North and Central Vietnam 11-Day Itinerary Itinerary

Start with a visit to the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the nearby Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House. Then, explore the tranquil Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, situated on the West Lake.

For lunch, indulge in the fresh flavors of Vietnamese cuisine at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant. Afterward, take a guided tour of the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam. Continue to the serene Lake of the Restored Sword and the vibrant Hanoi Opera House.

Experience the vibrant street food scene of Hanoi on a small-group walking tour, tasting a variety of local dishes. Your evening meal will be an adventure, with hidden gems like Bun Cha Huong Lien and Green Tangerine on the menu.

Embark on a 2-day cruise adventure with a visit to the stunning Ha Long Bay. Enjoy the panoramic views of the limestone karsts and islands as you savor a delightful breakfast onboard. Take a side trip to the picturesque Luang Cave (Luon Cave) and later relax on the pristine Titop Island (Titov Island) beach.

Delight in a sumptuous lunch with a view on the cruise. Spend your afternoon exploring the otherworldly Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Grotto) with its jaw-dropping stalactites and stalagmites. Return to the cruise for some leisure time and enjoy the magical sunset over the bay.

Dine in style with a delectable dinner on the cruise, accompanied by on-board entertainment. Afterward, you can try your hand at squid fishing or simply relax under the stars.

Begin your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck of the cruise, surrounded by the breathtaking karst landscape. Enjoy a light breakfast before visiting the Cua Van Floating Village, the largest floating village in Ha Long Bay. Immerse yourself in the local culture and witness the daily lives of the villagers.

After returning to the cruise, savor a delicious lunch while cruising back to the harbor. Disembark and transfer to Ninh Binh, where you'll continue your Vietnamese journey.

Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, enjoy a relaxing evening and a flavorsome dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying the specialties of Madame Hien.

Explore the ancient capital of Vietnam at the Hoa Lu ancient capital, visiting the historic temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties. Then, take a leisurely sampan boat ride through the stunning Trang An Landscape Complex (Trang An Grottoes), a UNESCO World Heritage site with breathtaking natural beauty.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at Nha Hang Ngon, known for its variety of local dishes. Afterward, visit the majestic Mua Cave (Hang Mua), where a panoramic view of the entire region awaits those who conquer the 500 steps to the mountain peak.

Relax and reflect on the day's adventures over a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Ninh Binh cuisine.

Begin with a visit to the mystical Tam Coc, also known as "Halong Bay on land," where you'll take a boat trip through the karst landscape and lush rice paddies. Marvel at the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.

Have lunch at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, enjoying the serene atmosphere and delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Spend your afternoon at the Cat Cat Village, exploring the traditional Hmong ethnic village and learning about their customs and crafts.

As the day winds down, return to Hanoi and treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Quan An Ngon, known for its wide selection of Vietnamese street food in a comfortable, restaurant setting.

Start your day with a visit to the solemn Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton," which played a significant role in the Vietnamese struggle for independence. Then, explore the vibrant and colorful Hanoi Old Quarter, known for its rich history and architecture.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at Green Tangerine, a restaurant housed in a beautiful, colonial-era building. Afterward, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to gain a deeper understanding of the country's diverse ethnic groups and their cultural heritage.

Dine at Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously known as the restaurant where President Obama and Anthony Bourdain once shared a meal. End your day with a leisurely stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, taking in the sights and sounds of the city at night.

Begin with a visit to the historic Long Bien Bridge, an architectural marvel offering panoramic views of the Red River. Then, take a leisurely walk or bike ride on the bridge, soaking in the morning tranquility.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, known for its lakefront setting and authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Afterward, visit the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, and explore the beautiful gardens and shrines.

Savor the flavors of Northern Vietnamese cuisine at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, where you can enjoy a delightful dinner with a view of West Lake. Cap off the evening with a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a unique and quintessential Vietnamese art form.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Giang Cafe Egg Coffee, known for its traditional Vietnamese coffee and egg coffee. Then, take a guided food tour through the bustling streets of the Hanoi Old Quarter, sampling a wide variety of local dishes and delicacies.

After a flavorful morning, visit the Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong), one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Vietnam. Take a scenic boat ride along the Yen River to the foot of the mountain, then hike up to the cave-temples, enjoying the stunning karst landscape along the way.

For dinner, indulge in the exquisite French-Asian fusion cuisine at Green Tangerine, set in a beautifully restored colonial villa. End your day with a leisurely walk around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, taking in the sights and sounds of Hanoi at night.

Enjoy a relaxed morning with breakfast at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, known for its serene atmosphere and authentic Vietnamese dishes. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around the tranquil West Lake (Ho Tay), the largest lake in Hanoi, and visit the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda.

For lunch, savor the flavors of Northern Vietnamese cuisine at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, with a menu featuring fresh seafood and local ingredients. Afterward, explore the vibrant Hanoi Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets, ancient architecture, and bustling markets.

Dine at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant for a memorable culinary experience, enjoying a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a peaceful lakeside setting. Cap off your day with a visit to the lively Hanoi Night Market, where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local specialties.

Begin your final day with a visit to the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. Then, take a leisurely walk around the picturesque West Lake (Ho Tay), enjoying the peaceful surroundings and visiting the nearby Quan Thanh Temple.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine and tranquil lakefront setting. Afterward, take a leisurely bike ride or walk around the vibrant Hanoi Old Quarter, exploring the narrow streets, ancient architecture, and bustling markets.

For your final dinner in Hanoi, indulge in the exquisite French-Asian fusion cuisine at Green Tangerine, set in a beautifully restored colonial villa. Reflect on your North and Central Vietnam journey as you enjoy a memorable meal in the heart of the city.