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

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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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16 unique things to do in Hanoi

Sep 26, 2021 • 9 min read

From street food to the respite of Hoan Kiem Lake, here are the best things to do in Hanoi © Daniel William / Shutterstock

Visiting Hanoi is like hopping through a time tunnel: beyond congested roads flanked by modern skyscrapers, ancient temples and multi-storey pagodas rub elbows with French colonial mansions in the labyrinthine Old Quarter.

Both stubbornly traditional and forward-looking, bustling Hanoi largely resisted the light-speed advancements that are sweeping across the rest of the nation, and the city often confounds first-time visitors. This list of the top things to do in Hanoi can help you hit the ground running and make perfect sense of the best that Vietnam 's most historical city has to offer.

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Opening like a tear to the east of the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake offers some freshwater and green respite to Hanoi's hustle. On its northern edge, the Ngoc Son Temple sits on a small island connected to the shore via the scarlet Cau The Huc bridge. Early in the morning, the lakeside fills with residents practicing tai chi, and on weekends, the 7pm to midnight traffic ban gives the area a funfair vibe.

Dive into the Old Quarter

Explore Old Quarter effortlessly with GetYourGuide.  Book your tour today .

Located in Ba Dinh district near the business area, Hanoi's Old Quarter is the city's busiest attraction, and it’s an unmissable attack to the senses. Buzzing motorbikes maneuver around people in large conical straw hats pushing carts laden with goods along streets lined with French colonial buildings. Come right after sunrise when the light casts ethereal hues over the century-old facades, and find only the most industrious locals busy setting up shop for the day. Signing up for a walking food tour with a local is another good way to explore the quarter’s 36 streets and the best dishes that represent them.

Hunt for the best bun cha

If the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain chose to treat Barack Obama to a taste of this quintessential bowl of grilled pork, herbs and noodles, Hanoi’s bun cha must really be quite special. Bún Chả Hương Liên , the hole-in-the-wall restaurant where the duo dined in 2016, has become legendary, but the fun is going around town scouring for worthy competitors. Two good places to start are Lotte Center Hanoi in Ba Dinh and Bún Chả Ba Duc in Quan Ba Dinh.

Watch a water puppet show

Vietnamese water puppetry originated in the 11th century from the flooded paddy fields of the Red River Delta, and visitors shouldn't miss this unique local form of art when in Hanoi. Expert puppeteers maneuver wooden figurines tied to long poles over pools that serve as liquid stages, using water splashes to choreographic three-dimensional effect. Hanoi’s most famous Water Puppet theater is Thang Long in the city center, hosting up to five multi-lingual shows per day.

Marvel at St. Joseph Cathedral

Standing guard between the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph Cathedral is one of Hanoi's most iconic architectural landmarks. Built in 1886, its neo-Gothic style is modeled after Paris' Notre-Dame Cathedral. It's the oldest church in Vietnam's capital and serves the city’s small catholic population. Visitors can enter the church’s hall only during mass, which takes place at 6:15pm daily on weekdays and seven times per day on Sundays.

Learn to cross the road

Crossing through street traffic in Hanoi is a real cultural adventure and a way to get in tune with the city’s rhythms. To the untrained eye, Hanoi’s constant flow of cars and endless lines of motorbikes may look like an impenetrable wall of deadly chaos, but the trick is to be slow, steady, and predictable. Drivers are very much used to dodging pedestrians as they approach, and honking is just a polite way to signal when someone is near. The hardest part is grasping the courage to step off the sidewalk and start walking... especially for the first time.

Drink the world’s cheapest beer

Hanoi is home to bia hoi , touted as "the world's cheapest beer" because it’s sold for between 5000 and 7000VND per glass (US$0.22 to 0.31). Made from fermented maize, bia hoi  is served and consumed by the roadside while patrons sit and chat casually on low plastic stools. Hanoi’s busiest drinking spot is the Beer Corner — the intersection between Tha Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen in the Old Quarter — a whole road crammed with red plastic chairs, locals, tourists and the echo of their bragging rights.

Try as much banh mi as you can

Born in Saigon as a simple working-class sandwich stuffed with pickled vegetables, cilantro, French ham and home-made pork liver pate, bahn mi is sold from street carts as a hearty breakfast or midday meal. From humble beginnings, it has risen to become a proper foodie obsession, particularly among foreign tourists and overseas Vietnamese, who even started reproducing the heavenly bread at home. The whole of Hanoi is a fair bahn mi playground, with stalls and shops dishing it up at every corner. One of the best is Bahn Mi 25 in Hoan Kiem District, which also offers vegan and vegetarian options.

Try ostrich meat in Son Tay

Believe it or not, ostrich farming has become one of North Vietnam's most profitable enterprises. The Ba Vi mountains near Son Tay, a favorite weekend getaway for Hanoi locals, are a popular spot to try the meat of the African bird while in Asia. It's usually served fried, as a meatloaf, or boiled with vegetables in a hot pot. If exotic meat doesn't appeal, Ba Vi's homegrown hill chickens, fried with fresh peppers, are the best alternative.

Check out the music and art scene

From DJ nights to jazz and alternative rock bands, Hanoi’s nightlife has a few well-established venues basking in music and arts. Since 2010, Hanoi Rock City has hosted live bands, electronic and experimental music, art events and a regular open mic night on Wednesdays. Savage in Tay Ho District opened in 2016 to quickly rise as the city's electronic music club of choice, where both resident and international DJs come to spin the best house and techno beats.

For real strings and shiny brasses head to Binh Minh Jazz Club in the Old Quarter, where a selection of good whiskey pairs to live local jazz ensembles on most nights. The Hanoi Social Club in Hoan Kiem also regularly hosts arts events, besides being a favorite all-day meeting spot to socialize over coffee and beers.

Find calm at the Temple of Literature

Hidden by a walled compound sheltering five separate courtyards, the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) was built in 1070 under the Ly Thanh Tong dynasty to honor Confucius. The complex also served as Vietnam's first national university. Today, the temple is not just one of Hanoi's most striking, but also a perfectly quiet place to take a break from the city's constant activity. Whether strolling in one of its five perfectly-manicured gardens, or paying homage to Confucius' philosophy at his dedicated altars, the Temple of Literature is an oasis of quiet introspection.

Explore the Temple of Literature effortlessly with GetYourGuide.  Book your tour today .

Visit Vietnam’s Museum of Ethnology

Completed in 1997, this museum pays respect to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. It’s particularly handy for those short on time and interested in anthropology: the staggering collection of 15,000 artifacts and 42,000 photographs on display give a quick and comprehensive ethnographic tour of this highly diverse nation. The gardens host a life-sized outdoor collection of traditional houses from Vietnam’s most prominent ethnic groups.

Have an egg coffee in the Old Quarter

Egg yolk coffee, or ca phe trung , is a mixture of espresso with sugar, condensed milk and egg yolk. Invented in 1946 while trying to make cappuccino, the whisked egg yolks were used as a surrogate of the then scarce milk. That trick established this frothy, savory and uniquely Vietnamese brew as a real national success.

Ca Phe Trung can be found in a number of cities across Vietnam, but Cafe Giang in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is where it all started, and where the inventor's son still dishes up the original recipe today. The Note Cafe is also worth a visit, not just for its coffee, but for its very photogenic walls plastered with thousands of hand-written messages left by customers from all over the world.

