Ultimate 9-Day Vietnam Adventure with Hanoi Highlights Itinerary

Embark on the Ha Long Bay cruise, taking in the breathtaking karst landscape. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast onboard as you sail through the stunning scenery. Visit the iconic Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) for an awe-inspiring experience.

Have a delightful lunch with a view on the cruise, and then head to Titop Island for some beach time and panoramic views of the bay from the top. Engage in kayaking or simply relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

As the sun sets, enjoy a luxurious dinner on the cruise with a wide selection of dishes. Spend a peaceful evening onboard, taking in the starry sky and the gentle lapping of the waves.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast on the Ha Long Bay cruise. Cruise to Luon Cave and explore the serene waters by bamboo boat, surrounded by lush greenery and towering rock formations.

Enjoy a flavorsome lunch on the cruise, and then relax as you sail back to the harbor. Visit the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi for a traditional water puppet show, a unique and entertaining part of Vietnamese culture.

Dine at the elegant Green Tangerine restaurant, known for its fusion cuisine and charming ambiance. Take a leisurely walk around the Hoan Kiem Lake to digest your meal and enjoy the city lights reflecting on the water.

Journey to the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu, and explore the historic temples and ruins. Have a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at a local eatery to fuel up for the day.

After visiting the temples, take a sampan boat ride through the stunning karst landscape of Trang An Landscape Complex (Trang An Grottoes). Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the natural wonders, and keep an eye out for diverse wildlife in the area.

Return to Hanoi for dinner at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant, which offers a blend of contemporary and traditional dishes. Reflect on the day's adventures as you enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the restaurant.

Explore the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the nearby One-Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot). Have a fulfilling breakfast at Madame Hien, known for its traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist.

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME) to gain insights into the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Bun Bo Nam Bo, a popular spot for its signature dish, before heading to the serene Long Bien Bridge (Cau Long Bien) for a walk with historical significance.

For dinner, try the delectable dishes at Cha Ca Thang Long, specializing in grilled fish with fragrant herbs and vermicelli. End the evening with a stroll through the bustling Dong Xuan Market, where you can pick up souvenirs and experience the local market culture.

Participate in a Hanoi Cooking Class in a Local Villa with Market Tour to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoy the dishes you've prepared for lunch, and take a walk around the Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) to digest the flavors.

Head to the Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon) for a guided tour to admire the stunning architecture and learn about its history. Have a sophisticated afternoon tea at a local cafe, such as Giang Cafe Egg Coffee, known for its unique brews.

Dine at Nha Hang Ngon, a restaurant set in a beautiful colonial villa, offering a wide range of Vietnamese delicacies. Take a relaxing cyclo ride through the Hanoi Old Quarter in the evening, soaking in the atmospheric streets and lively markets.

Take a day trip to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, where you can explore the lush landscapes, visit local villages, and engage in eco-friendly activities. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty.

Return to Hanoi and visit the Cat Cat Village to witness the traditional crafts and way of life of the H'Mong ethnic group. Have a refreshing drink at a local cafe, such as Giang Cafe Egg Coffee, to rejuvenate after the exploration.

Dine at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant for a taste of authentic Vietnamese dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients. Take a leisurely walk around the Hoan Kiem Lake to digest your meal and enjoy the city lights reflecting on the water.

Enjoy a relaxed morning with a visit to the Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong), a sacred Buddhist site. Have a simple breakfast at a local eatery near the pagoda, and take the boat ride to the main cave for a spiritual experience.

Return to Hanoi and have a leisurely lunch at Bun Bo Nam Bo, known for its fresh and flavorful noodle dish. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace, perhaps visiting some of the places you've missed or revisiting your favorites.

For dinner, try the street food at the Hanoi Night Market, where you can sample a variety of local delicacies. End the evening with a drink at a rooftop bar, such as Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant, which offers stunning views of the city skyline.

Visit the Long Bien Bridge (Cau Long Bien) in the morning to capture the beautiful sunrise and enjoy a peaceful walk. Have breakfast at a local cafe, such as Giang Cafe Egg Coffee, to start your day on a delightful note.

Spend your final afternoon in Hanoi visiting any remaining sites on your wishlist or simply strolling through the charming streets. Enjoy a farewell lunch at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, savoring the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine one last time.

For your last dinner in Hanoi, choose a special place like Green Tangerine, where the elegant setting and refined dishes will make for a memorable experience. Reflect on your journey over a glass of wine, and bid adieu to the city with a sense of fulfillment.