hanoi tour plan

The PERFECT 3 Days in Hanoi Itinerary [2024 Guide]

• Last Updated: January 22, 2024

If you’re planning a trip to the Vietnamese capital, read on for the perfect itinerary on how to spend 3 days in Hanoi.

To say that Hanoi has had a tumultuous history is a vast understatement. French colonialism, Japanese occupation, and the war with the United States all resulted in massive damage to the city.

After the devastation of the American War (as it’s known here), Hanoi once again became the capital of a unified Vietnam.

These days, it’s a bustling capital city that’s home to nearly 8 million people.

The city known as the Paris of the East has a lot to offer travellers. With 3 days in Hanoi, you can check out the museums, parks, lakes, markets, and much more.

In between all of the sightseeing, you can fill up on mouth-watering Vietnamese food.

The country’s famous coffee will keep you going during the day, while its dirt cheap draught beer will fuel your nights out.

Now that you know a bit about the city and travelling there, let’s get this show on the road with a Hanoi 3-day itinerary.

READ MORE: Be sure to include these awesome things to do in Hanoi during your visit!

Table of Contents

Morning – Free Walking Tour

Midday – lunch and coffee break in the old quarter, afternoon – hoan kiem lake, evening – dong xuan market, night – bia hoi, 8am – say hello to uncle ho at ho cho minh mausoleum, 9am – ho chi minh museum and stilt house, 11am – one pillar pagoda, 11:30am – tran quoc pagoda in west lake, afternoon – choose your own adventure, temple of literature, thang long imperial citadel, check out a museum, water puppet theatre, night – old quarter bar hopping, 8:30am – museum of ethnology, 10am – vietnam women’s museum, 12pm – hoa lo prison, 1pm – take a cooking class, the best time to visit hanoi, getting around hanoi, vietnam, best budget accommodation – hanoi central backpackers hostel, best mid-range accommodation – golden legend diamond hotel, best luxury accommodation – sofitel legend, best restaurants in hanoi, vietnam, how to spend a perfect 3 days in hanoi itinerary.

Strap yourself in and down a couple of Vietnamese coffees for an epic travel itinerary for Hanoi!

Here’s what I recommend you get up to on your first day here.

The best way to kick off your 3 day Hanoi itinerary is joining a free walking tour. Spending a few hours exploring the city on foot is a fun and informative way to start your trip.

Local students lead these tours to practice their English and share their city with visitors. It’s the perfect introduction to the city and a great way to meet people.

There are a few different options for free walking tours. The most popular is the half-day tour of both the Old Quarter and the French Quarter. Tours start at either 9 AM or 2 PM.

While the Old Quarter tours are indeed free, it’s customary to leave a tip for your guide if you enjoy the tour.

Even though the tour will give you your bearings and a good introduction, I highly recommend getting lost in Hanoi’s Old Quarter at some point during your trip!

If you prefer a personal guided tour of the Old Quarter, check out this one on Klook . It gets rave reviews!

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to travelling in Vietnam !

That walking tour is sure to leave you hungry, which is a good thing. After all, one of the best parts about visiting Hanoi in 3 days is indulging in the local cuisine!

The Old Quarter is full of street food vendors and local restaurants.

Whether it’s a banh mi sandwich from a street corner or a piping hot bowl of pho , you can’t go wrong with Vietnamese grub.

Best of all, eating out is super cheap here. Even if you eat out for every meal during your 3 days in Hanoi itinerary, you still won’t break the bank.

Seriously – it’s possible to fill up for just a buck or two here in the Old Quarter!

If you’re feeling a bit sleepy after the tour and lunch, Vietnamese coffee is just what the doctor ordered.

My recommendation is to find a cafe with a terrace so you can order up a cup and watch the chaos of the city unfold on the busy streets below.

Even though you’ll see it on the walking tour, it’s worth it to do some solo exploration of Hoan Kiem Lake near the Old Quarter.

The name means Lake of the Returned Sword, and there’s an interesting legend behind it…

As the story goes, a god sent a special sword to the emperor Ly Thai To that he used to defeat the invading Chinese. One day when he was boating on the lake, a turtle came and asked for the sword back.

The emperor returned the sword to the turtle, hence the name of the Hoan Kiem Lake. There’s even a Turtle Tower out in the lake in honour of the legend!

There’s plenty to do around the Hoan Kiem Lake, including taking a walk on the Rising Sun Bridge over to the Jade Mountain Temple . It’s a good place to relax for a bit after a busy day.

Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of Hoan Kiem Lake, though, is the epic people watching. Young Vietnamese kids rip it up on their skateboards while the elders practice a bit of tai chi .

On a lap around the lake, we saw couples taking wedding photos and a band shooting a music video among other things.

Taking in the sights around the lake is definitely a must on your 3 days in Hanoi.

If you enjoy perusing local markets when you travel, then you’ll definitely want to check out Dong Xuan . This is the largest covered market in the city and it sells just about everything under the sun.

Housed in a 4-story Soviet building, this sprawling market has clothing, souvenirs, electronics, flowers, and even pets.

There’s also a wet market area where you can buy fresh produce, fish, meat – you name it.

If you’re spending 3 days in Hanoi over the weekend, stick around here to check out the night market that goes on in the street.

It’s a great place to sample more local food and catch some cultural performances.

After a very busy start to your 3 day Hanoi itinerary, it’s time for a drink! While you can find fancy cocktail bars here, I recommend starting your evening off with some bia hoi .

If you’ve never heard of bia hoi before, it’s a crisp, light beer that’s ubiquitous in Vietnam.

Kegs are delivered to small bars daily, so it’s always fresh.

In addition to being rather refreshing, bia hoi is also incredibly cheap. A glass of it usually costs about USD$0.25.

Order up a few of these and some snacks and you’ll only spend a couple of dollars.

Nightlife in Hanoi is a bit tame, as things shut down around midnight.

That’s not a bad thing, though, because we still have a lot to pack in to your 3 days in Hanoi!

Hope you didn’t drink too many bia hois last night, because we have a big day planned for today!

This wouldn’t be a proper guide on what to do in Hanoi in 3 days without including Uncle Ho. That is, Ho Chi Minh – the beloved revolutionary and politician who served as president of North Vietnam.

If you’re so inclined, you can visit the preserved body the famous leader at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Vietnamese people line up in droves every day to pay their respects to the former leader.

Whether you decide to actually go inside or not, it’s still worth it to check out the building and see the crowd lined up with their flowers.

You can also see a changing of the guard ceremony here in the morning.

One thing you should definitely add to your 3 days in Hanoi itinerary is a trip to the nearby Ho Chi Minh Museum.

The museum is full of artifacts and photographs detailing the life of Uncle Ho. It also has some rather odd exhibits, such as one with giant plastic fruit.

I’m not sure what that has to do with Ho Chi Minh, but it’s interesting nonetheless!

You can complete the Ho Chi Minh trifecta by visiting his former stilt house .

Head to the Presidential Palace’s visitor entrance to follow the path here to see the gardens, pond, and the famous house.

While you’re in the area, you might as well make a quick stop at the One Pillar Pagoda. This Buddhist temple was built to resemble a lotus – the national flower of Vietnam.

It’s a beautiful temple and all, but the crowds here can be overwhelming.

After dealing with them all morning, you’ll likely make this a short stay just for the nice photo opp.

Just a 30 minute walk from One Pillar Pagoda is Tran Quoc Pagoda.

It is more than 1500 years old and is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on a small island in Hanoi’s West Lake.

It is a picturesque landmark in Hanoi. The sight of Tran Quoc Pagoda reflecting in the West Lake is a huge draw for photographers.

READ MORE: Check out our guide to all the epic things to do in Vietnam !

After grabbing some lunch and a coffee in the area, it’s time to choose your own adventure!

That’s right, folks – there are lots of options for what to do in Hanoi with 3 days. So many that you just can’t fit them all in.

Here are a few ideas for how to spend the afternoon on your 2nd day in the Vietnamese capital:

This Confucian temple is definitely one of the most famous sights in Hanoi. You’ll know immediately by the swarms of tourists here.

Built back in 1070, this was the site of the first university in Vietnam. Over the centuries, thousands upon thousands of the country’s finest scholars have passed through here.

Around the beautiful temple grounds, you’ll see lots of stone turtle steles with names engraved on them.

This honour was reserved for only the most successful scholars.

Chances are you’ll also see Vietnamese students, who flock here to pray for good grades.

Another option is the Imperial Citadel. Dating back to the 11th century, this became the 900th UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.

The Imperial Citadel was the centre of political power in Vietnam for nearly 13 centuries. Unfortunately, much of it was destroyed in the late 19th century.

Excavation efforts have been ongoing and there’s quite a bit you can see here now. Plus, tickets only cost about $1.50 so it’s well worth it just to check the place out.

In this part of Hanoi, Vietnam, there are a few different museums you could check out.

One is the Vietnamese Military History Museum where you can see old equipment like fighter jets and tanks. Anyone interested in Vietnam military history can broaden their minds here.

After the Vietnam Military History Museum, check out the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.

Set in a 3-story colonial building, it features art from a wide range of historical periods.

This is the premier art museum in all of Vietnam so it’s well worth visiting.

After another yummy dinner of Vietnamese food, head to the Thang Long Theatre . Here you can catch a performance of traditional water puppetry, an art form that dates back to the 11th century.

Although the show is entirely in Vietnamese and you won’t understand any of it, this is still a fun way to kick off your evening.

Plus, tickets to the Water Puppet Theatre only cost about $3 so why not?

It’s been a jam-packed 3 days in Hanoi itinerary so far. If you’ve got any gas left in your tank, night two is the perfect time for some cheeky bar hopping in the Old Quarter.

Kick the night off with a few cheap bia hois in the street then just see where the night goes.

You may end up sipping cocktails on a rooftop, dancing to live music, or singing your heart out at karaoke. Anything can happen in Hanoi’s Old Quarter!

You’ve almost made it to the end of our Hanoi itinerary! You’re doing well, but it’s not over yet.

If you didn’t stay out partying too late, you’ll want to start your third and final day off at the Museum of Ethnology.

This museum is quite the hike from the Old Quarter but it’s well worth it.

Did you know that Vietnam is home to 54 different ethnic groups? It’s OK… I didn’t, either. This museum will school you on them all with some fascinating exhibits.

While there’s a lot to see and learn inside the museum, the outside area alone makes it worth the trip.

Here you’ll find replica houses from all across the country.

Perhaps you stayed out a bit too late and had a few too many the night before. It’s alright. If you don’t feel like travelling across the city, you can just visit the excellent Women’s Museum near the lake.

This is a very comprehensive and impressive museum that focuses on the role of women throughout the country’s history.

You can easily spend a few hours here taking it all in.

One place that’s included on just about every Hanoi 3 day itinerary is the Hoa Lo Prison.

Ironically known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” this was built by the French colonists to hold political prisoners.

During the war with the US, the prison was used to house POWs.

One of the most famous guests at the Hanoi Hilton was the late John McCain – former US Senator and presidential candidate.

After spending 3 days in Hanoi feasting on amazing Vietnamese food, why not learn how to make it yourself?

With your last afternoon in town, you can take a cooking class !

BONUS –  Booking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code  “NOMADS10”  on the website when checking out, you’ll get $10 off your first booking!

Most cooking classes include a market tour where you’ll pick out the freshest ingredients.

Then it’s off to the kitchen to prepare some famous Vietnamese dishes.

Best of all, you’ll get to bring the recipe and your newfound cooking skills home to impress your friends and family!

Hanoi Itinerary Travel Guide

Now that you know what to do with 3 days in Hanoi, I’m going to share with you a bunch of other tips.

If you want to know where stay, when to visit and how to get around, read on….

Since it’s in Southeast Asia, you might think that it’s warm all the time in Hanoi. That’s actually not true, as winters can get quite chilly here.

Between December and February temperatures can get down to 10 degrees Celsius.

On the other hand, summer in Hanoi can be super hot with temperatures hitting 40 from time to time. This is also the rainy season, so you can expect frequent downpours.

The best time to visit Hanoi is either in the spring between March and April or in the fall between October and November.

In these months you’ll have the best chance of pleasant temperatures and clear skies.

When planning your 3 days in Hanoi itinerary, you’ll also want to check the calendar of Vietnamese holidays.

The most important one is Tet, which is the local New Year.

Tet is the Lunar New Year, which is also celebrated in China. At this time, travelling in Vietnam can be quite intense. Tickets sell out well in advance and places are packed with people on the move.

For visitors, the best ways to get around Hanoi are on foot or by taxi.

There’s no metro system here and the bus system can be quite confusing if you don’t understand Vietnamese.

If you’re staying in the Old Quarter, you can walk to most points of interest. You might need the occasional taxi to get to more far-flung places.

Even though they have meters, many drivers will try to negotiate a flat fare with you.

There’s no more Uber in Hanoi (I know – sad face), but you can download Grab, which is a similar app.

You must have a local phone number to use this service, though.

One very Vietnamese way to get around is by xe om (motorbike taxi). You just hop on the back of their bike and go, which is nice for weaving in and out of the chaotic traffic.

Once again, you may have to negotiate the fare in advance.

There are also cyclos all over the city, which are pedicabs that seat two people.

The cyclo drivers here are notorious for quoting inflated prices and ripping tourists off, so I’d skip this unless you really want the experience!

Where to Stay in Hanoi, Vietnam

There’s really not a whole to say on this topic, as a majority of travellers choose to stay in the Old Quarter and for good reason.

You have everything you need here and it’s a fun place to base yourself.

There are tons of options for accommodation, shopping, dining, and nightlife in this area.

Staying here, you can easily access Hoan Kiem Lake as well as many great markets and museums.

Other options include Ba Dinh, which is where you’ll find many of the most popular attractions in the city.

Staying here makes it easy to visit Ba Dinh Square and all the landmarks that surround it.

If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet in this bustling city, the lakeside Truc Bach neighbourhood is a good choice.

There are lots of awesome restaurants and bars in this very scenic part of the city.

If you’re looking for a great option on a budget in Hanoi, then check out the Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel .

You can score a bed in a dorm here for as little as $6 a night, so you’ll have more cash for sightseeing and going out.

This is also a super fun hostel to stay at. They host nightly events like quizzes and pub crawls.

They also organize the famous trip to Castaways Island in Halong Bay and other awesome travel experiences.

Perhaps a dorm in a party hostel isn’t exactly your vibe. Thankfully there are lots of great mid-range hotels in Hanoi, like the Golden Legend Diamond .

Located in the bustling Old Quarter, this hotel puts you right in the middle of all the action.

Rooms here are comfortable and well-equipped, and you also get a nice free breakfast included.

Looking to splurge for your 3 days in Hanoi? Then check yourself into the epic Sofitel Legend .

In addition to the super fancy rooms, you also get a heated outdoor pool, a well-equipped fitness centre, and a luxury spa.

There’s a great complimentary breakfast here, and you can also indulge in afternoon tea and Happy Hour.

Essence – The current #1 restaurant in Hanoi on TripAdvisor, this place cooks up food from three different regions of Vietnam and has rave reviews.

Hoang Cuisine – This is one of the most highly ranked restaurants in the city, serving up fresh and tasty local dishes.

Hanoi Social Club – A hip cafe with healthy options, including vegan and gluten-free choices.

Bun Cha Ta – This is the place to go to try a Hanoi specialty. Bun cha is grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, spring rolls, and veggies, and it’s delicious!

Hung Snake Restaurant – If you’re up for an adventure, take a day trip out to Le Mat. Also known as “Snake Village,” you can find this restaurant cooking up snake in a variety of ways.

While all of these restaurants are great, make sure you eat at some random, unnamed street food stall at least once during your 3 day Hanoi itinerary.

You just can’t beat sitting on a plastic stool, slurping up your noodles and enjoying a cold one!

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Travel & Food, Itineraries & Guides, Hotel Reviews

The Perfect Hanoi Itinerary (2024) Travel Guide for Vietnam’s Capital

August 1, 2023 by Bino 1 Comment

Vietnam’s capital may be known more than anything for its chaotic and motorbike-filled streets but I have to say that Hanoi remains to be one of my favorite Southeast Asian capitals. There is something about the city that always puts it at the back of my mind as a destination I’d want to visit again and again, with a different Hanoi itinerary each time. It may be the excellent food or the fascinating history or simply the pulsating and distinctively Vietnamese energy. Whatever it is, each visit to Hanoi always leaves me with new finds and restaurants that I won’t hesitate recommending to friends.

For those looking to visit, I have come up with this suggested Hanoi itinerary. Depending on whether you intend to visit Ha Long Bay and Tam Coc, this itinerary is something you can execute in as little as 2 days if you’re coming here only for the weekend or up to 4 days if you intend to make it a short getaway.

the pulsating energy of hanoi

General Tip: In Hanoi, a common scam occurs with some taxi drivers at the airport where they claim the hotel you booked has closed. This is a trick to get you to stay in another hotel where they can get commission. To avoid this, you can ask your hotel to pre-book your transport or you can book one yourself here .

Heading to Central Vietnam? Check out this suggested itinerary for Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Old Hanoi

Hoan kiem lake.

hoan kiem lake

Start your Hanoi itinerary by obtaining your bearings at the Lake of the Returned Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), the focal point where touristic activities in Hanoi are concerned. How the lake came about is the stuff of legends. In the morning, you will find locals doing tai-chi at the park encircling the lake. There is a pagoda in the middle of the lake – an often photographed structure – as well as the Ngoc Son Temple in the northern side which you can cross over to via a red bridge. Opening hours: 8:00 to 18:00, daily / Admission: 30,000 dong (adult)

French Quarter

french quarter of hanoi

Afterwards, head east towards the French Quarter . You will find this area of Hanoi calmer, with plenty of small parks, charming turn-of-the-century hotels as well as buildings dating from the French period such as the post office. The neoclassical Hanoi Opera House in particular, is a fine example of the French influence. The building was modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris.

Old Quarter

hanoi old quarter

By early afternoon, the cramped streets of the Old Quarter starts to buzz with life and that’s a great time to head there to see how local commerce is done. The area offers a beguiling mix of stores housed in old shophouses. The streets are named according to the types of shops found there – there is a street for jewelry (Hang Bac); a street for shoes (Hang Dau) and so on. You can easily spend the entire afternoon here, which is not a bad idea. Bach Ma Temple , said to be the oldest in Hanoi, is located here. Make sure to stop by Cha Ca La Vong (daily 11AM to 2PM, 5PM to 9:30PM) for lunch.

souvenirs along the old quarter of hanoi

For cheap souvenirs, head to Dong Xuan Market or head to Tired City for some cool and totally non-kitschy t-shirts, scarves, postcards and art prints made by local artists. They have a few outlets but the biggest one is in Hang Gai. 

If shopping is not your thing, you can check out some really local experiences such as conical hat making, calligraphy, pottery and even coffee appreciation with Backstreet Academy . For foodies, you can go on a 3-hour food tour of the Old Quarter where you get to visit various eateries specializing in different dishes.

egg coffee from loading t cafe

In the late afternoon, you can head out of the Old Quarter and head southwest to see the imposing St. Joseph’s Cathedral with its neo-gothic façade. Within its vicinity are a number of charming cafes. Loading T Cafe (daily 8AM to 6PM), set in a crumbling mansion, is particularly atmospheric for its vintage interiors as well as semi-open balcony that overlooks the street. Go for a cup of Hanoi’s famous egg coffee which is made with whisked egg white, condensed milk and a little bit of sugar for a truly frothy coffee experience!

Day 2 – Monumental Hanoi

Imperial citadel.

hanoi citadel

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (daily except Monday, 8AM to 5PM) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public. There isn’t much to see here these days so I would only rate it as an optional stop. But if you ever decide to make a visit, try to combine it with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum as it’s within the same area.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

ho chi minh mausoleum

Try to beat the queues and venture to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum in the morning (weekdays are better). It’s free to enter. Do note that the venue is closed on Mondays and Fridays. Opening hours: 7:30 to 10:30 / Admission: Free

Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda

presidential palace of hanoi

From here, it’s a short walk to the Presidential Palace , Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House  as well as the One-Pillar Pagoda . The latter’s exceptionally small size makes it one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Vietnam. As there is a good number of tourist attractions within the area, it’s often crowded here so try to avoid the weekend and public holidays if possible. Opening hours: 8:00 to 17:00, daily

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

quan an ngon

It would be midday by the time you finish, just in time to take a cab ride to Quan An Ngon (daily, 7AM to 9:30PM) for lunch. The venue takes you on a quick culinary tour of Vietnam. While it’s possible to order from the menu, there are stalls that allow you to have a peek at various dishes before you order. If you have a limited amount of time to spend in Vietnam, I’d recommend coming here to allow you to quickly sample the country’s varied specialties in one sitting.

Temple of Literature

temple of literature

From Quan an Ngon, it’s around a 10 minute walk to the Temple of Literature . The spread of Confucianism in Vietnam is perhaps never more apparent than here. During imperial times, only the most gifted scholars were able to study here and the venue offers a good peek of life in the imperial era. The sprawling complex is filled with courtyards, pavilions and ponds and showcases the extent of Chinese influence in Vietnam. Opening hours: 8:00 to 17:00, daily / Admission: 30,000 dong (adult)

Shopping and Cafes at Tay Ho

tran quoc pagoda

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the chic district of Tay Ho or West Lake, one of the up and coming neighborhoods of Hanoi filled with plenty of local designer boutiques, some of the city’s best international restaurants as well as hipster cafes. Aside from being Hanoi’s expat enclave, many dining and drinking establishments also choose to set up shop here due to the lakeside views. The Tran Quoc Pagoda which is found in a small peninsula jutting out from the narrow strip of land separating West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, makes for a picturesque sight early in the morning or towards sunset when the calm waters create a mirror reflection. Otherwise, for a great bird’s eye view of the twin lakes, Summit Lounge – the rooftop bar of the Pan Pacific Hanoi – is the place to go.

Sky High Views at Sky Lotte Observation Deck

sky lotte observation deck

For a bird’s eye view over Hanoi, you can head to Lotte Center for the Sky Lotte Observation Deck . At 65 floors up, you can spot some of the city’s landmarks from the viewing gallery. A highlight here is the Skywalk where visitors get to walk on the floor is made of glass. Best time to visit is around 5 to 6PM – it’s a great place to catch the sunset. You can get discounted tickets here .

Home-style Dinner at Tam Vi

When the Michelin Guide did its inaugural awarding of Michelin stars in 2023, one of the first establishment to earn the accolade in Hanoi was Tam Vi (11AM to 2:30PM/5PM to 9:30PM) – a traditional restaurant serving home-style meals hidden in an alley off Nguyen Thai Hoc. Star dishes here include Crab Soup with Spinach, Vietnamese Ham with Periwinkle Snails as well as the Caramelized Pork with Egg. This is a worthwhile dinner venue as the cuisine is decidedly Northern Vietnamese and quite different from what you’ll get in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang. Reservations are recommended. I tried reserving for a same-day table and could only get a slot at 8PM. 

Day 3 – Ha Long Bay & Other Excursions

Ha long bay (day trip or overnight option).

ha long bay

Most people who visit Hanoi also make their way to Ha Long Bay . For booking of these tours, you can check out Vietnam tours which offers various excursions from Hanoi. While going to Ha Long Bay is practically a “yes” for most, the main decision you’d likely be facing is whether you should stay overnight in Ha Long Bay or just make it a day trip?

An overnight stay in Ha Long Bay will definitely enable you to visit more spots and you can climb the jagged peaks of some of the islands as well on a longer cruise to get a bird’s eye view of the bay (for example, in Titop Island). This is something you would not be able to do on a day trip though if you are really lacking in time, there’s little other choice.

If you decide to go for a day trip, you can expect a few hours’ cruise along the bay, a seafood lunch, some time for kayaking and exploring a cave called Thien Cung Cave. You can book the Ha Long Bay day tour here .

If you decide to go for an overnight cruise, you can expect the same highlights from the day tour plus around 2 more caves, a nice view point from Titop Island, an additional dinner and breakfast plus a likely cooking class.

Tam Coc / Hoa Lu

If you have already been to Hanoi before and are looking for a different day trip option, a journey through the river valleys of Tam Coc / Hoa Lu is also worthwhile. The landscape is lush and the experience is quite fun as you ride a small bamboo boat down the river surrounded by limestone rock formations. Aside from the boat ride, a typical day tour includes climbing up Mua Cave for a scenic view of the river, surrounding rice fields and mountains.

