5-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey in Hanoi and Surroundings Itinerary

Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam), the first university of Vietnam, and a symbol of Hanoi's rich educational history. Then, indulge in a guided Hanoi Small-Group Street Food Walking Tour to taste a wide variety of local delicacies and learn about the culinary culture of the city.

After a flavorful morning, take a break with a relaxing lunch at Madame Hien, a restaurant that offers a blend of traditional and colonial Vietnamese cuisine. Post-lunch, continue your cultural exploration with a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME), where you can gain insights into the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam.

Dine at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant, which offers panoramic views of the city along with delectable dishes. Cap off the evening with a visit to the Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon) to witness a performance or simply admire the stunning architecture.

Depart from Hanoi early for a memorable Ha Long Bay day trip. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast onboard as you cruise through the breathtaking karst landscapes. Visit the iconic Luon Cave and later, take a short hike to the top of Titop Island for panoramic views of the bay.

Relish a freshly prepared seafood lunch on the cruise, and then have some leisure time to sunbathe on the deck or participate in onboard activities. As the cruise continues, marvel at the numerous limestone islands and islets that make Ha Long Bay a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Return to Hanoi in the evening and unwind with a dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long, famous for its grilled fish with dill and turmeric. Reflect on the day's natural wonders and enjoy a restful night in the city.

Embark on a full-day trip to Ninh Binh and start with a visit to the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu. Explore the historic temples and learn about the region's royal past. Then, take a serene sampan boat ride through the stunning Trang An Landscape Complex (Trang An Grottoes), a landscape of limestone karsts and river valleys.

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Quan An Ngon, known for its wide range of Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting. Afterward, continue your Ninh Binh exploration with a visit to the majestic Tam Coc, also known as "Halong Bay on land," and the nearby Mua Caves for a panoramic view of the countryside.

Return to Hanoi and dine at Nha Hang Ngon, a restaurant housed in a beautiful colonial building, offering a mix of Vietnamese street food and regional specialties. Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure, perhaps with a relaxing walk or a visit to a local bar.

Begin with a visit to the historic Long Bien Bridge (Cau Long Bien), an iconic symbol of Hanoi's resilience. Then, explore the lesser-known Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a haven of biodiversity and stunning landscapes, on a guided tour to connect with nature.

Enjoy a final lunch in Hanoi at Bun Bo Nam Bo, a place known for its signature dish of stir-fried beef noodles. Afterward, take a guided tour to the intriguing Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton," to learn about its complex history.

Conclude your Hanoi journey with a memorable dinner at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, where you can enjoy the tranquil ambiance and a selection of Vietnamese delicacies. Reflect on your cultural and culinary experiences in Hanoi as you bid the city farewell.