5-Day Cultural and Culinary Adventure in Hanoi and Surroundings Itinerary

Enjoy a breakfast at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, known for its serene lake-side setting. Post breakfast, visit the Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton," to learn about its intriguing history. Then, proceed to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME) to gain insights into the country's diverse ethnic groups.

For lunch, head to Bun Cha Huong Lien, where you can taste the famous dish that former President Obama enjoyed. Afterward, take a guided Hanoi Guided Street Food Tour to explore the culinary gems hidden in the city's alleys. Sample a variety of local dishes and learn about the food culture of Vietnam.

Dine at Madame Hien, a restaurant with a colonial charm, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. After dinner, take a relaxing stroll around the Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon) and enjoy the architectural beauty illuminated at night.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your cruise accommodation. Embark on the Ha Long Bay cruise, where you'll witness the breathtaking limestone karsts and emerald waters. Visit the stunning Luon Cave (Hang Luon) and enjoy kayaking through its serene waters.

Delight in a sumptuous onboard lunch as you continue to explore the mesmerizing bay. Visit the iconic Titop Island (Dao Titop) for panoramic views and some beach time. Later, return to the cruise and relax while taking in the natural wonders around you.

Enjoy a delectable dinner onboard with a variety of fresh seafood and local dishes. If your cruise offers evening activities, participate in the onboard entertainment or simply unwind on the deck under the starry sky.

Start your day with a breakfast at your Ninh Binh accommodation. Then, head to the Trang An Landscape Complex (Trang An Grottoes), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on a tranquil boat ride through the limestone caves and admire the stunning natural scenery.

After the boat ride, enjoy a local lunch at Quan An Ngon, known for its wide range of Vietnamese dishes. Post-lunch, visit the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu, and explore the historic temples and shrines nestled in a beautiful landscape.

As the day winds down, take a leisurely bicycle ride or walk through the picturesque countryside of Ninh Binh. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and the rural charm of this region.

Begin with a breakfast at Green Tangerine, a restaurant set in a colonial building offering a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine. Post breakfast, visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam's first national university, and the peaceful Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc) by the West Lake.

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Nha Hang Ngon, located in a beautiful courtyard and serving a wide range of Vietnamese delicacies. After lunch, take a short drive to the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism (Lang Du lich Van hoa Cac dan toc Viet Nam) to learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam and their traditional customs.

Conclude your trip with a cultural performance at the Sapa Cultural Show, showcasing the vibrant traditional music and dance of the ethnic minorities of the Sapa region. For your final dinner, experience the flavors of Hanoi at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant, reminiscing about the wonderful journey you've had.