Perfume Pagoda

A third option for excursions originating from Hanoi is the Perfume Pagoda . Situated some 60km away from Hanoi, the Perfume Pagoda is one of the country’s most important religious sites. To get here from Hanoi, travelers will need to take a roughly 70 minute car ride to a village followed by a 45 minute or so boat ride down the Yen River to a temple complex. From here, a path leads to another temple as well as a cable car station.

perfume pagoda

Visitors can either take the cable car or hike up to the Perfume Pagoda itself which is situated in a cave. The entrance to the cave is rather dramatic – it is said to resemble a dragon’s mouth and is decorated with Chinese text.

A typical Perfume Pagoda day tour includes round trip transport from Hanoi, a guide and lunch but not the cable car ticket as it is up to the visitor’s discretion whether they’d want to hike or take the cable car. You can book this tour here .

Travel Tips for Hanoi

• In this age of uncertainty, you might wish to get travel insurance. If you reside in Singapore, check out Starr Travelead , one of the cheapest travel insurance. They have a promotion that comes with S$10 cash rebate that helps to offset the insurance cost.
• Do note that Hanoi has a pronounced winter season from November to February. A jacket would come in handy. If you visit during these months, there’s a possibility you might not even see any sunshine. On the other hand, July and August is a very humid time in Hanoi. Even if it just says 30 to 32 degrees celsius in the thermometer, you’ll sweat buckets.
• You can pay in USD in some places including shops, restaurants and other tourist-oriented establishments. This does not apply to the small eateries or groceries. Most hotels will be able to change USD to Vietnamese Dong at competitive rates. 
• For those who constantly need to be online, you can purchase local sim cards upon arrival at the airport.

Where to Stay in Hanoi

I’ve been to Hanoi twice and a hotel I can personally recommend is the La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel which conveniently overlooks Hoan Kiem Lake. Rooms are incredibly sleek and I found the clouds painted on the room’s ceilings to be quite relaxing. For a slightly cheaper option,  you can check out La Mejor Hotel located in the Old Quarter. Alternatively, you can use this aggregator HERE to compare for the best prices for hotels in Hanoi with just one look.

Getting Around: GRAB is a cheap, safe and reliable way to get from point to point within Hanoi. Most trips between the various city attractions should not cost more than $5.

Entry Requirements: Certain nationalities may require a visa to enter Vietnam. It’s better to check beforehand. For visa services, you can try Vietnam Visa .

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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November 4, 2017 at 8:35 pm

Thanks for sharing the good travel blog about two days itinerary for Vietnam. It is really beautiful country, You must visit one time in your lifetime.

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Things To Do in Hanoi Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on May 17th, 2024

Here’s our Hanoi itinerary for how to spend 1, 2, or 3 days in this charming historical city. We will share with you our tips, must-visit attractions, and what to do in this Hanoi travel guide blog.

Dotted with centuries-old architecture, beautiful lakes, and tranquil Buddhist pagodas, Hanoi is one of the most popular cities to visit. It is a vibrant city that you either love or hate. Although Hanoi is rapidly developing with many shopping malls and luxury hotels, the downtown area is still keeping its traditional culture. It is loud, chaotic, overwhelming with motorbike-packed streets, and unique with its own culture. A true tourist destination.

When visiting Hanoi , it is best to just spend a day wandering around the area and getting lost in the small streets and alleys. You can just stroll around the French colonial Old Quarter, browse through outdoor markets and shops, try local food from the street food vendor, or have a cup of Vietnamese coffee at a local coffee shop. It is an experience to be taken slowly and enjoyed.

If it’s your first time visiting Hanoi , then I hope this Hanoi travel guide blog helps you make the most of your time in this lively city. We will cover how to get to Hanoi, the transport options from the airport to downtown, where to stay, and useful travel tips and information. Let’s check out this awesome Hanoi itinerary for 1, 2, or even 3 days in Hanoi.

Table of Contents

Hanoi Travel Guide

This Hanoi travel guide is comprehensive and long. As always, let’s break things up into sections by section to make things easy in this handy Hanoi travel blog!

Hanoi, also written as Ha Noi is the capital of the Vietnam and second largest city in the country. It is a rich culture with influences of French, Chinese, and Southeast Asian. Being the major hub for Northern Vietnam, Hanoi is the ideal place to set up your base when visiting the attractions such as Sapa, Ninh Binh, and UNESCO heritage site Halong bay.

The Vietnam currency is VND and popularly called “Dong”. Though USD is acceptable in Vietnam, it is advisable carrying the VND especially if you want to buy stuff or food from small shops and street vendors. Besides, hotels mostly can accept credit cards but many cafes only cash.

The majority of people in Hanoi are sincerely friendly , enthusiastic, and with a great sense of humor. In the service industry, you will be impressed by how the customer service did their job and cares for you. They can speak English even though some may not fluently. However, many people on the roads don’t know how to speak English, but communication is not an issue (hand and sign) as tourists are very common in Hanoi.

How Many Days Should I Plan to Stay in Hanoi

You can plan a one-day stay in Hanoi or can even set aside a couple of days to properly explore this city. But generally, we recommend staying at least two days. That way you have enough time to see the main attractions in Hanoi and continue to explore some of the beautiful attractions nearby.

Spend three days in Hanoi if time is permitted. There are plenty of tourist attractions, cool bars, nice restaurants, and great cafes offering panoramic views over the city.

We spent totally 3 days and 2 nights in Hanoi. Firstly, we arrived at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport and arrange our transportation by taking the overnight train to Sapa. After this, we came back to Hanoi for another 3 days of visit in this charming city. We also have a day trip to Halong Bay to end our Northern Vietnam trip before flying back to our home country.

Best Time To Visit Hanoi

The best time to visit Hanoi is in the Fall, from around the end of September till November, followed by Spring (March to May). During this time, the temperatures are ideal and pleasant. It is best to walk around in the vibrant city. Expect more tourists and higher hotel prices around that time.

Summer (from June to August) is the hottest and most humid time of the year. Not only that, the middle of the year is considered the rainy season in Hanoi. So it is not the best time to visit Hanoi and avoid these months if you can.

While December is still a great time as the weather is cool. However, the temperatures can fall to around 10ºC in January and February.

Traveling To Hanoi

For international visitors, most likely Hanoi will be the point of arrival if you are visiting Northern Vietnam. The Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is one of Vietnam’s 2 major international airports. It is extremely busy, serving thousands of travelers everyday, from both internationally and domestically flying to Hanoi.

Many domestic flights are well connected with other cities within Vietnam. There are countless daily flight connections between Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh, and Hanoi. Those domestic flights are very frequent and extremely affordable. Remember to check baggage allowances as this may increase the cost with the hefty luggage cost included.

Besides, there are many low-cost carriers within South East Asia. Flying internally or from nearby countries is an incredibly good value. Be sure to research flights and prices for a great deal especially if you are on a tight budget. You can search for cheap flights from Skyscanner .

Getting To Hanoi Downtown from Airport

You’ll need to arrange for transfers to your hotel from Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport. The airport is about 25 km from downtown Hanoi. Listed below are the different ways you can get to your hotel from Noi Bai airport:

Airport Taxi – This will be the most expensive option and easy to get scam. Make sure to look for a meter taxi or agreed with a good price before you depart. It will take you around 30 minutes to reach.

Private/Shared Transfer – This is the most convenient way of getting to your hotel from the airport but it’s also one of the most expensive. Klook offers airport transfers from Noi Bai to your hotel in downtown Hanoi. You can pre-book a private comfortable air-conditioned car with hotel drop-off ahead of time for around – Best Offer.

Public Bus – You can take Public Bus Number 17 or the Hanoi Airport Bus Express (Bus Number 86) to get downtown. It is the cheapest option but you will need to get a taxi from the bus stop to the hotel. Not a good option for visitors to Hanoi.

Grab Car – When it comes to South East Asia, we highly recommend using the e-hailing service, Grab. Similar to Uber, you just need the app and internet inside Hanoi Airport to book a ride. Grab also support Grab motor in Hanoi but this option is only suitable for the light traveler.

Getting Around in Hanoi

Hanoi is a very walkable city. Rather, we would say that you need to walk around to experience the vibe of this vibrant city. The city’s packed streets, local market, and beautiful architecture can best be seen while walking.

The majority of the attractions are located in the downtown area and within walking distance. On this suggested Hanoi itinerary, you can easily walk around for the whole day. You can also spend an additional one more day in if you prefer to slow down the pace. A better way to get around Hanoi is to get a cyclo ride tour as you will be directly in the street life.

Alternatively, get the ride on Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off Bus to see the best sights in the city! The easiest way to get around and see the major attractions in Hanoi.

If you need to travel farther away, just use the Grab or Grab Motor. It’s the Southeast Asia version of Uber and super easy to use!

Best Place To Stay

Hanoi is a travelers paradise. There is an enormous amount of great hotels and hostels all over the city. We recommended base yourself centrally in old quarter to ease on your Hanoi itinerary planning. Staying in qol quarter is easy to get around for attractions, food, and entertainment.

Here is few option with different budget range for staying in Hanoi Old Quarter:

Luxury : Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel is the best luxury hotel in Hanoi. But rest assured, even the most luxurious accommodation in Hanoi is affordable! The hotel is centrally located with beautiful rooms and comfy beds. Most importantly, the price is reasonable.

High-range : Acoustic Hotel & Spa  is the  popular affordable luxury Hotel in Hanoi . The location is pretty convenient and right on the border of the Old Quarter. It is walking distance to the train street and weekend market with lots of eateries along the way.

Mid-Budget :  Ja Cosmo Hotel and Spa is a surprisingly affordable boutique hotel. Located in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter, it is easy walking distance to visit the attractions nearby and find food even at night.

For more accommodation option, be sure to read our Ultimate Guide for Where To Stay in Hanoi .

Things To Do in Hanoi itinerary

Hanoi is highly dense with people and full of motorcycles . You can easily explore the city on foot or try a cyclo tour to travel around all the streets with famous attractions. It is a real treat by wandering around and watching the locals and activities. Be careful or you can get lost!

The following Hanoi itinerary is action packed if you are only have limited one day in Hanoi. You are freely to adjust based on your interest and available in the city.

Things To Do in Hanoi Itinerary :

• Start with relaxing stroll at Hoan Kiem Lake

Ngoc Son Temple and Turtle Island

Wandering in hanoi old quarter, hang bac street, train street, have a cup of vietnamese coffee, try local vietnamese street food, enjoy nightlife at ta hien street, hanoi night market.

Hanoi Travel Guide : For excursions, I would recommend the Hanoi Sightseeing Motorbike Tour as you will be directly in the street life. Your driver will stop at the most interesting spots or on demand to save your steps. Most importantly, you can enjoy the picturesque and beautiful chaos. A fun and non-forgettable experience.

Relaxing Stroll at Hoan Kiem Lake

Centrally located in the middle of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is literary the oasis in the heart of the city . The lake is located in a lovely setting and is strangely peaceful. It is a nice place to relax, run around, or have your coffee to get some break from the hustle-bustle of the city.

Every morning, locals love spending their time here doing exercise, taking aerobic or tai-chi lessons, jogging around the lake, or just enjoying nature in calm and serene surroundings. While in the nighttime, the lake looks stunning with the bridge illuminated in flaming red. You must take your camera here to capture the astounding beauty of the lake and the activities around the lake.

There are many hotels, restaurants, and bars surrounding the lake. From Old Quarter it is an easy walk to Hoan Kiem Lake. Worth a quick 30 minutes stop and have a drink during your visit to Hanoi.

There are a few historical temples and buildings around the lake that are worth coupled during your visit to Hoan Kiem Lake.

At the north end of the Hoan Kiem Lake is an arched red wooden pedestrian bridge leading to Jade Island which houses the Ngoc Son temple . It was an 18th-century pagoda that was originally built during the Tran dynasty (1225-1400) but was last restored in 1865. It venerates Van Xuong, the god of literature, as well as La To (a physician) and Tran Hung Dao, a 13th-century leader who fought successful wars against the Nguyen.

While at the northern end of the Lake is a small island where a small tower called Turtle Tower is located. According to legend, Hoan Kiem Lake is the home to a mythical turtle who is a Vietnamese legend’s hero. The tower was built to honor the magic turtle that still guards the sword. Enormous turtles still lived in the lake until now.

Walk the lush trail surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake and visit its Ngoc Son Temple. There is a small entry fee but worth paying it to cross the picturesque red bridge and enter the temple.

Next on the Hanoi itinerary is the infamous Hanoi Old Quarter . Basically, you’re not coming to Hanoi if you didn’t visit the old quarter! The Hanoi Old Quarter is the main attraction of the city and it is one of the top places to visit on your Hanoi itinerary. As a first-time tourist, you can truly enjoy Vietnam culture in this old and quaint part of Hanoi. It does give a very nostalgic feeling of how life could be those days.

Hanoi Old Quarter is quaint, historically interesting, and chaotic! There’re 36 dense streets in the area and every square meter is turned into a little business or shop and the energy pumps are non-stop. Each street name begins with “Hang” for Street, followed by the specific business or item located on the street for purchase, such as Hang Can for stationery or Hang Dau for shoes.

There have too many amazing things and you can find practically everything here with all types of products selling in the old quarter. It is very chaotic but very well-organized. From local produces, fruits, vegetables, silver jewelry, shoes, wallets, and clothes, up to shoe repair, you’ve got everything in the Old Quarter.  If you wish to buy souvenirs for home, then this is the perfect place for that. Remember to bargain for a good price!

Among all the streets in the area, The vibrant Hang Bac Street is an excellent introduction to the Old Quarter. Like all the streets in Hanoi, Hang Bac is cluttered and chaotic. It is the busiest street situated in Hanoi downtown packed with shops, restaurants, bars, people, and lots of motorcycles.

In fact, Hang Bac means “Silver Street” but these days you can find all kinds of things and all kinds of shops. The street offers something for everyone from fine high-end fashion and home boutiques, to jewelry, to convenience stores. A great place to meet with locals from all walks of life and a great way to get to know the people. Be careful and watch out for the motorcycles while you are walking on this street.

Situated in Old Hanoi Quarter, between Le Duan and Kham Tien street is the famous Hanoi Train Street . The train street is a unique attraction where visitors can watch a train speeding through the street on both sides of houses at a meter distance. People will shut down their homes and activity paused while the train went by but then back to business as usual. One of the most popular spots in the city and should not miss when coming to Hanoi.

If you wanted to catch the train passing by , make sure to do some research before getting here. Still, the train schedule is hit-and-miss and not a train was as per the timetable. But you can still roughly rely on the train schedule we got from the official website:

• Weekday: 19:00, 19.45, 21.30, and 22:00.
• Weekend: 6:00, 9:00, 11.20, 15.20, 17.30, 18:00 pm, 19:00, 19.45, 20.30, 21:00, and 23:00

When visiting Hanoi train street, it is best to find a place to sit down and take a drink at one of the cozy places along the train lane. All the cafes have great views so any place would be great. Just chose one, sat down, ordered some coffee, and waited for the train came.

It is fun when the train finally passes by. During this time, all the owners shouted to warn all tourists to stand within the safe zone. Listening to the last-minute scramble and loud whistler to clear the tables and chairs to make sure the train line gets empty. Truly a unique experience when the train passes very close, only a few inches away by while drinking fantastic Vietnamese coffee.

Definitely worth seeing this once and make sure to pack this spot into your Hanoi itinerary.

For a coffee lover, don’t miss the Vietnamese coffee in Hanoi. The charming Hanoi has some of the best tastier cafes and coffee shops. It is worth wandering around and getting lost in the city while ending with a cup of Vietnamese coffee in one of the authentic coffee shops.

We highly recommended sampled delicious egg coffee . It is an egg custard densely foamed up and served on top of black coffee. It may sound disgusting but it tasted extremely delicious.

The walking tour of the Old Quarter was an enlightening experience especially coupled together with the local food that you can indulge in. Along your Hanoi itinerary, you can check out one of the many western cafes and restaurants or try some food from the local street food dealers.

Find out on a fun food tour in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Most of the famous Hanoi local foods are located in Hanoi Old Quarter such as Pho Bat Dan, Tao Pho, Bun Cha, salted apricot, Braised fish, Squid cake, and many more. It is truly an adventure to try street foods. The street food is very good and diverse but the price is very different from shops so remember to ask the price before ordering. Eat till you drop!

Related Read : Hanoi Food Guide – What To Eat and Drink in Hanoi .

Ta Hien Street, which literally means beer street is the best street for enjoying the complete nightlife of Hanoi. The street is just only 200 meters long, Ta Hien Street is one of the most crowded streets I have been to in Hanoi filled with tourists and locals alike. There are many bars and street vendors where you can find a variety of Hanoi street foods with an ice-cold beer.

Most drinking is just done outside sitting on a small-sized plastic chair right on the street, having beer and food while people watching. The food and drink are slightly more expensive than in other places in the old quarter.

We had the authentic Vietnamese hotpot in one of the BBQ setup restaurants here. The food was delicious and the price is also reasonable. Most importantly, we enjoyed the atmosphere here. A perfect place where you can come and enjoy the atmosphere as well as the food and the drinks.

During the nighttime, the Hanoi Old quarter will be limited to motorcycles and cars so it becomes a good place to walk around. It’s very interesting to explore Hanoi at night with a lined of street foods scattered around the area.

Apart from that, don’t miss the Hanoi night market if you are visiting Hanoi during the weekend. The night market near the north side of the lake is a must-visit attraction with hundreds of vendors and street artists. You can walk around and enjoy a stroll in the street. There is often live music and performances make it very happening. Highly recommend you come to Hanoi on the weekend to take part in the atmosphere of the night market and walking street.

Other Attractions in Hanoi Downtown

There are a lot of attractions and small temples everywhere in the city which is really interesting. We didn’t have enough time to explore those attractions. You can plan it if you are interested.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi – A late 19th-century neo-Gothic Revival church with 31-meter-high twin bell towers. The cathedral is the oldest church in Hanoi and was constructed by the French government in 1886. It not only serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi but welcomes everyone to come, attend and experience.

Temple of Literature is an amazing place with precious history, culture, and structure. Dedicated to Confucius, the temple was built in 1070 and was reconstructed during the Trần dynasty (1225–1400) and in the subsequent dynasties. It hosts the Imperial Academy where royal members studied in the past. This is also considered the first national university in Vietnam. Best place to learn about the history and culture of Vietnam since the 10th century.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the dominating structure dedicated to the hero of the nation. It serves as the final resting place for this revolutionary leader. A place to understand more about the History of Vietnam and what the people have gone through.

The famous Thong Long Water Puppet show is located in Old Quarter area right next to the Hoan Kiem Lake. The puppets are moved from under the water in a show that showcases the pillars of Vietnamese way of life, culture and even religion. There are several shows daily, make sure to reserve your Water Puppet Show Ticket in advanced.

How To Plan Hanoi Itinerary

There are so many things to do in Hanoi that it is hard to decide where to begin. Hanoi is a great base when traveling around Northern Vietnam. With 1, 2, or 3 days in the city, you can explore it beyond the typical tourist attractions.

On your Hanoi itinerary, we recommended spending at least one full day exploring the Hanoi downtown area at Old Quarter.

Started the day with great Vietnamese egg coffee at a local coffee shop in the Old Quarter. Spend some time touring around Hoan Kiem lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and Turtle Island. Followed by wandering around the areas and other interesting attractions in Old Quarter such as St Joseph Cathedral. If you are feeling hungry, stop by for a great lunch at one of the restaurants selling local cuisines. Continued with wandering around the area such as train street, Hang Bac Street, and other vibrant streets in the old quarter. A great day in Hanoi!

If you’d like to explore the ancient city, you can easily slow down your pace and explore Hanoi for more days. Alternatively, you can have a tour of Halong Bay which is about 3 hours from Hanoi. Spent at least one day to enjoy the serene and picturesque of Halong Bay.

Tour Depart from Hanoi

The stunning Halong Bay is a major tourist attraction and a must-see stop on your Hanoi itinerary. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to emerald waters and infinite towering limestone isles, islets, and caves topped by lush rainforests.

We recommended getting to Halong bay by joining a tour as the transportation is not well-connected. This is the most popular day trip from Hanoi with many people departing to Halong Bay every day. A not to be missed attraction if you are visiting Hanoi!

Related Read : A Trip To Halong Bay: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog

For a day trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi, here is our recommendation:

• Small Group Halong Bay Day Tour from Hanoi [Route 1]  –  Most Popular!
• Halong Bay Deluxe Cruise from Hanoi [Route 2]

Consider to enjoy the serene Halong Bay with multiple-days tour:

• All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Cruise in Halong Bay  –  Reputation Customer Review in TripAdvisor !
• 5 Stars Halong Bay Cruise with private balcony and bathtub .

Some other popular day trips departed from Hanoi for consideration:

• Day trip to an ancient capital: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Day Trip
• Experience beauty of nature: Bai Dinh – Trang An – Mua Cave Tour

Final Hanoi Travel Tips

Hopefully you don’t feel too overwhelmed by all of the things we have discussed above.

The traffic and humanity are overwhelmingly congested . The sound of car and motorcycle horns every few seconds adds to the hustle and bustle of the place. It’s very challenging crossing the roads as cars and motorcycles can appear from any direction. Stay alert and enjoy the charm.

Food and drinks are cheap overall . You can indulge and learn more about Vietnam’s local cuisine in Hanoi. No matter your dietary requirements, you’ll be able to enjoy the food very much.

If you plan to do a tour, we recommend you compare prices on Klook and   Viator – a TripAdvisor company . Both are reputation companies I can vouch for!

How many days should I spend in Hanoi? If possible, try to allocated at least one day to discover the bustling Hanoi downtown area.

Is Hanoi safe for tourists? Hanoi is a relatively safe city to travel to. The city is generally safe but some areas should be avoided, such as parts of Hanoi filled with clubs and bars that are usually filled with suspicious individuals. Be cautious and avoid these places late at night.

Is Hanoi worth the visit? I must say, you wouldn’t be disappointed at all by visiting Hanoi! From beautiful centuries-old architecture, and delicious Vietnamese food to smiling locals, you’ll find no lack of things to do in Hanoi.

Overview: A Visit To Hanoi

All in all, Hanoi is an amazing destination for all types of travelers, regardless if you’re interested in sightseeing, temples, gastronomy, a great night market scene, art, and everything else in-between.

We hope our suggestions help you plan your Hanoi itinerary. I’m hardly an expert on Hanoi but I do hope that you find this Hanoi travel guide useful. Hanoi is truly amazing and around every corner is something new.

On our Hanoi itinerary, we sampled delicious street food, tried the disgusting yet tasty egg coffee, and enjoyed strolling around the streets absorbing the hustle and bustle. We stayed at the  Acoustic Hotel & Spa  and fell in love with the convenient and all that it has to offer. Many great restaurants and interesting attractions are within walking distance. Highly recommended.

Lastly, if you need more travel inspiration for Northern Vietnam, here you can find the best articles to plan your trip including Sapa, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay.

• A Trip To Halong Bay: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Hanoi: Best Areas and Hotels
• Hanoi Food Guide: Where and What To Eat

Traveling to Sapa:

• Things To Do in Sapa Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Sapa: Best Hotels and Homestays

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How To Spend 3 Days in Hanoi: The Perfect Hanoi Itinerary

A visit to Vietnam would not be complete without spending at least 3 days in Hanoi. It’s a city that’s embracing the future while still preserving the past, boasting a mix-match of colonial buildings, ancient pagodas and epic skyscrapers.

I think Hanoi is one of those cities that you’ll either love or hate. For me, it was love — although not at first sight. I arrived in Hanoi to find a city that I thought was too busy, too chaotic and too unruly. However, my allotted three days in Hanoi quickly turned to five as I fell head over heels for this vibrant city.

If you’re a first-time visitor to the Vietnamese capital, my 3 day Hanoi itinerary should give you a good idea of what to see and do. Let’s get started!

3 DAY HANOI ITINERARY OVERVIEW

DAY 1 Indulge in Hanoi’s coffee scene Explore the Old Quarter Take a street food tour Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake Drink beer on Ta Hien Street

DAY 2 The Ho Chi Minh Complex The Thăng Long Imperial Citadel The Museum of Literature Hanoi Train Street Explore the French Quarter Watch a water puppet show

DAY 3 Take a cooking class Stroll around West Lake Enjoy cocktails at a rooftop bar

Day 1: Street food & The Old Quarter

Dive straight into the heart of Hanoi by making a visit to The Old Quarter. The Old Quarter has been the historical and commercial centre of the capital for thousands of years.

Start your day with coffee

Vietnam is pretty famous for its coffee, and Hanoi is one of the best places to find it in abundance. The Old Quarter is home to tons of cafes and coffee shops – take your pick and indulge in some traditional Vietnamese coffee. If you’re a Harry Potter geek, I recommend the Potter-themed cafe Always Coffee and Butterbeer. If you’re really coffee-mad, you may enjoy this coffee-tasting tour.

