New Chat
Download App
Ask me about your trip!
There are no messages for this conversation.
7-Day Relaxed Vietnam Trip: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh Itinerary
Last updated: 2024 Jun 14Hanoi City Exploration
Morning
Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Banh Mi 25, known for its delicious banh mi sandwiches. After breakfast, visit the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and explore the surrounding Ba Dinh Square. Then, take a short walk to the One-Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot), a historic Buddhist temple. End your morning with a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME) to learn about the diverse ethnic groups in Vietnam.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Bun Bo Nam Bo and savor a bowl of the restaurant's signature beef noodle dish. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword). Visit the nearby Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Dong Xuan Market, one of the largest and oldest markets in Hanoi.
Evening
Enjoy a dinner at La Verticale, a fine-dining restaurant offering French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine. After dinner, experience the unique art form of water puppetry at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Conclude your evening with a stroll through the lively Hanoi Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets and traditional architecture.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Hanoi.
Cultural and Culinary Delights
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam's first national university. Then, embark on a guided street food tour with a local guide, visiting hidden food spots and tasting a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Afternoon
After your food tour, take a short break and relax at Giang Cafe, famous for its traditional egg coffee. In the afternoon, explore the historic Long Bien Bridge (Cau Long Bien), a symbol of Hanoi's resilience and history.
Evening
For dinner, head to Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, located by the West Lake, and enjoy a delightful meal with a view. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the West Lake and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Hanoi.
Halong Bay Cruise Adventure
Morning
Depart from Hanoi to Halong Bay for a 2-day cruise adventure. Upon arrival, board your luxury cruise and set sail through the stunning limestone karsts. Enjoy a welcome drink and a delicious lunch on board as you admire the breathtaking scenery.
Afternoon
After lunch, visit Titop Island and climb to the top for panoramic views of Halong Bay. You can also choose to relax on the beach or take a refreshing swim. In the late afternoon, participate in a cooking demonstration on the cruise and learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Evening
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board the cruise, followed by various evening activities such as squid fishing, karaoke, or simply relaxing on the deck under the starry sky.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Halong Bay.
Halong Bay Exploration
Morning
Wake up to the serene beauty of Halong Bay and join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After breakfast, visit the Luon Cave by bamboo boat and explore the unique limestone formations. Return to the cruise and check out of your cabin.
Afternoon
Disembark from the cruise and transfer to a day cruise for further exploration of Halong Bay. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board and visit the Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), one of the largest and most beautiful caves in the area.
Evening
Return to Hanoi in the evening and enjoy a relaxing dinner at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant, known for its elegant ambiance and delectable Vietnamese dishes.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Halong Bay.
Ninh Binh Countryside
Morning
Depart from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, known as the "Halong Bay on land." Upon arrival, visit the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu, and explore the historic temples and pagodas.
Afternoon
Enjoy a boat ride through the picturesque Trang An Landscape Complex (Trang An Grottoes), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the natural beauty and limestone karsts as you navigate through the waterways. After the boat ride, visit the Mua Cave and climb to the top for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Evening
Check in to your hotel in Ninh Binh and enjoy a relaxing evening in the peaceful countryside. For dinner, try the local specialty, Cha Ca Thang Long, a flavorful fish dish cooked with dill and turmeric.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Ninh Binh.
Exploring Tam Coc and Bich Dong
Morning
Start your day with a visit to Tam Coc, also known as "Halong Bay on land." Take a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River and admire the stunning karst formations and lush rice paddies.
Afternoon
After the boat ride, visit the nearby Bich Dong Pagoda, a complex of three pagodas built into the mountainside. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Evening
Return to Hanoi in the evening and enjoy a farewell dinner at Green Tangerine, a charming restaurant housed in a colonial-era villa. Indulge in a fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors in a romantic setting.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Ninh Binh.
Culinary and Cultural Farewell
Morning
Spend your last morning in Hanoi exploring the vibrant Dong Xuan Market and picking up some souvenirs. Enjoy a final Vietnamese breakfast at Bun Cha Huong Lien, the restaurant where former US President Barack Obama famously dined.
Afternoon
After lunch, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the nearby Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, where the revered leader lived and worked. Then, take a leisurely walk around the Hanoi Old Quarter and explore the narrow streets and bustling markets.
Evening
Conclude your trip with a memorable dinner at Madame Hien, a restaurant known for its traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll around the Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon) and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the French Quarter. Reflect on your wonderful journey through Vietnam and bid farewell to this beautiful country.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Hanoi.
Top Hanoi Travel Videos
Adjacent Cities
Find the right stay during your trip.