Learn about Do Paper at Zó Project

Tucked to the south of Hanoi’s West Lake , Zó Project ’s tiny boutique focuses on unique handmade products realized with Vietnamese Dó paper ( giấy Dó ). Produced manually following ancient techniques from the bark of the endemic Rhamnoneuron balansae tree, this heavy-duty, fibrous paper is believed to be able to last up to 800 years. Established in 2013 by Tran Hong Nhung, the social enterprise Zó Project aims at preserving the art of Dó paper-making by working closely with the only two families of traditional artisans left in the village of Bac Ninh, 25 miles (40km) northeast of Hanoi.   

Have a glass of rice liquor by Train Street’s narrow tracks

Since 2018, sitting with a drink on either side of the narrow railway passage on Tran Phu road in the Old Quarter has become some kind of tourist rite of passage in Hanoi. Known as “Train Street” , the homes along this 300m (984ft) stretch of city rail line turned into feel-good cafes and started spilling tables and serving drinks way too close to the passing trains. The street’s constant surge in popularity forced authorities to try to close the shops down in October 2019 to avoid accidents, but Train Street's cafes have kept operating discreetly. The best time to visit is probably when no trains are approaching: without the crowds, one is freer to observe how real local life unfolds on both sides of this narrow city rail track.

Escape to Tam Coc’s rice terraces

One of the most popular day trips from Hanoi is to the Unesco-inscribed Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh province , about three hours from the capital. Think jade-green valleys backed by limestone karsts flanked by the meandering channels of the Red River Delta.

The village of Tam Coc and its viewpoints that dominate ever-changing shades of paddy fields are as popular as taking a slow boat ride along the Ngo Dong River. Spending at least a night here makes it easier to enjoy the scenery without the crowds. Don't forget the Mua Cave viewpoint, a sweaty 486-step climb to the top of an imposing limestone mountain, where an altar to Goddess of Mercy Quan Am dominates the valley and the snaking river below.

You might also like: Where to get the best street food in Hanoi    Life on the tracks: my 2 years living on Hanoi Train Street    10 best places to visit in Vietnam

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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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4 days in Hanoi itinerary | The perfect Hanoi city guide

The city of a million motorbikes. Of deliciously toasted bahn mi baguettes bursting with flavour. And of a lake reflecting thousands of multi-coloured lights of every shade. Hanoi is the heartbeat of Vietnam, and a capital city that you just can’t miss. But with so much to see and do, where should you start?  We’ve broken it all down for you based on our own experience in the city, to creating what we hope is the best 4 days in Hanoi itinerary.

Why choose Hanoi?

If you’re going to visit Vietnam, Hanoi has to make your travel itinerary. Even if you’re already made up your mind (and you really should), here are a few good reasons to add Hanoi to your list:

• It’s Vietnam at its finest. Buzzing streets, incredible food markets, easy to access attractions and so much to do that you’re almost spoiled for choice.
• The food. Oh, the food. Whether it’s snacking on bun cha , slurping icy coconut coffee or burning your fingers on steaming hot spring rolls, Vietnam offers some of the best fare in South East Asia, if not the globe.
• It’s connected. Some of the fastest wifi speeds in the region alongside the sheer convenience of ride-hailing apps like Grab make Hanoi an attractive choice for digital nomads and savvy travellers alike.
• It’s cheap as chips. After travelling in South East Asia for 6 months solid, we were surprised that Vietnam ended up being one of the most affordable countries we visited.

Our 4 days in Hanoi itinerary

What should 4 days in Hanoi look like? Our tried and tested itinerary for exploring Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city:

• Day 1: Old Quarter / Drink Coconut Coffee / St Joseph’s Cathedral / Eat Bahn Mi / Go shopping
• Day 2: Street food tour / Phung Hung Mural Street / Dong Xuan Market
• Day 3: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum / Note Café / Water Puppet Show
• Day 4: Cooking Class / Hoa Lo Prison / Hoan Kiem Lake

Getting in from the airport

Chances are you’re landing into Hanoi by air, since there aren’t too many border crossings into the city. So make sure you check out the best deals for your flights with Skyscanner . Based on that, there are a few ways to get into the city centre:

By shuttle : Definitely the most affordable way to get from the airport is to use the shuttle bus, that goes to the Hanoi Old Quarter. When you leave the airport you’ll find a kiosk advertising tickets which costs 40,000 VND (about 1.35 GBP / 1.75 USD per person). It drops you near to Hoan Kiem Lake which is near the Old Quarter, taking about 45 mins (maybe longer if there is bad traffic). The buses depart every 30 to 45 minutes.

By taxi: The simplest way to get from Noi Bai International Airport to the city centre is by taxi. Instead of taking a traditional taxi, we highly recommend you download Grab, the ride-hailing app similar to Uber, which is usually cheaper than metered cabs. The ride will still be pricey – probably around 400,000 VND (approx. 13.50 GBP/ 17.25 USD). If you are taking a normal taxi, make sure they use the meter or at worst agree the fee upfront!

Getting around Hanoi

Hanoi’s city centre is pretty walkable for most – we spent our days mostly on foot but we’re relatively fit 30-something travellers. We’d recommend walking most places so that you get a feel for the city. However, there are other options for getting around:

Motorbike Taxis (Xe Om): We just sang the praises of Grab for the airport transfer and we’ll continue here. You can hail motorbike taxis on Grab which should cost about 20, 000 VND (0.66 GBP/ 0.90 USD) for a short trip. There are also the traditional motorcycle taxis that lurk around most city corners – remember to agree the cost before departing.

Taxis: Hail these off the street and use the meter – you’re looking at about a base price of 10,000 VND (0.33 GBP / 0.45 USD) and about 5,000 VND (0.15 GBP / 0.20 USD) per km. As above, use the Grab app to book a cheaper ride, with a guaranteed fare.

Bus : Liveried in bright red, yellow and white, the busses cover the bigger routes in the city, like the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Mausoleum. Only payable with cash, tickets are VND 5,000 – 10,000 (0.15 – 0.33 GBP/ 0.20 – 0.45 USD)

Cyclo: Want a more authentic Vietnamese experience? You could get into a cyclo but – to be honest – we wouldn’t recommend it. It’s not expensive (about 20, 000 VND / 0.66 GBP / 0.90 USD for an hour) but it’s a tight squeeze. You could use a cyclo to do an Old Quarter tour though, but not really for getting around.

Where to Stay

Hanoi is crammed with great places to stay, to suit every budget. One word of advice – only trust Hanoi hotel reviews from platforms like Agoda , rather than Tripadvisor reviews. The latter are known to be ‘bought’ in Vietnam and therefore not reflective of the property’s value. Here are some of our preferred Hanoi hotels:

Budget : Centrally-located  Little Charm Hanoi Hostel  is great for backpackers as it has good, clean rooms, convenient lockers and friendly staff.

Mid-range : In a great location in the Old Quarter, we like  Hanoi Trendy Hotel and Spa . You get good bang for your buck here: well-sized, air-conditioned, nicely decorated rooms but at a bargain price.

Luxury:  Top of the pile is undoubtedly the  Intercontinental Hotel Hanoi West lake . This hotel provides a welcome break from the manic streets of Hanoi and they even have ‘over-water rooms’ on the lake. Their sunset bar is set on its own island on the lake, really an incredible experience.

Travel Insurance for Vietnam

Got your travel insurance booked? We promise to never push a brand or product we don’t personally use, and the travel cover from Safety Wing is a policy we don’t just use, but we highly recommend. They offer some of the most flexible policies, amazing customer service and are affordable too.

Check out the latest travel insurance prices with Safety Wing here.