Explore the Old Quarter

This Old Quarter is the main tourist hub of Hanoi and you’ll find an energetic vibe here. Expect to find colour and culture down every street, with plenty of Buddhist temples and pagodas, cafés, bars, restaurants, bakeries, market stalls, boutique shops and art galleries to discover. Perhaps you’ll want to visit Dong Xuan Market,  one of the largest and most popular shopping centres in Hanoi.

Take a street food tour

When visiting cities in Southeast Asia, I  always  go on a street food tour . Southeast Asia is home to delicious cuisine, from noodle soups to spicy curries. Vietnam, though, is famous for its  pho.  I must have eaten pho every single day during the month I spent in Vietnam . Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a paradise for Vietnamese street food.

Hoan Kiem Lake

After you’ve had your fill of street food, head to Hoan Kiem Lake to spend some time taking in the sights around its perimeter. This 12-hectare lake is one of the most famous attractions in Hanoi — Ho Hoan Kiem means “Lake of the Returned Sword.” While walking around the lake, you should spot attractions such as Turtle Tower, the Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple.

Drink beer on Ta Hien Street

Ta Hien Street is super famous for its beer. But there are no proper bars here — customers will sit on small wooden or plastic stools by the side of the road to enjoy their beverage. No need for decent tables and chairs, just beer and street food are enough for Hanoians to chit-chat all night long. It’s a great place to drink and people-watch.

Day 2: A day of sight-seeing

Today we’ll head to the Ba Dinh district, just west of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where there are a few historical buildings, before heading towards the French Quarter.

Ho Chi Minh Complex

The Ho Chi Minh Complex is one of the most popular things to see in Hanoi. Regardless of your political view, Ho Chi Minh had a huge influence on Vietnam, winning the country’s independence, so it’s understandable why the people want him to be preserved.

The entire complex is dedicated to him, and his body is housed in a huge mausoleum, built in Russian-style architecture. The surrounding grounds are beautifully maintained with gardens and a tea shop, and are quite peaceful to relax in.

It’s only open in the early morning from 07:30 – 10:30, so be sure to visit first thing.

Thăng Long Imperial Citadel

This 11th-century imperial citadel complex deserves a good couple of hours of exploration. It’s very well preserved, featuring buildings, museums, and artefacts, as well as a couple of old underground bunkers. A great place to learn about Hanoi’s history.

The Temple of Literature

While the name may suggest that the Temple of Literature is a temple, it’s actually a university. In fact, it was the first-ever university in Vietnam. Serene and peaceful, it’s a beautiful site to wander around, featuring lush gardens, walkways, temples and memorials. Entrance is just 30,000 VND (1.30 USD).

Hanoi Train Street

Head towards the Old Quarter to Train Street. Here, twice a day, a speeding train passes just inches from the homes of the local residents. Drying clothes are carried inside, chairs and bikes are moved into doorways and children are ushered indoors. The street’s residents press tightly against the walls, before continuing on as though nothing happened as soon as the train has passed.

French Quarter

To see a completely different side of Hanoi, make your way down to the city’s French Quarter. Peppered with French colonial buildings and architecture, it feels like a whole new city. You’ll find grand government buildings, boutique stores and high-end restaurants. It’s a nice place to wander around — be sure to check out the colonial  Opera House  and  Presidential Palace.

Watch a water puppet show

Water puppet shows are an ancient Vietnamese tradition dating back to the 11th century, where stories are told through music and the use of puppets as characters. It’s a fun way to spend an evening and enjoy some authentic Vietnamese culture. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre on the north shore of Hoan Kiem Lake is the most popular — make sure you book tickets at least a day in advance as the show usually sells out.

Day 3: Cooking class & West Lake

Take a cooking class.

I’m not a very good cook, and I usually find it to be a bit of a chore, but taking a cooking class was one of the highlights of my time in Hanoi. It lasted for half a day, finishing at just the right time for lunch so that we could devour all the food we had just made.

The cooking class will likely start with a market tour, where you’ll accompany the chef to buy all the fresh ingredients needed for the class. Visiting a local market gives some great insight into the daily life of Vietnam — they’re vibrant, colourful and fascinating to look around.

Once back in the kitchen, the chef will show you how to prepare all the dishes. Think pho, spring rolls, banh mi…

Ho Tay / West Lake

Once you’ve finished devouring all the delicious Vietnamese food you made this morning, head to Ho Tay. Also known as West Lake , this is Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake, and it takes roughly 2.5 – 3 hours to walk around its perimeter.

I recommend a relaxing afternoon stroll around West Lake, stopping to enjoy coffee and attractions on your way. You should spot Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, situated on a small island on the southeastern shore, and Quan Thanh Temple,  a Taoist temple dating back to the 11th century.

Enjoy cocktails at Apricot Hotel

If you’re looking for a slice of luxury on your final night in Hanoi, I recommend drinks at Apricot Hotel. It’s located on the west shore of Hoan Kiem Lake, and while it’s a little pricey for Vietnam, you can enjoy cocktails on the rooftop bar, overlooking an unparalleled view of the lake.

Other things to do in Hanoi

If you’ve got more time on your hands, or some of my suggestions aren’t right for you, here are some additional ideas to add to your Hanoi itinerary:

Jeep tour: Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Hanoi in a unique way as you explore the city in a Soviet-era GAZ-69 jeep. This Hanoi jeep tour is superb.

Lotte Center: This is the tallest building in Hanoi — go up to the observation deck at the very top for panoramic views of the city.

Vietnamese Women’s Museum:  A modern museum exploring Vietnamese women’s history, culture and fashion.

Vietnam Military History Museum:  Easy to spot thanks to a large collection of weaponry at the front, the Military Museum displays Soviet and Chinese equipment alongside French and US weapons captured during years of warfare.

Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum: An art museum showcasing Vietnam’s fine arts from a range of historical periods.

Planning your trip to Hanoi

Best time to visit hanoi.

The best time to visit Hanoi will not only depend on how much you want to avoid the high season but also on what kind of weather you find most comfortable. While much of Southeast Asia experiences warm, tropical weather year-round, Hanoi experiences hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters.

The summer — May to October — can see a fair amount of rainfall , so is best avoided if you don’t enjoy sightseeing in the rain.

The high season is the shoulder months of November/December and March/April, when most tourists choose to visit due to less rainfall and comfortable temperatures. The downside is that prices are inflated due to high demand.

Where to stay in Hanoi

From a tourist perspective, The Old Quarter is definitely the best and most convenient place to stay.

For backpacker hostels , I recommend  Chi Novel Hostel or Old Quarter View.

Hanoi Backpacker’s Hostel is renowned as one of the most mental party hostels in all of Southeast Asia , and is the place to be if you love to drink, party and drink some more.

For a private room , I recommend O Quan Chuong Homestay and Coffee — very reasonably priced and located in the heart of The Old Quarter.

How to get around in Hanoi

Luckily, many of Hanoi’s main attractions are conveniently close together, so it’s fairly easy to get around Hanoi by walking. For longer distances, I’d recommend using Grab, an Uber-like service based in Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, taxi drivers in Hanoi are known for scamming tourists, so I’d advise avoiding them where possible.

About The Author

Lauren Pears is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in London. She writes about active adventure travel, aiming to encourage and inspire travellers to make the most of the great outdoors.

Thank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Lauren. Hotels –  Booking.com Hostels –  Hostelworld Cheap flights –  Skyscanner Travel insurance –  World Nomads Outdoor gear –  Decathlon  /  GO Outdoors Cycling gear –  Chain Reaction Cycles Alternatively, you could buy me a coffee to say thanks!

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thank you for this, ill follow your iterinary, plan to visit Hanoi on July with my daughter, but need to book a 3 star hotel, can you recommend any? thank you

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Home » Southeast Asia » Vietnam » Hanoi

INSIDER HANOI ITINERARY for 2024

Hanoi is alive with energy. The vibrant streets emanate with the constant hustle and bustle of motorists and loud traffic. The Vietnamese capital is popular amongst backpackers and offers an incredible cultural immersion created through decades of change, with many dark times and social adversity.

The capital of Vietnam is considered as one of the oldest capitals in the world with has a history dating back over a thousand years ago. Emperor Ly Thai To moved the capital here in 1010 with the name of Thang Long, meaning rising dragon.

Hanoi is now home to over 7 million people, making it the second largest city in Vietnam. With so many sights and sounds at every moment, this city can feel like a lot to take in. There are countless museums, temples, pagodas, and parks to discover.

If you’re wondering what to do in Hanoi, you’ve come to the right place. I have put together this Hanoi trip Itinerary to help you navigate the overwhelming senses of this fast-paced and fascinating cluttered yet functioning city in order to make the most of each Hanoi attraction.

A Little Bit about this 3-Day Hanoi Itinerary

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Hanoi is a city of incredible history, cute architecture, amazing food, and the warmest hospitality you will find in South East Asia. It has something for every traveler, from relaxing lakes, ornate temples, incredible museums, and some pretty weird and unique theatre…which I’ll get on to later. Whatever you do for fun, you’ll never run out of things to do in Hanoi!

Whether you’re spending one day in Hanoi or planning an unforgettable 3 day Hanoi itinerary, there are some phenomenal options jostling for a spot on your list! I’d personally suggest taking at least three full days to explore the city, and if you have more time, you can certainly stay a week and not get bored.

If you want to see all of the important landmarks you will be hard-pressed to fit it all in within 24 hours, but if you pay a private driver you could manage, but that’s expensive and stressful. So do yourself a favour and set more time aside.

In this 3 day Hanoi itinerary, you’ll find three days packed with history, culture, and adventure. But don’t worry, you won’t have to rush from A to B, trying to fit everything in.

I’ve chosen the ideal daily structure, added times, routes to get there and suggestions on how long you should spend at each spot. Of course, you can add your own spots in, swap things around, or even skip some places. Use this itinerary as inspiration instead of a fixed plan to get the most out of your trip!

3 Day Hanoi Itinerary Overview

• Day One: Old Quarter |  Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple | Ancient House | Bach Ma Temple | Dong Xuan Market | O Quan Chuong | Long Bien Bridge
• Day Two: Mausoleum | Military History Museum | House on Stilts | One Pillar Pagoda | Museum of Ethnology | West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda | Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
• Day Three: St Joseph’s Cathedral | Hoa Lo Prison | Hanoi Opera House | Ta Hein Night Market | Perfume Pagoda

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Hanoi is a large and busy city so finding somewhere to stay can be a difficult task when you don’t know where you’re going. Depending on what you’re looking for, there are many options.

From centrally-located hostels for backpackers visiting Hanoi to hotels and Airbnbs further afield that offer a bit more peace, there are heaps of amazing places to stay. I’ve outlined the general areas to give you more insight into where you’d like to base yourself for your holiday in Hanoi.

The Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem) is probably the area to stay in Hanoi, as it is right in the middle of the action. It’s the ideal place if you can handle the noisy streets and enjoy the constant hustle and bustle of city living.

The nightlife is thriving all around this area, and there are plenty of street food stalls to delve into some great authentic Vietnamese food with ease. You’ll be able to find something around this area for any budget.

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Ba Dinh is Hanoi’s downtown.  It is a bit further away from the madness, offering a more peaceful base but is still close to attractions like Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature and the One Pillar Pagoda.

This area is ideal for travelers who’d like somewhere they can escape the crowds who don’t mind having fewer restaurants and nightlife options. You’ll need a slightly higher budget for staying around Ba Dinh on your Hanoi holiday.

Tay Ho, or Hanoi West Lake, is another more peaceful area than the Old Quarter. This area is great for foodies and peace-seekers. It’s packed with great restaurants and a few Buddhist temples and offers a more romantic atmosphere with the best sunset views in Hanoi. You’ll need a higher budget to stay in this area and there are fewer accommodation options.

Hai Ba Trung and Dong Da districts are two other less popular options. They are near Hoan Kiem district which is the center of the city so it’s still easy to get around and they have the added bonus of being cheaper areas of Hanoi to stay in than the other 3 areas mentioned above.

Best Hostel in Hanoi – Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel

This hostel is conveniently located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It’s the perfect place for Hanoi backpackers to explore from and has a common terrace and free beers every day from 6 pm to 6.30 pm!

Best Airbnb in Hanoi – Central space with a great atmosphere

This beautiful flat combines a modern western vibe with an old-school Vietnamese class, just like Ba Dinh itself. The place is a stone’s throw from a number of museums, and the Imperial Palace. Getting to and from the city center will be a breeze from this place, and it’s only a short walk to the old quarter

Best Budget Hotel in Hanoi – Classic Street Hotel

This traditionally Vietnamese decorated hotel is affordable and boasts a great location just 5 minutes walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. They also offer free Wi-Fi and an on-site Vietnamese restaurant!

Best Luxury Hotel in Hanoi – Acoustic Hotel & Spa

Acoustic Hotel is a superb centrally located hotel with a fitness center and free bikes! The property also has a bar and restaurant serving local cuisine, and all rooms include a desk and Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Free buffet-style breakfast is served daily.

Your first day of this 2-day itinerary in Hanoi will be spent getting to know your surroundings and the general geography of the city, with a couple of the most memorable and exciting sites to see in Hanoi.

9:00 AM – Explore the Old Quarter

The starting point in this Hanoi guide is the Old Quarter; the soul of Hanoi and the rhythm of local modern life in the city. It can seem like a bit of a maze with around 36 streets of the market and food stalls in a labyrinth of ancient streets, once inhabited by traders serving the nearby citadel.

The best way to explore The Old Quarter is by following a Hanoi guide along with the Medicine, Headstone, Tin, and Silk streets on foot. The area is always humming with life, so be ready to dodge scooters and prepare yourself for a bit of a sensory overload! This really is the quintessential Hanoi.

The Old Quarter is the immersion point of Hanoi. Taste the local dishes like Bat dan or Pho (Noodle soup) or specialty coffees like ca phe sua da (iced coffee) on “Coffee street”. Head to “Silk street” to peruse the boutiques, ceramics, and silk prints, or take a break Hanoian style on the low-slung plastic stools along the pavement, watching the daily maelstrom.

Insider Tip: Haggle, bargain, and battle for anything you’re interested in buying! Don’t just accept the first price.

• Cost – Adults: Free!
• Getting there: Take a Grab bike to the Hoan Kiem Lake and walk from there.
• How long should I spend there: You could spend 1-2 hours walking the streets, trying a Vietnamese coffee or Bahn Mi…or 2.

10:00AM – Stroll Through Dong Xuan Market

The French government first opened the Dong Xuan Market in 1889, centrally located in the Old Quarter as the place for locals and tourists to visit and to purchase goods.

It offers the perfect place to go in Hanoi to experience everyday life, browsing everything from groceries to clothing. If you aren’t looking to buy anything you can simply walk around having a look at all the different items.

The Dong Xuan Market is also a great outing for a weekend in Hanoi.

• Cost – Free, with lots of goodies to purchase.
• Getting there: it’s in the Old Quarter
• How long should I spend there: 1-2 hours should be enough time.

12:00PM – Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Hoan Kiem Lake, or The Lake of the Returned Sword, is one of the Hanoi landmarks and is the scenic centre part and greatest tourist attraction in Hanoi. It provides the perfect place to get away from the frantic pace of the city and spend some time in peace and quiet with beautiful natural surroundings.

The Lake surrounds the Ngoc Son Temple, which was built in commemoration of the 13th Century leader Tran Hung Dao. He was renowned for his bravery in the battle against the Yung Dynasty along with scholar Van Xuong and Confucian master Nguyen Van Sieu.

The island that the temple is built on is known as Jade Island, and so the temple is known as “The Temple of the Jade Mountain”. It’s connected to the mainland by the iconic Huc Bridge or the Rising Sun Bridge (a charming Vietnamese scarlet painted wooden bridge that makes a great place to photograph at night).

Legend has it that the emperor was once given a magical sword that helped him to defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty which brought about the return of the Golden Turtle God to the Lake. The temple houses ancient artifacts including ceramics and a preserved 250kg giant turtle found in the Lake.

• Cost – Free to explore the Lake
• Getting there: It’s in the Old Quarter.
• How long should I spend there: It will take less than an hour to walk around it.

2:00PM – Walk Through the Ma May Ancient House

This Hanoi itinerary takes you to this ancient Hanoian house – a step back in time. Come and discover the history of Hanoi and see pictures dating back to the late 19th Century. The ancient house has been restored many times but still maintains most of its old features.

The two main parts of the house are connected by a square in the middle of the yard that was designed to moderate the air and provide a cool breeze and sunlight into the house. The street-facing room was originally used for selling goods, with the rooms on the next floor used for hosting guests and worshipping ancestors.

You’ll discover the typically yellow-colored walls, like most Hanoi houses, with all the furniture and decor in good condition. The ancient house is a must-see in Hanoi and a fascinating walk through history to experience the ancient beauty of Hanoi life. There are also some traditional Vietnamese decor items and souvenirs to purchase.

• Cost – USD $1
• Getting there: it’s a 7 minute walk from the Ngoc Son Temple.
• How long should I spend there: Around 1 hour should be enough time.

3:00PM – Visit Bach Ma Temple

This 19th Century temple is one of the four royal palaces of Hanoi. Believed to be sacred and commonly used by locals and tourists as a place of worship to pray. The temple was built by King Ly Thai to honour Bach Ma.

The temple was moved to its location in the Old Quarter from Long Do Mountain in order to guard the east side of Thang Long. Legend has it that the name ‘Bach Ma’, translated to the White horse, refers to the construction of the temple.

The story goes that the King had been struggling with the construction of the temple as the walls kept collapsing. A white horse then outlined with its hooves the area that the King should build the temple, and so it was built.

The architecture is incredible, starting from the ancient wooden doors that open up to a beautifully decorated interior with a red-lacquered funeral palanquin. The temple houses a statue of the White Horse and a shrine dedicated to Confucius, as well as a Phoenix Altar for offerings to the four seasons.

Visiting the temple on this itinerary for Hanoi offers a great insight into the worshippers who come to burn incense and pray and the practice of the Hanoian beliefs.

• Cost – Free!
• Getting there: it’s a 5 minute walk from the last stop.
• How long should I spend there: Around 45-minutes to 1 hour should be enough time.

4:00PM – See O Quan Chuong – An Old Gate

The incredible O Quan Chuong Gate is the only original city gate from the citadel on Thang Long to remain. It is an incredible place to photograph the elaborate Asian architecture and learn more about Vietnamese history.

The gate was originally built in 1749 and has withstood thousands of years of war and conflict. This ancient representation of architecture in Hanoi was originally used to open the east side of the city during the day and close it off to protect the citadel from theft and fire at night.

The O Quan Chuong gate was named after a chief of the army. It is a memorial to the Nguyen soldiers who fought against the French when they attacked Hanoi. The gate consists of the original architecture from the Nguyen Dynasty and has two floors and a watchtower.

The only remaining old gate of Hanoi is a fascinating and historical site to see as part of your itinerary for Hanoi. It features the inscription from O Quan Chuong marking the Thang Long capital, as well as proof of the struggle of the indomitable civilians against the foreign invaders.

• How long should I spend there: Around 30-45-minutes.

6:00PM – Walk Across Long Bien Bridge

The Long Bien Bridge was constructed between 1899 and 1902, designed by the French but built by Vietnamese workers. It was heavily bombed by the Americans but remained intact with many of its original parts still intact. The bridge is maintained for its memory and historical significance as well as a crossing for trains and motor vehicles.

The bridge is a great historic place for tourists to explore, and with locals coming to shop at the open-air markets in the afternoons. Walk along the 2290m span across the river and experience the unique architectural, historic and cultural value. It’s also a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset, or just to admire the scenery.

• Cost – Free
• Getting there: it’s across the road from the last stop.
• How long should I spend there: about 20 minutes to 30 minutes.

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The second day of your 2 days in Hanoi will be spent getting to know more about the history of the city.

9:00AM – Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is located in Ba Dinh Square and is one of the most visited attractions in Hanoi. This unique historical experience is a must when visiting Hanoi. The iconic and famous leader of Vietnam, also known as ‘Uncle Ho’, is preserved here in a glass case (albeit against his wishes). This makes for a fascinating and unique historical visit as part of your Hanoi itinerary.

There is a lot of security at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and tourists are expected to hand over their bags before entering. In the inner sanctum, you’ll find Uncle Ho’s preserved body under a glass sarcophagus that is guarded by four sentries at each corner of the post. The embalmed body is a fascinating sight and is extremely well preserved and donned in a khaki suit.

Visitors are expected to show respect upon entry into the Mausoleum, and any chattering or indecent movements and actions will be closely monitored by the guards. You’re also expected to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and legs and not wearing any indecent attire.

If you’re interested in learning more about Ho Chi Minh, you can visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum. The Ho Chi Minh Museum is located just around the corner from the Mausoleum and will take only a short while to visit, but I only recommend those with more time than 3 days in Hanoi because there are a lot cooler places and museums to see.

Insider Tip: Try to visit as early as possible because the crowds will invade the square around noon.

• Getting there: it’s located in Ba Dinh, make your way here from your accommodation.
• How long should I spend there: Around 30-45-minutes should be enough time.

10:00AM – See the House on Stilts

Uncle Ho commissioned this stilt house to be built for him to dissociate himself from the hated French Governor Generals who lived in the Palace. At this stop, you’ll walk from the Presidential Palace visitors entrance along with the gardens and fruit-bearing trees lining Mango Alley, to get to this very simple stilt house.

Uncle Ho lived a very modest and simple life. Propaganda often shows him wearing brown cotton clothes and sandals crafted from the same materials as his fellow countrymen. This is said to be to show empathy with the people and their struggles with the American bomb attacks.

The house on stilts is an interesting visit and is a fascinating historical exploration for your Hanoi itinerary.

• Cost – USD $1.5

11:00 AM – Visit the One Pillar Pagoda

This Pagoda is said to represent a lotus flower rising up out of the water from an elegantly square-shaped lotus pond. This stop at one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples is a fascinating one and costs nothing which is perfect for the budget travellers exploring Vietnam !

It was built between the years 1028 and 1054 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong. The temple is constructed from a wooden base that supports a single stone pillar crafted into the shape of a lotus blossom. It is a symbol of Hanoi and is one of the most revered sights in the city.

Explore the surrounding tranquil gardens with benches to relax and absorb the scenery in perfect contemplation. Inside the pagoda, you’ll find a shrine dedicated to the Vietnamese Buddhist deity Quan Am.

The One Pillar Pagoda is said to have been built following a dream by a childless emperor. The temple stands in gratitude for the Goddess of Mercy following the birth of his son and is where the locals come to pray for blessings of fertility and health.

Insider Tip: the Dien Huu Pagoda is located close by and boasts a courtyard full of exquisite Bonsai trees.

• Getting there: it’s around the corner from the last stop.

12:00 PM – Admire Artifacts at the Vietnam Military History Museum

This is probably one of the best museums in Hanoi and is an interesting step into history. Come and discover the museum full of Vietnam war artifacts and military paraphernalia. The actual building is built in the shape of a white lotus flower and built around the remains of a crashed jet plane!

Walk around the museum looking at the impressive collection of military orders, mementos, and photos of the communist party’s earlier achievements. It also houses the great revolutions and exhibits related to Ho Chi Minh’s political activities, and is one of the most fascinating Hanoi points of interest for all history buffs!

• Getting there: it’s a 10 minute walk from the last stop.
• How long should I spend there: Around 1-2 hours should be enough time.

2:00PM – Visit West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda

Spend your time at this stop walking around the scenic West Lake and visiting the oldest Pagoda of Hanoi. Come inside to discover the main temple some beautiful Buddhas and Bodhisattvas statues.

The Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on the East side of West Lake on a small peninsula. It is regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi, existing for more than 1500 years.

Discover the history and architecture of this Buddhist center that is representative of the beautiful landscape and the peaceful Lake. This temple has great historic value and has changed names many times as representations of the different milestones of the country, now meaning “Protecting the country”.

• Getting there: it’s a 30 minute walk from the last stop, or you can take a Grab bike.

4:00PM – Enjoy the Museum of Ethnology

There are 54 different ethnic groups in Vietnam, and this museum plays a major role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting socio-cultural diversity. It’s also a center for important ethnographic research and highlights the traditional Vietnamese ways of life.

Visitors are welcome to come and browse the vast research that’s on display here, and learn more about the incredible diversity in the city. From religious events to different symbolic rituals of varying Vietnamese ethnic groups, there is a great deal to learn from a visit to the Museum of Ethnology as part of your Hanoi itinerary.

