6-Day Northern Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi to Hanoi Loop

Day 1: Hanoi City Discovery

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy a traditional bowl of Hanoi-style pho at this popular local spot, open from early morning, perfect to start your day.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic lake in the heart of Hanoi and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the island, open 8am-6pm. Great for photos and cultural insight.
VND30000, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore the Old Quarter

Walk through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, discovering shops, markets, and colonial architecture.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous grilled pork with noodles at this well-known restaurant, a favorite between locals and tourists alike. Open 10am-10pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and its beautiful gardens, open 8am-5pm, providing a peaceful and historic atmosphere.
VND30000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Water Puppet Theater

Enjoy a traditional water puppet show to understand Northern Vietnamese culture and folklore. Shows run from 3:30pm and 5:00pm at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine at this vibrant restaurant serving a wide range of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ninh Binh Excursion

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel before the day's journey to Ninh Binh, fueling up for your outdoor adventure.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Ninh Binh

Drive 2 hours south from Hanoi to Ninh Binh province, known as 'Halong Bay on land' for its stunning limestone karsts.
VND600000 (transport), 2h0m

10:00am

Boat ride in Tam Coc

Take a peaceful 2-hour sampan boat ride through rice paddies, caves, and limestone mountains. Perfect for nature and photography lovers.
VND150000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant in Tam Coc

Enjoy fresh local specialties such as goat meat and river fish at a nearby restaurant.
VND80000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore the peaceful mountainside pagoda complex with scenic views and interesting architecture, open till 5pm.
VND10000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Climb Mua Cave Viewpoint

Hike up to the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Tam Coc landscape. It's a rewarding outdoor activity lasting about an hour.
VND100000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi to rest and prepare for the next part of the journey.
Included in transport cost, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor the famous cha ca (turmeric fish with dill), a Hanoi specialty, in a restaurant open till 10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 3: Travel to Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a nourishing breakfast before heading out for Ha Long Bay.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Ha Long Bay

Travel approximately 3.5 hours from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
VND700000 (transport), 3h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch on cruise

Board a traditional junk boat and enjoy lunch as the cruise starts through the magnificent karsts formations of Ha Long Bay.
USD150 (cruise package including lunch), 1h30m

1:30pm

Cruise and explore caves

Explore iconic caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) and enjoy kayaking or swimming in the bay. Most cruises operate till 5pm actively.
Included in cruise, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner on cruise

Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner on board while anchored in the bay under the stars.
Included in cruise, 1h30m
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Day 4: Morning Ha Long, Back to Hanoi

Ha Long Bay / Hanoi, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on cruise

Start your morning enjoying breakfast as the boat cruises through calm waters and limestone formations.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

8:00am

Visit Titop Island

Disembark and relax at Titop Island beach or climb to the viewpoint for a panoramic vista of the bay.
Included in cruise, 2h0m

10:00am

Return cruise to Ha Long pier

Head back to the port, enjoy the scenic cruise back towards the shore.
Included, 1h0m

11:00am

Drive back to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi by car; estimated time 3.5 hours allowing for traffic.
Included in transport, 3h30m

3:00pm

Rest at hotel

Take some time to rest or freshen up at the hotel after your travel.
Included in hotel, 2h0m

5:30pm

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter by foot

Evening stroll to enjoy street food, coffee shops, and small boutiques in the lively Old Quarter.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Highway 4 Restaurant

Try northern Vietnamese specialties in a cozy, modern setting, open until 10pm.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hanoi Cultural Gems

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Enjoy classic egg coffee and light breakfast at the historic Cafe Giang open from early morning till evening.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Explore the mausoleum, Presidential Palace grounds, and Ho Chi Minh Museum. The complex opens at 8am and closes at 5pm; mausoleum closes Monday and Friday mornings.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore the One Pillar Pagoda

Visit the iconic lotus-shaped pagoda located near the mausoleum, open daily.
Free, 0h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Koto Restaurant

Enjoy fresh, heartful Vietnamese cuisine while supporting a social cause; great for lunch and open till 3pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover Vietnam’s diverse ethnic cultures through engaging exhibits, open from 8am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at West Lake

Walk along the lakeside promenade or visit Tran Quoc Pagoda for a tranquil experience.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Savor a modern twist on traditional flavors in a stylish setting with great ambiance, open till 10pm.
VND160000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Last Day Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation to get ready for your final day.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Shopping at Dong Xuan Market

Pick up souvenirs and gifts at Hanoi’s largest indoor market, open from 6am to 6pm.
Free entry, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit St. Joseph's Cathedral

Admire this neo-Gothic church founded in 1886, a beautiful landmark in the Old Quarter.
Free, 0h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Madame Hien

Enjoy upscale traditional Northern Vietnamese dishes served in a charming colonial house.
VND200000, 1h15m

1:45pm

Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Learn about Vietnam’s history through this museum, open 8am-5pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to hotel and prepare for departure

Pack and relax before heading to the airport or next destination.
Free, Remain of day
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