5-Day Northern Vietnam Culinary Journey: Hanoi Street Food, Ninh Binh & Lan Ha Bay

Route: Hanoi City Exploration

Meals: Breakfast Dinner (Street Food Tour)

Hotel: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel

Today, you connect with Hanoi's mind and soul before diving into its legendary stomach.

We begin at 8:00 AM, escaping the city noise for the serenity of Trấn Quốc Pagoda, an exquisite 6th-century Buddhist sanctuary resting gracefully on the edge of West Lake. After a tranquil walk, we journey to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first National University. You'll walk among its revered courtyards, feeling the profound respect for education and history that spans a millennium.

The morning takes a powerful turn at the Hỏa Lò Prison Museum (Hanoi Hilton), offering a poignant look at Vietnam’s recent history, allowing you to reflect on the resilience and complexity of its past.

After a break, the main event begins at 4:00 PM: the Hanoi Street Food Tour. This is where your inner foodie thrives! Your expert guide will lead you into the labyrinthine alleys, revealing the hidden stalls known only to locals.

• Bánh Cuốn: Start with a delicate whisper of flavor—thin, steamed rice flour crêpes, so soft they melt in your mouth, filled with fragrant pork and mushrooms.

• Bún Chả: Next, experience Hanoi's smoky signature dish. Watch the cook grill marinated pork patties over hot charcoal right on the sidewalk. You’ll plunge the savory meat into a broth of fish sauce, lime, and chili, pairing it with vermicelli and mountains of fresh herbs. It's an explosion of contrasting flavors and textures.

• Bánh Mì: You’ll then savor the legendary French-Vietnamese fusion: a crispy baguette filled with pâté, meats, herbs, and chili.

• Phở: The quest for the perfect bowl ends here. You will inhale the fragrant steam of Vietnam’s most famous noodle soup, choosing between the rich, clear broth of Phở Bò (beef) or Phở Gà (chicken).

Conclude your feast with a uniquely Vietnamese drink—perhaps a creamy, decadent Egg Coffee or a local cold beer—a true toast to the flavors of the Old Quarter.

Route: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi (100km, ~2 hours each way)

Meals: Breakfast Lunch

Hotel: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel

Today, we escape the city for the Red River Delta, a landscape painted in emerald rice fields. Ninh Binh awaits, a place of profound rural charm.

Arriving in the countryside, you have the option to take a 15km bike ride or a serene walk along the river dyke. This is a moment of intimate connection with nature, passing through sleepy villages and pausing for stunning photos of limestone karsts rising dramatically from the plains.

We pause to discover Thung La Temple, a hidden gem dating back to the 11th century. Here, you will be warmly welcomed by Mr. Tuong, the temple guardian, and treated to an authentic, rhythmic 20-minute traditional drum show—a sound that vibrates through the very soul of rural Vietnam.

Next, you will embark on a sampan boat trip through the magical Van Long Nature Reserve. As your rower gently navigates the water, you will glide between towering mountains and past wetlands. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare white-trousers langurs or majestic egrets high on the cliffs—it’s a true wildlife safari on water.

Finally, we visit a dedicated Embroidery Village. Here, you will meet a local craftswoman, Mrs. Lam, who will proudly demonstrate her exquisite, generations-old skills. Better yet, you’ll take part in a hands-on embroidery course, practicing the delicate techniques yourself. This rewarding experience gives you a tangible cultural memory to take home.

Route: Hanoi - Hai Phong - Lan Ha Bay (140km, ~2.5 hours)

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Cruise: Peony Cruise - 2D1N (Deluxe Balcony Cabin)

Prepare for the grand finale: a journey to Lan Ha Bay, the less-crowded, equally breathtaking sibling of Halong Bay.

Your luxury transportation whisks you from Hanoi across the new highway to the harbor. By noon, you are warmly welcomed aboard your exquisite cruise ship, the Peony Cruises. After a welcome drink and safety briefing, you'll be shown to your Deluxe Balcony Cabin—your private window to the majestic seascape.

At 1:00 PM, indulge in a sumptuous, freshly prepared gourmet lunch. As you dine, the ship sets sail, gliding into the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay, where thousands of jungle-clad karsts rise from the sea like ancient gods.

The afternoon calls for adventure! We anchor in the peaceful Tra Bau area. This is your moment for kayaking, paddling through stunning geological formations and discovering tranquil lagoons at water level. Alternatively, enjoy the tranquility of the Jacuzzi pool on the cruise deck.

As the sun begins its spectacular descent, painting the Gulf of Tonkin in hues of gold and crimson, join the chef for a Vietnamese Cooking Demonstration. Master the technique of rolling the famous fresh spring roll—a true culinary conquest! This is perfectly paired with the cruise's Happy Hour (BUY ONE GET ONE FREE), making it an ideal time for photography and laughter.

Your day culminates with an intimate, romantic delightful dinner prepared by skillful chefs, followed by stargazing on the top deck or trying your luck at squid fishing off the main deck.

Route: Lan Ha Bay - Hai Phong - Hanoi (140km, ~2.5 hours)

Meals: Breakfast Lunch (Early Brunch)

Greet the final day with a deep sense of peace. At 6:00 AM, join the guided Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Feel the cool morning air and the warm energy of the sun rising over the towering limestone peaks—a truly unforgettable, serene moment.

After a light breakfast, your final exploration begins. We transfer to Cát Bà Island to visit Trung Trang Cave, a spectacular natural wonder within the World Biosphere Reserve. Walk through the cool, vast chambers and marvel at the thousands of glittering stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millennia.

Returning to the ship, you will check out and enjoy a final, glorious Early Lunch (Brunch). This is your chance to savor the flavors one last time while taking in the final views of the bay as the ship leisurely cruises back to port.

Disembarking the Peony Cruise, your driver will meet you at the harbor for the comfortable 2.5-hour journey back to Hanoi. With a heart full of memories, a camera full of stunning photos, and a mind full of recipes, you will be transferred directly to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your onward journey, carrying the rich flavors and profound serenity of Northern Vietnam with you.