Day 1 – Hanoi: Historic Exploration
Morning: Start your day by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader. Explore Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House and the One Pillar Pagoda.
Afternoon: Head to the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and get a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Evening: Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple. Conclude your day with a traditional Water Puppet Show at the Thang Long Theatre.
Day 2 – Hanoi: Cultural and Artistic Immersion
Morning: Visit the Hanoi Opera House, a beautiful example of colonial architecture. Follow it with a tour of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum to view Vietnamese art.
Afternoon: Explore the vibrant and historic Old Quarter. Each street is named after a specific trade that used to take place there.
Evening: Take a food tour and taste local specialties, such as Bun Cha and Pho. End your day with a refreshing Bia Hoi (local draft beer) at a street-side pub.
Day 3 – Hanoi to Halong Bay: Nature and Adventure
Morning & Afternoon: Take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay. Cruise around the stunning limestone islands and enjoy a seafood lunch on board.
Evening: Return to Hanoi and relax. Dine at a restaurant in the Old Quarter and enjoy the local nightlife.
Day 4 – Hanoi: Local Life and Leisure
Morning: Visit the Dong Xuan Market, the largest indoor market in Hanoi, to buy local souvenirs and experience local life.
Afternoon: Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, a poignant reminder of Vietnam’s history. Follow it with a visit to the nearby St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Evening: Enjoy a leisurely walk in the French Quarter, characterized by its wide tree-lined boulevards and French colonial architecture. Have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5 – Hanoi: Farewell Day
Morning: Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, explore the Quan Thanh Temple, dedicated to Tran Vu, a principal Taoist deity.
Afternoon: Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
Evening: Savor a farewell dinner at a high-end Vietnamese restaurant. Reflect on your journey and the memories made in this vibrant city. Take one last stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake before retiring to your accommodation.