7-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration of Hanoi, Vietnam

Day 1: Old Quarter Introduction

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a bowl of traditional Vietnamese pho at Pho Gia Truyen, an iconic spot beloved by both locals and tourists.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple on the lake island, and soak in the morning atmosphere of central Hanoi.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Exploring the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to see traditional shops and street vendors offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant daily life.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the famous Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty of grilled pork served with noodles and dipping sauce, at Bun Cha Huong Lien, known for hosting President Obama.
VND70000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Watch a traditional water puppet show that narrates Vietnamese folk tales through puppetry on water, a cultural highlight best experienced in Hanoi.
VND100000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi dish of turmeric fish with dill, prepared tableside at this historic restaurant open until 10 PM.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cultural History

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Experience Xoi, sticky rice with various toppings, a local favorite for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
VND30000, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius, with beautiful gardens and historic architecture, open from 8 AM to 5 PM.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk by West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda

Visit the lakeside Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, followed by a peaceful walk around West Lake.
Free, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Madame Hien

Delight in traditional northern Vietnamese dishes in a refined setting, popular for their impeccable service and cuisine.
VND200000, 1h15m

2:30pm

Visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through exhibits of artifacts, traditional homes, and costumes, open 8 AM to 5:30 PM.
VND40000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Cafe Dinh

Enjoy strong Vietnamese coffee with a view of bustling Bat Dan street from this iconic café.
VND40000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Sample a broad range of authentic Vietnamese dishes from different regions in a lively open-air setting.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Ho Chi Minh Legacy

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee, a creamy and unique specialty enjoyed by locals since 1946.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Explore the vast memorial area to see the mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, and the One Pillar Pagoda; mausoleum 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM except Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

View beautiful traditional and modern Vietnamese art in a lovely colonial-era building open 8 AM to 5 PM.
VND30000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Xuan Xuan

Enjoy hearty Vietnamese comfort food including grilled meats and fresh salads loved by locals.
VND80000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Long Bien Bridge & Walk

Take a walk and appreciate the historic Long Bien Bridge with views of the Red River; experience local life away from the busy city center.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Cycling or Electric Scooter Tour

Explore the neighborhoods beyond the city center by cycling or scooter, visiting small streets and lakes for a unique perspective of Hanoi.
VND100000, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant

Savor elegant Vietnamese dishes with stunning views of Hoan Kiem Lake in the evening.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Perfume Pagoda Excursion

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for a full-day excursion with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Depart for Perfume Pagoda

Travel about 60 km south of Hanoi to the Perfume Pagoda complex, a stunning Buddhist pilgrimage site amid limestone mountains.
VND200000 (transport), 2h0m

10:00am

Boat trip on Yen River

Take a scenic boat ride along the Yen River to reach the base of the pagoda with spectacular natural landscapes.
VND70000, 1h0m

11:30am

Hike or Cable Car to Pagoda

Choose to hike the trail or take the cable car up to the main Huong Tich grotto temple nestled in the mountain caves.
Cable car VND100000; hike free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant near Pagoda

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese vegetarian dishes served by local eateries near the temple area.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore surrounding temples and nature

Visit smaller temples and enjoy the scenic mountainous forest paths before heading back.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi to rest and refresh after a long day.
Included, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Relax with modern Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy and elegant setting specializing in seasonal local ingredients.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 5: French Quarter & Art

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Hanoi Social Club

Enjoy western-style breakfasts with vegetarian and vegan options in a laid-back café with artistic decor.
VND90000, 1h0m

9:30am

Tour of Hanoi Opera House

Admire the stunning French colonial architecture and perhaps catch a matinee performance; tours available typically 9 AM - 11 AM.
VND50000, 1h0m

11:00am

Walk around French Quarter

Explore tree-lined boulevards, elegant villas, and government buildings showcasing colonial-era style.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Beaulieu

Enjoy fine French cuisine inside the historic Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, a luxurious and memorable dining experience.
VND600000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Fine Arts Museum

Discover Vietnamese art spanning thousands of years with collections showcasing sculpture, ceramics, and modern art.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Coffee at Cafe Pho Co

Savor traditional Vietnamese coffee in an intimate alley café near Hoan Kiem Lake with a quiet vibe.
VND40000, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Restaurant

Dine on elevated Vietnamese cuisine emphasizing fresh, local ingredients and creative presentations.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Tay Ho Leisure

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Relax with specialty coffee and western breakfast dishes in this stylish café in the Tay Ho district.
VND90000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Quan Thanh Temple

Explore this peaceful Taoist temple dedicated to the deity Tran Vu, located near West Lake, open 7 AM to 5 PM.
VND30000, 1h0m

11:00am

Boat trip or bike around West Lake

Rent a bike or take a traditional boat ride to enjoy scenic views and visit lakeside cafés along Hanoi’s largest lake.
VND100000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at La Vong Beer Club

Taste local beer with delicious Vietnamese dishes in a lively setting near West Lake.
VND150000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Truc Bach Lake

Stroll around the smaller Truc Bach Lake, enjoy café culture, and visit local markets nearby.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Sunset at West Lake

Watch the sunset over West Lake from one of the lakeside bars or cafés, a perfect way to unwind in the early evening.
VND50000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Xuan Express

Experience tasty northern Vietnamese dishes in a casual restaurant with friendly service.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Shopping & Departure

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Enjoy a final relaxing breakfast with coffee and pastries at this popular spot.
VND90000, 1h0m

9:30am

Shopping at Dong Xuan Market

Browse the largest indoor market in Hanoi for souvenirs, textiles, and local handicrafts, open from 7 AM to 7 PM.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Duong's Restaurant

Have a farewell Vietnamese meal featuring traditional pho and other northern specialties in a cozy setting.
VND150000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Pack and depart hotel

Return to your hotel to gather your belongings and prepare for your onward journey.
Free, 1h0m
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