5-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration of Hanoi and Ha Long Bay Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to the Temple of Literature, followed by a cyclo tour of the Hanoi Old Quarter. Stop for a cup of traditional egg coffee at Giang Cafe.

Have lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien, where you can try the famous dish that President Obama once enjoyed. Then, explore the Hoa Lo Prison and the Vietnam Military History Museum.

Dine at Green Tangerine, a French-Indochine fusion restaurant in a colonial villa. End the day with a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

Depart from Hanoi for a 2-day luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay. Enjoy the stunning views of the limestone karsts and emerald waters.

Indulge in a sumptuous seafood lunch on board the cruise. Take a kayak or bamboo boat to explore the Luon Cave and visit Titop Island for panoramic views.

Relax on the sundeck and savor a BBQ dinner. Participate in squid fishing or simply enjoy the peaceful night on the bay.

Travel to Ninh Binh from Hanoi and visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Explore the temples and learn about the region's history.

Enjoy a boat ride through the stunning Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to Hanoi and dine at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a view of West Lake.

Visit the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum to admire a collection of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese art. Enjoy a cup of coffee at La Verticale, a restaurant with a rooftop garden.

Explore the Hanoi Opera House and the Long Bien Bridge. Have a late lunch at Madame Hien, known for its upscale Vietnamese cuisine.

Conclude your trip with a visit to the Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre and a farewell dinner at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant with a view of Hoan Kiem Lake.