Best of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh in 7 Days Itinerary

Start your day with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton," to learn about its history. Afterward, take a walk around the Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) and visit the Red Bridge (The Huc Bridge) leading to the Jade Island (Ngoc Son Temple).

For lunch, try the famous Banh Mi 25, known for its delicious Vietnamese sandwiches. Afterward, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME) to learn about the country's diverse ethnic groups.

In the evening, enjoy a dinner at La Verticale, a French fine dining restaurant with a stunning view of Hanoi. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon) and enjoy the beautiful architecture.

Today, you'll embark on a 2-day cruise trip in Ha Long Bay. After breakfast, transfer to Ha Long Bay and board your cruise. Enjoy the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters as you cruise through the bay.

Have a delicious lunch on board the cruise, and then take a guided tour to Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), one of the largest and most beautiful caves in the bay.

Enjoy a sunset dinner on the cruise, followed by some leisure time to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Wake up to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay and enjoy breakfast on the cruise. Afterward, visit Titop Island for some swimming and panoramic views of the bay from the top of the island.

Return to the cruise for lunch and then take a bamboo boat to Luon Cave, a beautiful grotto with crystal clear waters.

Enjoy another evening of relaxation and stunning views on the cruise.

After returning from Ha Long Bay, transfer to Ninh Binh. Start your day with a visit to Tam Coc, also known as the "Halong Bay on land," and take a boat ride through the limestone karsts and rice paddies.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, known for its local specialties. Afterward, visit the Hoa Lu ancient capital and explore the King Dinh Temple and King Le Temple.

Check into your hotel and spend a relaxing evening in Ninh Binh.

After breakfast, visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam. Then, take a boat ride through the Trang An Landscape Complex (Trang An Grottoes), a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning natural beauty.

Enjoy a local lunch at Quan An Ngon, known for its variety of Vietnamese dishes. Afterward, hike up to Mua Cave for panoramic views of the Ninh Binh countryside.

Return to Hanoi in the evening and spend your last night in the city. Enjoy a farewell dinner at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant, which offers a modern twist on traditional Vietnamese dishes.

On your final day, take a half-day trip to visit the Incense village & Conical Hat, Train Street. Learn about the traditional crafts of making incense and conical hats, and take a walk along the famous Train Street.

For lunch, try the unique flavors of Green Tangerine, a French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant located in a colonial villa. Afterward, visit the Dong Xuan Market, one of the largest and oldest markets in Hanoi.

End your trip with a memorable dinner at Madame Hien, a restaurant that offers a contemporary take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the Long Bien Bridge (Cau Long Bien) and enjoy the views of the Red River.

Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time to do some last-minute shopping or visit any places you missed. Enjoy a final Vietnamese breakfast at a local cafe before heading to the airport for your departure. We hope you had a wonderful time in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh!

Departure from Hanoi. Safe travels!

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