Northern Vietnam Culinary Delights – 5 Days

Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, meet your private guide for a comfortable transfer to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring the nearby Hoàn Kiếm Lake and surrounding cafés.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at Nam Phương Restaurant, set in a beautifully restored French colonial villa. The talented chefs serve traditional Northern Vietnamese dishes paired with a folklore performance to introduce you to the region’s cultural heritage.

Optional Activities:

• Evening walking tour through the 36 Old Streets, sampling street snacks like bánh rán, chè, and bánh cốm.
• Upgrade your welcome dinner to include signature dishes such as bún chả Hà Nội or cá kho làng Vũ Đại.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Begin your day at one of Hanoi’s bustling local markets such as Hàng Be or Đồng Xuân, where vibrant displays of herbs, spices, and seasonal produce await.

Next, join a hands-on cooking class led by a professional chef. Learn to prepare authentic Northern dishes like banana flower salad and fresh spring rolls, then enjoy your own creations for lunch.

In the afternoon, explore Hanoi’s cultural landmarks:

• One Pillar Pagoda – an iconic symbol of Hanoi’s history.
• Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university.
• Fine Arts Museum – home to Vietnamese masterpieces.
• Hoàn Kiếm Lake – steeped in legend and serenity.
• A stroll through the Old Quarter’s 36 ancient streets, each named after traditional trades.

This evening, take a charming cyclo ride through the Old Quarter before dinner at the legendary Chả Cá Lã Vọng restaurant, famous for its turmeric-marinated grilled fish served with herbs, noodles, and dipping sauce.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, depart Hanoi early by private car or van and arrive at Hạ Long Bay around midday.

Board your luxury cruise, where a welcome drink and lunch await. As the boat sails through a panorama of thousands of limestone islands, enjoy the ever-changing landscape — a UNESCO World Heritage Site often described as “a dragon descending into the sea.”

Afternoon activities may include:

• A short hike to a nearby summit for sweeping bay views.
• Swimming or sunbathing on a quiet beach.
• A visit to a floating fishing village, where you’ll meet local fishermen and glimpse their generations-old way of life.

Return to your cruise for sunset cocktails and a lavish seafood dinner on board. Relax under the stars before spending the night in your private cabin.

Overnight on the cruise.

Start your day with a tranquil tai chi session on deck as dawn lights up the limestone peaks.

After breakfast, visit one of the bay’s fascinating limestone grottoes, such as Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) or Luồn Cave, then enjoy a leisurely cruise back toward the harbor.

Disembark around noon and return to Hanoi by private vehicle. Spend the rest of your day at leisure — perhaps browsing a local spice shop, visiting a traditional teahouse, or enjoying an optional street-food walking tour through the Old Quarter.

Evening is free (you may dine independently or request a special farewell meal).

Overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before free time for shopping or relaxation. Pick up some culinary souvenirs such as bánh đậu xanh Hải Dương, nem chua, or mứt sen, or artisan sauces, spices, cooking tools, recipe booklets, etc.

Your driver will transfer you to Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight.

Cảm ơn và chào tạm biệt – Thank you and See You Soon!