4-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey in Hanoi, Vietnam

Day 1: Introduction to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a classic Vietnamese breakfast of pho at Pho Bat Dan, a popular local spot known for its rich broth and fresh ingredients.
VND60,000, 1h

9:30am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the lively streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, famous for its bustling markets, street vendors, and traditional architecture reflecting centuries of culture.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy a traditional dish of grilled fish with turmeric and dill at Cha Ca La Vong, a Hanoi culinary institution operating since the 19th century.
VND150,000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island, a serene spot steeped in local legend and history. Open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30,000, 1h

3:00pm

Coffee break at Cafe Giang

Relax with a cup of egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty, at Cafe Giang, established in 1946 and open from 7:00am to 10:00pm.
VND50,000, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting at Quan An Ngon, open from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
VND200,000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Historic Sites and Scenic Views

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Banh Mi 25

Grab a delicious Vietnamese sandwich (banh mi) at Banh Mi 25, known for fresh ingredients and crispy bread.
VND40,000, 30m

9:00am

Visit Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first national university and Confucian temple, featuring beautiful traditional architecture and tranquil gardens. Open 8:00am–5:00pm.
VND30,000, 1.5h

11:00am

Walk around West Lake

Relax by the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi, enjoy the scenic views and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city.
Free, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Sen Tay Ho

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist and lake views at Sen Tay Ho, located near West Lake.
VND180,000, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Tay Ho District

Discover trendy cafes and artistic boutiques in the Tay Ho area, a vibrant neighborhood loved by locals and expats alike.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Hanoi Restaurant

Experience authentic and home-cooked Vietnamese dishes served in a beautifully restored French colonial villa.
VND220,000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Cultural Landmarks and Colonial Heritage

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Dinh

Try traditional Vietnamese iced coffee and local breakfast snacks in this historic cafe near Hoan Kiem Lake.
VND50,000, 30m

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the mausoleum of Vietnam's iconic leader Ho Chi Minh, along with the President's stilt house, Museum, and One Pillar Pagoda. Open 8:00am–11:00am (closed Mondays and Fridays).
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Dine at KOTO, an inspiring social enterprise offering excellent Vietnamese food while supporting local youth training programs.
VND180,000, 1h

1:30pm

Explore the French Quarter

Walk through Hanoi’s French Quarter to see elegant colonial buildings such as the Hanoi Opera House and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre, showcasing folklore and local artistry. Shows around 4:30pm and 7:30pm daily.
VND150,000, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Madame Hien

Enjoy refined northern Vietnamese cuisine served in a charming French colonial villa setting.
VND250,000, 1.5h
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Day 4: Ninh Binh Day Trip

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Ninh Binh

Take a 2-hour drive from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, often called 'Halong Bay on land' for its stunning karst landscapes.
Transport approx VND600,000 round trip, 2h

9:30am

Boat Tour at Tam Coc

Enjoy a peaceful sampan boat ride through rice paddies and limestone caves along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc. Open daily 7:00am–5:00pm.
VND200,000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tam Coc Garden Restaurant

Taste regional specialties with scenic views of rice fields and mountains.
VND150,000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore peaceful pagodas set into mountain caves, offering beautiful vistas and cultural insight. Open 7:00am–5:00pm.
VND100,000, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi, reflecting on the natural beauty and cultural richness experienced.
Included in transport cost, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Duong’s Restaurant

Celebrate your last night with dishes blending tradition and modernity in a stylish atmosphere in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
VND250,000, 1.5h
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