Insider tip: on your way to the Museum of Ethnology from the last stop, you could swing by the Vietnamese Women’s Museum which tells a history of all the incredible women who have contributed to Vietnam’s history and culture. The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is not huge and takes a short while to see, so I would only recommend visiting if you have time.

• Getting there: Take a Grab bike to the next stop, it’s a 1.5 hour walk.
• How long should I spend there: Around 1-1.5 hours should be enough time.

7:00PM – Watch a Performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

The water puppet show is the ideal cultural destination for your Hanoi itinerary as it is the traditional performance of Vietnamese people and runs multiple shows daily. This world-famous Thang Long Water puppet show originates from an art form that dates back to the 11th century.

The tradition stems from a time when rice paddy fields were all flooded and the villagers would provide entertainment for themselves by standing in the waist-deep waters with puppets, and create a show.

The performances are accompanied by a Vietnamese orchestra playing traditional music and telling tales with operatic songs. The puppet show is a great way to learn about some interesting Vietnamese folk tales in a humorous way.

• Cost – USD $4/$5
• Getting there: Take a Grab bike back to the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. The theatre is by the lake.
• How long should I spend there: The show is approximately 1 hour long.

Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel

This hostel is conveniently located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

• Free Breakfast
• 24 Hour Reception

Three days is hardly enough! If you’re going to be staying longer, then here are some more ideas on what to do in Hanoi.

Temple of Literature

• A beautiful and ornately decorated temple.
• Has some stunning gardens surrounding it.
• One of the most important historical landmarks in Hanoi.

The Temple of Literature is a temple dedicated to Confucious, sages, and scholars from the Lý Thánh Tông era. It also houses the Imperial Academy, Hanoi’s first National University. This stunning temple was built in 1070 and has a variety of pavilions, halls, statues, and stelae of doctors who offered ceremonies, study sessions, and exams.

The Temple of Literature is an important historical landmark in Hanoi. In fact, it is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese ??ng banknote. It is also the place of celebration just before the Vietnamese New Year where calligraphists will write wishes in Ch? Hán.

See St Joseph’s Cathedral

• The oldest church in Hanoi
• Built in gothic revival style, it’s one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Southeast Asia
• The cathedral has 2 bell towers more than 100ft tall

St Joseph’s church was built in 1886 in a medieval gothic style that is said to resemble the Notre Dame of Paris. The whole building is about 5 stories high, with the most noteworthy features being the bell towers, elaborate altar, and stained glass windows.

This is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Hanoi. In order to erect the site, the French demolished Bao Thien Pagoda which stood in its place. This pagoda was an important one that dates back to the 12th century.

On the little plaza in front of the cathedral, you’ll find a statue of a figure holding a child in one hand with a long cross in his right hand. Entry via the main gate is only allowed during mass, and at other times can only be entered through the left side door of the church.

It is recommended that you check the opening times of the church before you go as they close during lunchtime. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Hanoi if you have the time.

Explore Hoa Lo Prison

• Learn about the sufferings of the Vietnamese revolutionaries who were confined in Hoa Lo Prison
• Intended to make an example of Vietnamese agitators for independence by the French colonial administrators
• An interesting insight into the colonial history of Hanoi

Visiting the Hoa Lo Prison is an eye-opening and fairly daunting experience. You’ll see the shackles on the walls and floors that held the prisoners down, where they were often beaten by the guards.

The prison was nicknamed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by US prisoners of war during the American war – the name was intended ironically as it was squalid and overcrowded (so the ‘Hanoi Travelodge’ would be more befitting!).

The prison was built by the French between 1886 and 1901, with an additional renovation in 1913. Executions were often carried out at the prison with a mobile guillotine, which is still on display at the prison near the prison’s death row.

Visit Hanoi Opera House

• An incredible historical and artistic building
• See some amazing performing arts at an exciting show
• Discover Vietnamese artists at this great venue!

The Hanoi Opera House is one of the most fascinating examples of colonial architecture in Vietnam. It is a great addition to any Hanoi itinerary. It was built from 1901 to 19011 and was inspired by ancient Greek architecture and the Paris opera house.

Visiting the Hanoi Opera House is a wonderful way to observe the flourishing art in Hanoi. From Vietnamese artists who are living their dreams by performing at this opera house that is the oldest and most representative form of artistic expression in Hanoi.

The building itself is so impressive that it’s worth going to see even if you don’t plan on watching one of the performances! If you do, shows cost USD $17 and host high-quality art programs that live up to international standards.

Browse Ta Hein Night Market

• Vibey night market
• Great street food and restaurants
• A lovely place to visit in the evenings with loads of people visiting every day!

Whilst staying in Hanoi, it would be a pity to miss out on this awesome night market that attracts a huge number of people to shop and eat every night. The crowds are often mostly made up of young people and it’s a great place to socialize and experience Hanoi at night time.

There are plenty of restaurants and food stalls to choose from and bars that serve guests with a variety of different drinks. This is the perfect place to gather with friends in the evening and enjoy the vibrant lifestyle of Hanoians.

Perfume Pagoda

• One of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam!
• The place where locals go to pray for wishes to come true
• Discover the stalactites and stalagmites that have been named after the different blessings they can bestow

The Perfume Pagoda is located 60km outside of Hanoi, but if you have the time it is definitely worth the visit. This pagoda is a sacred site that is highly revered by Vietnamese people who come to pray for their wishes to come true!

Surrounding the pagoda and cave is a maze of incredible Buddhist temples that have been built into the limestone cliffs of Huong Tich and are an incredible sight to see.

The surrounding area is just as beautiful with a spiritual kind of beauty filled with streams and tropical plants, as well as temples. There are many pagodas here to visit, each offering a different shrine and individual blessings of good luck!

Be sure to come and make your wishes come true by receiving good luck from the stalagmites and stalactites found in these scenic caves with incredible natural surrounds. From January to April, the pagoda is particularly busy due to the Chua Hunong festival, which is great to check out if you are around during those times.

Train Street

• A great place to get some unique photos.
• A good spot to try Vietnamese coffee.
• One of the most unusual places to visit in Hanoi.

Train Street is one of the more unusual places to visit in the city. It’s a small, narrow street lined with cafes, boutique stores, and bars. Through the middle of the street is a railway line, which is often used by trains.

When visiting train street, you can sit on a small fold-up chair and sip a Vietnamese coffee and watch as the locals and tourists occupy the train line, only to rush to move it to one side when a train comes by.

There isn’t much to see and do there other than drink coffee and take photos, but it is certainly one of the most unique attractions in the city.

You can find train street in the C?a ?ông, Hoàn Ki?m district.

It’s important to consider the weather when planning a trip to Hanoi. Hanoi is located in the North of Vietnam and doesn’t have the typical tropical weather system. They have 4 seasons in one year – Spring (February to April), Summer (May to August), Autumn (September to October), and winter (November to January). I have gathered all this information so you know what to pack for your holiday in Vietnam’s capital.

The best time to be looking to travel to Hanoi is generally in Autumn or Spring when the weather is more pleasant with milder temperatures but not too cold or rainy. The rainy season is from about May to September when there is fairly consistent rainfall that may affect your holiday in Hanoi.

The winter months are colder than the typical tropical climates with temperatures sometimes falling below 10ºC (50ºF) with dark and foggy conditions to be expected. Hanoi has high humidity year-round. Use these Hanoi travel tips to plan when to visit Hanoi!

Hanoi travel is relatively easy on foot when exploring the Old Quarter and sights and landmarks around the Lake and central Hanoi. There are some beautiful walking routes that you can take to see the best of Hanoi and to take in all the sights and smells of the city.

If you’re heading to a destination a bit further afield, there are a couple of options. If you are comfortable driving a scooter on busy roads, this is the easiest and cheapest way to get from point A to point B.

Grab is the local taxi service, similar to Uber, that is easily accessible by downloading the app on your phone and can be used from anywhere. It’s relatively cheap and avoids major taxi scams.

If you’d like to take public transport, the bus system is a great affordable option and goes to most major landmarks or parts of the city. Cycling is another great option for an active and cheap way of seeing Hanoi. You can also join a Hanoi walking tour to see the best of the city on foot.

I’ve compiled a useful 2-day itinerary for Hanoi to help you start off your stay exploring the best places and seeing the coolest things. If you’ll be backpacking around the city for longer and are looking for suggestions for a 3-day itinerary for Hanoi and beyond, there are some more ideas listed on how to spend your time.

Vietnam is safe for tourists , and Hanoi is considered a very safe place to visit on your trip.  Generally, the biggest danger you’ll face in Hanoi is crossing the street and dodging scooters on the busy streets on a daily basis!

Violent crimes are uncommon, and although occasionally petty theft like pick-pocketing may occur when the opportunity arises. This can often be avoided by being aware of yourself and your surroundings.

If you’re going to ride a motorbike around Hanoi, just be sure to wear a helmet and drive with caution. Don’t jump on the bike after a night out drinking, and be sure to lock up your scooter or pay to park it with an attendant to avoid theft.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Hanoi itinerary.

How many days in Hanoi is enough?

2-3 days in Hanoi is the ideal amount of time to see the highlights of the city.

Is 5 days in Hanoi too long?

If you are in Hanoi for longer take the time to visit places like Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh.

Is Hanoi worth visiting?

For sure, it’s the bustling, historic and endlessly fascinating capital of the country with epic street food and amazing architecture.

Is Hanoi better than Saigon?

It’s personal choice, but Hanoi is more charming in many ways than Saigon which is a lot busier and more built up.

Hanoi offers the perfect combination of tradition and modernity. Now, you’ll be able to really get to know Hanoi armed with this valuable Hanoi travel guide. Thanks to us you’ll really experience the authentic way of Vietnamese life along with the history that has shaped their culture, beliefs, and fascinating architecture.

Now you know what to do as a 3-day itinerary in Hanoi, you’ll enjoy spending your time exploring ancient temples or pagodas and experiencing the peaceful and calm feeling that exists amongst the busy and noisy streets of Hanoi. At war sites or museums, you’ll get to learn about the long yet tragic history of Vietnam and how this has shaped the lives of the people.

Hanoi is a frantic city of hustle and bustle, yet has so much to offer in the way of spirituality and traditional beliefs from the kind and giving people who live there. Enjoy hearing the sounds, tasting the foods, and making the most of your trip to Hanoi, this incredible capital of Vietnam!

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Ultimate Hanoi Itinerary + Well-Crafted Travel Guide

May 3, 2023

Abbie Bevan

Although Hanoi may not be the largest city in Vietnam, it’s the country’s capital so is a must for any Vietnam itinerary ! Hanoi is located in the North of the country, while Ho Chi Minh City dominates the South. Hanoi is also one of the best places to start a trip through Vietnam.

Hanoi is famous for its incredible architecture, rich culture, and bustling Old Quarter. You won’t run out of things to do in Hanoi! Whether you’re looking to explore temples, eat delicious local food, or visit a museum – Hanoi has something for everyone!

Hanoi’s history dates back to the 3rd century BCE. Throughout the years it’s acted as the Vietnamese nation of Âu Lạc, part of Han China, the political center of Đại Việt, and the capital of French Indochina. This is why there’s such a mismatch of architecture and culture, which creates a truly interesting and mesmerizing city!

With so much to do, how can you possibly decide where to visit? Well, I’ve come up with the ultimate 3-day Hanoi itinerary to guarantee that you make the most of your trip! This article is packed with very useful information , from the best ways to get to Hanoi, the best places to stay, how to get around, how to plan your budget, and much more!

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, you will love these articles:

• Vietnam 2-Week Itinerary
• Vietnam 7 Days Itinerary
• Vietnam Travel Planning: All You Need to Plan Your Trip

Day 3 Hanoi Itinerary: A relaxing day to end your trip full of culture, sights, and food

More tips to visit hanoi.

Read More: A Perfect 2 weeks Vietnam Itinerary

Hanoi Itinerary Overview

With a bustling population of nearly 8 million people, Hanoi is undoubtedly one of the most chaotic cities in Vietnam . Although its population may not be as large as Ho Chi Minh , it certainly feels just as busy if not more so!

Aside from the people, you’ve also got millions of motorbikes to contend with and they aren’t just restricted to the roads I’m afraid. Many of them choose to drive on the pavement so you’ll need to keep your wits about you. This is also the case if you’re planning to cross the road as they won’t stop!

Once you’ve gotten used to the craziness of Hanoi, you’ll learn to love the city! Hanoi is full of culture and charm , and many of the places you visit will leave you in awe. Not to mention Vietnam’s capital is considered to be one of the best foodie destinations in the world!

Before you head to Hanoi, it’s best to do some research before you visit – as you would with any new destination. This Hanoi itinerary is going to go through the best attractions, places to stay, and some top tips on how to make the most of your trip.

Hanoi Itinerary

Day 1 hanoi itinerary: food, markets, and plenty of walking.

The first day of your Hanoi itinerary is going to involve you walking around the city and visiting some of the best spots! Today, you’ll get to explore markets, taste delicious food, and head to one of Hanoi’s most unique attractions.

When it’s my first day in a new place, I like to just take in all the sights and smells and learn about the local culture. I like to talk to the locals if I can, and just get an idea of what’s waiting for me on my trip!

1. Spend some time exploring the Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is one of the most famous areas in the city and it’s a must for any Hanoi itinerary! If you walk north from Hoan Kiem Lake then you’ll come to the bustling streets of this area.

What’s interesting about the Old Quarter is that it dates back over 500 years. So as you can imagine there’s a unique mix of cultures, architecture, and fusion food here! As well as being one of Hanoi’s tourist hot spots, this area is also considered to be the main business hub.

Simply wandering around the Old Quarter is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. It’s full of authentic restaurants and awesome attractions including the Hanoi Tube Houses, Hanoi Bach Ma Temple, and the Night Market.

This area is a fantastic foodie destination too so you’ll want to check out this street food tour ! Your guide will take you to some of the best foodie spots in the Old Quarter where you’ll get to try a variety of local dishes. This may include rice noodle soup, traditional Vietnamese sandwiches, and steamed pancakes.

2. Wander around Dong Xuan Market

In the Old Quarter, you’ll find Dong Xuan Market which is the largest covered market in Hanoi! Covering an impressive area of 6,500 square meters there’s a lot to see at this market as you can imagine!

Dong Xuan Market has been around since the 1890s and today it attracts a variety of traders selling everything from food to fashion. Over the years, the market has been renovated several times, with the most recent renovation taking place in the 1990s when a fire nearly destroyed it!

There are three separate floors in Dong Xuan Market. These are generally separated into food which is found on the first floor, clothing, and other items on the second floor, with the third floor, which is home to children’s clothes and toys. All the items are relatively cheap here, but the vendors will expect you to bargain. This is generally the principle for most markets in Vietnam!

3. Visit St Joseph’s Cathedral

St Joseph’s Cathedral is the oldest church in Hanoi and is one of the best examples of French colonial architecture in the city. Dating back to the 1880s, this cathedral has quite the history and gets its name from the patron saint of Vietnam – Joseph!

This was one of the first buildings to be built by the French colonial government. Considering its age and the wars that have taken place in Vietnam, is still in relatively good condition. This makes it a popular historical attraction and a great place to visit in Hanoi.

You can either simply admire the wonderful architecture from outside St Joseph’s Cathedral or you can head inside. If you decide to do the latter, then you’re in for a real treat as the cathedral is full of beautiful stained-glass windows, murals, and intricate arches.

Just keep in mind that you can only go inside the church at certain hours, and this will differ depending on whether there’s a ceremony on or not!

4. Take a cooking class

One of the best ways to learn about a country’s culture is through food. For this reason, I’d recommend doing a cooking class wherever you go on your travels! As Hanoi is one of the best foodie destinations in Asia, you won’t have a shortage of options.

One of the most popular options is this small-group cooking class . It includes a visit to the local market, free and unlimited wine tasting, and pick-up and drop-off from the Old Quarter. You’ll also get to learn traditional recipes that you’ll be able to try once you get home!

There’s also this local cooking class that will teach you how to make Vietnamese dishes from scratch. Like the previous tour, you’ll get to visit a local market and shop for the ingredients you need before taking them back to the class. Then be prepared to make some of your best dishes yet!

5. Walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake

Hoàn Kiếm is a freshwater lake that’s located in the center of Hanoi and it covers an impressive 12 hectares. It’s one of the most scenic places to visit in the city which is why it’s so popular with locals and tourists alike.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake translates to ‘Lake of the Returned Sword’ which is based on a local legend. It’s thought that heaven sent down a magic sword called ‘Heavens Will’ to help Emperor Lê Lợi protect Vietnam from Chinese invaders. Once, the Emporer won the war, it’s said that a giant golden turtle came to ask for the sword back and he dived back into the lake with it – hence the name!

There’s actually a small building in the center of the lake which is thought to be associated with this legend as it’s named ‘Turtle Tower’.

This is one of the city’s areas that comes alive in the evening. This is especially the case between Friday and Sunday as traffic is banned from 7 pm. Instead, you’ll find tons of locals having fun at this square which gives it quite the atmosphere.

6. Catch a show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Last but certainly not least, finish your first day of this Hanoi itinerary by catching a show at this unique place! The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is situated right by Hoàn Kiếm so it’s the natural place to visit after exploring the lakeside.

If you head to this puppet theatre you’ll get to witness a unique art form that has origins dating back over 1,000 years ago. However, some people believe the roots of this art form actually might be as old as the 11th century so there’s plenty of history here. Essentially, the theatre works by using large rods to make the puppets appear as if they’re moving across water.

At the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, you’ll be able to watch plays that are dedicated to ancient Vietnamese legends and myths which is really cool!

PRO-TIP: I recommend purchasing your tickets in advance for the water puppet theatre and that means you can skip the long lines, and collect your tickets quickly and easily! All the taxes, fees, and handling charges are also included if you purchase your ticket with Get Your Guide!

Day 2 Hanoi Itinerary: A day to explore the city’s most cultural and historic attractions

Start the second day of your Hanoi itinerary by heading to the city’s famous train street. You’ll then get to learn about the city’s history (and Vietnam’s for that matter) by visiting a museum, temple, mausoleum, and historic prison.

This is a day full of exploring cultural and historic attractions, and you’ll get to truly understand the history of Hanoi! There’s quite a lot to fit in for this day so make sure you get an early start!

1. Admire the iconic Train Street

Now, before I go any further it’s important to note that Hanoi’s famous Train Street has been closed by the government due to people making a nuisance of themselves on the track. You can no longer access the railway line itself and the small cafes that were once located to the side have all gone now.

That’s a real shame as you used to be able to walk along the railway, and when the trains were due to come you could watch this crazy street transform; so all the cafes would shut up shop and move their tables, and all the market stalls would magically disappear.

Although you may not be able to view the train street as you once could, this awesome motorbike tour will take you to the Train Track Cafe at the perfect time so you can witness the train coming through this famous street! You’ll also pass by Long Bien Bridge which I’ll mention later on!

2. Visit the Vietnam Military History Museum

Next up on this Hanoi itinerary is the Vietnam Military History Museum! If you’ve already been to Ho Chi Minh then you’ve likely been to the War Museum and are wondering whether to leave this place off your itinerary – well, my answer would be no!

Aside from the weaponry and machines from the United States, this museum also has a large collection of French, Soviet, and Chinese equipment. In fact, some of the artifacts here date back to the Hong Bang Dynasty which took place in 2879 BC. The most recent war depicted in this museum is the border war of 1979 against Chinese invaders!

Inside the museum, you’ll get to wander through a series of rooms and see thousands of exhibits including photographs, maps, and scale models. However, one of the most important items at the Vietnam Military History Museum is the Hanoi Flag Tower.

This Flag Tower is one of Hanoi’s symbols and it’s a national historical architectural monument. It’s thought that the tower was built in 1812 and it was an observation post to the city’s Citadel. It somehow survived the wars to come which is pretty impressive!

3. Explore the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature may not be one of the most well-known things to do in Hanoi but it’s not a place that you want to miss. It was built in 1070 so is around 950 years old which is an achievement in itself, considering the turbulent history that Vietnam has.

The Temple was built during the dynasty of Ly Thanh Tong and it became the country’s Imperial Academy. From there, it was known to be a prestigious school for the most academic students in the country, and these students would study there for up to seven years!

 The Temple of Literature is split up into five courtyards, and each one has something special to offer. If you’ve got the time, then I highly recommend exploring each one! Not only will you get to relax and admire the incredible architecture but you’ll be walking in the footsteps of ancient scholars!

4. Head to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular attractions in Hanoi and it’s not hard to see why! If you’d not already guessed by the name, then this mausoleum is home to the body of Ho Chi Minh, who was the president of Vietnam between 1945-1969.

What’s crazy about this place is that Ho Chi Minh’s body is actually on display here, and it has been since the mausoleum was built in 1975. Although he clearly desired to be cremated, this wish was ignored, and instead, his body remained here for public view.

Ho Chi Minh’s body is encased in a glass casket and his remains seem to be perfectly preserved considering the time in which he died! You’ll only have a short time to see the body before your shuffled on, but it’s quite an eerie experience. Bags and cameras aren’t allowed inside so just keep that in mind!

5. Wander around Hoa Lo Prison

Before we dive into this one, I’m going to warn you that visiting Hoa Lo Prison isn’t for the faint of heart. This prison was used to house American Prisoners of War, and it’s a difficult place to visit.

Hoa Lo Prison used to be nicknamed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ ironically, but ‘Hoa Lo’ means’ ‘stove’ or ‘furnace’. As you might have guessed by the name, there are records of American pilots being incinerated at this prison during the war.

The prison was originally built to hold around 450 inmates. However, during the war, it’s thought that around 2000 prisoners were kept there – many of which were POWs. Conditions were notoriously bad during this time, and upon your visit, you’ll get to see a variety of photos, artifacts, and of course – the cell blocks.

You don’t need to be part of a tour to explore the prison as it’s entirely self-guided. This means you can take your time and learn about everything that happened here.

On the last day of your Hanoi itinerary, why not have more of a relaxed day? Head to the Museum of Ethnology to learn more about the city, and then take the lift up to the Lotte Center Observation Deck to admire the epic views of Hanoi.

You’ve then got the option to visit one of the city’s famous railway bridges before ending your time in Hanoi with plenty of delicious food!

1. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is one of the best places to visit in Hanoi. It’s the place to go if you’re looking to learn about the country’s history and ethnic groups; of which there are many!

The museum covers an impressive area of around 4 hectares and there are three main exhibition areas to explore. As you wander through you’ll get to learn about over 50 ethnic groups through a variety of displays, tribal art, and artifacts. You’ll even get to see examples of traditional houses that can be found in the villages.

Not only will you get to learn so much, but the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is extremely cheap. Prices for an adult are around 40,000 VND ($1.70) but this will increase if you’d prefer to pay for a guide. The displays are well-presented in three different languages (Vietnamese, English & French), so it’s up to you whether you wish to pay extra for the guide.

2. Admire the views from Lotte Center Hanoi

Hanoi is an impressive city and to get the best views, you’ll want to head to Lotte Center. Here, you’ll find the Lotte Observation Deck which is located on the 65th floor of the tower. Standing at around 250m high, you’ll be treated to amazing views of the city from every angle!

Once you’ve taken the elevator up to the observation deck, there are two main areas. One section has a glass floor which is quite unnerving to stand on, but it’s definitely worth the experience.

The key thing to note with this attraction is that you’ll have to time your visit well. Hanoi is often referred to as the most polluted city in Vietnam, so naturally, you’ll encounter a lot of smog during your time here. If you head up to the observation deck when the city is covered in this fog, you’re unlikely to see anything at all.

3. Visit Long Bien Train Bridge

Next up on this Hanoi itinerary is Long Bien Train Bridge! It was the first steel bridge to be constructed in the city and was built between 1899-1902 by the French. Originally the bridge was named after a governor-general in Indochina, but it was renamed after Vietnam gained its independence.

During the war with the United States, Long Bien Bridge was bombed fourteen times so it took on considerable damage. This was due to its position as it connected the two largest cities in North Vietnam. For this reason, most of its spans have been destroyed but you can still admire the ones that remain.

Trains still run over Long Bien Train Bridge but you can walk onto the bridge from the railway line. Many people choose to walk onto the tracks to explore. However, if you’re doing this you’ll need to be aware of the upcoming train times.

4. End your time in Hanoi with some delicious food

Last but certainly not least, to end your trip to Hanoi you’ll want to spend some time tasting the delicious food. This chaotic city is famous for its food, and there are a couple of dishes that you need to try! Here are a couple of my recommendations:

• Banh Mi – a Vietnamese Baguette where you can often choose the fillings yourself
• Pho Bo – beef noodle soup
• Bun Cha – noodles with grilled pork
• Banh Cuon – rice noodle bowls
• Don’t forget about Caphetrung either – egg coffee!