Day 1: Wandering the Old Quarter, visiting churches, shopping and eating

Explore the Old Quarter

What better way to explore Hanoi than on foot? Get your sneakers on and traipse the streets of the Old Quarter. You’ll find yourself lost in a warren of stores, cute little cafes and local Hanoi people going about their daily business.

It’s a great mix of colonial architecture and more modern stores; showing Hanoi history throughout the ages.

Drink a Coconut Coffee

Vietnam is pretty famous for its egg coffee. But, for us, the real star of the Vietnamese caffeine line-up is the coconut coffee. This icy dream fuses condensed milk, coconut milk, smooth coffee and ice to create a lip-smackingly delicious drink. The best place to get one is Cong Caphe , a chain of coffee shops dotted throughout the city. Luckily, there is one across from your next location: St Joseph’s Cathedral.

St Joseph’s Cathedral

Built in the late 1800’s, this towering cathedral is meant to resemble Paris’ Notre Dame and, to be frank, this Vietnamese landmark feels almost out of place in crazy Hanoi. An oasis of calm, you’ll love this Gothic Revival cathedral and can even enter it for free. Just go to the right-hand side for the entrance.

Insider Instagram tip: Want to get the below shot for your Instagram feed? Take the street to the right of the cathedral, walk 200m and you’ll find two gorgeous little wall murals that make a great shot. Sometimes there are cars parked in front of them, but perhaps you’ll be lucky like us!

Eat a Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich)

So it’s probably lunch time by now. And you HAVE to try the famous Vietnamese sandwich, the banh mi . Essentially think of the most delicious French baguette and marry it with Vietnam’s unique flavours and you’ve got a gastronomic match made in heaven. Plus, they are cheap as anything in Hanoi. Our favourite place to eat them is at An Cafe along with one of their signature milkshakes.

Shopping – Made in Vietnam

Belly full of bahn mi ? Head over to the old town and snag yourself a bargain. You might know that many international brands like North Face are made in Vietnam; and you’ll find them at rock bottom prices in little stores around the town. Wanting to go a bit more upmarket? Head to ‘Silk Street’ or Hang Gai street for gorgeous dresses, scarves and shirts.

Day 2: Eating street food, admiring street art and visiting a local market

Do a Street Food Tour

By now you’ve tasted the coffee and the sandwiches but there is so much more to explore when it comes to Vietnam’s amazing street food. The best way to taste it all (well, a lot of it)? A street food tour.

Generally a food tour in Hanoi takes you round the fresh markets and a host of the best street food stalls and vendors in the city. Main attractions include bun cha, a favourite of former US President, Barack Obama! If it’s good enough for Obama, it’s good enough for you, right?

These tasty pork patties are served in a slightly spicy soup alongside rice noodles and fresh lettuce, and you put them together yourself.

You’ll probably also taste delicacies like banh cuon, steaming rice rolls full of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms and shallots or slurp the best pho in Hanoi , another Vietnamese soupy dish. Looking for something a little sweeter? Usually desserts include things like jackfruit and yoghurt or fresh fruit with condensed milk and crushed ice.

There are quite a few options for food tours in Hanoi but we always revert to trusty Get your Guide – we know their Hanoi street food tour is a winner!

Phung Hung – Mural Street

You’ve tasted the best food, why not take in a bit of art? Hanoi has a Mural Street called Phung Hung Street. It was once famous for selling motorbikes (there’s an old motorbike as part of the art), but it is now is a great location to get some street art photos. So, if you are keen on street art, this is a good place to go.

Dong Xuan Market

Maybe you got your shopping fix in yesterday. But why not try a more authentic market today and do more shopping in Hanoi? A ten-minute walk from Phung Hung street is the Dong Xuan market. This is Hanoi’s largest indoor market and here you can get everything from fresh fruit to souvenirs, clothing to electronics. Generally at very low prices, but just make sure you bargain anyway. Keep in mind – like many markets in South East Asia, this market is a little grubby. But it’s all part of the experience, right?

Open: Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 7.00am to midnight, Monday to Thursday – 7.00am to 6.00pm

Train Street *partly closed*

At time of writing, the Train Street had just closed to tourists, hopefully soon to reopen. We believe it’s still worth a visit to look at this renowned street, as parts of it are still accessible even though the train doesn’t go through it. It does have police guard now so you might not be in luck when you arrive.

If you aren’t aware, the Hanoi Train Street is a working railway line which you are able to walk along, with residents selling everything from fruit to souvenirs. We loved heading there and taking a seat in one of the railway side cafes, slurping our mango shakes and waiting for the train.

We’re all awaiting its re-opening.

Day 3: Visit the Mausoleum, post notes at the Note Coffee and see a water puppet show

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

This morning get on down to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of former Vietnam leader Ho Chi Minh. Make sure you get there early – the place can get particularly busy which makes sense as it’s an important place for the Vietnamese people.

You’ll be able to see Ho’s body embalmed and encased in a glass sarcophagus. More than this, if you arrive early, you might see the changing of the guards at the mausoleum.

Insider Tip: You will have to hand over bags and cameras before entering the mausoleum, so best to leave as much behind as you can. Also, the mausoleum is closed for maintenance each year – make sure you check beforehand. Lastly, there is a strict dress code so cover up if you want to enter.

Open: Tuesday to Sunday – 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday – 8.00am to 11.15am

Note Coffee

We’re in love with this gorgeous little eatery, located near the Old Quarter and the lake. Why? The Hanoi Note Coffee shop is papered in post-it notes – they cover every available surface in the café; whether chairs, walls or even the ceiling! The notes are written by patrons and you’ll be encouraged to write your own snappy sonnets and stick them up.

We could spend many an hour here reading the funny, sad and generally interesting notes around the place. More than that, they turn out a mean iced tea and a flaky, warm, chocolatey croissant that has this writer salivating as she pens this…

Open: Daily 6.30am to 11.00pm

See a Water Puppet Show

It’s a must-do on any Hanoi itinerary – checking out a water puppet show. This ancient show dates back to the 11 th century when villagers would put puppets on their fishing rods, to distract themselves from the flooding of their rice paddies.

Nowadays you’re not seeing the show in a rice field but rather in a theatre which has a central water pool. Set to rousing music, you’ll see short little plays based on Vietnamese legends that will have you captivated.

This is a popular activity so make sure to get tickets in advance. You can buy your tickets here .

Day 4: Taking a cooking class, visiting the Hoa Lo prison and watching the sun set at Hoan Kiem Lake

Learn the art of Vietnamese cuisine in a cooking class

It’s your final day in Hanoi and – like us – you probably don’t want to leave. So let’s make your last day in the capital one to remember and one that you can take home with you.

What better way to do that than to learn how to recreate some of the fabulous dishes you ate in Hanoi? We’re recommending you do a cooking class and learn the intricacies of Vietnamese cuisine for your own kitchen.

We recommend this cooking class , which fills up quickly so make sure you book in advance.

Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Hanoi Hilton)

This museum, known by some by it’s slightly tongue-in-cheek nickname, the Hanoi Hilton, showcases the terrible suffering of the Vietnamese under the colonial French government.

The prison itself was bulldozed in the 1990’s but the museum still showcases some of the relics from the previous complex including a gruesome guillotine. This is a more sobering side of Vietnamese history so be prepared for a more sombre visit.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake

If you haven’t been there already, we suggest you take a stroll from the Note Coffee to this lake, as the sun starts to set. Around 6.00pm every night you’ll see Hanoi locals winding down from their day at points alongside the water’s edge.

Whether it’s groups of ladies doing dance or aerobics classes, elderly gents practising their Tai Chi or a cross-section of cultures taking a jog around its perimeter, it’s a fascinating place to spend the evening.

