3-Day Ultimate Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Day 1: Hanoi City Tour

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a bowl of authentic Hanoi Pho at Pho Gia Truyen, a popular local spot known for its rich broth and fresh ingredients.
VND50000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful morning walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, then visit Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island within the lake for cultural insight.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:15am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, where traditional shops and street vendors abound, perfect for shopping and people-watching.
Free, 1h45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Taste Hanoi’s famous cha ca, a turmeric-marinated fish dish served with dill and noodles, at the historic Cha Ca La Vong restaurant.
VND150000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam's first university built in 1070, featuring elegant traditional architecture and tranquil gardens.
VND30000, 1h

4:00pm

Walk through the French Quarter

Admire classic French colonial architecture and visit landmarks like the Opera House and St. Joseph's Cathedral with great photographic opportunities.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien, famous for its grilled pork with noodles, a traditional Hanoi specialty.
VND120000, 1h15m

7:30pm

Watch a Water Puppet Show

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a unique cultural performance highlighting local folklore.
VND100000, 1h
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Travel by shuttle bus from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour journey, enjoying the scenic countryside en route.
USD20, 4h

11:30am

Board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Check-in to your cruise boat to begin a scenic journey through UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay featuring limestone karsts and emerald waters.
USD150, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch on board

Delicious Vietnamese seafood and fresh produce served on the boat while cruising the bay.
Included in cruise, 1h

1:00pm

Kayaking and Cave Visit

Explore hidden caves and limestone grottoes and kayak through calm waters around the bay for an immersive experience.
Included in cruise, 2h

4:00pm

Sunset Viewing and Relaxation

Enjoy stunning sunset views on the deck and relax as the cruise glides along the bay.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner on the boat

Savour a multi-course seafood dinner paired with local wines onboard the cruise, followed by optional night squid fishing.
Included in cruise, 2h

8:00pm

Overnight on cruise

Sleep aboard the boat surrounded by the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay.
Included in cruise, Overnight
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Day 3: Return to Hanoi

Ha Long Bay to Hanoi, Vietnam on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Morning Tai Chi and Breakfast

Start the day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck followed by breakfast with panoramic views of the bay.
Included in cruise, 1h30m

9:00am

Visit Floating Village

Visit a local fishing floating village to see the lifestyle and activities of the bay's residents, a fascinating insight into traditional life.
Included in cruise, 1h

10:30am

Disembark Cruise and Return to Hanoi

Cruise back to the harbour and take shuttle bus back to Hanoi, arriving around early afternoon.
Included in cruise + USD20 shuttle, 4h

3:30pm

Coffee at Cafe Giang

Relax with famous Hanoi egg coffee in the atmospheric Cafe Giang, a unique coffee experience beloved by locals and visitors alike.
VND40000, 45m

4:30pm

Explore West Lake

Stroll around Hanoi’s largest lake, enjoy lakeside cafes, temples, and the calm ambiance to unwind after a busy trip.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in authentic Vietnamese street food dishes all served in a charming garden setting, offering a great last meal in Hanoi.
VND150000, 1h30m
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