Hanoi 5-Day Budget Adventure Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to St Joseph’s Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon). This stunning neo-Gothic cathedral is one of Hanoi's most iconic landmarks and offers beautiful photo opportunities. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at The Note Coffee, famous for its charming decor covered in sticky notes from visitors around the world.

In the afternoon, join the Hanoi: Small-Group Street Food Walking Tour. This tour will take you through Hanoi's Old Quarter where you'll get to sample some of the city's best street food while learning about its culinary history from your guide. For lunch during the tour, you'll have plenty of delicious options like pho and banh mi.

Conclude your day with a relaxing stroll around Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake). The lake is beautifully lit up at night and offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Cross over to Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple), located on an island in Hoan Kiem Lake, which is especially serene in the evening light. For dinner, head to Nhà hàng Ngon for an array of traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Kick off your third day with an exciting bike tour: Hanoi: Bike Tour Through Hidden Gems and Banana Island. This tour will take you off-the-beaten-path through lesser-known areas of Hanoi including Banana Island where you can see local life up close. Stop by Kafeville afterward for some refreshing coffee or juice.

After your bike tour, visit the fascinating Vietnamese Women’s Museum. This museum highlights the contributions of women throughout Vietnam's history with exhibits on everything from family life to wartime efforts. It's both educational and inspiring. For lunch, try out some vegetarian delights at Nhà hàng Chay Tịnh Thực Quán, known for its healthy and tasty dishes.

End your day with a visit to Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter: Hanoi Old Quarter. Wander through its maze-like streets filled with shops selling everything from silk scarves to street food snacks. Don't miss Train Street where you can watch trains pass incredibly close by! For dinner, savor some authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền Thanh Vân.

Start your day early with a thrilling adventure: From Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Trang An, Bai Dinh, and Mua Cave Trip. This full-day tour will take you to the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh province. Begin with a visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam. Afterward, enjoy a boat ride through the Trang An landscape complex, often referred to as 'Ha Long Bay on land'. The trip also includes a climb up to Mua Cave for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. For breakfast before you leave, grab a quick bite at Bánh Mì 25, known for its delicious Vietnamese sandwiches.

Continue your exploration with the same tour as it takes you through more of Ninh Binh's breathtaking scenery. You'll have time to cycle around the area and take in the serene beauty of rice paddies and limestone karsts. Lunch is included in this tour, so you'll get to enjoy some local specialties as part of your adventure.

Return to Hanoi in the evening and unwind after your day of exploration. Head over to Madame Hien for dinner, where you can savor traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming colonial villa setting. If you're up for it, end your night with a visit to Bia Hoi Junction, where you can experience Hanoi's famous fresh beer scene and mingle with locals.

Hanoi: Half-Day Guided City Tour on Vintage Minsk Motorbike is an excellent way to start your final day in Hanoi. This unique tour allows you to explore the city from the back of a vintage Minsk motorbike, taking you through both famous landmarks and hidden gems that are off-the-beaten-path. You'll visit places like Long Bien Bridge and West Lake while learning about Hanoi's history from your guide. Enjoy breakfast at Café Đinh, known for its strong Vietnamese coffee.

Hanoi: Old Quarter Market Tour and Cooking Class with Meal offers an immersive experience into Vietnamese cuisine. Start with a market tour where you'll learn about local ingredients before heading to a cooking class where you'll prepare traditional dishes under expert guidance. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch during this activity.

Hanoi: Water Puppet Show Tickets is a perfect cultural finale for your trip. Attend this traditional water puppet show that showcases Vietnamese folklore through intricate puppetry performed over water accompanied by live music. For dinner, dine at Quán Ăn Ngon, which offers an extensive menu featuring regional specialties from across Vietnam.