You’ll also be rewarded with some great shots. The bright, multi-coloured lights bounce off the water to create some incredible reflections. Make sure you have your camera handy! The Hoan Kiem area also boasts some of the best bars in Hanoi , including Skyline and Bar +84.

More things to do in Hanoi

Don’t like our itinerary above? We couldn’t cover everything in just 4 days in Hanoi, so have a long list of other fun things to do in Hanoi. Swap out some of our suggestions with these:

Want to see more of the city? Do a free Hanoi city tour, run by local students.

Looking for a bit more culture? You could visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Temple of Literature or check out the Opera House.

Interested in museums? Wander the halls of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum or the Museum of Ethnology.

Want to admire temples? You could visit the One Pillar Pagoda, Ngoc Son Pagoda or the Tran Quoc Pagoda.

Enjoy being on 2 wheels? One of the lesser-known ways to explore Hanoi is via bicycle! Check out this great Hanoi Highlights tour .

Got a weekend in Hanoi? Every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Hanoi’s Old Quarter turns into a buzzing night market full of roadside stalls and food hawkers.

Interactive 4 days in Hanoi itinerary Map

Bonus: Day trips from Hanoi Vietnam

Whether you’re trying to find out where to travel from Hanoi or just looking for a few ideas for day trips, here are some places you could add onto your itinerary, within easy distance of the city.

If you love trekking and quieter hillside towns, Sapa is for you. Set over the rice fields of the Muong Hoa Valley, Sapa (or Sa Pa) has loads of hikes and guided tours . You can take a boat trip on Lake Sapa, travel the Tram Ton Pass, check out the Silver Waterfalls and walk the Valley, the gem of Sapa and the Tonkinese Alps.

If you want to head there from Hanoi, you can take a private transfer or do a 2 day bus tour.

Just need to book a bus to Sapa? Check out the handy tool below.

Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay

The limestone karsts of Halong Bay are world famous but, if it was up to us, we’d suggest you head to Bai Tu Long Bay instead. The quieter cousin to Halong Bay, you’ll only find yourself with a handful of other cruises, in a more serene atmosphere.

We’ve written an entire rundown of what you can expect in our Bai Tu Long Bay guide but, in short, you could book a berth with a company like Paloma Cruises , who offer pick up and drop off between Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Ninh Binh (or Tam Coc)

Arguably our favourite place in all of Vietnam, Ninh Binh is a very special location. Called the ‘Halong Bay on land’, Ninh Binh (or rather the small nearby town of Tam Coc), has some spectacular landscapes. Cruise down the Trang An river and explore the caves, get a local boatsman to row you with their feet down the Tam Coc river or hike up Hang Mua to see the epic viewpoint, or the cave below.

You can get a full day trip out to Tam Coc with Get your Guide.

We’ve actually got more information on all of the above bonus towns in both our 10 days in Vietnam itinerary as well as our extended 3 weeks in Vietnam travel guide , if you’re like some further reading.

What camera equipment and other gear do we use?

We’re living proof that you don’t need the most expensive gear to travel the world and take good photos. Here are some of our must have items that make it into the packing list for all our travels.

• Main Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
• Drone: DJI Mavic Air – Fly More Combo
• GoPro: Hero 7 Black
• GoPro Dive Case: Go Pro Housing
• GoPro Case: Smatree GoPro Carry Case – Small
• Packing Cubes: Eagle Creek Packing case
• Backpack: Osprey Farpoint 70
• Powerbank: Anker Powercore
• Phone: Xiaomi Mi 9
• Hard drive: Transcend Slim Storejet 2TB
• Laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad 720s
• Headphones: Bose Quiet Comfort 35
• Wifi Hotspot: GlocalMe G4

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to go to Hanoi?

Definitely spring, which runs from February to April and autumn/fall which is October and November. Expect humid weather most of the year, or very high rainfall in summer and winter.

Is Hanoi safe to travel?

Absolutely – it’s generally rare to see serious crimes against travellers. That said, exercise caution after dark and watch out for pickpockets in busier streets.

Is 4 days in Hanoi enough?

In our opinion, yes. There are so many incredible places to explore in Vietnam so if you spend 4 days in Hanoi, hopefully you have a few more days to allocate to another amazing town.

We hope you enjoyed our 4 days in Hanoi Vietnam itinerary? Did we miss anything? Let us know what to do in Hanoi in the comments or get in touch !

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Super extensive post! We LOVED Hanoi 🙂

Thanks guys, glad that you found our Hanoi itinerary useful! We can’t wait to go back to Hanoi and Vietnam soon…

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Hanoi in 2 days: The Best Itinerary

Two days in Hanoi? Isn’t that too short? That was what the hotel receptionist said.

Well, blame it on the weather forecast I’ve been reading months before our arrival. August is considered one of the hottest and wettest months in North Vietnam with frequent showers and storms. Not suitable for hiking in Sapa or visiting Halong Bay . Guess what? I had none of that , except an hour of a sudden flash pour on our last evening, just before dinner. Luck maybe?

That aside, two days in Hanoi city sat just nice with me, now that I’ve long completed my trip. My travel buddy and I managed to see all the must-sees and eat all the must-eats before we boarded the one-way night train to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park for our Hang Son Doong biggest cave expedition . Besides, Hanoi is so accessible from Singapore that I’m bound to return to explore the rest of North Vietnam.

In this post, we’ll explore the attractions I’ve been to ✨in detail✨ and how I structured them, the eventual cost of my trip, the places to stay in Hanoi, and trips beyond Hanoi .

I last visited Hanoi in Aug 2023. This post contains affiliate links that cost nothing to you but support my blog! It may also be updated periodically. Cheers!

Map of Attractions

For my itinerary, I segregated the areas of interest into two parts – those around the lake and close to where we stayed for Day 1; and those slightly further away for Day 2. If you were to study the map below, you’d understand what I meant.

We stayed in one of the budget boutique hotels within walking distance of the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. More about accommodation here .

The hotel has a breakfast spread, which we happily fueled up on before starting our exploration.

Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang

Our first stop for Day 1 was to have some delicious egg coffee at Cafe Giang , probably the most famous cafe with over 10,000 reviews on Google in Hanoi.

Well, turns out the cafe is the origin of Vietnamese Egg Coffee or ca phe trung in Hanoi. History has it that when Vietnam faced a milk shortage in the mid-1940s, a local named Giang experimented with buttery yolks and sugar to replace the milk in coffee. His prototype became a best-seller in the hotel he worked in, and soon, Giang left his job and became an entrepreneur – setting up a cafe selling his secret coffee drink. His daughter continued his legacy with novel creations like egg cocoa and egg mung bean coffee.

Cafe Giang is unlike modern cafes with glass walls and Instagrammy backdrops. Instead, it is like a secret kept from the public eye with only a small round shop sign that could have easily been missed from all the other colourful shop signs around it. You walk through a long tunnel to get to the two-storey tall cafe. The interior is especially rustic with plants but no built-in air con. There is a small partitioned area fitted with portable air coolers.

For our orders, we had both versions of egg coffee in hot and cold for comparison for a total cost of 70k dong . I was expecting a real raw egg beaten into my coffee, like Kopi Ka Koi Nrng in Singapore and Malaysia. Instead, what came was a foam on the coffee that tasted like custard. Apparently, the egg in ca phe trung is whipped with condensed milk and layered on top of strong coffee. Hot ca phe trung tasted a lot more complex/ flavourful with a stronger coffee intensity that pairs well with the sweetish egg foam.

