7-Day Hanoi Adventure: A Culinary and Cultural Journey

Day 1: Arrival and Old Quarter Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Banh Mi 25

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese sandwich at Banh Mi 25, known for its authentic and affordable banh mi options.
VND 25,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, known for its narrow lanes and historic architecture.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Dac Kim

Enjoy a classic Hanoi dish, bun cha, at this renowned eatery famous for its generous portions of grilled pork and noodles.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first national university, dedicated to Confucius, featuring beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Coffee at Giang Café

Try the famous egg coffee at Giang Café, a unique Hanoi specialty combining coffee with a creamy egg yolk mixture.
VND 25,000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Duong's Restaurant

Experience refined Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist at Duong's Restaurant, known for its elegant presentations.
VND 300,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Hoan Kiem Lake and Cultural Sites

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 13, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su

Start your day with a bowl of traditional pho at this popular spot known for its flavorful broth and tender beef.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Morning Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, a central landmark in Hanoi.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Ngoc Son Temple

Explore this iconic temple located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, accessible via the red-painted Huc Bridge.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Dine at the restaurant made famous by President Obama's visit, known for its delicious bun cha.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Hanoi Opera House

Admire the French colonial architecture of the Hanoi Opera House, a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit the Vietnam National Museum of History

Discover Vietnam's history through extensive exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to the present.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Verticale

Enjoy a fine dining experience at La Verticale, offering French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a colonial villa setting.
VND 800,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Ba Dinh District and Cultural Landmarks

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Yen Sticky Rice

Try traditional Vietnamese sticky rice with various toppings at this popular spot.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay respects to Vietnam's revered leader at his final resting place in Ba Dinh Square.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the One Pillar Pagoda

Visit this historic Buddhist temple known for its unique architecture, built atop a single stone pillar.
Free, 30 minutes

11:30AM

Tour the Presidential Palace

View the exterior of the French colonial-style Presidential Palace, an important government building.
Free, 30 minutes

12:30PM

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Sample a variety of Vietnamese dishes from different regions in a beautifully restored colonial villa.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Vietnam Military History Museum

Learn about Vietnam's military history through exhibits of artifacts, weapons, and aircraft.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Coffee at Cong Caphe

Relax with a cup of Vietnamese coffee in a café known for its retro communist-era décor.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Xuan Xuan

Experience Vietnamese BBQ at this local favorite, where you can grill your own meats at the table.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: West Lake and Cultural Experiences

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Banh Cuon Gia Truyen

Enjoy delicate steamed rice rolls filled with pork and mushrooms at this renowned eatery.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda

Explore the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, located on a small island in West Lake.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Quan Thanh Temple

Visit this Taoist temple known for its impressive bronze statue of Tran Vu.
VND 20,000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at West Lake Shrimp Cakes

Try the famous shrimp cakes at this lakeside restaurant, offering scenic views of West Lake.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups through extensive exhibits.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Coffee at The Summit Lounge

Enjoy panoramic views of West Lake while sipping on a refreshing beverage at this rooftop bar.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Sen Tay Ho Buffet

Indulge in an extensive buffet featuring over 200 Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful garden setting.
VND 300,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on March 16, 2025

6:00AM

Depart for Ninh Binh

Embark on a day trip to Ninh Binh, known for its stunning karst landscapes and cultural sites.
VND 500,000, 2 hours

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local eatery in Ninh Binh

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast upon arrival in Ninh Binh.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam, featuring impressive architecture and statues.
VND 50,000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Savor local specialties such as goat meat and crispy rice in a traditional setting.
VND 150,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Boat Tour in Trang An Landscape Complex

Take a scenic boat ride through limestone caves and lush landscapes in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
VND 200,000, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Mua Cave and Viewpoint

Climb to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi after a day of exploration in Ninh Binh.
VND 500,000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Home Hanoi Restaurant

Enjoy a modern twist on Vietnamese classics in a contemporary setting.
VND 300,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Day Trip to Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on March 17, 2025

6:00AM

Depart for Ha Long Bay

Embark on a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, known for its emerald waters and limestone islands.
VND 700,000, 3.5 hours

9:30AM

Board a Cruise in Ha Long Bay

Begin a scenic cruise through the bay, exploring caves and enjoying the stunning landscapes.
VND 1,000,000, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch on the Cruise

Enjoy a seafood lunch on board while taking in the breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay.
Included in cruise, 1 hour

1:30PM

Kayaking or Bamboo Boat Ride

Engage in water activities to explore the bay's caves and floating villages up close.
Included in cruise, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax on the Cruise

Spend time on the deck, soaking in the scenery and taking photos.
Included in cruise, 1 hour

3:30PM

Return to the Harbor

Conclude the cruise and prepare for the journey back to Hanoi.
Included in cruise, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi after a memorable day in Ha Long Bay.
VND 700,000, 3.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at T.U.N.G. Dining

Experience creative fusion dishes inspired by global cuisines at this innovative restaurant.
VND 1,000,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cultural Immersion and Departure

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Banh Mi Pho

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese sandwich at this popular spot.
VND 25,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Learn about the history of the 'Hanoi Hilton' and its significance during the Vietnam War.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the St. Joseph's Cathedral

Visit this neo-Gothic cathedral, a prominent landmark in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Banh Mi 25

Enjoy another round of delicious banh mi before departing Hanoi.
VND 25,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Last-minute Shopping in the Old Quarter

Pick up souvenirs and gifts from the various shops and markets in the Old Quarter.
Varies, 2 hours

3:00PM

Return to Hotel and Prepare for Departure

Pack your belongings and check out of the hotel.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport

Travel to the airport for your departure flight.
VND 300,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability