9-Day Adventure: Hanoi, Sapa & Kuala Lumpur Cultural and Nature Exploration

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy a traditional bowl of Pho, Vietnam’s famous noodle soup, at this popular local spot open from 6am to 10am.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Walk around the lake’s scenic area and visit the temple on an island to learn about Hanoi’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Open 6am-10pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter with its traditional shops and French colonial architecture, a perfect spot for unique souvenirs.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Taste Hanoi’s famous turmeric fish dish at this iconic restaurant open 10am-10pm.
VND150000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university established in 1070, showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture and beautiful gardens. Open 8am-5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at a Cafe in the French Quarter

Enjoy a Vietnamese iced coffee in a charming cafe surrounded by colonial buildings.
VND50000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles, a Hanoi specialty enjoyed even by President Obama. Open 10am-9pm.
VND120000, 1h

Day 2: Hanoi Museums & Nightlife

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Pho Co

Enjoy a bowl of egg coffee and traditional pho near Hoan Kiem Lake. Open 7am-11am.
VND70000, 1h

9:30am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex Visit

See the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh and explore the surrounding gardens and stilt house. Open 8am-11am, closed Monday & Friday.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through engaging exhibits and traditional houses. Open 8am-5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Van Mieu

Enjoy a meal while supporting a social enterprise training disadvantaged youth in hospitality. Open 10am-10pm.
VND130000, 1h

3:30pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Watch a traditional Northern Vietnamese water puppet show at Thang Long Theater. Multiple shows daily from 3pm and 5pm.
VND100000, 1h

6:00pm

Stroll the Night Market

Explore the lively weekend night market (only Friday-Sunday) around Hang Dao street for street food and crafts.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Sample various Vietnamese dishes in a garden setting with local specialties. Open 10am-10pm.
VND150000, 1h

Day 3: Travel to Sapa & Village Visit

Hanoi to Sapa, Vietnam on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast before your transfer to Sapa by morning train or bus.
Included or VND50000, 1h

8:00am

Travel from Hanoi to Sapa

Take the bus (approx. 6 hours) or train plus bus transfer to Sapa in the northwest mountains.
VND250000, 6h

2:30pm

Check into Sapa accommodation

Settle into your hotel or guesthouse in Sapa town with mountain views.
Varies, 30m

3:00pm

Visit Cat Cat Village

Explore a traditional Hmong hill-tribe village near Sapa with culture, crafts, and scenic waterfalls. Open daylight hours.
VND70000, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Hill Station Signature

Enjoy fresh local ingredients prepared with French influence, a well-reviewed restaurant open until 9pm.
VND200000, 1h

Day 4: Sapa Trekking

Sapa, Vietnam on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for a day of trekking with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Guided Trekking Tour to Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages

Hike through rice terraces and visit Black Hmong and Dzay ethnic villages to learn about tribal cultures and daily life. Trek lasts about 5-6 hours.
VND350000 (guide), 6h

3:00pm

Return to Sapa town

Relax after trekking, maybe enjoy a foot massage or visit local markets.
Varies, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Good Morning View Restaurant

Dine overlooking the mountains with a variety of Vietnamese and Western dishes.
VND180000, 1h

Day 5: Explore Fansipan & Return

Sapa, Vietnam on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a morning excursion with breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Fansipan Cable Car Experience

Take the cable car to the summit of Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina, enjoying stunning panoramic views. Open 7:30am-5pm.
VND700000, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sapa Jade Hill Restaurant

Enjoy lunch with views at this well-rated restaurant near the cable car station.
VND150000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Sapa Market

Browse handicrafts and fabrics sold by ethnic minorities in the lively Sapa market.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Relaxation at hotel

Rest before departure to Hanoi the next day or enjoy hotel amenities.
Included, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Red Dao House

Sample authentic Red Dao minority dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
VND160000, 1h

Day 6: Return to Hanoi

Sapa to Hanoi, Vietnam on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel before transfer back to Hanoi.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel from Sapa to Hanoi

Take the bus or train back to Hanoi, allowing around 6 hours travel time.
VND250000, 6h

2:30pm

Check into Hanoi hotel

Refresh after the journey and relax at your accommodation.
Varies, 30m

3:00pm

Free afternoon for shopping or sightseeing

Use the afternoon to explore any missed sites or shop in the Old Quarter.
Varies, 2-3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Madame Hien

Experience refined Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant setting, open until 10pm.
VND250000, 1h

Day 7: Fly to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hanoi hotel

Enjoy a final Vietnamese breakfast before your flight to Malaysia.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Hanoi Airport and fly to Kuala Lumpur

Get transferred to Noi Bai Airport for a flight of about 3.5 hours to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Approx MYR400, 4h

2:00pm

Arrive and check into Kuala Lumpur hotel

Settle in and relax before starting city exploration.
Varies, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Petronas Twin Towers

Explore the iconic twin towers and visit the observation deck for stunning city views. Open 9am-9pm, last admission 8:30pm.
MYR80, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Jalan Alor Food Street

Feast on delicious Malaysian street food at this lively food market open from 5pm to midnight.
MYR30-50, 1.5h

Day 8: Kuala Lumpur Highlights

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at VCR Café

Enjoy specialty coffee and Western breakfast dishes in a trendy café open 8am-4pm.
MYR25, 1h

9:30am

Batu Caves Visit

Explore impressive limestone caves and Hindu temples just outside the city. Open 6am-9pm.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock

Savor authentic Malaysian Indian cuisine in a casual setting open 11am-3pm.
MYR25, 1h

2:30pm

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Visit one of the top museums showcasing Islamic decorative arts. Open 9:30am-6pm.
MYR14, 2h

5:00pm

Walk around Lake Gardens

Relax in KL’s largest park featuring gardens, fountains, and a butterfly park.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bijan Bar & Restaurant

Celebrate your day with fine Malay cuisine served in an elegant atmosphere. Open 6pm-11pm.
MYR120, 1.5h

Day 9: Shopping & Departure

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your last day of sightseeing and shopping.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Shop at Suria KLCC Mall

Explore this upscale shopping mall at the base of Petronas Towers with local and international brands.
Free entry, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Madam Kwan’s

Taste famous Malaysian dishes like nasi lemak at this well-known restaurant inside Suria KLCC. Open 10am-10pm.
MYR30, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Central Market

Shop for Malaysian handicrafts and souvenirs in this historic market open 10am-9:30pm.
Free entry, 2h

4:30pm

Return to hotel & prepare for departure

Collect your bags and get ready for your onward journey or flight home.
Varies, 1h