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12-Day Vietnam Adventure from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi

12-Day Vietnam Adventure from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 14

Exploring Hanoi's Historic Heart

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This iconic site is where the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh lies in state. It's a significant historical and cultural landmark that offers insight into the life and legacy of Vietnam's revered leader.
Afternoon
After the mausoleum, head over to One-Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot), a unique Buddhist temple built in 1049. Its design is meant to resemble a lotus blossom, which is a symbol of purity in Buddhism. For lunch, enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Quan An Ngon, known for its diverse menu and vibrant atmosphere.
Evening
In the evening, explore the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter. This area is famous for its narrow streets filled with shops, street food vendors, and colonial architecture. End your day with dinner at The Gourmet Corner Restaurant & Sky Bar Hanoi Vietnam, which offers stunning views of the city.
Bedtime
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Cultural Insights and Culinary Delights

Morning
Begin your second day with a visit to the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam's first national university. The temple complex is dedicated to Confucius and scholars and offers beautiful gardens and ancient architecture.
Afternoon
Next, head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME) to learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. For lunch, dine at Duong's Restaurant & Cooking Class, where you can enjoy delicious food and even participate in a cooking class if you wish.
Evening
In the evening, take in a traditional performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This unique art form dates back to the 11th century and features puppets performing on water accompanied by live music. For dinner, try Green Tangerine, known for its French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine.
Bedtime
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Historical Landmarks and Local Flavors

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, also known as 'Hanoi Hilton.' This historical site offers insight into Vietnam's history during French colonial times and the Vietnam War.
Afternoon
Afterward, explore St Joseph’s Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon), an impressive neo-Gothic church built in 1886. For lunch, head over to Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously visited by President Obama during his trip to Hanoi.
Evening
Spend your evening at Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon), an architectural marvel inspired by Paris’s Palais Garnier. Enjoy dinner at Madame Hien Restaurant, which serves traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming colonial villa setting.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Natural Beauty and Traditional Crafts

Morning
Begin your fourth day with a peaceful stroll around West Lake (Ho Tay). This large freshwater lake offers serene views and several temples along its shores.
Afternoon
Next, visit the famous silk-making village of Van Phuc Silk Village. Here you can see artisans at work creating beautiful silk products. Have lunch at The Hanoi Social Club, known for its relaxed vibe and healthy menu options.
Evening
In the evening, experience local nightlife by visiting some bars or cafes around West Lake or return to Hanoi Old Quarter for more exploration. End your day with dinner at Red Bean Trendy Restaurant, offering modern Vietnamese cuisine.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Architectural Wonders and Local Markets

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Presidential Palace. This French colonial building is an architectural marvel and offers a glimpse into Vietnam's political history.
Afternoon
After the palace, head over to Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi's largest indoor market. Here you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. For lunch, enjoy a meal at New Day Restaurant, known for its authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Evening
In the evening, explore the Long Bien Bridge (Cau Long Bien), an iconic symbol of Hanoi built during the French colonial period. End your day with dinner at Ngon Villa Hoan Kiem Hanoi, which offers a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful setting.
Bedtime
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Historical Museums and Scenic Views

Morning
Vietnam National Museum of History is your first stop today. This museum houses artifacts from Vietnam's long history, including ancient relics and historical documents.
Afternoon
Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc) is next on your list. This ancient Buddhist temple is located on a small island in West Lake and offers stunning views. For lunch, dine at Home Hanoi Restaurant, known for its elegant setting and delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Evening
Hanoi Street Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter will be your evening activity. This tour takes you through Hanoi's bustling streets to sample some of the best street food the city has to offer. End your day with dinner at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant, which provides panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Bedtime
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Pagodas and Cultural Performances

Morning
Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong) is a must-visit site today. This complex of Buddhist temples is located in the mountains and requires a boat trip followed by a hike to reach it.
Afternoon
Vietnamese Women’s Museum will be your afternoon destination. This museum highlights the contributions of women in Vietnamese society through various exhibits. For lunch, try Essence Restaurant, known for its contemporary take on traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Evening
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre offers another chance to experience this unique art form if you missed it earlier or want to see it again. Enjoy dinner at La Badiane restaurant, which serves French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in an elegant setting.
Bedtime
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Natural Escapes and Local Crafts

Morning
Start your day with a visit to Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake). The lake is steeped in legend and offers peaceful surroundings for a morning stroll.
Afternoon
Next, explore local crafts at Hanoi Old Quarter. Wander through its narrow streets filled with shops selling everything from silk products to traditional handicrafts. Have lunch at The Hung Snake Village Le Mat Snake Village Le Mat Commune Long Bien District Hanoi Vietnam for an adventurous culinary experience featuring snake dishes.
Evening
In the evening, visit Ho Chi Minh Museum (Bao Tang Ho Chi Minh), which provides deeper insights into Ho Chi Minh's life and legacy. End your day with dinner at T.U.N.G Dining, offering innovative Vietnamese cuisine in a stylish setting.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Cultural Immersion and Scenic Views

Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple). Located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, this temple is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao and offers picturesque views.
Afternoon
After exploring the temple, head to Vietnam Military History Museum. This museum provides a comprehensive look at Vietnam's military history through various exhibits. For lunch, dine at KOTO Van Mieu Training Restaurant & Cooking Classes, which not only serves delicious food but also supports disadvantaged youth through vocational training.
Evening
In the evening, take a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword). The lake is beautifully lit up at night and offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. End your day with dinner at El Gaucho - Argentinian Steakhouse - Ba Dinh Hanoi, known for its high-quality steaks and elegant ambiance.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Artistic Expressions and Culinary Adventures

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, which highlights the contributions of women in Vietnamese society through various exhibits.
Afternoon
Next, explore local art at the Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon), an architectural marvel inspired by Paris’s Palais Garnier. For lunch, enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Grandma's Restaurant, known for its authentic dishes and cozy atmosphere.
Evening
In the evening, experience Hanoi's vibrant nightlife by visiting some bars or cafes around Hoan Kiem Lake or return to Hanoi Old Quarter for more exploration. End your day with dinner at La Verticale Hanoi, offering French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in an elegant setting.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Historical Insights and Local Flavors

Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Museum (Bao Tang Ho Chi Minh), which provides deeper insights into Ho Chi Minh's life and legacy.
Afternoon
Afterward, explore St Joseph’s Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon), an impressive neo-Gothic church built in 1886. For lunch, head over to Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously visited by President Obama during his trip to Hanoi.
Evening
Spend your evening at Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon), an architectural marvel inspired by Paris’s Palais Garnier. Enjoy dinner at Madame Hien Restaurant, which serves traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming colonial villa setting.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Natural Beauty and Traditional Crafts

Morning
Begin your fourth day with a peaceful stroll around West Lake (Ho Tay). This large freshwater lake offers serene views and several temples along its shores.
Afternoon
Next, visit the famous silk-making village of Van Phuc Silk Village. Here you can see artisans at work creating beautiful silk products. Have lunch at The Hanoi Social Club, known for its relaxed vibe and healthy menu options.
Evening
In the evening, experience local nightlife by visiting some bars or cafes around West Lake or return to Hanoi Old Quarter for more exploration. End your day with dinner at Red Bean Trendy Restaurant, offering modern Vietnamese cuisine.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam.
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