4-Day Hanoi and Ninh Binh Exploration with Shopping and Night Departure

Day 1: Old Quarter Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 4, 2025

6:00am

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive early in Hanoi and check into your hotel located centrally in the Old Quarter for convenient access to local attractions.
0, 1h

7:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy authentic Hanoi Pho at this popular spot, open early from 6:00am, cherished for rich broth and fresh noodles.
VND60000, 1h

8:00am

Walking Tour of the Old Quarter

Explore the vibrant streets, take in historic architectures and lively markets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter neighborhood.
0, 2h

10:30am

Bach Ma Temple Visit

Visit this peaceful and historic temple dating from the 11th century, offering cultural insight within the Old Quarter.
0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Hanoi bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien, known internationally and open at lunchtime.
VND70000, 1h

1:30pm

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Relax by the scenic lake and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple perched on a small island in the lake.
VND3000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Dong Xuan Market

Visit the largest indoor market in Hanoi for souvenirs, textiles, and a glimpse of local life.
0, 1h

5:00pm

Cafe Giang for Egg Coffee

Sample Hanoi’s iconic egg coffee at Cafe Giang, a cozy café with a long tradition, open through early evening.
VND45000, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Indulge in northern Vietnamese specialty fried fish turmeric style, a must-try local dish, served until 9pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cultural Heritage

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Start the morning with traditional sticky rice dishes at Xoi Yen, a local breakfast favorite open from dawn.
VND40000, 45m

8:30am

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first national university with serene gardens and classical architecture, open 8am–5pm.
VND30000, 2h

11:00am

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

Explore rich Vietnamese art collections from ancient to contemporary periods, open 8am–5pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy delicious Vietnamese dishes while supporting a social enterprise, open for lunch and dinner.
VND120000, 1h15m

2:15pm

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Discover Vietnam’s wartime history displayed in the historic prison site, open 8am–5pm.
VND30000, 1h

3:30pm

West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda

Visit Hanoi’s largest lake and the tranquil Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple, open all day.
0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Madame Hien

Enjoy upscale traditional Northern Vietnamese cuisine in a charming atmosphere, open 6–10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

9:00pm

Nightlife at 1900 Le Theatre

Experience a lively nightclub in the Old Quarter with music and great vibes, open from 9pm until late.
VND150000, 3h
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Day 3: Perfume Pagoda Day Trip

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the full-day excursion.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Depart for Perfume Pagoda

Drive about 2 hours to the picturesque Perfume Pagoda complex.
VND500000 (transport), 2h

9:30am

Boat Ride to Pagoda

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Yen River to reach the starting point of the pilgrimage.
VND80000, 1h

10:30am

Explore Perfume Pagoda

Visit several pagodas and caves nestled in the limestone mountains while enjoying stunning views.
VND30000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty Vietnamese lunch at a nearby restaurant serving local specialties.
VND90000, 1h

1:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Boat back and drive approximately 2 hours to Hanoi for arrival in late afternoon.
Included, 3h

5:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Relax at your hotel after the full-day trip.
0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Hanoi Restaurant

Dine on modern Vietnamese dishes in a cozy and stylish setting, open until 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m

10:00pm

Party at Savage Nightclub

Head to Savage for a vibrant nightlife experience with music and dancing, open until 3am.
VND200000, 3h
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Day 4: Ninh Binh Adventure

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on July 7, 2025

6:30am

Depart for Ninh Binh

Start early with a 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh, known as 'Halong Bay on land' for its karst landscapes.
VND700000 (round trip transport), 2h

9:00am

Boat Ride in Tam Coc

Cruise the scenic Ngo Dong River while passing through caves and stunning limestone cliffs.
VND150000, 2h

11:30am

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore the beautiful multi-layered pagoda complex built into the mountainside, open all day.
VND30000, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Ninh Binh specialties such as goat meat and rice crust at a local eatery.
VND90000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Tour the historic ruins and temples of Vietnam’s 10th-century capital.
VND20000, 1h

2:30pm

Mua Cave Viewpoint Hike

Climb approximately 500 steps for panoramic views of the Tam Coc area, well worth the effort.
VND100000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi to arrive in early evening.
Included, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner near Hotel

Have a convenient dinner near your hotel, selecting from a variety of Vietnamese dishes after your day trip.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Shopping & Departure

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cong Caphe

Start your last day with specialty coffee and breakfast at Cong Caphe, open from 7am.
VND50000, 45m

8:30am

Morning Shopping in the Old Quarter

Shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and gifts in the lively streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Varies, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a popular setting open at lunchtime.
VND120000, 1h

12:45pm

Visit Lotte Center Observation Deck

Experience panoramic views of Hanoi from the Lotte Center observation deck, open 9am–8.30pm.
VND250000, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Hotel and Pack

Return to hotel, rest, and pack up for your departure.
0, 2h

4:00pm

Afternoon Cafe at The Note Coffee

Enjoy a calming coffee break at The Note Coffee known for walls covered in colorful notes left by visitors.
VND40000, 1h

5:15pm

Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport

Take a taxi or pre-arranged transfer to the airport allowing ample time for your 7:00pm flight.
VND350000, 1h
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