Vietnam's Best: 9-Day Adventure from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to the Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc), the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. Then, take a leisurely walk around the picturesque Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake). Don't miss the iconic Long Bien Bridge (Cau Long Bien), a symbol of the city's resilience.

For lunch, try the famous Banh Mi 25, known for its delectable Vietnamese sandwiches. In the afternoon, explore the historic Hanoi Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets and traditional architecture. Visit the Hoa Lo Prison to learn about its dark history as the "Hanoi Hilton."

Dine at Madame Hien, a charming restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon) and soak in the city's vibrant nightlife.

Depart early for a day trip to From Hanoi Ninh Binh, Trang An, Bai Dinh, and Mua Cave Trip. Explore the stunning Trang An Landscape Complex (Trang An Grottoes) by boat, visit the majestic Bai Dinh Pagoda, and hike to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic views of the countryside.

Enjoy a local lunch in Ninh Binh before continuing your exploration. Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and learn about its rich history. Then, take a relaxing sampan ride through the scenic Tam Coc, also known as "Halong Bay on land."

Return to Hanoi in the evening and unwind with a delicious dinner at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, known for its tranquil setting and authentic Northern Vietnamese dishes.

Start your day with a visit to the Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong), one of Vietnam's most important Buddhist sites. Take a boat trip along the scenic Yen Stream to reach the pagoda, nestled in the Huong Tich Mountains.

After returning to Hanoi, have lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien, where former US President Obama famously dined. Then, embark on a From Hanoi Day Trip to 5 Traditional Handicraft Villages to discover the traditional crafts of Vietnam, including pottery, silk weaving, and wood carving.

For dinner, head to Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant, known for its contemporary Vietnamese dishes and stunning views of the city. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the Train Street Hanoi and browse the unique shops and art galleries.

Depart for the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on a From Hanoi 2-Day Ha Long Bay Cruise and Surprise Cave Kayak to explore the bay's limestone islands, hidden caves, and emerald waters. Enjoy a welcome drink and a sumptuous lunch on board.

After settling into your cabin, take a guided kayak tour to the Surprise Cave (Hang Sung Sot), one of the largest and most beautiful caves in the bay. Then, relax on the sundeck and take in the stunning scenery.

Enjoy a gourmet dinner on board, featuring a variety of fresh seafood and local specialties. After dinner, you can join a cooking demonstration or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the bay.

Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay. After breakfast, visit a local pearl farm to learn about the process of pearl cultivation and have the opportunity to purchase some beautiful souvenirs.

Return to the cruise ship for a leisurely lunch as you sail back to the harbor. Along the way, you'll have the chance to participate in a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Disembark from the cruise and return to Hanoi in the evening. Enjoy a farewell dinner at Green Tangerine, a charming restaurant housed in a colonial villa, known for its fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine.

Spend the morning exploring the vibrant art scene of Hanoi. Visit the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum to see a diverse collection of Vietnamese art, from ancient artifacts to contemporary works. Then, take a short walk to the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, a Guinness World Record-holding art project that stretches for nearly 4 kilometers.

For lunch, enjoy the flavors of Quan An Ngon, a popular restaurant offering a wide range of Vietnamese dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon), a magnificent example of French colonial architecture. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance.

Dine at Cha Ca Thang Long, a restaurant specializing in the famous Hanoi dish, cha ca. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city at night.

Depart for a day trip to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a breathtaking natural paradise. Take a guided trek through the lush landscapes, passing through traditional villages and terraced rice fields. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic spot.

After returning to Hanoi, visit the Craft Link to learn about the traditional crafts of Vietnam and support local artisans by purchasing handmade products. Then, take a leisurely walk around the Old Quarter and explore its unique shops and galleries.

For dinner, try the famous Bun Cha Huong Lien, where former US President Obama dined with Anthony Bourdain. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing evening at a local cafe, such as Cong Caphe, known for its unique Vietnamese coffee drinks.

Spend your last morning in Hanoi at leisure, perhaps visiting any attractions you missed or doing some last-minute shopping. Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Madame Hien, savoring the flavors of Northern Vietnamese cuisine.

In the afternoon, visit the Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon) for a performance of traditional Vietnamese music and dance. Then, take a guided tour of the Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon) to learn about its history and architecture.

For your farewell dinner, dine at La Verticale, a renowned French restaurant known for its innovative fusion cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the Hoan Kiem Lake and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city at night.