10-Day Vietnam Adventure: From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay and Beyond Itinerary

Explore the charming streets of the Hanoi Old Quarter with its vibrant markets and ancient temples. Stop for a mid-morning snack at Banh Mi 25, famous for its delicious banh mi sandwiches.

Have a traditional Vietnamese meal at Cha Ca Thang Long, known for its iconic dish, cha ca. After lunch, visit the Temple of Literature and enjoy a cyclo ride around the city.

End your day with a unique Thang Long Water Puppet Show, a traditional art form in Vietnam. For dinner, indulge in French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine at Green Tangerine, set in a colonial villa.

Take a day trip to Ninh Binh, known for its stunning natural landscapes. Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and explore the limestone caves and rice paddies in Tam Coc.

Enjoy a local lunch at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant with a view of the surrounding countryside. Afterward, take a boat ride through the picturesque Trang An Landscape Complex.

Return to Hanoi in the evening and relax with a dinner at La Verticale, a fine dining restaurant offering a modern twist on Vietnamese cuisine.

Embark on a guided Hanoi Food Tour to sample a variety of local dishes, including pho, bun cha, and banh xeo. Learn about the culinary traditions of Vietnam as you explore the city's food scene.

After a flavorful morning, take a break and enjoy a cup of traditional egg coffee at Giang Cafe Egg Coffee. Then, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country's diverse ethnic groups.

For dinner, experience the unique flavors of northern Vietnamese cuisine at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant, overlooking the city's skyline. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around West Lake.

Transfer to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi and board your 2-Day Ha Long Bay Cruise and Surprise Cave Kayak. Set sail through the iconic limestone karsts and emerald waters of the bay.

Enjoy a seafood lunch on board as you cruise past the floating villages and explore the Surprise Cave. Take in the breathtaking views from the sundeck and participate in onboard activities.

Relax and savor a sumptuous dinner on the cruise, surrounded by the magical scenery of Ha Long Bay. Watch the sunset over the karsts before retiring to your comfortable cabin.

Start your day with a calming session of Tai Chi on the sundeck as the sun rises over the karsts. After breakfast, visit a local Pearl Farm to learn about the pearl cultivation process.

Continue to cruise through the bay, with opportunities for swimming and kayaking in the pristine waters. Enjoy a barbecue lunch on a secluded beach and relax in the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay.

As the day winds down, indulge in a farewell dinner on the cruise, with a variety of dishes showcasing the flavors of the region. Spend the evening stargazing on the deck before a restful night on the water.

Disembark from your cruise and return to Hanoi. Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the city at your own pace. Visit any sites you may have missed or simply relax in a local cafe.

For lunch, try the famous bun bo nam bo at Bun Bo Nam Bo, a Hanoian specialty. In the afternoon, you can visit the Long Bien Bridge and take a walk along the Red River.

Spend your last evening in Hanoi savoring a meal at Madame Hien, known for its traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist. Take a final stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Depart from Hanoi for a 2-Day Sapa Trekking Trip with Homestay & Meals. Enjoy the scenic drive to Sapa and embark on a trek to the local villages, surrounded by the terraced rice fields of the region.

Have a homestay experience with a local family and savor a traditional meal. Immerse yourself in the culture of the ethnic minority groups in the area. Take a short hike to explore the surrounding landscapes.

Spend the evening around a bonfire, listening to traditional music and sharing stories with your hosts. Experience the hospitality of the Sapa community and enjoy a peaceful night in the mountains.

After breakfast with your host family, say goodbye to Sapa and begin your journey back to Hanoi. Upon your return, take a moment to relax before continuing your exploration of the city.

Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and the Hanoi Opera House. For lunch, try the local specialty, bun cha, at Bun Cha Huong Lien, a favorite spot among both locals and visitors.

Enjoy a performance at the Hanoi Opera House or take a leisurely walk around the French Quarter to admire the colonial architecture. For dinner, dine at La Verticale, known for its innovative French cuisine with a Vietnamese twist.

On your last day in Vietnam, take a moment to savor the flavors of the country with a final meal at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, overlooking the peaceful West Lake. Reflect on your journey and the memories you've made.

Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time to do some last-minute shopping at the Dong Xuan Market or visit the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural along the Red River. Transfer to the airport for your departure, taking with you the sights, sounds, and tastes of Vietnam.