There’s a lot of delicious food on offer and plenty of fantastic restaurants in the city. Some of the best options include Hong Hoai’s Restaurant, Bun Cha Ta Hanoi, Bách Phương Restaurant – Bún Bò Nam Bộ, and Essence Restaurant.

If you’d prefer a guided tour rather than enjoying the delicacies yourself then why not check out this food lovers’ walking tour or this small-group food tour ? Both will take you to some of the best foodie spots in the city!

Planning Your Trip to Hanoi

Arriving in hanoi.

If you’re arriving in Hanoi by air then you’ll fly into Noi Bai International Airport. This is the largest airport in Northern Vietnam. It’s around 27 km from the city, and the journey takes around 35-40 minutes by car.

The cheapest way to reach the city center is by catching the Hanoi Airport public bus. Numbers 7 and 17 connect the airport and the city center, and the bus stop is on the right side of the exit terminal. The services tend to run every 15-20 minutes but they only run between 5 am – 10 pm.

You can also grab a taxi from the airport but just be cautious of the prices!

If you’d prefer to have your transport organized in advance then you can book a private transfer . This way, you won’t have the hassle of finding a way to the city – especially if you’ve had a long flight!

Where to Stay in Hanoi

There are plenty of great areas in Hanoi but if you’re looking to stay central and be close to the main attractions, then you’ll want to find somewhere in the Old Quarter.

Not only will you find plenty of food options nearby, but you can reach many of the popular spots on foot. This will save you money on transport, and time so you can fit more in during your stay! Here are a couple of recommendations:

TOP OVERALL PICK: Bendecir Hotel & Spa

Rated: 9.2 Superb

Bendecir Hotel & Spa is one of the most beautiful hotels in Hanoi and yet its rooms are very reasonably priced! Not only that, but you’ll have access to endless facilities including a shared lounge, restaurant, bar, and concierge service.

BUDGET: Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel

Rated: 8.5 Very Good

If you’re looking for a cheap stay in Hanoi then you need to check out Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel. Here, you can choose between dorm beds and private rooms so there’s something for every budget. You’ll also get your breakfast included!

MID-RANGE: Golden Sun Hotel

Golden Sun Hotel is just a short walk from St. Joseph Cathedral so it’s in a great location for exploring the city. Boasting a shared lounge, a terrace area, an on-site spa, and a restaurant, this place has so much to offer.

LUXURY: Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel

Rated: 9.5 Exceptional

For a luxury getaway, you’ll want to check out Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel. If you decide to stay here, you’ll benefit from a rooftop terrace and pool, two on-site restaurants, three bars, and a spa!

Best Tours in Hanoi

There are plenty of fantastic things to do in Hanoi and many of them you can reach simply by walking around. Of them, you can book the tickets in advance, which you may want to do if you’re visiting the city during peak season.

To see the best of the city, you’ve also got the choice of taking a city tour. This means you won’t have to organize the transport yourself and you can simply enjoy your day. Here are some of the best options:

• Hanoi Jeep Tour: Food, culture, sights & fun in an army jeep
• Hanoi: Morning or afternoon city highlights tour
• Private Hanoi street food walking tour
• Highlights & hidden gems with locals: Best of Hanoi private tour

Estimated Price for this Hanoi Itinerary

Although Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam it’s still extremely affordable. Everything from accommodation to food in this city is very cheap, so you won’t have to worry about being on a tight budget.

You also won’t need to cook your own meals whilst visiting Hanoi as you can get hearty meals for $1-2!

An estimated cost for this Hanoi itinerary including food and drink, accommodation, entrance fees, and transport would be around $310 for two people. That’s great value for money if you ask me!

Best time to Visit Hanoi

Generally, the best time to visit Hanoi is between October – April although Autumn and Spring tend to be the most popular. Autumn falls between September to November while March to April is considered Spring.

This is when the weather is at its best but you’ll want to consider where else you’re visiting in Vietnam. The seasons differ depending on whether you’re in the North or South so if you’re planning a cross-country trip you’ll need to compromise!

The rainy season hits Hanoi between May and September, and during this time you’re likely to encounter a lot of rain! This means that technically, Northern Vietnam encounters its rainy season during the summer.

That means you’ll experience lots of rainfall paired with extremely humid and hot temperatures (sometimes up to 104°F/40°C). Unfortunately, that often leads to thunderstorms and tropical storms so just keep that in mind.

Wh at to pack for your Hanoi itinerary

• A travel backpack bag for a change of clothes
• Dry-fit clothes and layers are also a great idea
• Some warm clothing is needed as the mornings and nights can be quite cool
• Comfortable shoes
• Summer dress
• A pair of jeans
• A rain jacket is a must any time of the year
• Hiking pants
• Extra socks, hat, underwear, and swimsuit if you plan to swim in the waterfall
• Toiletry, toilet paper, and mirror
• Personal items such as medication, flashlight, sunscreen, insect repellent, and wipes
• Some snacks and a water purifier bottle

• The traffic in Hanoi can get pretty crazy and scooters will often jump on the pavement to avoid the traffic. Just watch where you’re walking, and keep an eye out for any rogue drivers!
• When trying some street food in Hanoi, just be cautious about where you choose to eat. Have a look at the stall and see if there are lots of locals already there – this will let you know whether the food is good! If you’re eating meat then I’d recommend choosing somewhere that will cook your food in front of you.
• Although this is a general rule in Southeast Asia in general, I’m going to reiterate it here. Whatever you do, make sure you don’t drink tap water. If you do, there’s a very high chance that you’ll get sick and that will ruin your trip.
• Like in Ho Chi Minh, haggling is a common practice here in Hanoi. Just make sure you check around for prices before you buy, and bargain the price down to something that you’re willing to pay!
• Although Vietnam is generally a very safe country, pickpocketing is known to occur in the big cities including Hanoi. Keep your belongings close to you, especially in popular and crowded tourist areas, and don’t flash your valuables.
• If Hanoi is your first stop in Vietnam (which it is for many people) then getting your head around the cash can be overwhelming. Exchange rates fluctuate but $1 equates to around 23,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND) so you’ll have a lot of notes! Take a bit of time to just work out what’s what and you’ll feel much better when it comes to haggling and paying for food/transport.

Hanoi Itinerary Conclusion

As you’ve probably guessed by now, you won’t run out of places and activities to include on your 3-day Hanoi itinerary! Whether you’re looking to take a cooking class, visit a military museum, or wander around the markets, there’s something for every type of traveler.

Hanoi offers a mismatch of cultures due to its unique history, and this comes across in the food, architecture, and attractions. It’s a truly wonderful city, and to experience the best of it, I’d recommend spending at least three days here!

Just to mention, many people ever love or hate Hanoi (or, equally a bit of both) but in my opinion, no trip to Vietnam is complete without visiting this amazing city.

I f you’ve enjoyed this guide then here are some others that you might find helpful:

• Vietnam 2-week itinerary
• Vietnam 7-day itinerary
• Vietnam Travel Tips: Everything you need to know before your trip
• Best Hoi An itinerary
• Best Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary
• Best Da Nang itinerary
• Incredible things to do in Mui Ne
• 10 Most Incredible Halong Bay Luxury Cruises
• Halong Bay Overnight Cruises: Best things to do + Best Tours
• 15 Essential tips before you go on a cruise in Halong Bay
• Complete Guide to visit Marble Mountain
• Complete Guide to visit My Son Sanctuary
• 3-day in Sapa Itinerary + Authentic Homestay
• All you need to know before you go to Sapa Homestay with a Black Hmong family
• Sapa Ethical Travel: Why you should book with an independent guide

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Plan your Trip

You can plan your trip with  this easy guide  and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices.

Why Halong Bay Luxury Cruises Are Worth Every Penny!

Vietnam Travel Tips: How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Vietnam

Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days: The Best one week in Vietnam

1 thought on “ultimate hanoi itinerary + well-crafted travel guide”.

PLanning a tripto Vietnam next week. Very last minute but great opportunity.

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Hanoi Itinerary: What To Do in Hanoi, Vietnam For 1 To 5 Days

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Hanoi, Vietnam is mesmerizing. The city is brimming with historic must-see sights, an aromatic and delectable cuisine and a stimulating café culture. Honking horns, buzzing traffic and vibrant vendors are the rhythmic, pulsing soundtrack of Hanoi. It is intriguing, intoxicating…and intimidating. Planning what to do in Hanoi can be an overwhelming task – but don’t stress! Our Hanoi Itinerary includes all of the best things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam…and a few hidden gems, too.

Planning a Hanoi Itinerary

On our first trip to the city, we made no plans of what to see in Hanoi. We didn’t even have a guidebook . Our Hanoi sightseeing was highlighted by simply wandering around aimlessly. While it was a fine way to get acquainted with the city, we regrettably missed many of the best places to visit in Hanoi.

On a return trip to Hanoi, we were much better prepared. We created a plan of where to go in Hanoi that included all the top Hanoi places to visit (which we missed on our first time through!) and we delved deeper into the iconic cuisine.

The Best Hanoi Itinerary

Our itinerary features the best Hanoi, Vietnam things to do, see and eat. We routed our way to Hanoi must-see sights and indulged in the local fare – and we are sharing our plan. We include all of the top things to do in Hanoi – but leave plenty of room in our plan to linger at cafes and soak in the atmosphere. Fellow travelers who want to visit Hanoi can use our itinerary to plan their custom Hanoi Travel Guide.

What To Do in Hanoi: A Day-by-Day Guide

Our Hanoi trip itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to visit Hanoi, Vietnam to see the sights, eat the food and experience the culture. We include a detailed outline for what to do in Hanoi for 4 days – plus a one-day trip from Hanoi to explore more of the region.

Formatted in a day-by-day guide that features top Hanoi things to see, we also offer alternate Hanoi itineraries, tips on where to stay and other practical travel advice.

Pro Tip : Only have 1 Day in Hanoi? We include recommendations on how to see Hanoi in a Day – and other Hanoi city tour itinerary suggestions – at the end of the article.

Hanoi Museums And Landmarks

One of our biggest frustrations while visiting museums in Hanoi – and some gated landmarks, too – is the difficulty in finding accurate opening times and prices. Many Hanoi tourist spots are closed mid-day for a lunch break, and a few are closed all day on certain days of the week.

Finding current schedules and ticket prices is not always easy, even when you visit the attraction’s official website. The misinformation can be maddening – but we chalk it all up to being part of the Vietnam experience. That said, if there is a specific sight or museum that is a must-do in Hanoi for you, we recommend referencing multiple sources to help determine the correct information.

Hanoi Tourist Map

Another struggle while sightseeing Hanoi is navigating the streets. We talk more about getting around Hanoi at the end of the post, but before getting to Hanoi, we recommend purchasing a Hanoi Map – like this one . Sightseeing in Hanoi City is much easier when you have a basic understanding of the layout (and the free Hanoi tourist maps are of little help!).  

HANOI ITINERARY 5 DAYS

This Hanoi, Vietnam Travel Blog post contains everything you need to plan your Hanoi trip. Save, Pin or Bookmark it so you can easily access it!

DAY ONE: MUST-SEE VIETNAM ATTRACTIONS IN HANOI OLD QUARTER

Begin your 5 days in Hanoi in the city’s most iconic districts: The famous Old Quarter and the opulent French Quarter. Complete your city discovery with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake – visiting sights along the way – and end your day with a Hanoi original meal.

Pro Tip : Use our Hanoi Travel Blog Post: HANOI WALKING TOURS (Walks 1, 2 and 3) for more information on the places to see in Hanoi on Day 1. Our self-guided walking tours provide more detailed sight descriptions, walking tour route maps and links for step-by-step instructions.

Top Places to See in Hanoi Old Quarter

Get an early jump on your day and start your city exploration at the Dong Xuan Market – an absolute Must-Do in Hanoi! Explore the labyrinth of stall-lined lanes that fill the 3-story market hall. Emerge from the hectic market onto the chaotic streets and make your way to the city’s historic gate, O Quan Chuong. Next, visit the city’s oldest and most famous temple, Bach Ma Temple – then make your way to the Hang Bac Temple, a hidden gem in the Old Quarter.

Stop for a cup of coffee at 39 Ta Hien Café – and order a classic Vietnamese iced coffee with sweet condensed milk. Sit on a low plastic stool outside where you can savor the coffee and atmosphere. Continue your Old Quarter discovery along Hang Bac – the Silversmith’s Street – and pop into Dinh Kim Ngan Temple along the way.

Visit the Hanoi Ancient House – a historic merchant house that has been preserved as a museum (entry fee required). Next, wander along Pho Gia Ngu market street, a shop-lined street where vendors take up sidewalk space to sell fresh herbs, vegetables and raw meat. If you are squeamish, consider skipping the market street and head to the south end of the Old Quarter to Den Ba Kieu Temple, which sits on the north end of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Places To Go in Hanoi French Quarter

Cross the red wooden bridge on Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple (entry fee required), then stroll south along the lake to the statue of Ly Thai To, the city’s founder, that proudly stands east of the lake. Walk through the park and past the frog fountain in Dien Hong Park to the National History Museum (entry fee required). Next, visit the most famous building in the French Quarter: The Hanoi Opera House. After admiring the historic, yellow Opera House, detour south of the French Quarter to Pho Thin for a bowl of the best Pho in Hanoi.

After lunch, pop into the posh Trang Tien Plaza Mall (if for no other reason than to cool off in the air-conditioning), then walk to the south end of Hoan Kiem Lake to the Hoa Phong Tower. If you need something sweet after your bowl of Pho, stop in S’Patisserie for a slice of cake then make your way to the west side of the lake to the Hanoi landmark church, St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Tour the dimly lit interior of St. Joseph’s Cathedral; then walk back to the lakeside where you can enjoy the peaceful retreat at the King Le Thai To monument. Stay by the lake and walk north to the large city square, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc. Find the hidden entrance to Vuon Pho Co Cafe (Old Town Garden Café), where you can take in the rooftop views and drink a refreshing Lime Soda.

Explore the Ancient Guild Streets

If you have the energy, discover the 36 Guild Streets of the Old Quarter; each street was once dedicated to a specific trade and named for that craft. Find the street dedicated to the silk trade and the one where they sell children’s toys. Seek out the herbal medicine street or peek into the shops selling paper votives for Buddhist rituals. Simply wander on your own or use our Guild Street Guide in our Hanoi Walking Tours blog post (Walk #3).

Dinner in Hanoi Old Quarter

For dinner, sit down at one of the establishments featuring the famous Cha Ca fish dish – a menu item that originated in Hanoi. The restaurant where the dish was invented is on Cha Ca Street (along with several other shops that now make the same fragrant dish), but we recommend going to locally recommended Cha Ca Thang Long.

Alternate Dining Option : If Hanoi is not your first stop in Vietnam and you are craving a break from Vietnamese food, consider eating Western food at Pizza 4P’s or Amato Tapas. Want more food tips? Check out our Hanoi Food Guide for the best things to eat in the city!

DAY TWO: ICONIC PLACES TO VISIT IN HANOI

On Day 2 of your Itinerary for Hanoi, Vietnam, journey to the west of the Old Quarter to visit some of the top things to see in Hanoi: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace and ancient Citadel. Note: The sights visited on this day require appropriate attire; be sure to dress modestly – no tank tops, plunging necklines, bare midsections or short shorts (or bring a wrap that can be used to cover up); visitors who do not adhere to the dress code will likely be denied entry.

Pro Tip : We combined most of the Day Two Sights in our Hanoi Walking Tour Blog Post in Walk #4: Iconic Hanoi Walking Tour .

Best of Hanoi: Monuments

Start your second day in Hanoi by touring the ancient Thang Long Imperial Citadel (fee to enter). The historic complex features structures from different periods in time – including war bunkers that were used during the Vietnam War. Military enthusiasts may want to make a stop next door at the Vietnam Military Museum, too.

After touring the Citadel grounds, head west to the south side of Quang Truong Ba Dinh Square where there are a multitude of worthwhile sights. It is one of the best places in Hanoi to understand the Vietnamese people’s love for their former leader, Ho Chi Minh.

The most imposing sight on Ba Dinh Square is the stoic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the embalmed body of the country’s most beloved leader sits on display. Visitors who want a peek of ‘Uncle Ho’ will need to wait in line. Next, visit the Presidential Palace grounds (fee to enter) and the traditional Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived when he was president. After exiting, visit the historic wooden One Pillar Pagoda before leaving Ba Dinh Square via the north exit.

West Lake and Truc Bach District

On the southeast bank of West Lake, visit the Taoist temple, Quan Thanh Temple (fee to enter), then walk north along Thanh Nien Street that separates West Lake from the much smaller Truc Bach Lake. If you need a rest and refreshment, make a quick stop at the lakeside Highlands Coffee, a Starbucks-esque coffeeshop chain in Vietnam. As you continue north along the Thanh Nien, note the American War Memorial that celebrates the capture of American pilot and future US senator, John McCain. The memorial is near the spot in the lake where McCain landed via parachute after his plane was shot down.

Continue walking north to the small island on West Lake, which is completely occupied by the Tran Quoc Temple complex – one of the top Hanoi, Vietnam attractions. Many locals consider the 6th century Buddhist temple to be one of the most important in the city – and it’s free to enter.

Wander through the Truc Bach District, one of the lesser-known places to visit in Hanoi. Make your way to the Truc Bach Island on the east side of the lake (it’s connected to land via two roads) and find a seat at the Pho Cuon Huong Mai restaurant for a late lunch. Order one (or both!) of their signature dishes: Rolled Pho or Fried Pho. Walk off lunch and visit the Cho Chau Long Market and then make one last stop in the district: the Roman Catholic Church of Martyrs, more commonly known as Cua Bac Church.

Old Quarter Hanoi Night Market

If it is a weekend night (Friday, Saturday or Sunday), spend the evening perusing the wares at the Night Market in Hanoi. The market is set up on Hang Dao Street, which completely closes to vehicular traffic after 6:00pm. Vendors sell clothing, accessories, heaps of tourist souvenirs, sweet treats and all kinds of fried meat on a stick.

Walk the length of the street – from north to south – and then spend some time in the vibrant Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. A fantastic place for Hanoi people watching, look for large groups of people practicing Zumba and street performers.

Pro Tip : The market street isn’t the only Hanoi street that becomes pedestrian-only on weekends; many of the Old Quarter streets close to vehicles on weekend nights. One night, we stumbled onto a street-corner play and the crowds – both locals and tourists – gathered around to watch.

DAY 3: HANOI TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND CULTURE

On Day 3 of your 5-Day Hanoi Itinerary, spend time learning more about the history and Vietnamese culture in top Hanoi places of interest. 

Pro Tip : We combined most of the Day Three Sights in our Hanoi Walking Tour Blog Post in Walk #5: Culture and History of Hanoi Walking Tour .

Ancient Hanoi History

Start your third day bright and early with a jolt of caffeine from Cong Café. The modern coffeeshop features vintage communist décor and an amazing iced coconut coffee. Next, head into the Temple of Literature (fee to enter) to learn about the educational complex that dates to the year 1070. Art aficionados might want to look around the Fine Arts Museum (fee to enter) that is located nearby. Next, visit the Quan Su Pagoda, a picturesque 15th century Buddhist temple that also serves as the Head Office of Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha. 

Modern History in Hanoi

Step inside the Hao Lo Prison (fee to enter), better known to most as the Hanoi Hilton Prison, where American POWs (like John McCain) were held captive during the Vietnam War. Learn about the prison’s history under French colonialism and stories of the POWs who were imprisoned there.

For lunch, eat a bowl of Bun Cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien. The restaurant was made famous when, in 2016, Anthony Bourdain and US President Obama dined there. Order the Obama Special (Bun Cha, a seafood roll and a beer) and consider how far the relations between the two countries have come in a relatively short time.

After lunch, visit the Vietnamese Women’s History Museum (fee to enter), which features displays and information about women’s traditional role in Vietnamese society. Learn about their position in the family, traditional fashions and how women have taken part in the country’s history.

Spend some time relaxing at your hotel (more on where to stay in Hanoi in a minute!) or simply stroll – without an agenda – through the Old Quarter. Once you have seen all of the sights, we think wandering the streets is one of the best things to do in Hanoi Old Quarter! Grab a Banh Mi sandwich for a late snack or early dinner before sipping a few local beers.

Ta Hien Beer Corner

End your third day drinking a few local beers at the famous Ta Hien Beer Corner; it’s one of the top things to do in Hanoi at night. The jovial scene is boisterous, chaotic and highly entertaining. Simply pick a place and find a seat…if there are no tables, the waitstaff will quickly bring one out for you. Just beware: If the police come through and your table is in the street, the staff will quickly move you back to the sidewalk (at least until the cops are out of sight again).

Pro Tip : Just don’t stay out too late – because tomorrow you will embark on a full day trip from Hanoi!

DAY 4: DAY TRIPS FROM HANOI

On Day 4 of your Hanoi Travel Itinerary, join a tour to explore more of the region outside of the city center.

Hanoi Day Trips

Day trips out of Hanoi are an ideal way to experience the region and learn more about the people. Good day tours from Hanoi will include a professional, English-speaking guide who can answer questions specifically about the tour and about Vietnam in general. Hanoi day tours are relatively inexpensive – and there are usually options to upgrade to a Hanoi private tour, if desired. Top day tours from Hanoi include a Halong Bay tour, a trip to Ninh Binh and exploring the area outside the Hanoi city center.

Hanoi to Halong Bay: Islands, Cruise, Caves and Kayaks

On our first trip to Vietnam, visiting Halong Bay was an absolute highlight of our travels! The enchanting landscape – an azure sea dotted with lush karst mountains – is surreal, and one of the top places to visit near Hanoi. For visitors short on time and unable to squeeze an overnight cruise into their Hanoi Itinerary, there is a jam-packed Hanoi 1-Day Tour to Halong Bay.

The 1-Day Halong Bay Tour is a full day of exploration. The tour features pick up from Old Quarter hotels, bus transport to Halong Bay, a cruise through the majestic karsts, a cave visit, a kayaking adventure and a seafood lunch. The tour – which gets rave reviews! – costs less than $50 USD. Book it now!

Pro Tip : We think a 2-Night Halong Bay Cruise is the best way to experience the natural beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read our Halong Bay Cruise article for recommendations and tips!

Hanoi to Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc and Mua Cave

One of the top things to do near Hanoi is to visit the wonderland of Ninh Binh. Steeped in history and natural beauty, the Ninh Binh Province is nicknamed, “Halong On Land.” Between the flat, green rice fields, stark karst mountains rise to the sky…and a river flows between them.

A full day tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh features the highlights of the region. Participants are picked up from Old Quarter hotels and driven via air-conditioned bus to the province, which is south of the city. The English-speaking guide then leads the way to numerous Ninh Binh activities – such as a traditional Tom Coc boat ride through three caves, a bike ride through the village, a visit to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and a hike to the top of Mua Cave for phenomenal views. Guests are also treated to a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Reserve your spot!

Pro Tip : Read about our experience Visiting Ninh Binh from Hanoi and how we wished we had planned better!

Hanoi Outskirts by Bicycle

Visitors who are looking for things to do around Hanoi without boarding a bus can explore the outskirts of Hanoi by bicycle.

On this half-day tour from Hanoi, guests pedal their bikes into the rural villages that lie just beyond the bustling city center. Led by a professional Hanoi guide, tours are limited to 12 people to ensure a small group setting. Follow the guide across the famous Long Bien Bridge, bike through farmland, visit a local artist at their home, see how pottery is made in the village of Quang Ba and watch the sunset over West Lake. Find out more!

More Day Tours from Hanoi

The above-mentioned Hanoi day trips are our top picks – but there are other tours that you might find interesting.

Perfume Pagoda

Travel 2 hours to the ancient Buddhist complex of temples and shrines built directly into the Huong Tich mountains. Enjoy a ride in a rowboat, trekking to a cave and visiting the historical Heaven Kitchen Pagoda. Get the details!

Bat Trang Pottery Village, Van Phuc Silk Village and Duong Lam Ancient Village

Get a full dose of traditional Vietnamese crafts, culture and history on a full day tour from Hanoi. The tour begins in nearby Bat Trang – a village well-known for making pottery and ceramics. Next travel to Duong Lam Village, which features century-old houses, and take a bike ride through the farmland to temples. Before heading back to the city, make a stop at Van Phuc, where locals practice the traditional craft of silk weaving. Learn more here!

DAY 5: WHAT TO DO IN HANOI FOR UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

On the last day of your Hanoi 5-Day Itinerary, satisfy your curiosity for unique Hanoi experiences by tasting local fare or learning a local craft.

