Ultimate 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. Afterward, explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME) to gain insights into the country's diverse ethnic groups.

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Essence Restaurant, known for its fusion of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc), the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, situated on the West Lake.

Experience the unique art form of water puppetry with Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and then head to The Hanoi Social Club for a relaxed dinner accompanied by live music performances.

Depart from Hanoi early and embark on a luxurious 2-day cruise through the stunning Ha Long Bay with From Hanoi Ha Long - Bai Tu Long Bay 2-Day 1-Night Cruise. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast onboard as you sail amidst the iconic limestone karsts.

After settling in, visit the magnificent Surprise Cave (Hang Sung Sot) and then relax on the pristine beach of Titop Island. Take part in various onboard activities and indulge in a lavish lunch with panoramic views of the bay.

As the day winds down, enjoy a sunset cocktail on the sundeck followed by a delectable dinner. Spend the evening stargazing or join a squid fishing session before retiring to your comfortable cabin.

Depart from Hanoi for a day trip to Ninh Binh. Begin with a visit to the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu, and explore the historic temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties.

Enjoy a leisurely sampan boat ride through the serene waterways of Trang An Landscape Complex (Trang An Grottoes), surrounded by lush greenery and karst formations. For lunch, savor the local specialties at The Drunken Duck.

Conclude your Ninh Binh excursion with a visit to the panoramic Mua Caves (Hang Mua), where you can climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the Tam Coc valley. Return to Hanoi in the evening and dine at La Table Hanoia, known for its elegant French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine.

Begin with a visit to the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc), located on a small island in West Lake. Then, explore the vibrant Dong Xuan Market and the nearby Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon).

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Pine & Dine Skybar and Restaurant, offering a panoramic view of the city. Spend the afternoon discovering the off-the-beaten-path charm of Cat Cat Village, an ethnic Hmong village just outside Hanoi.

Conclude your trip with a memorable dinner at Cheers Bar Hanoi, where you can reminisce about your Hanoi adventures. Afterward, take a stroll along the famous Train Street and witness the unique sight of a train passing through a narrow residential street.