5 Nights in Hanoi: A Cultural and Culinary Journey

Day 1: Arrival and Old Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

3:00pm

Check-in at Hotel in Old Quarter

Settle into a centrally located hotel in Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter, perfect for easy access to many attractions and bustling street life.
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4:00pm

Explore the Old Quarter

Stroll the labyrinth of narrow streets filled with shops, street vendors, and colonial architecture to get the authentic feel of Hanoi's historic heart.
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6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner featuring Cha Ca (grilled turmeric fish with dill), one of Hanoi’s signature dishes. The restaurant is well-regarded and typically opens until 9pm.
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Day 2: Cultural Highlights

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start the day with a bowl of Pho Thin, featuring flavorful beef noodle soup, a must-try Hanoi breakfast spot open from early morning till 10am.
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9:00am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Take a scenic walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island, an iconic spiritual site of Hanoi, open 8am-5pm.
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11:00am

Hanoi Opera House and French Quarter

Explore the French colonial architecture in the surrounding quarter and admire the Hanoi Opera House exterior; guided tours available by appointment.
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12:30pm

Lunch at Koto

Dine at Koto, a social enterprise restaurant serving delicious Vietnamese dishes while supporting local youth, open 11am-3pm.
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2:00pm

Vietnamese Women’s Museum

Visit this museum to learn about the history and contributions of Vietnamese women, open 8am-5pm with an insightful collection of artifacts and exhibits.
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6:30pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try Bun Cha, delicious grilled pork with noodles and herbs, famously known as Barack Obama's favorite Hanoi meal; open until 9pm.
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Day 3: Temples and Lakes

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Taste Hanoi’s famous egg coffee in this cozy cafe that opens daily from early morning, paired with light pastries.
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9:00am

Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius, showcasing beautiful traditional architecture and gardens, open 8am-5pm.
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11:00am

West Lake (Tay Ho) and Tran Quoc Pagoda

Visit Hanoi’s largest lake and the oldest Buddhist temple in the city, a peaceful spot to enjoy scenery and learn about local spirituality, open 8am-6pm.
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1:00pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Savor a wide range of Vietnamese specialties in a lively setting, open daily 10am-10pm.
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3:00pm

Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural Walk

Discover the world’s longest ceramic mosaic mural along the Red River dyke, free and open all day.
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6:30pm

Dinner at La Verticale

Experience fine French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a charming colonial villa, reservations recommended, open 6pm-10pm.
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Day 4: Ba Dinh District and Museums

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the hotel or local bakery

Enjoy a light breakfast of traditional banh mi or pastries from a nearby bakery to start the day.
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9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the mausoleum and surrounding sites including the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, open 8am-11am (closed Mondays and Fridays).
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11:30am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse ethnic cultures of Vietnam through engaging exhibitions, open 8am-5pm.
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1:30pm

Lunch at The Hanoi Social Club

Relax with a healthy and creative menu featuring vegetarian and vegan dishes, open 9am-10pm.
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3:00pm

AFter lunch walk in Lenin Park and surrounding area

Stroll in the park nearby or visit nearby small galleries for a relaxing afternoon.
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6:30pm

Dinner at Highway4 Restaurant

Indulge in traditional Vietnamese food with a tailored menu and friendly atmosphere, open until 10pm.
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Day 5: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Ninh Binh Day Trip

Take an early morning car or bus trip to Ninh Binh, known as 'Halong Bay on land' for stunning limestone karsts and rural scenery.
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9:00am

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex Boat Tour

Enjoy a 2-hour boat ride through caves and alongside limestone cliffs in this UNESCO World Heritage site, open 7am-6pm.
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12:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant in Ninh Binh

Savor regional specialties like goat meat or rice crust at a nearby local eatery.
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1:30pm

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in Southeast Asia, open 7am-6pm.
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3:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi for an early evening arrival.
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6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

End your trip with a final taste of excellent traditional Hanoi food in a cozy atmosphere, open until 10pm.
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Day 6: Departure

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Hotel Checkout

Enjoy a light breakfast at the hotel and complete check-out formalities.
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9:00am

Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport

Travel to the airport for departure, ending your 5-night Hanoi journey.
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