Morning: Indulge in Local Hanoi Fare

The food in Vietnam is like nowhere else in the world. Fragrant and flavorful dishes dominate the local cuisine. Visitors can discover the food scene three ways: Go on a Self-Guided Discovery, Join a Hanoi Street Food Tour or Take a Cooking Class.

Discover Local Food on your Own

Start your day with a feast and eat a local favorite breakfast dish: Xoi Xeo. Available at markets, we recommend ordering it at Xoi Yen topped with pork ribs and a fried boiled egg. Save a little room for a classic Egg Coffee from the nearby cafe that invented the Hanoi drink, Giang Cafe.

Pro Tip : Use our Hanoi Blog Post: Hanoi Food  for top tips on What and Where to Eat!

Join a Guide for a Hanoi Street Food Tour

Rather than plotting your own route through the city’s best eats, learn about the local cuisine from a local Hanoi tour guide. On the small-group Hanoi food tour, participants can get a taste of the best street food in the city! Read the rave reviews!

Hanoi Cooking Class

For a real education in Vietnamese food, join a Hanoi Cooking Class. The half-day class that I took offered so much more than I expected – and the food was phenomenal (seriously, some of the dishes were better than in the restaurants we ate at!). Sign up now – or read the details about my experience in my Hanoi Cooking Class blog post.

Afternoon: Hanoi Neighborhood Exploration

Use the final afternoon of your Hanoi trip to discover a new neighborhood – or revisit one that you loved! Walk the circumference of Hoan Kiem Lake, hop in a Grab Taxi to the West Lake District or go café hopping in the Truc Bach neighborhood.

Alternatively, give your feet a break and take a relaxed Hanoi city tour in a Cyclo for a different perspective – book it online ! Or, cover some ground on two wheels on one of the guided Hanoi scooter tours! The highly-rated Hanoi sunset ride tour features the city’s top sights – book it now!

Visitors who want a break from sightseeing can take in some culture instead by watching a famous Water Puppet Show – get your skip-the-line tickets!

Evening: Unique Things To Do in Hanoi – Train Street

Visiting train street is one of the more unusual things to do in Hanoi – and a great place to witness the commercial culture of the city. Once just a neglected neighborhood along the railroad tracks, when tourists started showing up to take pictures of trains chugging through the narrow alley, homeowners took note. They opened front porch cafes and shifty balcony bars, successfully raking in tourist dollars.

2023 UPDATE : After completely shutting down Train Street in 2019, apparently tourists are again allowed to enter the area if “invited” by a shop owner. Visitors who want a glimpse of the train barreling through the neighborhood, can watch from their “sponsors” shop and must purchase something as well. The best Hanoi Train Street schedule we found had the following train times: Monday – Friday at 7:00pm, 7:45pm, 8:30pm and 10 pm and on weekends at 6:00am, 9:00am, 11:20am, 3:20pm, 5.30pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm, 7:45pm, 8:30pm, 9::00pm and 11pm.

Night: Local Bia Hoi Corners

Drinking Fresh Beer – or Bia Hoi – is one of the fun things to do in Hanoi with locals. The Fresh Beer is made daily and delivered to restaurants in large metal tanks. Ice blocks are often put on top of the tank to keep the beer cold in lieu of actual refrigeration. However, at 12k VND or less, it doesn’t really matter that much how cold it is. The best places in Hanoi for Fresh Beer are Bia Hoi Corners – and there are several around the city.

Bat Dan Bia Hoi Ha Noi

At Bat Dan and Duong Thanh, two Bia Hoi Corner Bars sit catty-corner from each other. The open-air bars have low tables and chairs that spill out onto the sidewalks (but never the street). A popular spot with locals, each small glass of Fresh Beer costs just 12k VND – which is about 50 cents USD.

New Bia Hoi Corner: Hang Buom and Dao Duy Tu

Dubbed by locals as the New Bia Hoi Corner, beer vendors pop up all along the stretch of sidewalk after dark at the intersection of Hang Buom and Dao Duy Tu. On weekends, when the street is closed to traffic, live bands set up on the corner. While it is popular with visitors, locals visit this corner, too. It’s a genuine, cheap, and local Bia Hoi experience – and glasses of beer only cost 5-7k per glass (that’s about 25 cents USD)!

Fresh Beer at Dao Duy Tu and Luong Ngoc Quyen

Another fun Fresh Beer corner that pours cheap glasses of Bia Hoi is nearby at the intersection of Dao Duy Tu and Luong Ngoc Quyen. However, rather than vendors serving the drinks, the beer comes from the established corner restaurants.

Pro Tip : Hai San Seafood has a happy hour special from 5-7pm, Buy 1 Get 1 for 5k. By far, the cheapest beers we found in Hanoi!

How Many Days in Hanoi, Vietnam?

We think 5 days in Hanoi is the perfect amount of time to get acquainted with the city and surrounding area. It allows plenty of time to see the Hanoi highlights and experience the top Hanoi activities. However, we understand that not all travelers have the option of staying in Hanoi for 5 days. To help travelers determine how many days to spend in Hanoi, we have a few suggestions.

Hanoi Travel Itinerary Suggestions

We think our Hanoi, Vietnam itinerary provides the perfect plan for what to do in Hanoi for 5 days. But, if you have more – or less – time, you might be wondering how to plan your trip and where to go from Hanoi. We have created sample Hanoi itineraries – from a Hanoi 1-Day Itinerary to what to see in Hanoi in 3 days to how to spend a week in Hanoi.

Want our tips on planning your time in Vietnam? Use our 2-Week Vietnam Itinerary !

One Day in Hanoi

There is so much to see in Hanoi that it is really difficult to determine what to squeeze into a Hanoi One-Day Itinerary. That said, an ambitious traveler could combine the top Hanoi landmarks (like the mausoleum, citadel and Old Quarter) from the above itinerary’s Days 1 and 2 into a jam-packed One Day in Hanoi Itinerary. Otherwise, for ease of travel, consider joining a Hanoi one-day tour – like this highly-rated tour!  

Hanoi Itinerary 2 Days

Planning what to do in Hanoi for 2 days is a little bit easier, but still requires a good sightseeing plan. With 2 days in Hanoi, we recommend following our above guide for Day 1, then choose either Day 2 or Day 3…or combine them together for a really long – but very interesting – day of city sights.

Alternatively, two days in Hanoi could be spent hassle-free with a tour guide. On the first day, take the Hanoi Highlights tour ( book it here! ) and on Day 2 join the street food tour ( reserve your spot! ) or cooking class ( book it now! ).

Hanoi Itinerary 3 Days

Wondering what to do in Hanoi for 3 days? We recommend simply following Days 1, 2 and 3 as outlined in our 5-Day Hanoi Itinerary. With 3 days in Hanoi, there is plenty of time to indulge in the local fare, too. Just use our Hanoi Food Guide to find the best places to eat in the city.

Hanoi Itinerary 4 Days

There are lots of different ways to create an ideal Hanoi 4 Days 3 Nights Itinerary. However, for visitors with 4 days in Hanoi, we recommend using our above Hanoi 5-Day Itinerary…and choosing between going on a day trip from Hanoi or taking a guided tour in the city (basically, decide between Days 4 and 5).

Hanoi Itinerary 6 Days

Visitors with 6 days in Hanoi can enjoy a more leisurely pace. With the extra day, visitors can easily fit in a 2-Night Halong Bay Cruise . Alternatively, choose a second Hanoi tour or event to learn more about the city.

Hanoi Itinerary 7 Days

A 1-Week Hanoi Itinerary allows more time to get to know the city. We recommend following our tips for a 6-Day Hanoi Itinerary – and adding a second day trip for a different cultural experience.

Pro Tip : However you decide to organize your trip, allow room in your schedule to sit back and just watch Hanoi in motion. While the sights are amazing and important to see, Hanoi is a sight in and of itself. The people, the vendors and the motorbikes are a fascinating part of the landscape.

More Sample Hanoi Itineraries

For the above itineraries, we use Hanoi as a base. Visitors who don’t want to spend all of their time in Hanoi can create a multi-stop itinerary for Northern Vietnam.

5-Day Hanoi and Halong Bay Itinerary

Above, we outlined what we think is the absolute best way to spend 5 days in Hanoi. However, we do highly recommend visiting Halong Bay on an overnight trip. Visitors who do not have time in their overall Vietnam Itinerary to fit in a trip to Halong Bay – either before or after visiting Hanoi – can create a Hanoi-Halong Bay Itinerary.

In fact, it is similar to what we did on our first trip to Vietnam. We recommend following our outlined 5-Day Hanoi Itinerary for Days 1 and 2. Then, take a 1- or 2-night Halong Bay Cruise and spend your final 1 or 2 days back in Hanoi (following Days 3 and/or 5 of our above itinerary).

Pro Tip : Planning a Hanoi-Sapa Itinerary is just as simple. Rather than going to Halong Bay, book one of the highly-rated Sapa, Vietnam tours from Hanoi – like this one .

7-Day Northern Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa

A 1-Week Northern Vietnam Itinerary could easily be created by using our detailed 5-Day Hanoi Itinerary (with a recommended trip to Ninh Binh ) and then including either a 2-night Halong Bay Cruise or 2-night Sapa Tour on the final two days.

Alternatively, tourists who want to visit all three destinations – Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa – could plan 3 nights in Hanoi (following Days 1, 2 and 3 of our 5-Day Hanoi Itinerary), 2 nights in Halong Bay (using our recommendations in our Halong Bay Cruise blog post) and a 1 or 2-night trip to Sapa.

It is important to note, however, that the distance between Halong Bay and Sapa is 435km – and it takes between 7 and 10 hours to drive between the two cities. It is possible to plan the trip on your own, but with all of the logistics involved, we think it is worth booking the 3-city trip with a guide. Get the details and find out what is included in this tour.

10-Day North Vietnam Tour Package

An alternate Hanoi tour package includes visiting the most northern – and some say the absolutely most beautiful – part of the country (but does not include Halong Bay). The 10-Day Vietnam trip begins and ends in Hanoi – and stops at Sapa, Ha Giang, Dong Van, Bao Lac and Ba Be Lake. Promising incredible experiences and unique landscapes, the organized tour includes accommodations, activities and most meals. This highly-rated tour is offered by a reliable tour company through Viator .

HANOI TRAVEL TIPS

Now that you know the best things to see in Hanoi and the surrounding region, we have a few more tips for your trip!

When Is The Best Time To Go To Hanoi?

Located in Northern Vietnam (and in the Northern Hemisphere), Hanoi experiences four seasons. Many visitors like to plan their trip based on weather conditions – however, weather in Hanoi can be unpredictable. It is also important to take note of public Vietnam holidays, when certain sights may be closed.

Hanoi Weather

The summer months – June, July and August – are the hottest and the humidity can be stifling. It’s also considered Rainy Season in the summer, meaning frequent (but usually quick) downpours. In the autumn – September, October and November – the temperatures are usually slightly cooler (although we experienced temps above 108 F, about 42 C, during our last fall trip).

Winter in Hanoi – December to February – sees cool temps, ranging between 50-70 F for highs (which we think is perfect for sightseeing!). And, during the Spring – March, April and May – temps start creeping up and the skies are often overcast with light showers.

Check the current weather forecast for your Hanoi trip on Weather.com . 

Hanoi Holidays

Before planning a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam, it’s important to check the Vietnam holiday calendar. Many of the public holidays in Vietnam are religious and cultural events that many Westerners are unfamiliar with. Tet – which is better known as the Vietnamese New Year – is the biggest holiday in the country and is marked with week-long celebrations in February. There are other public holidays in April (Hung Kings Festival mid-April and Reunification Day on April 30), May (Labor Day on the first), in September (National Day on September 2) and January 1 for New Year’s Day.

How To Get To Hanoi, Vietnam

Visitors can arrive to Hanoi via plane, bus, train or car (including a private driver, if coming from somewhere else in the region). On our trips to Hanoi, we have arrived by plane to the Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) direct from Singapore and Chiang Mai, Thailand .

Hanoi Airport

The airport in Hanoi is located about 45km from the city center. Visitors can hop in a cab at the airport, but will pay more than pre-arranging transportation. Most hotels offer airport transfers – either included in the price of the hotel or for an extra specified amount. Visitors can also pre-book a ride online on Viator in advance.

Getting Around Hanoi, Vietnam

We think the best way to get around Hanoi Old Quarter is on your own two feet. However, while sightseeing outside of the Old Quarter, we recommend using the Grab App to catch a ride. Grab taxis are significantly cheaper – and so much easier to use – than flagging down a taxi and trying to negotiate price and communicate your destination. Before your Hanoi trip, be sure to download and set up the Grab App.

Shopping in Hanoi

There are many options when it comes to Hanoi shopping! Hanoi markets sell everything under the sun, including tourist souvenirs. However, visitors will want to practice their negotiating skills in order to obtain the best price. Shopping in the Old Quarter is not limited to markets; there are a multitude of shops lining the Old Quarter lanes where visitors can pick up Hanoi keepsakes. Buyer Beware: Some of the items for sale in Hanoi are counterfeit knock-offs, which often are low quality products.

Where To Stay in Hanoi, Vietnam

The best area to stay in Hanoi is in the Old Quarter. That said, with the honking motorbikes and inebriated tourists, it can be loud. Therefore, we recommend staying in a hotel on a pedestrian-only street. On our last Hanoi visit, we stayed in Amber Hotel, which we think is one of the best places to stay in Hanoi.

Amber Hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Amber Hotel is a small boutique hotel right in the city center. What we loved best about the hotel was the spacious rooms, ice-cold air con and lovely staff. Because the hotel is located on a small (car-free) alley, the hotel is particularly quiet (especially considering its location). The only downside is there are a lot of stairs and no elevator – but the staff insists on helping carry luggage up and down the stairs.. One additional feature: a delicious, made-to-order breakfast is included in the price. Check availability and rates!  

Hanoi Accommodation French Quarter

Visitors who want to stay in the grandiose French Quarter and splurge on accommodations have plenty of choice! Among the 5-Star Hanoi hotels in the French Quarter, the following come highly-recommended by fellow travelers: Hilton Hanoi Opera ( check rates! ), Sofitel Legend Metropole ( check rates! ) and MGallery Hotel de l’Opera ( check rates! ).  

Swimming Pool Hanoi Hotel

Of all the Hanoi Hotels, there are relatively few Hanoi hotels with a pool – and those that do tend to come at a premium. That said, there are a few hotels with swimming pools in the Old Quarter that get consistently good reviews. Check the current room rates on one of these pool hotels in Hanoi: Silk Queen Hotel Hang Gai ( check room availability! ) or Tirant Hotel ( get current rates! ).

Hanoi Backpackers Hostels

Backpackers looking for the best locations to stay in Hanoi have a plethora of choices of hostels in the Old Quarter. Little Charm Hostel (which has a pool!) gets exceptional ratings . Buffalo Hostel – also with a pool – gets great reviews, too!

What To Pack For Hanoi, Vietnam

As you prepare for your trip to Hanoi, Vietnam, check out our best packing hacks and  make sure you pack the following items in your backpack or suitcase .

Appropriate Attire for Vietnam 

It is important to pack the right clothes for your trip. Visitors traveling to Hanoi in the warmer months will need loose-fitting, modest clothing. Make sure to have clothing that covers knees and shoulders so that you can enter temples – or bring a multi-functional wrap that you can carry with you while sightseeing.

Hanoi Weather Gear and Day Bag

With the unpredictable Hanoi weather, we recommend bringing lightweight and versatile weather gear. A packable raincoat is a good choice – and a travel umbrella can provide protection from both rain and sun. Remember to pack good sunscreen , too – as it is expensive to buy in Vietnam. And, finally, don’t forget the insect repellent to keep the mosquitos away! You’ll also want a great day pack to organize and secure all your everyday travel items !

Travel Camera

Hanoi is visually stimulating and extremely photogenic! Capture the beauty of the city with an actual camera , rather than relying on your phone. We travel with a DSLR Canon Rebel with an everyday 18-135mm lens , which takes exceptional photos. Travelers who want something a little smaller (and less expensive) might want to buy a Canon Powershot , which is a great budget camera for quick city shots.

Hanoi Map and Guidebook

As we mentioned before, we think buying a Hanoi map – like this one – prior to your trip is a smart move. Understanding the layout of Hanoi and where the top sights are helps visitors better navigate to sights. And, although we provide a lot of detailed information in this Hanoi trip blog post, a guidebook can also be helpful.

WiFi in Vietnam

Internet connectivity is an absolute must in Hanoi! Getting a SIM card may be the way to go, they are cheap and this one can be delivered to your hotel so that it is there when you check in. 

Visitors traveling with locked phones can contact their cell phone provider to inquire about short-term international plans. However, frequent travelers and those traveling in a group or as a family should consider buying a Mobile WiFi Hotspot, like GlocalMe .

Mobile WiFi Hotspot

The GlocalMe Wifi Hotspot is the device we use – and we would be lost without it! The GlocalMe device can connect up to 10 devices at one time. The best feature, however, is that there is a slot for SIM cards, but data can also be purchased online – so it will be available as soon as your plane lands! Buy a GlocalMe Hotspot on Amazon!

Vietnam Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may help cover the cost of cancelled trips or lost luggage , and can provide coverage for emergency medical care too…and no one can predict getting ill or injured abroad. Check coverage and rates at World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to Vietnam ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page !

We Want To Know : What would you add to our Hanoi Itinerary? Do you have any tips for what to do in Hanoi, Vietnam? Give us your best advice in the comments below!

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Plan a Trip to Hanoi and Choosing What Sights to See

Choosing the best time to go, start planning, choosing what sights to see, recommendations on how to get there, how to get a vietnamese visa, choosing a tour style: privately-guided, in a group, or on your own, find the best place to stay, advice on food.

Vietnam has eased its travel restrictions from March 16, 2022. All travelers are exempt from quarantine to visit Vietnam now as long as you're fully vaccinated .

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, attracts visitors with its abundance in culture, diversity of cuisine, and charming scenery (Halong Bay and rural scenery).

It's recommended to have a 2-day visit in the city or a 3-day visit around the city. But if you would really love to explore Hanoi properly, you can also stay there for 10 days.

Hanoi's tropical climate makes it suitable to visit all year round; however, the best times to visit are winter and spring, from October to March. During this time, the weather is dry and cool. From April to September, hot humid air will blanket most of the nation and rainfall is plentiful.

October to March — best time to visit

October to March is in the dry season. The weather is pleasant with sunny and cool days, but please note that it's cold in Halong Bay and Sapa during this time. If you are planning to visit there, be sure to keep warm.

What's more, late December to early January is in the peak tourist season. Lots of tourists flock to Hanoi at this time.

April to September — hot and rainy

If you don't mind the rain and humidity, April to September is also a good time to visit. The temperature will increase to 40°C (104°F) and there is a great possibility of rain, but the rainfall is just showers over a very short period of time or at night.

In this low season, tourist numbers are less and the cost is low.

During the New Year holiday (normally from later January to early February, about 1 week) and National Day (September 2nd to 3rd), most shops and scenery will shut down. The two-way migration from rural to urban areas will also result in heavy traffic jams. You should avoid visiting at this time. Hot as it is, August is the peak tourist season in Vietnam. If you would like to visit Hanoi during this month, you should make a flight and room reservation in advance.

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Spend the day exploring downtown Hanoi. But if you would like to explore Northern Vietnam around Hanoi, we would recommend 2 days for Halong Bay cruise and 3 days for Sapa trekking. Alternatively you can replace Sapa with Mai Chau, which is less-known but good for cycling with kids.

One to two days : downtown Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and museums

Three to five days : downtown Hanoi and Halong Bay, downtown Hanoi and Sapa, or downtown Hanoi and Mai Chau/Ninh Binh

Six to nine days : downtown Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Sapa, or downtown Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Mai Chau/Ninh Binh

Downtown area

• See the Old Quarter via a rickshaw ride in the daytime or take a walk there in the evening
• Hoan Kiem Lake, recommended in the morning
• Dong Xuan Market
• A water puppet show
• Some historic sights: the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
• Interesting museums: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the National Fine Arts Museum, Hoa Lo Prison
• Off-the-beaten-track Hanoi: Quang Ba Flower Market (best time to see it is at 5am–6am, on the way to the airport)

Surrounding areas

• Halong Bay: take a cruise ship to visit various islands, take a dugout canoe, go diving, and visit a floating village
• Mai Chau/Ninh Binh: explore on foot or by bike. There is a campfire party and a dinner party during the weekend at Mai Chau.
• Sapa: daily market, hiking in the valley village

By airplane

Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is responsible for the most international routes in Vietnam. Direct flights are available from most Asian countries but some great international airlines in other countries also provide the service. For more information, please refer to How to Get to Vietnam.

By bus/train

Passengers can get into Hanoi via a daily bus from Nanning or a train.

There are two choices to get into Vietnam from China by train: a daily train going between Nanning and Hanoi, or two to four train services running daily that link Kunming and Hanoi. All train tickets need to be booked in advance and it is recommended to get these via travel agents.

By cruise ship

Many international cruise ships stop and stay at Halong Bay for 2 days. Passengers can get into Hanoi from Halong Bay.

Explore similar itineraries: 13-Day Vietnam Classic Tour with Sapa 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour

There are three types of Vietnamese visa requirement:

Transit without a visa/visa-free

Apply for a visa in advance or Visa on arrival with approval letter

For more information, please refer to How to Get a Vietnam Visa.

It's recommended that you choose a tour guide for your journey in Hanoi. He/she can plan a unique route for you, lead you to experience the most original parts of Vietnam, and solve the problem of being stuck in traffic jams in the downtown area.

Particularly in the areas of Sapa, Mai Chau, and Ninh Binh, whose transportation systems are inconvenient, your private guide will arrange a vehicle for you, take you to the local market, and guide you to hike on a safe route.

If you go traveling in a group, it may not meet your individual needs. If you go on your own, it will take you a long time to make a plan and organize the transportation.

The best choices of accommodation are in the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake.

There are several advantages in the Old Quarter: convenient transportation, various restaurants, shops, a spa, and cheaply priced hotels. However, it's noisy at night and traffic jams are heavy there.

Many tourists will choose the hotels around Hoan Kiem Lake, such as Sofitel Legend, Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi, MGallery by Sofitel, and Hilton Hanoi Opera, from which tourists can enjoy the beauty of the lake. What's more, these are within walking distance of the downtown area.

Around West Lake is a new urban district. More and more hotels have been built in this district, such as the Waldorf and InterContinental hotels. Luxurious as they are, they are by no means a reflection of the original Vietnam.

You can choose the hotel according to your needs.

You can find different kinds of food in Hanoi, such as Indian, Chinese, and other Asian food as well as French and other Western food. We don't have much information about gluten-free food. If you can share your experiences about it, please contact us. Thank you!

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Hanoi Itinerary: How To Spend 7 Fantastic Days Here

Vietnam is a spectacular country with many places to see and a rich culture to learn about. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is one of the most visited cities in the country. With so many things to do and see it can be quite difficult to put together the perfect Hanoi itinerary. Here is a 7-day travel itinerary that you can use to plan a 3, 5 or 7-day trip to Hanoi.

Day 1: Relaxing and Exploring the Old Quarter.

Day 2: prisons and murals – hanoi itinerary, day 3: the unique ha long bay, day 4: a day of museums- hanoi itinerary, day 5: the breathtaking ninh binh, day 6: a day of sight seeing – hanoi itinerary, day 7: last day of experiencing hanoi.

Do you want to read this later? Save this  PIN  on your  Vietnam Board   on Pinterest and read it later ⬇

How To Spend 7 Fantastic Days in Hanoi.

This Hanoi itinerary is perfect for a 7-day trip. It’s put together so that the attractions in the same area can be visited on the same day. You can mix and match or leave out the things you don’t want to experience. This itinerary can also be shortened to 3 or 5 days if you don’t have 7 days in Hanoi.

You can explore the city by taking a taxi, a motorbike taxi or by walking. All of the attractions for each day are close enough to walk from one to the other however you can take a taxi if you prefer.

This is perfect if you arrive in Hanoi early morning or midday. If you arrive in Hanoi at night you can skip to Day 2 .

Arrive at Hanoi

The best place to stay in Hanoi is the Old Quarter. There are many attractions in this area and it has a very vibrant nightlife. During this time, check into your hotel and explore the surrounding area.

Explore the Old Quarter and Ho Hoan Kiem Lake

Walking around the Old Quarter and enjoying the small shops, restaurants and bars around. Take a relaxing stroll around Ho Hoan Kiem Lake. In the lake is a small island with a temple on it. The entrance fee is only 15,000 Dong ($0.70). You can also see the iconic Turtle Tower from land.

