6-Day Northern Vietnam Adventure: Culture, Nature & Cuisine for Two

Day 1: Explore Hanoi's Charm

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start your day with a traditional bowl of Pho at Pho Thin, one of Hanoi’s most famous and authentic pho spots, known for its rich beef broth and fresh noodles.
VND70000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple on the lake’s small island to experience local spirituality and history.
VND30000, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for its vibrant street life, markets, and colonial architecture. Great for souvenir shopping and local life observation.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor the famous Hanoi street food 'bun cha,' grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs, at this popular eatery.
VND90000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Tour the complex including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and One Pillar Pagoda, to learn about Vietnam’s heroic founder.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Cafe Giang

Try Hanoi’s original egg coffee at Cafe Giang, a historic cafe serving a unique and creamy Vietnamese coffee experience.
VND40000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy the speciality dish 'Cha Ca' - turmeric fish grilled at your table, a must-try Hanoi delicacy in a traditional setting.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ninh Binh Nature

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ninh Binh

Depart early from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by car or train, a scenic 2-hour journey south to the 'Halong Bay on land'.
VND500000 (car), 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at local restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast with banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) at a local eatery in Ninh Binh town.
VND50000, 0h45m

10:30am

Boat ride at Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Enjoy a peaceful 2-hour boat tour through caves, limestone karsts, and river valleys, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
VND200000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chookie’s Beer Garden

Relax with fresh craft beer and a mix of Western and Vietnamese dishes in a comfortable garden setting.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Climb Mua Cave Peak

Climb 500 steps to the Mua Cave lookout for panoramic views of Ninh Binh’s karst landscape and rice paddies.
VND100000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in at Tam Coc Bungalow

Relax at your riverside bungalow accommodation with scenic views.
VND700000 (for two), Rest of evening

7:00pm

Dinner at your bungalow or local kitchen

Enjoy home-cooked local cuisine featuring goat meat and fresh river fish specialties.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay

Early morning transfer by private car to Halong Bay, about 3.5 hours drive.
VND800000, 3h30m

11:00am

Embark on Halong Bay Cruise

Board your overnight cruise to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning limestone islets, caves, and floating villages.
USD150 per person, Starts now

12:00pm

Lunch on board

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch served onboard while cruising the bay.
Included, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kayaking and Cave visit

Optional kayaking around the limestone karsts and exploring Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, one of the largest on Halong Bay.
Included, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax on sundeck

Enjoy breathtaking views of the sunset over the bay from the sundeck while sipping a cocktail.
Included, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner on board

Savor a multi-course dinner of fresh seafood and Vietnamese specialties prepared by onboard chefs.
Included, 1h30m
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Day 4: Mountain Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on June 29, 2025

6:30am

Disembark Halong Bay Cruise and Travel to Sapa

Early disembarkation followed by a scenic 5-hour drive to Sapa in the northern mountains.
VND1400000, 5h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Hill Station Signature

Enjoy a flavorful lunch with local and fusion dishes in a cozy mountain setting.
VND250000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Cat Cat Village

Explore the traditional H’mong ethnic minority village with handicrafts, waterfalls, and cultural insights.
VND70000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at Sapa Mountain Lodge

Relax at your comfortable lodge with mountain views after a day of travel and exploration.
VND900000 (for two), Rest of evening

7:00pm

Dinner at Good Morning Vietnam Restaurant

Delight in authentic northern Vietnamese dishes with fresh local ingredients.
VND200000, 1h0m
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Day 5: Trekking Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on June 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Lodge

Start your day with a hearty breakfast including fresh fruit, bread, and eggs with mountain views.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages

Spend the day trekking through scenic terraced rice fields and visiting ethnic minority villages to experience their traditional lifestyles.
Guide cost approx. VND700000, 6h0m

2:30pm

Lunch in Ta Van Village

Enjoy a simple and tasty Vietnamese meal prepared by local families, featuring organic and fresh ingredients.
VND150000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return and relax at lodge

Return to your lodge and enjoy a well-deserved rest or explore Sapa town on your own.
Free, Evening free

7:00pm

Dinner at Little Sapa Restaurant

Taste a variety of local dishes, including grilled meats and spicy hot pots, in a cozy atmosphere.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Return to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lodge

Enjoy your final morning meal in the mountains with fresh coffee and Vietnamese pastries.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel back to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi by private car, approximately 5-6 hours, with scenic stops if desired.
VND1400000, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Bun Bo Nam Bo

Savor a popular Hanoi dish of sautéed beef with noodles and fresh herbs in the Old Quarter.
VND80000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore this serene ancient temple dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s first university.
VND30000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Coffee break at The Note Coffee

Enjoy a cup of coffee surrounded by colorful sticky notes left by visitors from around the world.
VND40000, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

End your trip with a feast of traditional Vietnamese dishes served in a lovely colonial villa setting.
VND250000, 1h30m
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