4-Day Hanoi Exploration with Cultural Gems, Nightlife, and Scenic Views

Day 1: Old Quarter and Nightlife

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 4, 2025

6:00am

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive early and settle into your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter for easy access to key attractions.
0, 1h

7:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Savor authentic Hanoi Pho, known for its rich broth and fresh noodles, open from 6am.
VND60000, 1h

8:00am

Explore Old Quarter & Thap Rua Tower

Stroll through busy streets and visit the iconic Thap Rua Tower in the historical Hoan Kiem Lake, a great spot for photos and local atmosphere.
Free, 2h

10:30am

Bach Ma Temple

Visit this historic 11th-century temple nestled in the Old Quarter, known for its peaceful atmosphere and cultural value.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy the famous Hanoi bun cha at this renowned spot, open at lunch hours.
VND70000, 1h

1:30pm

Ngoc Son Temple & Hoan Kiem Lake Walk

Explore the charming Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake’s small island and enjoy the lakeside ambiance.
VND3000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Chua Tran Quoc Visit

Travel to West Lake and visit Chua Tran Quoc, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, set on a small peaceful island.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Cafe Giang for Egg Coffee

Taste Hanoi’s famous egg coffee in a cozy setting, a perfect mid-afternoon treat.
VND45000, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Experience northern Vietnamese specialty fried turmeric fish, a must-try dish served until 9pm.
VND150000, 1h30m

8:30pm

Nightlife at Train Street & Beer Street

Head to the famous Train Street to watch trains pass closely through a narrow streetscape, then explore nearby Beer Street for lively bars and local beer.
Free entry, drinks vary, 3h
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Day 2: Cultural Heritage & City Views

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Relish traditional sticky rice dishes, a favorite local breakfast open from dawn.
VND40000, 45m

8:30am

Temple of Literature

Visit the serene site of Vietnam’s first national university with classical architecture, open 8am-5pm.
VND30000, 2h

11:00am

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

Explore a vast collection of Vietnamese art from ancient to modern times, open 8am-5pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy tasty Vietnamese food while supporting an inspiring social enterprise, open for lunch and dinner.
VND120000, 1h15m

2:15pm

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Delve into Vietnam’s war history at this famous prison museum, open 8am-5pm.
VND30000, 1h

3:30pm

West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda

Walk the lakeshore and revisit Tran Quoc Pagoda, a historic and beautiful Buddhist temple, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Madame Hien

Dine upscale on Northern Vietnamese cuisine in a lovely ambiance, open 6pm-10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

8:30pm

Lotte Sky Bar Visit

Enjoy spectacular nighttime panoramic city views with drinks at the Lotte Sky Bar, open until midnight.
Drinks from VND200000, 2h
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Day 3: Perfume Pagoda Day Trip

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast at your hotel before a full-day excursion.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Depart for Perfume Pagoda

Drive approximately 2 hours to the Perfume Pagoda complex nestled in limestone mountains.
VND500000 (transport), 2h

9:30am

Boat Ride to Pagodas

Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Yen River to the foot of the pagoda area.
VND80000, 1h

10:30am

Explore Perfume Pagoda

Visit the main pagodas and caves set in beautiful natural surroundings.
VND30000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Try local dishes in a nearby eatery offering a peaceful atmosphere.
VND90000, 1h

1:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Boat back and drive approximately 2 hours to Hanoi.
Included, 3h

5:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Relax and refresh after the day trip.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Hanoi Restaurant

Enjoy modern Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy, stylish setting, open until 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m

9:30pm

Optional Night Out at Savage Nightclub

Experience Hanoi nightlife with music and dancing, open till 3am.
VND200000, 3h
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Day 4: Ninh Binh Exploration

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on July 7, 2025

6:30am

Depart for Ninh Binh

Take a 2-hour trip to Ninh Binh to explore its majestic landscapes and historical sites.
VND700000 (round trip transport), 2h

9:00am

Boat Ride at Tam Coc

Cruise along the river passing spectacular limestone karsts and caves in the Tam Coc area.
VND150000, 2h

11:30am

Bich Dong Pagoda Visit

Explore this beautiful pagoda built into limestone hills, offering stunning views and serene atmosphere.
VND30000, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Taste local specialties including goat meat and rice crust in town.
VND90000, 1h

1:30pm

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Visit the ruins and temples of the former capital of Vietnam, rich in history and culture.
VND20000, 1h

2:30pm

Hike to Mua Cave Viewpoint

Climb 500 steps to the Mua Cave viewpoint rewarding you with panoramic views of Tam Coc.
VND100000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Hanoi

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

6:30pm

Dinner near Hotel

Relax with dinner near your hotel offering a variety of tasty Vietnamese dishes.
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 enjoying creative coffee specials and breakfast, open from 7am.
VND50000, 45m

8:30am

Shopping in Old Quarter

Spend the morning exploring shops and markets for souvenirs and local crafts.
Varies, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Savor a variety of delicious Vietnamese dishes at a popular eatery open at lunchtime.
VND120000, 1h

12:45pm

Lotte Center Observation Deck

Take in daytime panoramic city views from the observation deck, open 9am–8:30pm.
VND250000, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Hotel and Pack

Prepare for departure with some rest and packing time at your hotel.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Cafe Break at The Note Coffee

Enjoy a relaxing coffee break at this unique café featuring colorful visitor notes on the walls.
VND40000, 1h

5:15pm

Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport

Take a taxi or arranged transfer to the airport for your 6:00pm departure.
VND350000, 1h
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