Temple of Literature

With coffee in our tummies, it’s time to explore the other attractions in Hanoi! We called for a grab from Cafe Giang to the Temple of Literature for 46K dong .

The Temple of Literature, founded in 1070, is Vietnam’s first university . The temple taught Confucianism for over 700 years to hundreds of nobles, scholars and mandarins until the capital was moved to Hue in 1779. Despite the numerous conflicts and wars fought in Vietnam, the temple retained its architectural charm and beauty and has now become not just another tourist attraction, but also a place for joyous graduate photoshoots and earnest – or desperate – prayers from students. Most importantly, it is a valuable artefact of a place of learning .

It cost 30k dong for a ticket and another 50k dong for an audio guide . Prepare to spend at least an hour wandering through the five courtyards and reading the informational boards. Having watched enough Chinese historical dramas, the school and teaching styles are rather similar to the schools of ancient China, as depicted by those dramas . There are Chinese characters on signages, on stone stelae and in books.

The temple is open for visits from 8 AM – 5.30 PM . Please dress conservatively.

If you’re short of time and would like to get a guided transfer tour, check out this tour which includes the water puppet show , or this day tour which includes the highlights at an affordable price and with excellent reviews .

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long dates back to the 7th century under the new dynasty governed by Emperor Ly Thai To. Emperor Ly moved the capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Dai Lai (Hanoi). He built his palace over the foundations of a discarded Chinese fortress and renamed the capital Thang Long , meaning rising dragon.

Thang Long Citadel survived beyond the Ly dynasty as the centre of governance, serving a handful more dynasties for the next 700 years , until the capital was shifted south to Hue. With Thang Long no longer the capital of the empire, the citadel gradually came into neglect and destruction from various wars and unrest: French Colonial power; the Imperial Japanese Army; and the Vietnam War.

Of the many courtyards and buildings within Thang Long, the Central Sector is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the cultural values it held across the centuries. That aside, what truly intrigued me was the underground bunkers constructed in 1967 by the Vietnamese People’s Army. The bunkers served as the headquarter of the army and contained numerous artefacts like radios, wall-length maps and aircraft notice board.

Compared to the Temple of Literature, there were visibly less crowds in Thang Long. Amenities were lacking, and several buildings were behind scaffolds. It’s a long walk from the main entrance to the end of the compound. Tickets cost 30k dong , and audio guides are at 50k dong. The Imperial Citadel is open every day except Monday from 8 AM – 5 PM .

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

The sun was high above our heads when we left the Imperial Citadel. I swear I could have scrambled an egg on my head!

We crossed a garden and rows of shophouses to reach respite – a delicious fishy lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long .

Cha Ca dates back to the days when the Vietnamese were fighting against the colonial French. A family named Doan in Hanoi’s Old Quarter cooked fresh fish for patriots holding secret meetings in their house. Their one dish became so popular that it turned into a business. Competition entered the scene, and soon, a whole street began selling the same dish . The street was later renamed Cha Ca Street to honour the famous fish dish. 

The original century-old restaurant ( Cha Ca La Vong ) is still present but with less decorative reviews. Cha Ca Thang Long that we visited happened to be nearby. We later discovered that this restaurant is also popular amongst locals, as we sat by the door and people-watched while cooking our fish.

I love seafood, especially fish! Our table set-up consisted of a fiery portable stove in the middle, plates of vermicelli , small saucers of peanuts, chilli and fish sauce , plates of spring rolls with dipping sauce , and a basket of spring onions, basil and dill . The server came with a hot-oiled pan containing turmeric-marinated snakehead fish chunks .

He showed us the eating procedure : fry the fish with the herbs; grab some of the fried mix and put it in your bowl containing some vermicelli; layer the concoction with fish sauce and peanuts and chilli; and put it all in your mouth. I absolutely love the experience! Or maybe I was too hungry.

We had ice-cold Vietnamese tea. Lunch cost 401k dong for two .

Hanoi Train Street

Afternoons in August are ridiculously hot, and we beat the heat by moving from one shelter to another: round II coffee break at Hanoi Train Street.

It is not possible to visit Train Street without patronising a cafe . Some form of payment is needed; a coffee or smoothie isn’t that expensive. I had another egg coffee for comparison, while he had a mango smoothie. Total cost: 90k dong for two .

There are two visible entrances to the train street, and both are patrolled by the police , with one or two cafe staff wandering around. We went with one of the staff who brought us through a back door of a shophouse that led to the tracks. Unless you know the locals living on that street well, there’s really no way to visit for free.

You could have lunch or dinner along the street, and catch the sight of a passing train in the evenings on weekdays or practically the whole day on the weekends. Check the train schedules beforehand to be sure!

Hoa Lo Prison relic

We left the Train Street and walked to the last agenda of the day – Hoa Lo Prison.

Hoa Lo Prison is a sad place documenting the lives of prisoners imprisoned by the French colonists during the Indochina War. While the exterior of the prison-turned-museum is painted a cheery yellow, the interior is dark and gloomy.

Almost all materials used to build the prison – from the bricks to the glass shards lined on top of high walls – were shipped from France. Both men and women were kept segregated in the prison, with a bigger and more depressing portion for men.

Of all the chambers we’ve been through, there were three that left a strong impression on me: 

• A huge chamber with men shackled on tilted planks . The tilted boards make it impossible for the men to lie down for long. Their captors had also set up a rudimentary squat toilet at the front of the chamber to humiliate anyone using it. In summer, the chamber became an oven with putrid stench from the pail containing excrement. In winter, it became frigid cold.
• Solitary cells with the same slanting boards housing just one prisoner. The prisoner gets the same stuffiness/ cold, and no light or human interaction.
• An almond tree. I’m not sure if the living almond tree in Hoa Lo is the almond tree that has seen years of tortured men. It was mentioned that the tree provided respite to the poor men, giving them branches for pencils and flutes and young leaves as medicine against diarrhoea and dysentery.

The museum has a clear path to follow, with bite-sized information fed to us throughout the experience. After the French left, the prison was used to house captured American pilots during the Vietnam War. According to the information boards and TV documentaries, the Vietnamese Army wanted to show a contrast in treatment. They demonstrated kindness to the pilots, which may have softened the pilots’ resolve to fight and altered the war.

Prepare to spend two hours in this place, especially if you’ve gotten an audio guide. Tickets cost 30k dong , while audio guides are more expensive at 100k dong .

Ice cream at Kem Trang Tien

After two hours in Hoa Lo, it was time for something light and sweet. Kem Trang Tien – a local dessert place selling ice cream – is an ice cream parlour beyond my expectations! It was huge with many stations selling different varieties of frozen desserts. There’s even a motorbike parking lot at the back.

Trang Tien Ice Cream shop began in 1958 at the same spot where it is now – 35 Trang Tien Street. The business has blossomed into a trustable local ice cream brand favoured by Hanoians with copycats mimicking their ice cream or logo. It was packed with people when we were there on a weekday afternoon.

We had one soft serve and a popsicle each for 15k dong and 12k dong respectively.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Kem Trang Tien is near Hoan Kiem Lake, and the best way to get to our next destination (St Joseph Cathedral) was to walk around the lake.

Hoan Kiem Lake Park is like fresh air in a congested and polluted city. We saw joggers, brisk walkers, and the elderly doing Tai Chi in the late afternoon. If time is by your side or if visiting the following places interests you, there is a temple ( Ngoc Son Temple ) on an island in the lake, connected by a bright-red bridge ( The Huc Bridge ), which makes for striking photos.

