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Explore the Unforgettable North Vietnam: An 8-Day Itinerary

Viewed by 95 travelers

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 19, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with delicious traditional Pho at Pho Gia Truyen, famous for its authentic flavors. Open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visit the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a must-see historical site where the body of Vietnam's revered leader is preserved. Open from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
VND 0, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

One Pillar Pagoda

Just nearby, explore the serene One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist structure built over a single pillar. Open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
VND 0, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try Bun Cha, Hanoi's famous grilled pork with noodles at Bun Cha Huong Lien, which gained fame from Anthony Bourdain's visit.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Temple of Literature

Visit the Temple of Literature, an ancient university dedicated to Confucius and a beautifully preserved complex. Open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, experiencing local shops and markets that showcase Hanoi's vibrant culture.
VND 0, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy a unique walking dish at Cha Ca Thang Long, known for its grilled fish served with herbs and rice noodles. Open from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 20, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Dinh Cafe

Start your day at Dinh Cafe with a famous egg coffee, a must-try Vietnamese specialty. Open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, showcasing the diverse cultures and traditions of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at KOTO

Enjoy lunch at KOTO, a socially responsible restaurant that trains disadvantaged youth, serving delicious fusion Vietnamese food.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Witness a traditional water puppet show that highlights Vietnamese folklore and culture, a captivating experience. Shows run from 3:30 PM.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Ngoc Son Temple

Visit Ngoc Son Temple located on Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque site with charming views and historical significance. Open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Green Tangerine

End your day with a meal at Green Tangerine, known for its fine dining experience blending French and Vietnamese cuisines. Open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
VND 250,000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Excursion to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on March 21, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi before your journey to Ninh Binh.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Ninh Binh

Depart for Ninh Binh via private car or shuttle bus, a scenic 2-hour drive through lush landscapes.
VND 200,000, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Tam Coc Boat Ride

Experience the stunning Tam Coc boat ride, often called 'Halong Bay on land', surrounded by breathtaking limestone caves and rice paddies. Open from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, trying traditional dishes like goat meat on a hot stone.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu

Explore Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, where you'll find historical temples dedicated to past kings. Open from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
VND 20,000, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi, reflecting on the beauty of Ninh Binh.
Included, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Bun Bo Nam Bo

Savor Bun Bo Nam Bo, a southern-style beef noodle dish with fragrant herbs at this cozy eatery. Open from 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
VND 70,000, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

Day 4: Cruising Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam on March 22, 2025

6:30 AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Start your day early with a buffet breakfast on the cruise, enjoying beautiful views of Halong Bay. Time varies by cruise.
Included, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Discover the stunning Sung Sot Cave, famous for its extraordinary stalactites and stalagmites, accessible via the cruise. Open all day.
Included in the cruise ticket, 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Engage in kayaking amidst magnificent limestone karsts; a fantastic way to get close to nature. Available during cruise activities.
Included in the cruise ticket, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch on Cruise

Enjoy a lavish lunch on the cruise featuring fresh seafood and local ingredients. Time varies by cruise.
Included, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Ti Top Island

Relax on Ti Top Island, a sandy beach that offers stunning views of Halong Bay. Open all day.
Included in the cruise ticket, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner on Cruise

Indulge in a gourmet dinner on the cruise, enjoying paired dishes while surrounded by magical views. Time varies by cruise.
Included, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 5: Halong Bay Adventures

Halong Bay, Vietnam on March 23, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Enjoy another delightful breakfast on the cruise, soaking in the views of the bay. Time varies by cruise.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Visit Floating Villages

Explore the floating fishing villages to experience local life and culture, see traditional wooden houses and fishing techniques.
Included in the cruise ticket, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Cooking Class on Cruise

Join a cooking class on board to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. Included in the cruise activities.
Included in the cruise ticket, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch on Cruise

Savor a freshly prepared lunch featuring local specialties. Time varies by cruise.
Included, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Relax and Enjoy Amenities

Take some time to enjoy the cruise amenities, such as swimming or sunbathing. Relaxing and refreshing.
Included in the cruise ticket, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner on Cruise

Enjoy a farewell dinner on board, wrapping up your Halong Bay experience with spectacular views. Time varies by cruise.
Included, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 6: Journey to Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on March 24, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Enjoy your last breakfast on cruise before heading to Sapa. Time varies by cruise.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Sapa

Journey from Halong Bay to Sapa by bus or train, enjoying the scenic mountain views of the route. Approx. 5-6 hours travel.
VND 300,000, 5 hours

2:00 PM

Check into Hotel

Arrive in Sapa and check into your hotel to freshen up after the journey.
Included, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Sapa Town

Walk around Sapa Town, enjoy local markets, and the stunning mountain scenery.
VND 0, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Indulge in a local dinner at a restaurant serving authentic Sapa dishes such as Thang Co. Open until 10:00 PM.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Sapa

Day 7: Trekking in Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on March 25, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a traditional breakfast offered by your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Trekking to Cat Cat Village

Enjoy a trek to Cat Cat Village, where you can meet ethnic minorities and see picturesque rice terraces. Trek lasts approximately 2-3 hours.
VND 0, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Cat Cat Village

Have lunch at a local eatery in Cat Cat Village, trying local specialties like grilled fish.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Silver Waterfall

Continue your trek to Silver Waterfall, an impressive waterfall surrounded by lush nature. Open all day.
VND 0, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Return to Sapa Town

Trek back to Sapa Town, enjoying the beautiful landscapes on your way.
VND 0, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at La Phu

Dine at La Phu, known for its hot pot and local delicacies. Open until 10:00 PM.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Sapa

Day 8: Return to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 26, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel in Sapa before heading back to Hanoi.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel back to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi, a journey that takes about 5-6 hours.
VND 300,000, 5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at The Hanoi Social Club

Relax at The Hanoi Social Club, a cozy restaurant offering a mix of Western and Vietnamese dishes.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Free time for Shopping

Spend your last hours in Hanoi shopping for souvenirs in the Old Quarter or relaxing at a coffee shop.
VND 0, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Wrap up your journey with another meal at Cha Ca Thang Long for their delicious grilled fish before departure.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Departure

End your incredible 8-day journey in North Vietnam as you prepare for your departure.
VND 0, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Hanoi
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