5 Days Exploring Hanoi and Surroundings Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc), located on West Lake. Afterward, take a relaxing walk around West Lake (Ho Tay). Enjoy breakfast at The Hanoi Social Club, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious food.

Explore the fascinating exhibits at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME). For lunch, try some traditional Vietnamese dishes at Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously visited by President Obama. Post-lunch, visit the historic St Joseph’s Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon).

In the evening, watch a traditional water puppet show at the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. For dinner, enjoy some authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Namaste Hanoi.

Start your final day back in Hanoi with a visit to Dong Xuan Market for last-minute shopping and cultural immersion.{ A-Dong Xuan Market[13281]}Enjoy breakfast nearby at{ R-Cafe Pho Co} known for its egg coffee.

Visit Hoa Lo Prison also known as 'Hanoi Hilton' before heading towards Noi Bai Airport.{ A-Hoa Lo Prison[13262]}For lunch stop by{ R-KOTO Van Mieu}a social enterprise restaurant helping disadvantaged youth gain skills in hospitality industry.

Spend remaining time relaxing before flight departure possibly utilizing premium lounge access if available such as{ A-HAN Hanoi Airport Song Hong Premium Lounge & Bar Terminal 2[618086]}

Embark on an early morning journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay with a luxurious cruise experience like Hanoi 1-Day Halong Luxury Cruise w/Buffet Lunch, Transfer. Enjoy breakfast on board as you sail through stunning limestone karsts.

Continue exploring Halong Bay with activities such as kayaking or visiting caves. Relish a sumptuous buffet lunch on board while soaking in breathtaking views.

Return to Hanoi in the evening. For dinner, savor some delectable dishes at Cha Ca La Vong, famous for its grilled fish.

Take an early morning limousine transport from Hanoi to Sa Pa using services like Limousine Transport Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival in Sa Pa, start your day with trekking through terraced rice fields and local villages.

For lunch in Sa Pa town center try local delicacies at a popular spot like Red Dao House Restaurant. Post-lunch continue exploring more remote areas or visit local markets.

In the evening check into your ethnic homestay tour with trekking experience such as{ A-Hanoi - Sa Pa 2 Day trip Ethnic Homestay Tour with Trekking[475527]}and enjoy home-cooked meals prepared by locals.