You can also visit the Memorial House and Bach Ma Temple while in the area. It’s a great way to experience the old town and learn some of its history. Another must-try is the famous Hanoi egg coffee .

❥ Also Read: Top 10 things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam

Street Murals of Hanoi

Along Phung Hung street there are many murals on the wall showing old memories of Hanoi. It shows you a glimpse into the past and how things used to work in Hanoi. For many locals, these murals bring back so many memories. They are beautiful.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Opened in 1886, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the oldest church in Hanoi and the most beautiful. The design was inspired by the world-famous Notre Dame de Paris because of its impressive architecture. This Cathedral is a beautiful old building that is a must-see when in the area.

❥ Also Read: 6 things to do in Da Nang, Vietnam

Try a Banh Minh Sandwich – The Ultimate Lunchtime favourite

A Banh Minh is a baguette that is cut down the middle and filled with savoury ingredients almost like a submarine sandwich. It’s traditionally filled with pate, mayo, Asian ham, pickled vegetables, green onion, coriander and sauce.

However, the recipe will vary from shop to shop and some places will give you a choice of what you want on your Banh Minh Sandwich almost like at Subway. This is a favourite, all over Vietnam and an affordable lunch option.

Hoa Lo Prison Memorial

Constructed over 100 years ago, the French held prisoners from around 1901. The prison has been well maintained through the years. You can see first-hand the living conditions, prisoner cells, relics and the terrible things they had to endure.

It costs 30 000 VND per person to enter. You can rent an audio guide for 50 000 VND each. We highly recommend that you get the audio guide. It gives a lot of information about things around the museum as well as some prisoners’ testimonials. Allow for around 2 hours here.

❥ Also Read: 3 Day Travel Guide for Hoi-An, Vietnam: The Ultimate Guide

Water puppet show

Water puppetry dates back to the 11th century and originated in Northern Vietnam. In Hanoi, you can watch a water puppet show and we recommend the Thang Long Water Puppet show.

This show has been performed around the world. The theatre is located in the Old Quarter, across the road from Ho Hoan Kiem Lake. Buy tickets beforehand if you can to get the best seats.

Ticket prices range from 100 000 VND to 200 000 VND depending on where you want to sit. If you buy a ticket for 150 000 Dong or more, you will receive a small souvenir with your ticket.

Disclaimer: The water puppet show is performed in the Vietnamese language. It could be hard to follow the story but it’s still an interesting experience even if you cannot understand it.

1 day trip to Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Vietnam. The bay consists of 1969 islands and islets which will take your breath away. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ha Long Bay is around a 4-hour drive from Hanoi. You have the choice between a 1-day, 2-day or 3-day tour to Ha Long Bay. The tour you pick will depend on your budget and desire.

For this itinerary, we will focus on a 1-day tour. This will be a whole day tour. Leaving Hanoi early in the morning and arriving back late. During the cruise, you will visit iconic attractions. Lunch is included. If you are vegan or vegetarian or have any other food restrictions make sure you inform the tour agency beforehand.

Book a 1-day tour to Ha Long bay here.

Book a 2-day, 1-night tour to Ha Long bay here.

On day 4 spend time in the French Quarter. This part of town is right by the Old Quarter and you can easily walk here if you prefer. The French played a huge part in the history of Vietnam and Hanoi has a big French influence.

Ceramic Mosaic Mural Street

This is the first stop of the day. This mosaic mural is 6.5KM long and is the largest mosaic mural in the world. It was done to celebrate the city’s 1000th birthday and the murals are based on different periods of time in Vietnam’s history.

❥ Also Read: 5 Beautiful Things to do in Mui Ne, Vietnam

Hanoi Opera House

Hanoi Opera House, also known as the Grand Opera house, was built between 1901 and 1911 and modelled after the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris. It was a major landmark in Hanoi over the years with many historical events held here.

There are still shows performed here. Have a look if there are any shows on whilst you are in Hanoi if this is something you want to see.

Opening hours for the Hanoi Opera house are from 08:00 to 23:00.

National Museum of Vietnamese History

Originally built in 1925 as a school, this building is a mixture of Chinese and French design. It’s a 2-story building that houses a large number of artefacts, statues, art and war relics.

It’s a fascinating place to walk around and learn some of the rich history of Vietnam. The most well-known exhibits here are the bronze status from the Dong Son culture, Hindu statuary from the Champa and Khmer kingdoms, jewellery from imperial Vietnam and displays that are related to the French occupation.

The entrance fee is 20,000 VND. They have a free audio guide at the museum as well. Opening hours are from 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:00.

Vietnamese Women’s Museum

This hidden gem is often overlooked and not many tourists come here which is a shame. This museum highlights the roles of women in Vietnams society. It shows you the importance, culture, roles and history of women during wartime in Vietnam. The information is provided in the Vietnamese, French and English languages.

Vietnamese Women’s Museum entrance fee is 40,000 VND for adults and 10,000 VND for children aged 6-16 years old. Opening hours are from 08:00 to 17:00

Day Tour to Trang An, Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh isn’t as well known as Ha Long Bay, however, a must-do when in Vietnam. Ninh Binh is around 100km from Hanoi. Tours leave early in the morning and arrive back late afternoon or evening.

There are different tours available that visit different attractions. We recommend tours that include Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Mua cave and Trang An.

Ninh Binh is known for its goat meat if you are interested in trying it, this is the perfect place.

Book a one-day tour to Ninh Binh here .

❥ Also Read: 10 Unique Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

This is the final resting place for President Ho Chi Minh. He was a revolutionary leader and president who lead his country to independence and unification. This historical building was built for the people of Vietnam to pay their respect to and honour their national hero.

To build the mausoleum, materials from all around the country were used. Even the gardens have plant species from all over the country. This is a symbol of unity and to keep their hero company.

President Ho Cho Minh didn’t want this mausoleum to be built. He wanted to be cremated and have his ashes scattered around the country so that the land could be used for agriculture. This is a significant place for the Vietnamese.

The entrance is free. Opening hours for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum are Monday and Friday Closed, Tuesday to Thursday: 07:30 to 10:30 am, Saturday and Sunday: 07:30 to 11:00 am.

Don’t wear short skirts or tank tops. Also, taking photos, talking or finger-pointing are strictly prohibited inside the mausoleum.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

This UNESCO world heritage site is a must-visit when in the area. This ancient ruin dates back to the 7th century as it was built on the remains of a Chinese fortress.

The first construction was during the Lý dynasty in 1011. It was expanded during the Tran, Le and Nguyen Dynasties. It played an essential role in society and remained the seat of the Vietnamese court until 1810 when the Nguyen Dynasty chose to move the capital to Hue.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is the centre of regional political power for almost 13 centuries without interruption which is an incredible feat. Unfortunately, the building was damaged by the war, and in 1945, the Japanese held 4,000 French prisoners.

In 1954, the Vietnamese Army reclaimed Hanoi and the Citadel became the headquarter of the Ministry of Defense. Since then, excavation of the site started and many ancient artefacts were found.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long entrance fee is 30,000 VND, Children under 15 years old can enter for free. Opening hours are from 08:00 to 17:00

Fine Arts Museum of Vietnam

Calling all art lovers!! This Fine Arts Museum is an art lovers’ paradise. It showcases many pieces from ancient times to modern times.

This is Vietnam’s main Fine Arts museum. This museum opened in 1966 it’s a three-floor building with the art displayed in chronological order. Most of the art is themed around martyrdom, patriotism, military strategy and defeating enemies.

Fine Arts Museums’ entrance fee is 40,000 VND for Adults, 10,000 VND for children aged 6-16, and 6 years or younger is free. Opening hours are from 08:30 to 17:00, closed on Mondays.

❥ Also Read: Is Vietnam Safe? Things to look out for

Vietnam Military History Museum

The last attraction in this area is the Military History Museum. It opened in 1956, just 2 years after defeating the French.

This museum celebrates victories against the French and later on, the Americans. The museum isn’t well maintained but it gives you a glimpse into the wars that have dominated Vietnam’s history for the last century.

It’s a very interesting place, especially if you are a historian.

Military History Museums’ entrance fee is 20,000 VND and the opening hours are from 08:00 to 16:30.

Lunch at the Railway tracks

Since this will be your last couple of hours in Vietnam we recommend having lunch at the railway tracks. Getting here is easy, simply put “Hanoi street train” into Google Maps. It’s located in the Old Quarter.

Once there, you can sit and relax at the cafes on the train tracks. When the train comes, everyone quickly moves out of the way so the train can move by. It’s a fun thing to see and experience.

It’s a beautiful part of the city that many people don’t know about.

Old Quarter

Wander around the Old Quarter. There is so much to see and do here. This is the perfect place to walk around and buy some souvenirs from the markets.

This is a 7-day travel itinerary for Hanoi Vietnam, however, you can mix and match to create your perfect travel itinerary. If you are in Hanoi for only 3 or 5 days, pick the things that look the most interesting to you and create your own 3-day or 5-day itinerary for Hanoi, Vietnam.

Wondering how long you should stay in Hanoi? We will recommend no less than 3 full days in Hanoi. You can see a lot of the town and do some day trips during this time. However, if you have more time consider spending it here, you won’t be disappointed.

If you found this itinerary helpful, please buy us one of those famous Hanoi egg coffees.

Thank you for your interesting article. I will have a trip to Vietnam on Christmas Eve, I have 3 days in Hanoi.

Awesome! You should definitely go to some museums and murals in Hanoi

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One day in hanoi: city tour itinerary.

Last modified on June 6, 2020

The capital of Vietnam is an incredible place, so busy and yet alive with culture and history.

If you’re short on time and only have one day in Hanoi you want to make sure you make the most of it. We’ve put together a full-day itinerary covering the highlights of Hanoi – everything from the ancient Emperors to French colonial architecture.

Put your walking shoes on (or jump in a Grab) and soak up these top attractions.

One day in Hanoi – Plan Your Own Self-Guided Hanoi City Tour

How to get around hanoi.

There are multiple ways you can travel around Hanoi.

Walking is a great way to explore when you only have one day in Hanoi. You can take in the sights and smells as you move through the streets and really get a feel for the city.

Many of the stops on our itinerary below can be easily walked, although there are a couple you may want to find transport to.

Taxis are a fast and easy way to move around the city. Watch out for scams though – they’re chronic in Hanoi! Avoid paying flat fees and make sure that the meter is moving at what appears to be a ‘normal’ rate. A common scam is to speed up the meter – if they do that, pay what feels like a reasonable rate and exit the taxi.

If you want to be sure you’re scam-free, then we recommend the Uber of Vietnam – Grab…

Grab – Car or Moto

We wholeheartedly use and recommend Grab . You’ll need to get a Vietnamese Sim Card (or have data roaming enabled) and to download the Grab app, but it’s a reliable way to make sure you get quick service at a fair price – avoiding the potential pitfalls of taxi services.

Local buses

If you’re up for an adventure you can use local buses to move around the city. Just make sure you know where you’re going and when you need to get off as drivers don’t often speak English.

A number of the aforementioned transport options are available to get you from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter .  We suggest considering the most appropriate method for you.

One day in Hanoi; What to See and Do on your Hanoi City Tour

Ba dinh square and ho chi minh mausoleum.

With only one day in Hanoi you’ll want to make sure you start it with a visit to Ba Dinh Square and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum . A popular tourist destination for both foreigners and locals, the Mausoleum in particular gets busy and is only open a few hours in the morning and on certain days.

Ba Dinh Square is the place where Ho Chi Minh read the Proclamation of Independence which made Vietnam a Democratic Republic on September 2 nd 1945.

After he died, a large Mausoleum was built where his embalmed remains are preserved and housed inside. The body looks to be in particularly good shape and viable through a glass window.

Those in the north of Vietnam take Ho Chi Minh quite seriously, so make sure you dress respectfully. That means shoulders and knees covered (and no hats). You’ll also need to behave respectfully once inside the mausoleum and follow the protocol of walking slowly, no stopping and no talking. Be warned, you will be required to leave all bags and cameras outside.

You can access Ba Dinh Square at all times however the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is only open from December until September as follows:

• Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 7.30am – 10.30am
• Saturday & Sunday: 7.30am – 11am
• Monday & Friday: Closed

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed in October and November so Ho Chi Minh’s body can be sent to Russia for maintenance.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Moving further into the past, head from Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum to the Thang Long Imperial Citadel .

The site of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel was the political centre and capital of Vietnam for over 8 centuries. It housed the Vietnamese Emperor and the court until 1810 when the Nguyen Dynasty moved the capital to Hue.

The original buildings, which no longer exist, dated back to around 1010, however over the years they’ve been demolished, rebuilt, destroyed and relocated. On this site today, you’ll see much newer buildings such as the Doan Mon Gate and the Flag tower.

Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site since 2010, the area is under archaeological investigation with ancient pottery and building foundations having been found.

Though it’s not the most exciting of Vietnamese spots, for only  30,000 VDN (NZD2.00, USD1.30) you can wander around from 8am until 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday at 9 Hoang Dieu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh District.

Hanoi Train Street

Twice a day locals rush to pack away their belongings and move their children indoors as a train comes flying down their street, sometimes only inches away from their homes. This is life on “ Train Street ” a 500 metre stretch of train track, built along one of Hanoi’s narrow laneways.

For most of the day on train street you’ll see locals going about their day-to-day lives, before suddenly pulling everything inside and into doorways in time for the 3pm and 7pm train.

While any time of the day is worth a visit, if you only have one day in Hanoi and want to see the train you should be there a bit earlier than 3pm as the train schedule is somewhat flexible. Make sure that you’re not on the tracks as the train approaches and have an idea of where you’re going to go when the train comes. The train cannot stop for you so you need to be prepared – safety first!

The actual name of the lane is Ngo 224 Le Duan , and that’s what you’ll want to type into your GPS, it is located between Le Duan and Kham Tien Streets.

St Joseph’s Cathedral

From Train Street you can head towards St Joseph’s Cathedral , the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Vietnam, and the oldest Catholic Church in Hanoi.

Construction on the church started in 1886 and it was built in a style similar to Notre Dame de Paris . The Neo Gothic architecture stands out amongst the city and is symbolic of the French influence on Vietnamese culture.

Hoan Kiem Lake and Turtle Tower

A place steeped in ancient story, Hoan Kiem Lake holds a special place in the heart of Hanoi’s residents. It is believed that the warrior Le Loi used a sword that came from Hoan Kiem Lake to fend off the Chinese in the 1400’s. He then returned to the lake, where a giant turtle took the sword and dove down to the bottom of the lake, returning the sword to its rightful place.

Thap Rua (Turtle Tower) was built over 150 years ago in honour of Le Loi, it is located on a small island at the centre of Hoan Kiem Lake.

These days, the lake has a special sort of serenity. It is visited by locals who use it for catching up, or recreation, and you’ll often see Tai Chi practitioners practicing their art.

The Old Quarter

Take a wander through the Old Quarter , the most popular tourist area in Hanoi . Once the centre of trade and craftsmanship in Hanoi, many of the long, narrow shop houses now house trendy bars, restaurants and cafes.

Get lost in the sounds and smell of Hanoi, the business, the fast pace and all amongst century old buildings.

Whether you wander through the streets during the day or return at night for the incredible night market, the Old Quarter is a real Hanoi standout.

Tran Quoc Pagoda and Ho Tay (West Lake)

Tran Quoc Pagoda is oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, having been originally built in the 6 th century. A beautiful and tranquil temple, it is influenced by the proximity to China, featuring plenty of red, the colour of luck and prosperity. The temple even has a bodhi tree that grew from a clipping of the tree the Buddha sat under all those years ago.

Note that the Tran Quoc Pagoda closes at 4pm, so if you stick around Train Street waiting for the train you may not get to enter the Pagoda however it is still worth a look around West Lake (Ho Tay) .

Located on an Island near the shore of West Lake, Hanoi’s largest lake, the Tran Quoc Pagoda is completely surrounded by water.

Take your time exploring the temple and pagoda and then walk the shores of West Lake, where you’ll find plenty of beautiful gardens, and restaurants.

Opening hours for the Tran Quoc Pagoda are 8am until 4pm daily.

Thang Long Water Puppet Show

The perfect way to finish off one day in Hanoi is with a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show in the Old Quarter. The beautiful art of water puppetry arose from a time when the rice paddies would flood and villagers would entertain themselves by performing puppet shows whilst knee deep in water.

Puppeteers control large puppets, sometimes weighing up to 15kgs while they convey legends and stories that have been passed down through history. Traditional music and instruments are played in the background and, when combined with lighting, it creates a fascinating show.

Tours of Hanoi

If you’re really tight on time in Hanoi and are looking for something to keep you busy or allow you to see the city without a fuss, why not join a tour?

• Consider buying a Hop on Hop Off Thang Long Hanoi City tour bus ticket that takes you to various places of interest throughout the city (for about 4 hours). In between, you can learn about the cities history with multi-lingual commentary.
• A Hanoi Street food tour is a great way to explore the culinary delights of the city. Take in the sights as walk local streets and try delicious local foods.
• A full day tour of Hanoi including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Tran Quoc Pagoda is a great way to see the highlights of the city without having to do any of the planning. You’ll also enjoy a cooking class or water puppet show depending on your interests.

Where to Eat With One Day in Hanoi

Vietnam is known for incredible fresh, multi-cultural cuisine and Hanoi is a great place to experience this.  We love the following restaurants:

• Duong’s Restaurant, which is located near the Hoan Kiem Lake, offers a great selection of traditional Vietnamese Dishes. Reservations are required.
• For delicious western food such as burgers and craft beers, try Chops in the Old Quarter.
• If it’s delicious street food you’re after, Bun Bo Nam Bo in the old quarter offers delicious southern styled street food.

Where to Stay With Only One Night in Hanoi

Most travellers will choose to stay around Hanoi’s Old Quarter as it’s close to the sights and full of local restaurants, bars and other travellers.

Victoria Home Travel is located in the Old Quarter only 500 meters from the Thang Long Water Puppet show and near Hoan Kiem Lake. It offers air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

The Trang Trang Premium Hotel is only 100 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake and is extremely popular for its location, amenities and proximity to the lake.

We also recommend the Hanoi Chic Boutique Hotel for comfortable service at affordable prices.

Get Out There with This Itinerary and Organise Your Own Hanoi City Tour!

Hanoi is easy to navigate, safe and offers tremendous value for money.  With its vibrant culture and intriguing history, it is a city that’s worth exploring.

Whether you have one day in Hanoi or much longer, we hope this itinerary will help you plan an amazing visit.

Happy travels,

Christine – Travellers with Time

Follow Christine and Ben on Facebook to keep up with their adventures.

Keen to organise your own Hanoi city tour? Pin this post!

Photos by Exploring Kiwis, Isabell Schulz (edited) & Wikipedia (edited)

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• Currency ₫ Dong Vietnam

As a traveller from USA, Canada you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, G. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types A, B, C, E, F. As a traveller from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B, C, E, F, G.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
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• Tuberculosis - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 3 months before travel.
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5 Days Itinerary: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Sapa (for the first timers)

• Day 1: Hanoi
• Day 2: Hanoi to Sapa
• Day 3: Sapa to Cat Cat Village to Hanoi
• Day 4: Hanoi to Halong Bay
• Day 5: Halong Bay to Hanoi

If you’ve got 5 days to explore Northern Vietnam and you’re not quite sure what to do, we’ve got your back. This itinerary will take you from the ancient streets of Hanoi to the towering mountains of Halong Bay to come to an end in the hills and mountains of Sapa.

• Spend the first day exploring Hanoi’s highlights.
• On day two, head towards Sapa where you will explore Ham Rong mountain.
• Day three takes you to Cat Cat village, where you will learn about H’mong culture.
• The final destination is a 2-day/1-night cruise to Halong Bay.

• 8:00: Leave your hotel and go to Tran Quoc Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple in Hanoi, near the West Lake.
• 9:45: Take a stroll towards Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum in Ba Dinh, grab a traditional Vietnamese breakfast along the way.
• 11:15: Next up, drop by the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples.
• 12:00: Stop to have lunch in a nearby local restaurant.
• 13:30: For a blast from the past, visit the ancient Temple of Literature, built in 1070 AD, it’s also Vietnam’s first university.
• 15:00: Head towards Hoan Kiem Lake, do as the locals do and walk around the lake and generally chill out. Visit Ngoc Son Temple and try some ice cream from one of the nearby gelaterias.
• 17:00: Return to the hotel and get ready for dinner.
• 18:30: Explore the Old Quarter, find somewhere for dinner - perhaps Bun Cha or Bun Bo Nam Bo?
• 20:00: Return to hotel and get lots of sleep in preparation for day two!

Summary: Visit 5 attractions including Tran Quoc Pagoda,Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem lake.

• 8:00: Board the shuttle bus headed for Sapa. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way.
• 13:00: Arrive in Sapa and have some lunch.
• 14:00: Head for Ham Rong mountain, climb to the summit (takes 20 minutes) and explore the Indochina Orchid Garden.
• 17:00: Go back to the hotel and freshen up for the evening.
• 18:00: Find somewhere to have a delicious dinner!
• 19:30: Explore Sapa town by night.

Tip: You can also catch an overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa. Train departs Hanoi at 22:00 and arrive Lao Cai (for Sapa) at 06:10 in the morning. it costs about 800,000 VND/person for one-way ticket.

• 08:30: Wake up and enjoy breakfast in Sapa Town.
• 9:30: Go to Cat Cat Village, close to Sapa Town. Meet the Hmong people and learn about their distinctive customs and traditions.
• 12:00: Go back to Sapa to have lunch.
• 13:30: Explore Sapa’s market and buy some souvenirs.
• 14:30: Head back to Hanoi by shuttle bus.
• 19:30: Return to your Hanoi hotel and relax for the evening, or get dinner around the Old Quarter.

For train lovers: An overnight train from Sapa departs Lao Cai station at 21:40 and arrive Hanoi at 05:30.

• 8:00 - 8:30: Get a Banh Mi on-the-go for your breakfast, then board the shuttle bus heading for Halong Bay.
• 12:15 - 13:00: You should aim to arrive at Halong Bay ferry port by midday. Check-in and board your cruise.
• 13:00: Enjoy a set-menu lunch onboard the cruise boat.
• 14:00: First stop, visit Titop Island . Take some time to swim, sunbathe or explore the island.
• 15:30: Head to Sung Sot Cave , one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay.
• 16:30: Go back to the boat and freshen up in time for dinner. Have a shower and relax on the deck while you wait.
• 17:30: Enjoy the set-menu dinner.
• 19:00: Once the sun has gone down partake in squid fishing, karaoke singing and games.

Important Note: Passports are required for onboard stay, remember to take your passport with you.

• 07:00: Wake up nice and early to enjoy breakfast on board the ship.
• 07:40: Visit the pearl farm. Learn all about the cultivation of pearls in Halong Bay.
• 08:30: Try some kayaking, explore the area surrounding your cruise boat independently.
• 10:30: Have brunch on the boat and then take in Halong Bay as the boat travels back to Tuan Chau Harbor.
• 12:00: The shuttle bus will take you back to Hanoi’s Old Quarter. 16:30: Return to your Hanoi hotel.

Recommended hotels for Hanoi: The Oriental Jade Hotel & Spa and Apricot hotel (2 minute walk from Hoan Kiem lake)

Questions and Answers (34)

Hi, I am planning to visit Hanoi - Sa Pa (Fansipan) and Ha Long bay within 5 days in April. My schedule probably like this: Day 1 - Hanoi to Sa Pa (arrival in afternoon) Day 2 - Sa Pa Day 3 - Sa Pa to Ha Long (via Hanoi) Day 4 - Ha Long to Hanoi Day 5 - Hanoi (Departure) Is this schedule look good?

Dear Mod Saiful, Thank you for your booking request!  Yes, we can customize the tour basing on your preference so please see the alternative itinerary below:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival. Pick up from Hanoi Airport. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi - Halong Bay. Overnight on board.

Day 3: Halong Bay - Hanoi. Bus Hanoi to Sapa. Overnight in Sapa

Day 4: Sapa - Fansipan by cable car. Overnight in Sapa

Day 5: Free and easy day in Sapa. Bus back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi 

Day 6: Departure. Transfer to the airport. Trip ends

Hope this works for you. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Phoebe  

Hi, I am planning to visit with my wife for 5 days 4 nights between Hanoi to Sapa & Fansipan during end of March or beginning of April. Can pls advise what time flight to take is better and also the itinerary please. We are Hindu so appreciate can also advise which place we can go for food hunting and restaurants please. Thank u in advance.

