4-Day Adventure in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay: Culture, History, and Scenic Wonders

Day 1: Old Quarter Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start your day with a traditional bowl of Pho at Pho Thin, known for its delicious beef noodle soup and authentic Hanoi flavors. It's open from early morning to afternoon.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Walking tour of Hanoi Old Quarter

Explore the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, famous for its narrow lanes, local shops, and historic architecture. Key stops include Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, both open all day.
VND0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy Cha Ca, Hanoi's signature grilled fish dish, at this iconic restaurant which operates daily from 10am to 10pm.
VND200000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Visit this serene temple complex dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s first university, open 8am to 5pm daily, showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture and history.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups through engaging displays and outdoor exhibits. The museum is open from 8am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming garden setting, open for dinner from 6pm to 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cultural Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Hanoi Social Club

Enjoy a healthy and artistic breakfast at this popular café known for its cozy atmosphere and great coffee, open from 8am to 11pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

9:30am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house. The mausoleum opens at 8am and closes at 11am, so arrive early.
VND0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Dac Kim

Taste Hanoi’s famous bun cha, grilled pork with noodles, at this renowned eatery open daily until early evening.
VND100000, 1h0m

2:00pm

French Quarter and Hanoi Opera House

Stroll through Hanoi’s elegant French Quarter to admire the colonial architecture and maybe catch an afternoon show at the Hanoi Opera House if available.
VND0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at Thang Long Theater, with shows typically at 5pm and 6:30pm daily.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Duong's Restaurant

End your day with modern Vietnamese cuisine served in a chic setting, open from 6pm to 10pm.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Depart from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Join a full-day Ha Long Bay cruise departing early morning to maximize time exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site’s limestone karsts and caves.
USD100, 9h0m

8:30am

Ha Long Bay Boat Cruise

Cruise around iconic islands, enjoy kayaking, swimming, and visit notable caves. Lunch is typically served on board with seafood specialties included.
Included, 7h0m

4:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi by bus, arriving in the evening for a restful night.
Included, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner offering classic Vietnamese dishes in a traditional courtyard setting, open until 10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Shopping and Relaxation

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try the famous egg coffee at this historic café, a perfect Hanoi specialty to start your day, open from 7am to 10pm.
VND50000, 0h45m

9:00am

Shopping in Hanoi Old Quarter

Shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products in the vibrant markets and shops of the Old Quarter, open throughout the day.
Variable, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Discover Vietnam’s history from the colonial era to the Vietnam War with this site's fascinating exhibits, open from 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Support a meaningful cause while enjoying delicious Vietnamese fusion food, with service from 11am to 9pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at West Lake

Spend a peaceful afternoon walking or cycling around West Lake, a serene spot popular with locals and tourists alike.
VND0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Early Dinner at Madam Thu Restaurant

Enjoy traditional northern Vietnamese dishes in a cozy, authentic atmosphere before your departure, open until 9pm.
VND200000, 1h0m
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