The Lake was initially called an unrefreshing name Luc Thuy, which meant Green Water. But legend has it that an ancient king changed that name to Hoan Kiem one day when he was out on a boat.

A mystical golden turtle appeared and asked for the return of the king’s treasured sword to the Dragon Lord. Turns out the sword was carved from a rod fished out of the lake. While the king had grown fond of this sword – he named it Thuan Tien or harmonious heaven – that led him to numerous victories, he gave it away without hesitation. Soon after, the king named the lake The Lake of The Returned Sword . This legend was featured in one of the plays in the Water Puppet Show.

St Joseph Cathedral

St Joseph Cathedral is the biggest and oldest church in Hanoi, established by the French in 1886. Locals like to call it The Big Church .

Here’s an interesting story: The Cathedral was built on top of what was once the biggest and grandest bronze Buddist pagoda in Vietnam during the 11th century. The 13-level tall bronze tower – Bao Thien Pagoda – was an architectural feat of its time. However, the tower cannot withstand storms. It went into several rounds of repairs until it was finally abandoned and then demolished to build the cathedral.

St Joseph Cathedral is designed to be like Notre Dame in Paris, with intricate beautiful tall glass windows and high domes. Dress modestly for the Cathedral. It’s a nice and calming place to rest from the hot afternoon sun.

Dinner at Pho 10

We hopped over from the Cathedral for a delicious bowl of pho at Pho 10 . As its name suggests, there are 10 appetising pho options to contemplate. Don’t spend too much time on it; go straight with the Special Pho . At 90k dong per bowl, it contains all cuts of beef.

We happened to snatch a table for two before the dinner crowd. A long queue materialised outside the small shop by 6 PM, and could only get longer until dinner time was over.

Water Puppet Show

We bought our tickets before heading to Cafe Giang in the morning, but you could order yours online here .

The Thang Long Water Puppet Show is a must-watch in Hanoi as part of the cultural experience. Choose one of the timings available (3.30 PM, 4.10 PM, 5.20 PM, 6.30 PM, 8.00 PM) and the ticket class. Tickets are priced at 100k, 150k and 200k dong based on the proximity of the seats to the stage. 

Go with the 200k dong and choose the frontmost rows for the best view. Seats are cramped, and you really don’t want the head of the person in front of you blocking the entire 50-minute show .

The show would be wholly in Vietnamese , so an audio guide would be ideal unless you’ve read about Vietnamese folklore beforehand. Get them from the reception between the shows at 50k dong each. I won’t go in-depth about the shows and be a spoiler. Be prepared to be amazed by the performances, and marvel at the labour and ingenuity behind the construction of each puppet.

That day was our last day in Hanoi. We checked out early and left our baggage at the reception. One thing I liked about this boutique hotel was its top service . They told us we could shower and rest in their lobby before leaving to catch our night train.

Coconut coffee at Cong Caphe

For our first coffee run on Day 2, we had delicious iced coconut coffee ( 65k dong ) at Cong Caphe on Hang Dieu Street.

Cong Caphe is a franchise with many stores scattered across Vietnam. What made this cafe stand out from the rest is its attention to detail .

The designs within the cafe centred around Communism, with walls painted a prominent greyish-green and war-era propaganda posters plastered over them. Along with the Russian books on antique shelves were old communist flags and trinkets that could have been from a museum.

Even the staff wore attires resembling youth brigade – a minimalist forest-green attire from the cap to the apron, including the shirt and pants.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

We spent the next half of the morning strolling through the exhibitions in the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology . I’m not so much of a museum person – more of mountains – unless it is specific like Hoa Lo Prison or the War Remnant Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

What I found interesting in this museum is the real-life communal houses in its architectural garden . Seeing the miniatures or the replicas indoors pales to visiting the live ones as a guest.

Nonetheless, this ethnology museum gives a good overview of the minority groups living in Vietnam and their relations to the rest of Southeast Asia.

Tickets cost 40k dong each, and the museum is open every day except Monday from 8.30AM – 5.30 PM. We took a grab from Cong Caphe to the museum for 80k dong – a 6 km journey that took almost 30 mins!

Lunch at Banh Gio Miss Beo

I was famished by the time we left the museum. Before we called for a Grab to drop us near the cluster of attractions we wanted to visit that day – we had to eat . But there aren’t any recommended eateries near the museum, and those eateries around the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum are either selling non-local fare or restaurants that charge a premium price.

After much scrutiny of Google Maps from my smallish phone, we decided to drop off at Banh Gio Miss Beo , a small eatery with an unremarkable interior. Grab cost 68k dong.

I’m so glad we chose this eatery for lunch because they served steamed rice cakes with minced meat alongside ham, sausages and cucumber slices. That’s something you don’t usually find in Vietnam. And it was really cheap – 40k dong – the price of a Banh Mi in the Old Quarter. Unlike the 40k dong Banh Mi, this rice dumpling fills the belly. Iced Vietnamese Tea was 3k dong .

Eating in this shop was a local experience as no one spoke English, the menu wasn’t in English, we sat on tiny plastic stools and ate from the same tiny plastic stools, and the customers who sat around us all spoke Vietnamese.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Our next stop was to cross a bridge/ road to a small isle in Lake Ho Tay or the West Lake of Hanoi. Tran Quoc Pagoda – which occupies the small island – is the oldest living pagoda in Hanoi . Built in 545, the pagoda is even older than the Temple of Literature. 

The position of the pagoda over a beautiful lake makes it an ideal place for royalty back then to visit for sightseeing or celebrate festivals like Tet. If you time your visit right, you could catch the golden glimmers of sunset from the lake with the pagoda at the front.

Visiting the temple and pagoda is free. It is open every day from 8 AM to 4 PM. Dress conservatively.

Quan Thanh Temple

Between HCM Mausoleum and Tran Quoc Pagoda is another temple built in the 11th century. Quan Thanh Temple is a Taoist Temple and an important religious site for Hanoians during festivals. But we had been saturated with temples in Vietnam and those back home to fully appreciate another one.

The temple is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM. Entrance cost 10k dong .

HCM Mausoleum

I was expecting the glass tomb in the mausoleum to be open, and we could have sneaked a peak of – and pay our respect to – President Ho Chi Minh. However, the place was under maintenance, which was really a pity.

Visiting the Mausoleum is free, but not the Presidential Palace and Uncle Ho’s Stilt House. For both attractions, the ticket cost 40k dong . 

Only a small part of the area was open for visitation, and the Stilt House has a metal walkway built around it to preserve the house. Visiting both places would be ideal on a guided tour as very little information was available.

The Presidential Palace and Mausoleum is open every day from 7.30 AM – 4 PM with a 2-hour lunch break in between, except Mondays.

One Pillar Pagoda

The One Pillar Pagoda is another sacred temple built in the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty. Legend has it that the reigning king dreamt of a bodhisattva, who brought him to sit on a lotus. The king has his dream interpreted by a master monk, who advises a temple built in the same manner as a lotus on a pond. And that’s how the one-pillar pagoda was conceived. It has eight wooden beams supporting it over the stone pillar, resembling the eight petals of a lotus flower.

However, the temple was badly damaged during the wars, leaving only the stone pillar intact. What we’re seeing now is a replica built in 1955.

Visitation is free everyday from 8 AM – 5 PM.

Massage/ Spa

We wound up the city exploration with a relaxing massage in one of the many shops around our hotel in the Old Quarters. I cannot remember which exact massage place I went to, but some reputable ones around the area include Orient Spa , La Belle Vie Spa , and Serene Spa .

Budget around 800k dong for a 90-minute full body massage.

