnam.
Included in tour, 3.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch on Boat

Savor a delicious seafood lunch on board while cruising through the breathtaking limestone karsts of Halong Bay.
Included in tour, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Kayaking or Swimming

Experience the beauty of Halong Bay up close with kayaking or swimming in its tranquil waters.
Included in tour, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Visit Sung Sot Cave, featuring stunning rock formations and vast chambers, showcasing nature's wonders.
Included in tour, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi after a day filled with unforgettable experiences in Halong Bay.
Included in tour, 3.5 hours

8:30 PM

Dinner at Beer Corner

Enjoy a casual dinner and lively atmosphere at the Beer Corner while sipping on local beers and grabbing some snacks.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Art & Culture Discovery

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00 AM

Brunch at The Hanoia

Start your final day with a delightful brunch at The Hanoia, a cozy café known for its artisan coffee.
VND 80,000, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit the Hanoi Opera House

Admire the French colonial architecture of the Hanoi Opera House and learn about its history.
Free, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Explore Contemporary Art Galleries

Visit various contemporary art galleries including the VinCom Center and Manzi Art Space to appreciate local talent.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Green Restaurant

Enjoy a refreshing plant-based meal at Green Restaurant, known for its healthy and delicious menu options.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Show

Experience the cultural charm of Vietnam by attending a traditional water puppet show, a unique art form from the Red River Delta.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Explore the Municipal Museum

Visit the Vietnam National Museum of History, rich in artifacts that showcase the cultural history of Vietnam.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at La Verticale

Conclude your Hanoi adventure with a fine dining experience at La Verticale, where French and Vietnamese cuisine blend beautifully.
VND 300,000, 2 hours