@Agilan, Thank you for contacting us. We have sent you an email with more details about the trip. Please kindly check it. Look forward to hearing from you soon. Regards,

Hi, i planning to explore hanoi, halong bay and sapa ( including fansipan) in April for 5 nights. I’m traveling with my families. Can you give us some tips or perhaps itinerary. We thinking to try night train to Sapa From hanoi or from Sapa to Hanoi is it possible ? We plan to have night flight, I think we’ll be arrive in Hanoi in the morning, thank you so much

@Yoyoh Yohana, Thank you for contacting us. Our consultant has sent you an email to assist you better. Hope to hear from you. Regards,

i planning to gg in May for 5 days . is ther weather hot in May. Any tips. ?

Dear Jerene, Answering your questions, in May the weather in Halong Bay is around 15 degrees to 25 degrees. It's kinda hot but not like June from August. I also wonder which type of cruise you are interested in (budget, mid-range or luxury)? We have many different cruises with different costs so it is helpful to know your budget range? How many people (adults, children)? Your trip dates as well. I look forward to hearing back from you so I can send you our best offer. If you have any other questions please let me know any time! Best regards, Harzel  

Hi I want to visit Vietnam at the end of August, me and my friend, we both want to go on a trip to Ho Chi Minh and Fansipan (because of the cold weather), it is possible to do it ?, because we both plan to be in Vietnam for 5 days only, can you give us some tips. Thank you.

@Ariff, Thank you for your questions. We have sent you an email for better assistance. Please kindly check it. Looking forward to hearing from you. Regards, Visithalongbay Team

I would like to get a quote for 9 people for a 5D trip in mid May 2024. Can you provide the available package and itinerary

@Dear Maheenthran,

Thank you for your email and I would like to send you the itinerary below.

Day 1: Hanoi Airport - Hanoi City - Hotel in Hanoi Day 2: Hanoi City Tour 1 days - Hotel in Hanoi Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Overnight cruise Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi. Return to Hanoi. Day 5: Hanoi departure, trip ends. 

Does this match your preferences? If you wish to add any other destinations please let me know!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Melissa  

I would like a quote for 8 people taking over night train to Sapa and back please

@Claire Burns, Thank you for contacting us. We have sent you an email for better assistance. Please kindly check it. Regards, Visithalongbay Team.

Hi. I am also interested in witnessing the Vietnamese New Year along with the above itinerary. Can you provide complete itinerary for 2 adults for new year 2024

@Vaishali Parihar, We have sent you an email about the suggested itinerary. Please check it and reply to us for better assistance. Regards,

Hi, am trying to plan an itinerary for 4 for 5 full days. Arrive Sun evening. Mon Day 1 in Hanoi and on Tue, Day 2 to Sapa and stay one night there. Day 3 in Sapa then travel back to Hanoi. Day 4 day tour to Halong Bay. Day 5 in Hanoi. Next day depart Hanoi for home. Any other suggestion?

@Carol Ong, Thank you for your inquiry. Please check the email we have sent you for better assistance. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Regards,

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How to Spend 6 Days in Hanoi – Best Hanoi Itinerary 6 Days for Newcomers

How to Spend 6 Days in Hanoi for Newcomers?

Are you planning to visit Hanoi and other northern provinces of Vietnam but you don’t know what to do in the 6 days in Hanoi? Or what should your 6-day Hanoi itinerary be like? Are you looking for the most suitable itinerary for you? First of all, congratulations for picking the ideal time to visit Northern Vietnam and experience its splendor!

Six days is the perfect amount of time, which will allow you to visit three or four northern provinces, including Hanoi, without feeling rushed. This period also makes it easier to choose destinations that suit your companion, as well as family, couples, friends, or even alone.

Let’s check out our suggested schedules below and find out which is best for you!

Table of Contents

More information about Hanoi Itinerary:

• Itinerary for 2 Days in Hanoi
• Hanoi Itinerary for 3 Days
• Hanoi Itinerary for 4 Days
• 5 Days Itinerary in Hanoi
• Hanoi Itinerary for 7 Days

Recommended Hanoi 6 Days Itinerary

Option 1: hanoi relax holiday 6 days itinerary.

With this 6-Day Hanoi itinerary, you will have the opportunity to visit almost all the attractions in each province without having to rush. Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long will surely impress you after this trip.

• Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
• Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
• Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay
• Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi
• Day 5: Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu Tam Coc Mua Cave
• Day 6: Departure

>>> CHECK OUT: BEST NINH BINH DAY TOURS FROM HANOI

Who for this

• With a planned itinerary that enables you and your loved ones to get to know one another better, this option is appropriate for groups of friends or couples. Along with beautiful plains cities, the trip also offers you the beauty of lush woodlands. Therefore, you and your companion will undoubtedly have a special time to bond and become closer.
• For pleasurable and memorable moments with your beloved, don’t forget to go kayaking on the bay. Additionally, Halong bay cruise provides unique and beautiful settings which are intended for happy couples.
• We would highly recommend this cruise to groups of adults and children or those who want a relaxing trip. The itinerary is not too rushed, so you can also experience the most in 3 destinations: Hanoi, Halong and Ninh Binh.

>>> Haven’t decided yet? GET FREE CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY <<<

Day 1: Explore Hanoi Old Quarter – Street Food

• After arriving in Hanoi, tourists will start the trip to discover the Old Quarter in the morning, starting with Hoan Kiem Lake, Ma May ancient house or Dong Xuan market…
• You then have time to enjoy the local dishes like Pho, banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), bun cha (rice noodles with grilled pork)… to understand why Hanoians are proud of such dishes.
• If you find understanding Hanoians’ daily life and local food not enough, drinking some beers on Ta Hien Street at night will help you learn more about the nightlife.

>>> Check out more:

• Hanoi City Tour – Explore Highlights of Hanoi as a Local
• Un-Pho-Gettable Hanoi Street Food Tours

Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay( Overnight on Cruise)

• Depart from Hanoi in the morning and arrive in Ha Long Bay at noon.
• Have lunch on the cruise before visiting one of the most famous caves in Halong bay by kayak. Then you will spend a few hours at a beautiful beach of an unspoilt island before heading back to the cruise for dinner.
• Have dinner on the cruise and then join the onboard nightlife activities such as go night squid fishing or sip some beers at the cruise’s bar.

Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi

• Wake up early and do Tai Chi exercises on deck. After having breakfast, tourists will go kayaking to explore another mysterious cave.
• Return to the cruise for lunch while it will take you back to the harbor.
• After lunch, the car will head back to Hanoi. If you still have time, let’s explore more Hanoi’s Old Quarter at night

Day 4: French Old Quarter + Cyclo Tour

• In the morning, you can spend time discovering the French Quarter in Hanoi. Different from Hanoi Old Quarter, this area has a lot of French colonial architecture. Some attractions you definitely should not miss out including St. Joseph’s cathedral, Hoa Lo Prison, Long Bien Bridge, and more.
• In the evening, let’s experience sitting on a cyclo around and enjoying a water puppet show.

Day 5: Hanoi – Ninh Binh Day Tour

• Depart for Ninh Binh early in the morning, then you can visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital , Tam Coc , Mua Cave – some of the most well-known attractions in Ninh Binh.
• After a delectable lunch with famous local cuisine, tourists take a boat tour rowed by the locals to take in the beauty alongside the river, and visit Mua Cave which offers beautiful views to the villages, rivers, and mountains in Tam Coc.
• In the late afternoon, return to Hanoi. Tourists will have a free night in Hanoi to discover this capital on your own.

>>> SEE MORE: Deluxe Hoa Lu Tam Coc Mua Cave Small Group – Limousine Transfer

Day 6: Hanoi and Departure

• On the last day of your itinerary, if you have time, let’s explore the West Lake area and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, which is known as the most beautiful, peaceful and oldest temple in Hanoi.
• Then, you can freely enjoy the remaining time before your return flight.

In addition, you can choose some quiet destinations on the outskirts of Hanoi such as Van Phuc Silk Village, Bat Trang Pottery Village or Duong Lam Ancient Village to escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital, and have different experiences on the last day in Hanoi.

Option 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Sapa – Hanoi

Sapa and Ha Long Bay are the two most attractive destinations in Northern Vietnam. With the 6-Day Hanoi itinerary, tourists will be able to visit the highlights of each destination and have the best time in Vietnam.

• Day 1: Hanoi Arrival, Overnight in Hanoi
• Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay, Overnight on cruise
• Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi, Overnight in Hanoi
• Day 4: Hanoi – Sapa, Overnight in Sapa
• Day 5: Sapa Fansipan – Hanoi, Overnight in Hanoi
• Day 6: Hanoi Departure
• Don’t miss hiking and kayaking to have enjoyable and memorable moments!
• This itinerary will definitely offer you and your loved ones with a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other better and closer. You will be able to admire the beauty of not only cities in the plains but also verdant forests and majestic mountains.
• The romantic and unique settings offered on the Halong Bay cruise are intended for happy couples.
• This itinerary option provides exploration in three main destinations, namely Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sa Pa. However, if you are traveling in a group with elders and children, this option is not recommended.
• A trip to explore Sapa requires a lot of effort on hiking or walking on the roads and villages, which can be challenging for children and the elderly.
• It also takes you a long time to go to Sapa (by train or shuttle bus), so this itinerary is a bit rushed.
• Young people and adventurous lovers are probably the most suitable ones for this destination!

>>> GET A  FREE CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY <<<

Day 1: Explore Walking Tour in Old Quarter

In the Morning

• Visit Hanoi Old Quarter and attractions in and around this area such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Ancient House, Bach Ma Temple, Quan Chuong Gate, Dong Xuan Market… You can see the map below for the itinerary in Hanoi Old Quarter.
• Hoan Kiem Lake  is considered the “heart of the Capital”. Walking around the lake is a must-do activity when visiting Hanoi, so this attraction is listed on almost all walking tours.
• Ma May Ancient House Hanoi : Located at 87 Ma May Street, the Old Quarter, it is a well-preserved house with a special architecture of Hanoi in the past.

In the afternoon

• You should explore more places such as: Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, One-Pillar Pagoda, Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House.

In the evening

• Take a Street Food Tour in Hanoi with a Local Guide or enjoy a draft beer with some locals at Ta Hien beer street where it is known as the international intersection to understand more about nightlife in Hanoi
• In addition, let’s check out more recommendations in our article for 3-day itinerary in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay 2Days 1 Night on Cruise

• Depart from Hanoi in the early morning and arrive in Ha Long Bay around lunchtime then check in on the cruise.
• Preliminary instructions on safety will be provided to passengers prior to check-in. Next, you can get to know the overnight cruise itinerary.
• In addition, while having lunch, you will have the opportunity to see the wonderful scenery along the way. Take the time to enjoy it!
• Sung Sot Cave After lunch, you will take a boat ride to Sung Sot Cave located in the heart of the World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay.
• After crossing a narrow passage, you will be amazed at the large and impressive cave which can accommodate thousands of people.
• The amazing beauty of the limestone stalagmites formed over thousands of years will surely amaze you!

Titop island

• After Sung Sot cave, the cruise goes to Titop Island. Titop Island is a Halong popular place for 2 days and 1 night itinerary.
• Explore the island or you can choose to sunbathe on the beach.
• Otherwise, for adventure lovers, we recommend you hike to the top of Titop’s mountain which offers a panoramic view of Halong Bay.
• After a long day, get back to your cruise, enjoy some onboard activities and spend the night on board.

Day 3: Luon Cave – Halong Bay – Hanoi

• Take part in Tai Chi session
• Starting your day with Tai Chi is a great idea to energize your day
• When you wake up early in the morning, you will have the opportunity to observe the wonderful sunrise over the bay. This unforgettable scene will be a worthy reward for your 1-night cruise in HaLong Bay.
• Enjoy a light breakfast served in the restaurant.
• Then, tourists can visit Luon Cave which is in front of Con Rua islet. On the right of the cave is Heaven Gate (Cong Troi), which is said to be the intersection of Heaven and Earth.
• You’ll have a guided tour through Luon Cave by kayak or by small boat rowed by a local boatman while enjoying the natural scenery along the way. What an enjoyable experience!

You would be interested in:

• 28+ BEST Things To Do In Halong Bay – Attractions & Activities
• Halong Bay Cruise – Big tips for better cruise at lower price

Day 4: Day 1 in Sapa

• In this itinerary, we recommend you to use limousine transportation which only takes 5 hours to drive. Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi and drop you off in Sapa. This vehicle offers excellent quality with modern facilities but the price is still reasonable. If traveling by train, you will have to pay more and take more time.
• Take a limousine bus from Hanoi to Sapa at noon to rest, then start visiting Cat Cat village.
• Visit Ta Phin village in the afternoon.
• Walk around the center of Sapa to learn about the nightlife here.
• Overnight in Sapa.

Day 5: Day 2 in Sapa

• Take the cable car to the top of Fansipan.
• Spend time visiting Silver Waterfall and Heaven Gate in the afternoon.
• Get on the Limousine to return to Hanoi in the evening.
• Around 09.00pm arrive in Hanoi and spend the night here

Day 6: Free & Easy

• Suggestion: If you still have time to explore, you can visit Bat Trang Ceramic Village or Duong Lam Ancient Village for half a day. Otherwise, let’s go shopping or relax in a cafe around Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Option 3: Hanoi 6 days / 5 nights itinerary for sightseeing lovers

Hanoi is a suitable destination for those who love sightseeing and rest.

• Day 2: Hanoi – Halong bay, Overnight on cruise
• Day 4: Ninh Binh Full Day Trip, Overnight in Tam Coc
• Day 5: Ninh Binh – Hanoi, Overnight in Hanoi

From Hanoi airport, it will take you from 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Hanoi city center.

• Ideally, choose a hotel in the old quarter as most of the famous attractions are nearby or not too far away, and you can also walk to some of them.
• Then you should visit and explore the Old Quarter or walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. There is nothing better than taking a short walk around the lake to relax. This place is always busy and become a walking street on weekends
• Beside the lake, you can visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi Opera House, French Old Quarter or Hoa Lo Prison…
• On the next day, you can start to visit HaLong Bay, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, which is a 3-hour drive away from Hanoi.
• Ideally, reserve a 2-day and 1-night cruise. This allows you to enjoy the magnificent sunrise and sunset over the bay. It is definitely an activity not to be missed!
• In addition, there are also many worth-experiencing activities such as kayaking, visiting caves or swimming…

You can choose for yourself a 2-day itinerary in Ninh Binh as follows:

• Depart from Hanoi in the morning, it takes 2 hours by bus to Ninh Binh
• On the first day in Ninh Binh, refer to the following suitable places to visit:
• Hoa Lu is the ancient capital of Vietnam where you can admire the ancient temples.
• Tam Coc allows you to admire the beauty of the mountains and the rice fields. It is most well-known for boating amid towering limestone mountains surrounding the river and beautiful rice fields. This natural landscape attracts many international tourists nowadays.
• In the evening, you can choose to sleep in a bungalow close to nature to relax after a long day
• In the morning, you will visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest temple in Vietnam with many records.
• In the afternoon, you can explore the unspoiled natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere by boating at Trang An – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After that, return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

Option 4: Hanoi Highlights 6 Days Itinerary

• Day 3: Halong Bay Day Trip
• Day 4: Mai Chau Nature Day Trip
• Day 5: Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu Trang An Mua Cave Tour

>>> SEE MORE:

• Deluxe Hoa Lu Trang An Mua Cave Small Group – Limousine Transfer
• Deluxe Halong Bay Day Trip 6 Hour Cruise – Limousine Transfer
• You won’t waste time traveling between the numerous attractions in this itinerary! In 6 days, let’s explore the beautiful sceneries of Northern Vietnam!
• Because these famous attractions are close to each other and it only takes 2-4 hours from Hanoi, you can return to the capital on the same day to explore more.
• You can enjoy your trip like a local with lots of easy activities such as cycling, kayaking and trekking.

If you are having trouble planning your itinerary in Hanoi and Vietnam, just click below and Hanoi Explore Travel will help you 24/7 with a FREE Customized Itinerary!

That’s all for our 6-Day Hanoi Itinerary. What is your choice of the options mentioned above? If you have any questions, please contact us – Hanoi Explore Travel for further explanation and recommendation!

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Hanoi Excursions

Card Player Cruises Private Excursions in Hanoi

Sunday november 17th - day 1 - tour a.

4-hour Halong Bay Scenic Cruise plus Overnight in Hanoi 4 * Hotel and Sightseeing

This excursion begins with a 4-hour cruise on Halong Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Lunch will be served on board. The cruise sails toward the Islet of Rocky Dog, Incense Burner, and Fighting Cock. We will dock at Heavenly Palace Cave and Wooden Stake Cave, two of the most amazing caves in Halong Bay. Following the 4-hour scenic cruise, we will begin the drive to Hanoi, taking the longer route (approx 4 hours), which goes through interesting villages and scenic countryside to give you the real feel of Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, we will transfer to our hotel for check-in and luggage drop off (The Acoustic Hotel and Spa Hotel). Next we will go on a 1-hour cyclo tour of the French inspired Old Quarter passing by notable locations including St Joseph's Cathedral, Hoan Kiem Lake, Sunbeam Bridge, and Jade Mountain Temple.

Our next stop is at a cafe on the famous Train Street of Hanoi. As we enjoy our coffee, the train will run past this area. Following the cyclo tour, our guide and driver will take us to visit some of the culinary hotspots of Hanoi. We will tempt our taste buds with a main dish at a local eatery. The evening ends with a performance of the city's famous Water Puppet Show, a traditional art form of Vietnam.

After the show you will be escorted back to the hotel or you can choose to venture out onto the walking street with the night market before returning to the hotel. Sweet dreams!

Monday November 18th - Day 2 - Tour A - Sightseeing capital city of Vietnam

Following a hearty breakfast in our hotel, our guide and driver will pick us up and we will begin our tour of the capital city of Vietnam. We will start with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Complex. Next we will visit One Pillar Pagoda, the most unique Pagoda in the world, followed by a stop at the Temple of Literature which was originally built as a temple to Confucius.

We will then say goodbye to Hanoi and begin our transfer back to the ship via a 2.5 hour freeway drive.

The price for this amazing tour is $399 plus the $25 port access fee. Total price $424 per person (Single Supplement $75)

If you prefer not to stay in Hanoi overnight in a hotel we have the following excursion options available

Sunday november 17th - day 1 - tour b - halong bay cruise & yen duc cultural village.

Length of Tour = 8 hours

Your guide will pick you up at the port and take you by chartered vehicle to the Port of Yen Duck Village (Approximately 1.5 hour drive). Upon arrival, you will visit the historical monument Canh Huong Pagoda and some traditional houses where you will meet local hosts. Walk around the village and enjoy the distinct rural lifestyle of Vietnam. Next you will see a water puppet show, a traditional art form of Vietnam.

There will be time to mingle with the locals and join in their daily activities before heading back to port for your Halong Bay cruise on one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Lunch will be served on board while our cruise heads toward the Islet of Rocky Dog, Incense Burner, and Fighting Cock. The cruise then docks at Heavenly Palace Cave and Wooden Stake Cave where we will visit two of the most amazing caves of Halong Bay.

Following this wonderful day, you will be returned to the ship.

The price for this amazing tour is $150 plus the $25 port access fee. (Total price $175 per person) Note: itinerary may be slightly changed due to weather, traffic, or other conditions.

Option One: Monday November 18th - Day 2 - Tour C - Halong Bay Cruise Option

Halong Bay with 4-hour Scenic Cruise.

You will venture out to explore Halong Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world. You will visit the Islet of Rocky Dog, Incense Burner, and Fighting Cock. The cruise will dock at Heavenly Palace and Wooden Stick Cave for a visit. These are two of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay thanks to their hundreds of splendid stalactites. You will continue exploring further into the bay and then return to the boat harbor and will be escorted back to the port in good time for our ship's departure.

Lunch is included on the Halong cruise. Entry fees to the sightseeing caves are also included. The price for this amazing tour is $119 plus the $25 port access fee. (Total price $144 per person)

Option Two: Monday November 18th - Day 2 - Tour D - Halong Bay SeaPlane

Amazing Halong Bay Excursion with Seaplane (We need at least 4 guests to book this in order for it to go. We will let you know immediately once we have 4 booked guests)

The day will begin with the check-in procedure for your sightseeing flight over Halong Bay via seaplane. You will enjoy a 25-minute scenic flight over the spectacular Halong Bay with amazing panoramic views of thousands of islands and islets in different unique shapes and sizes.

From this height, you will also see Cong Do and Bo Hon with their hidden lagoons. Next you will fly out to Dau Be on the edge of the Gulf of Tonkin. The excursion ends with a driver and guide escorting you safely back to the port in time for the ship's departure.

The price for this amazing tour is $349 plus the $25 port access fee. (Total price $374 per person)

Note: there is a $40 surcharge for anyone weighing more than 240 pounds and an $80 surcharge for anyone over 300 pounds. There may be a 30-minute wait at the airplane terminal before you get to go on your flight.

DISCLAIMER These tours are being conducted by a third party tour operator. We have done our best to vet and choose only reputable operators. These tours are not suggested for anyone with mobility issues. All itineraries are subject to change or cancellation based on weather, traffic, or other prevailing circumstances. It is your responsibility to be at the meeting time and place as no refunds will be granted for no shows.

All reservations for private CardPlayerCruises excursions are payable in full at time of booking and are NON REFUNDABLE!

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The Best Walking Tours in Bologna

Located in Northern Italy, Bologna is considered one of the food capitals of Italy . And given Italy’s culinary reputation, that must be saying something.

Food is what draws most visitors here ( it’s what drew me there ). I had heard it’s the place for foodies in Italy and I was not disappointed.

Unsurprisingly, there are lots of amazing food tours here that allow you to eat your way around town while learning about the region’s traditional cuisine. There are also wine tours galore plus plenty of history-oriented tours to ensure you learn about this food-centric city’s past.

In short, Bologna is the perfect place to take a walking tour. And, since I love walking tours of all kind, I took a bunch while I was in town. Some were great, some were ok, some where terrible . Here’s the best walking tours I took in Bologna to help you plan your visit:

Best Overall Tour

Take Walks is my go-to tour company in Italy, offering access to places that no other gets and featuring incredibly knowledgeable guides. I always have fun and learn a lot on these tours. I can’t recommend them enough.

Their Tastes & Traditions tour lasts 3.5 hours and includes nine mouth-watering offerings (plus coffee and wine). You’ll get to visit markets, sample artisan fare, and learn all about traditional cuisine. If you only do one tour here, make it this one.

Best Free Tour

Free Walking Tour Bologna

Offered daily, this is the best (and most popular) free tour in town and a good introduction to Bologna. It lasts two hours and covers all the highlights, including Piazza Nettuno, the Jewish Ghetto, Piazza Maggiore, and more. It’s informative without being boring and perfect primer for first-time visitors. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

While those are my favorite paid and free tour operators in town, Bologna as a lot more to offer walking tour companies. Here are three other companies I like a lot:

1. Do Eat Better

If you’ve still got an appetite, join Do Eat Better’s Traditional Food Tour . Led by an expert local guide, this 3.5-hour tour makes stops at four hand-picked eateries, where you can try fresh pasta, artisanal ice cream, locally sourced meats, and more (you’ll definitely leave full). I especially like that you not only get to try some amazing traditional food but get off the tourist trail and beat the crowds. It’s a must-do tour for foodies.

Tours start at 90 EUR.

Book here!  

2. Bologna Wine

If you’re like me and love vino, you’re going to want to book this guided wine tour . It’s led by a sommelier and features a wide variety of wines from around Bologna. You’ll visit lesser-known spots, try some unique vintages, and develop a deeper appreciation for the region’s wines. You’ll also get to stop at the city’s oldest tavern, which I think is really neat. Tours last 2-3 hours (depending on which you book) and include 2-5 glasses of wine (again, depending on the tour). The guides really know their stuff, so you’ll learn a ton on this tour.

Tours start at 69 EUR.

3. Travelhoo

To burn off all the amazing food you’ve been enjoying, take a guided bike tour with Travelhoo. Over the course of 2.5 hours, you’ll learn about Bologna’s long history and visit its main sights, such as Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, and the Neptune Fountain. It’s a solid introduction to the city and how it came to be the food and wine hub that it is today.

While this is an active tour, the guide leads you at a leisurely pace, so you don’t need to be super fit to enjoy it.

Tours start at 75 EUR.

Bologna may not get the attention that Rome or Venice do, but when it comes to food, it holds its own. Take one of the walking tours above and learn about its history and culture and feast on the amazing eats that have put the city on the map for centuries!

And while these are my favourite tours in the city, the website GetYourGuide has lots more options so check them out if you’re looking for additional tours!

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Book Your Trip to Italy: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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