Dinner at Bun Cha Dac Kim

After a quick wash-up in the hotel, we were out in the street looking for dinner. Our last meal in Hanoi was at a Michelin-star Bun Cha restaurant.

Bun Cha Dac Kim on Hang Manh Street has only a few tables in the original shop. The business has gone so well that they have now extended to include stools along the pavement, more seats on level 2, and another shop opposite the original one. As it was pouring by the time we had dinner, crowds had not yet formed, and we were able to find a seat on level 1.

Our shop has only three items on its menu – nem cua be (crab spring roll) for 80k dong ; bun cha (grilled meatball) for 70k dong ; or a combination of both for 120k dong . The mains are paired with soup, a plate of vermicelli, and salad.

I’m not a small eater, but even one set of bun cha was too much for me. The first dozen bites were delicious when meat patties were paired with the soup and garlic mix, and maybe a drizzle of fish sauce over vermicelli. Towards the end of my meal, it started to get a bit too greasy. My buddy had the combi – one of his crispy nem cua be became mine! – and even he, a big eater, cannot finish everything.

Train Station

Dinner was so filling that we had one less worry: we wouldn’t go hungry for the night train to Phong Nha!

Our grab from the hotel to Ga Hanoi was 46k dong . Train tickets were booked online. Read more about my Vietnam Sleeper Train experience here!

Before our two-day Hanoi expedition, my travel buddy and I flew in on an afternoon with an evening to get acquainted with the city first.

Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport

As a Singaporean or someone holding a passport belonging to a country in ASEAN, you do not need a visa. For the rest, depending on your country, you may have to arrange for a letter days before, and then apply for a visa on arrival with that letter. Some may be able to skip the letter or go with an evisa.

Either way, the queue to clear immigration is notoriously long, so visa or not, it’s still one to two hours waiting to clear the checkpoint.

Noi Bai is quite a distance away from Hanoi City Centre. Our journey with Grab took 50 mins over 27 km, and cost 315k dong .

Dinner at Xoi Yen

For our first dinner in Hanoi, we had Xoi Yen – a sticky rice meal paired with sides. We ordered a sticky rice bowl ( 20k dong ), a turmeric sticky rice bowl that comes with fried shallots and mashed mung beans ( 20k dong ), and three sides: mixed ( 45k dong ), chicken with mushroom ( 30k dong ), and pork belly ( 22k dong ). Drinks were corn milk ( 18k dong ) and lemon tea ( 20k dong ).

I’m not a fan of fried food or meaty and oily dishes, and the sticky rice was a little too dry, so this meal wasn’t as memorable. But it’s still worth an experience!

30Shine Salon

This is a man-only hair and facial salon, and he needed a haircut. 30Shine Salon has many outlets all over Hanoi. A hair wash, facial and cut package cost 420k dong . It was a real bore for me for the next hour while he enjoyed his facial…

Old Quarter Night markets

We ambled through the night markets and bought a few pairs of hippy loose long pants. While the daily Old Quarter night market and the weekend-only night market are both big, they sell similar items: shoes, clothes, toys, bags, suitcases, and souvenirs. You could grab some street food too, but I wouldn’t want to risk it on my first night!

The roundabout by Hoan Kiem Lake is closed during the weekends for the weekend night market, with buskers performing and vendors selling balloons and lights.

Getting Around Hanoi

Grab is your best friend when travelling long distances under the punishing hot sun. It’s reliable, and you could rate the driver at the end of the trip – further incentivising the driver’s performance. You don’t have to worry about being overcharged, and calling for a private car is fast.

To use Grab , download an app and either charge an amount into your account first or tie it to your bank card.

Since we were two travelling together, we always went with a car. If it’s just one person, you could book a scooter like I did in Ho Chi Minh City .

We walk whenever we can for short distances. Crossing the busy roads can be daunting, but fear not as long as you pay attention to the traffic lights, cross zebra crossings whenever they are available, or look at the incoming traffic while walking slowly across the busy road, all should be fine.

Running across the road or doing sudden movements is dangerous and increases your chances of getting hit.

Unless you are a seasoned scooter driver in Southeast Asia, this is highly not recommended. Have your insurance and international licence sorted out first.

Accommodation

Choose to stay around the Old Quarter, and you’ll be within walking distance from all attractions. Otherwise, a taxi/ grab is needed to get you to the attractions. Think of the jams!

Old Quarter Budget Backpackers. For the budget solo backpackers, consider staying in Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel or Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel . Both hostels have excellent reviews and reasonable prices. For ladies preferring females-only rooms, Old Quarter or Little Charm Hostel are the answer. Both hostels have spacious and clean beds that some reviewed as feeling like staying in a hotel!

Old Quarter Boutique Hotels. There’s healthy competition amongst the small hotels in the Old Quarter, so prices stay competitive and advantageous for travellers. For my trip, I stayed at Classic Street Hotel . My room was a little older, which meant a cheaper price ( 1270k dong for 2 nights ). I don’t mind my rooms as long as they are clean and quiet. The staff were very attentive, and the breakfast spread was generous. It was also easy to access the attractions and Old Quarter from our hotel. Other choices include Hanoi Siva Luxury Hotel and Eliana Signature Hanoi Hotel . If I were to return, I might try the newly opened Eliana.

5-star Hotels. If you want something posh with a dab of old colonial design, go with the Grand Hotel du Lac Hanoi . This 5-star hotel is situated just beside Hoan Kiem Lake and is highly rated for its service and beautiful interior. Oriental Jade Hotel is another contender a few streets from the Grand Hotel. It has a rooftop pool and 100x more reviews. If you must stay in an international hotel, an extravagant Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is conveniently located below Hoan Kiem Lake. Pan Pacific Hanoi is above the Old Quarter, by the West Lake – a strategic place for beautiful sunsets over the lake!

We didn’t buy any SIM as my Singapore telco plan could connect to the Vietnamese telco at a small price. Anyway, wifi is plenty in cafes, eateries, and accommodations, so there’s no need for a big data plan.

You could grab an esim online for dirt cheap. Just google.

Trips beyond Hanoi

Hanoi is an excellent starting base for travels around North Vietnam. When I return to Hanoi for my North Vietnam adventure, I’m going to explore Halong Bay, Ha Giang, Ninh Binh and Sapa. This might be how I structure my plan, which somehow fits into a two-week-long trip :

• Halong Bay. At least an overnight cruise like what I did at Doubtful Sound in New Zealand . I’ll have a great time relaxing amongst the emerald waters and towering limestone islands.
• Ha Giang. Maybe 4 days around Ha Giang on a bike, either behind a friend who rides or with an easy rider .
• Ninh Binh. Our night train passes Ninh Binh after 2 hours. Ninh Binh is Vietnam’s first capital. Might have to dedicate at least two days there, or take a long day trip from Hanoi . Some call Ninh Binh the Halong Bay on land for similar towering limestone mountains.
• Sapa. Many have claimed Sapa as overhyped and touristy. But the tallest mountain in Vietnam – Fansipan – is there…Perhaps I’ll do a multiday village trek instead of climbing Fansipan since there’s a direct cable car up . Judging by the photos from the web, Sapa looks vaguely similar to my trip in the Philippines mountainous region Ifugao . 4-5 days depending on the trek?

For my first trip to Hanoi this time round, we took the night train to Phong Nha , spent some days in Hang Son Doong , chauffeured a ride through DMZ to Hue , and then a travel bus from Hue to Hoi An , and flew home from Danang.

