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Vietnam Cultural Exploration: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay

Vietnam Cultural Exploration: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 14

Cultural Immersion in Hanoi

Morning
Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Banh Mi 25, a local favorite known for its delicious Banh Mi sandwiches. Afterward, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to learn about the life of the revolutionary leader.
Afternoon
Enjoy a guided street food tour with a local guide, exploring the vibrant flavors of Hanoi. Visit hidden alleys and bustling markets, sampling dishes like Pho, Bun Cha, and Banh Xeo. For a sweet treat, head to Giang Cafe Egg Coffee for their famous Egg Coffee.
Evening
Experience the unique art form of water puppetry at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. For dinner, savor the flavors of Northern Vietnamese cuisine at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood dishes.
Bedtime
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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

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Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

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Natural Wonders of Ninh Binh

Morning
Travel to Ninh Binh and start your day with a boat ride through the stunning limestone karsts of Trang An Landscape Complex. Explore the ancient caves and temples nestled in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afternoon
Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at Quan An Ngon, known for its diverse menu of local dishes. Afterward, visit the ancient capital of Vietnam at Hoa Lu, where you can explore the temples and learn about the region's history.
Evening
Return to Hanoi in the evening and dine at La Verticale, a fine dining restaurant offering a modern twist on Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the rooftop bar.
Bedtime
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Trang An Landscape Complex (Trang An Grottoes)

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Hoa Lu

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Ha Long Bay Cruise Adventure

Morning
Embark on a 2-day cruise through the stunning limestone islands of Ha Long Bay. Relax on the sundeck and take in the breathtaking scenery as you sail towards the open sea.
Afternoon
Enjoy a seafood lunch on board the cruise, then explore the Surprise Cave and go kayaking around the karst formations. Take a swim in the emerald waters before returning to the boat for a sunset cocktail.
Evening
Indulge in a gourmet dinner on the cruise, then relax under the stars on the deck or join a squid fishing excursion. Retire to your private balcony cabin for a peaceful night's sleep on the water.
Bedtime
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Historical and Cultural Hanoi

Morning
Return to Hanoi and visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university and a symbol of Confucian education. Explore the peaceful gardens and ancient architecture.
Afternoon
Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long, a restaurant famous for its grilled fish with turmeric and dill. Afterward, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country's diverse ethnic groups.
Evening
For dinner, experience the flavors of Hanoi's Old Quarter at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant, known for its upscale Vietnamese dishes. Take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake before retiring for the night.
Bedtime
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Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam)

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Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME)

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Culinary Delights and Local Treasures

Morning
Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Bun Bo Nam Bo, a local favorite known for its beef noodle salad. Then, visit the Long Bien Bridge, an iconic symbol of Hanoi's history.
Afternoon
Join a cooking class at Hanoi traditional cooking class learning 5 famous dishes, where you'll learn to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch.
Evening
For your final dinner in Hanoi, dine at Green Tangerine, a French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant set in a colonial villa. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, soaking in the sights and sounds of the city.
Bedtime
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Long Bien Bridge (Cau Long Bien)

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Hanoi 5 Local Dishes Cooking Class with Meal & Market Visit

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Local Life and Hidden Gems

Morning
Explore the local markets of Hanoi, starting with Dong Xuan Market, the city's largest indoor market. Sample fresh fruits, nuts, and local snacks as you wander through the stalls.
Afternoon
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Madame Hien, a restaurant known for its traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist. Afterward, visit the Hanoi Opera House, a stunning example of French colonial architecture.
Evening
For a unique dining experience, head to Bun Cha Huong Lien, where you can enjoy the famous dish that President Obama once sampled. After dinner, take a stroll along Train Street and witness the daily life of the locals.
Bedtime
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Dong Xuan Market

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Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon)

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Art and Architecture of Hanoi

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the One-Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple with a unique architectural design. Then, explore the nearby Hanoi Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets and traditional shophouses.
Afternoon
Enjoy a light lunch at Nha Hang Ngon, a restaurant offering a variety of Vietnamese street food in a comfortable setting. Afterward, visit the Perfume Pagoda, a complex of Buddhist temples set in a dramatic limestone landscape.
Evening
Dine at Quan An Ngon, a popular restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a lively atmosphere. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.
Bedtime
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One-Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot)

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Hanoi Old Quarter

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Helsinki Panorama Coach Tour

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Reflections on Vietnam

Morning
Spend your final morning in Hanoi reflecting on your journey. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum once more or take a peaceful walk around the Lake of the Restored Sword. Enjoy a leisurely brunch at La Verticale before preparing for your departure.
Afternoon
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you the memories of your cultural exploration in Vietnam.
Evening
Depart from Hanoi with a newfound appreciation for the rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality of this beautiful country.
Bedtime
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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

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From Sydney Blue Mountains, Scenic World All Inclusive Tour

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