7-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey in Hanoi and Northern Vietnam Itinerary

Start with a visit to the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the nearby One-Pillar Pagoda. Then, indulge in a hearty breakfast at Bun Cha Huong Lien, where you can try the famous dish that President Obama once enjoyed.

Afternoon is perfect for a guided Hanoi Small-Group Street Food Walking Tour, where you'll taste a variety of local dishes and learn about Vietnamese culinary culture. In the later afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam's first national university.

Dine at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant, which offers a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes with panoramic views of the city. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the Long Bien Bridge (Cau Long Bien), especially beautiful at night.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Ha Long Bay cruise, enjoying the stunning karst landscapes. Breakfast will be served on board as you take in the breathtaking views.

For lunch, indulge in fresh seafood and local delicacies on the cruise itself. Visit the enchanting Luon Cave and enjoy kayaking through this natural wonder.

As the sun sets, relax on the deck or in your 5-star cabin, and savor a sumptuous dinner with a wide selection of dishes. The cruise offers activities and entertainment to make your evening memorable.

Explore the ancient capital of Vietnam at the Hoa Lu temples and pagodas. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant.

Visit the Trang An Landscape Complex (Trang An Grottoes), a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning karst landscape and tranquil rowboat cave tours. Have lunch at a local eatery to taste regional specialties.

Return to Hanoi and enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner at La Verticale, which offers a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant setting.

Start your day with a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME), which showcases the diverse cultures of Vietnam. Enjoy a Vietnamese coffee and light snack at Green Tangerine, set in a charming colonial house.

After lunch, visit the Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton," to learn about its historical significance. Then, take a guided Hanoi Food Tour with Train Street Visit to explore the city's culinary scene and visit the famous Train Street.

Dine at Madame Hien, which offers a menu of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a restored French colonial villa. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon) and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Enjoy a peaceful morning walk around West Lake (Ho Tay), the largest lake in Hanoi. Have breakfast at Nha Hang Ngon, known for its wide range of Vietnamese street food in a high-end setting.

Explore the Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market for unique souvenirs and local products. For lunch, try the contemporary Vietnamese dishes at Quán Ăn Ngon.

Dine at Bun Cha Huong Lien, where you can enjoy the same dish that President Obama famously tried. End your evening with a visit to the Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong), an important religious site with stunning scenery.

Begin your final day with a visit to the Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong), one of the most important religious sites in Vietnam. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Giang Cafe Egg Coffee, famous for its egg coffee.

Spend your afternoon at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, where you can enjoy a traditional water puppet show. For lunch, savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine at Bun Cha Huong Lien, a local favorite.

As the sun sets on your journey, indulge in a farewell dinner at La Verticale, which offers a blend of French and Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant setting. Reflect on your trip as you enjoy the culinary delights and reminisce about the cultural experiences of the past week.