Cost of My Hanoi Trip

In total, we spent 7500k dong (about S$420) for two, because my travel buddy was deprived of a good haircut, and bought four trendy attires – notice the hippy pants he’s wearing in the photos! – from a boutique shop. The clothes alone were 2000k dong (S$110) 🤣.

If you were to shop less, walk more, have no massage, and stay in a budget hostel, the overall cost would go down even more. But for everything we have accomplished, S$100 ( 1800k dong ) per person per day is a very comfortable budget.

And that’s it for my ✨ comprehensive ✨ 2-day itinerary in Hanoi. You could lengthen the itinerary by spacing the attractions and adding a relaxing massage, a spa or both. For those with more days to spend around Hanoi, consider taking an overnight trip to Halong Bay or Ninh Binh. For those looking for urban attractions, a theme park and a giant mall are located about 30 mins away from Hanoi centre.

Tell me how your trip went and if my itinerary helped below! 😁

You May Also Like

Hai Van Pass: From Hue to Hoi An

A Wonderful Vietnam Sleeper Train Experience

How to Spend A Great Day in Phong Nha National Park

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What to do for 7 Days in Hanoi – BEST One Week Itinerary in Hanoi

Table of Contents

Are you looking for novel experiences during your brief visit to this 1000-year-old capital? Let us help you with the BEST 7-day Hanoi itinerary below which can provide suggestions on what to do and where to go in one week in Hanoi.

This is more for you:

• Hanoi Itinerary:  1 Day    2 Days    3 Days    4 Days    5 Days      6 Days 

As a local, I can recommend the top activities to do to make your stay in Hanoi and the surrounding places enjoyable and unforgettable.

You will comprehend what I’ve mentioned after reading our recommendations, which are listed below. I’ll provide a few possible itineraries with you for your seven-day visit to Hanoi.

>>> GET YOUR OWN FREE ITINERARY ON HERE

Hotline/What’s App: + 84 974 805 797

Brief Itinerary Hanoi 7 Days Itinerary

All of these itineraries are well-planned and reasonable. So, let’s take time to continue reading!

Option 1: Comfort Family Holiday

• First Day:  ARRIVAL IN HANOI
• Second Day: HANOI CITY TOUR
• Third Day: OVERNIGHT CRUISE IN HALONG BAY
• Fourth Day: HALONG  – NINH BINH (TAM COC )
• Fifth Day: HOA LU – TAM COC – MUA CAVE
• Sixth Day: BAI DINH PAGODA  – TRANG AN GROTTOES COMPLEX – HANOI
• Last Day: HANOI DEPARTURE

Why it is right for you?

• Tourists can escape from your hectic and stressful lives while on vacation with your families in Hanoi by taking a Halong Bay cruise to fully appreciate the grandeur of this World Natural Heritage and to take in the panoramic views of the serene countryside in Ninh Binh. This itinerary is designed to give your family a private space with unforgettable moments of reunion.
• Tourists have the option of visiting well-known and serene tourist destinations, which can bring you a sense of security and comfort when traveling.
• Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay are included in this choice. With many days in Hanoi, you will have enough time to fully explore the capital. This one-week itinerary is primarily intended for a comfortable and leisurely vacation filled with authentic travel experiences.
• It is therefore a reasonable itinerary for many kinds of groups, including those with elderly or young children, families, friends, and single travelers. Anyone who wants leisurely and unhurried travel, this itinerary is definitely a perfect choice.

>>> If you’d like a FREE itinerary tailored to your needs by a knowledgeable travel advisor, don’t hesitate to contact us for help.

Option 2: Essential 7 Days Itinerary

• First Day:  ARRIVAL HANOI
• Second Day: HANOI CITY TOUR – TRAIN/BUS TO LAO CAI / SAPA
• Third Day: SAPA TREKKING – Y LINH HO – LAO CHAI – TA VAN
• Fourth Day: TREKKING GIANG TA CHAI – SU PAN – SAPA – TRAIN/BUS TO HANOI
• Fifth Day: HANOI – HALONG BAY CRUISE
• DAY 6: HALONG BAY – HANOI
• DAY 7: HANOI DEPARTURE
• This option with a detailed schedule is appropriate for groups of friends or couples.
• You can experience hiking and kayaking to have enjoyable and memorable moments!
• Additionally, Halong Bay cruise also offers romantic and unique spaces for happy couples
• You and your loved ones can have a great chance to get to know one another better. As the itinerary will bring you to not only beautiful plains cities but also beautiful lush woodlands, you and your companion will undoubtedly have a precious time to experience together, bond and become closer.
• The Option 2 of the 7-day itinerary includes Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa.
• Sapa is a small town in Northern Vietnam, known for its beautiful ethnic minority villages, stunning scenery with picturesque valleys and terraced rice fields.
• However, if your group has the elderly and children, you should take their capacities into consideration before choosing to travel to Sapa, as it will involve some hiking.
• Anyway, this itinerary is easy to follow and there is no rush because you have lots of time to enjoy yourself. Similar to Option 1, this schedule is appropriate for solo travelers, families, friends, and groups that include elderly or young children.

>>> Follow our itinerary or get your own FREE one here <<<

Option 3: Unique One Week Itinerary

• First Day: HANOI ARRIVAL
• Second Day: TRANG AN – HOA LU – MUA CAVE – TRAIN TO LAO CAI
• Third Day: SAPA : CAT CAT – SIN CHAI VILLAGE
• Fourth Day: Y LINH HO – LAO CHAI – TA VAN – NIGHT TRAIN TO HANOI
• Fifth Day: CRUISE TRIP IN HALONG BAY
• Sixth Day: HALONG – HANOI
• Seventh Day: HANOI DEPARTURE

• Included on this itinerary are Lan Ha Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa, places where you can engage in more authentic experiences and take in the breathtaking and poetic natural beauty.
• When you get the opportunity to explore Sapa with the locals, you can learn about the unique local rhythm. Besides, a special night train that is only found in Southeast Asia will also be available for you to enjoy.
• This is unquestionably a fantastic opportunity to refresh yourself and make new friends!
• This option gives you the chance to visit all four of Northern Vietnam’s most well-known locations. However, the trip is a little hurried when moving because of visiting all 4 destinations in one week.
• This journey is suitable for adventure lovers and young people who want to fully experience the beauty of Northern Vietnam.

Detailed Itinerary

Option 1: hanoi – halong bay – ninh binh, day 1: hanoi old quarter or french quarter + around the city.

After arriving in Hanoi, let’s explore the Old Quarter, where a range of goods are well-organized for business in the narrow and bustling streets.

There are a lot of other attractions as well, including the well-known Bach Ma Temple, Quan Chuong Gate, Ma May Ancient House, Dong Xuan Market, and delectable Street Food.

Another choice for your first day is to take a tour of Hanoi’s French Quarter with a local guide, which will undoubtedly make your day new. This area is home to many European-style buildings and carries many historical stories of Hanoi.

• Among famous destinations of this area, tourists should visit Saint Joseph’s Cathedral , also known by the locals as the Great Cathedral. After viewing its magnificent architecture, you should not miss enjoying a glass of lemonade or ice tea at some of the nearby street shops.
• Hoa Lo Prison is another attraction for tourists. You will undoubtedly pass by a number of opulent hotels that serve as representations of the French Quarter on your route to Hoa Lo Prison. When reaching here, it’s recommended that you spend about an hour at Hoa Lo Prison observing and reading information related to artifacts inside so that you can get an insight of the prison utilized during the French colonial era.
• Hanoi Opera House , which drew inspiration from the Paris Opera House, is the next stop. Visits outside are free but if you want to go further inside, the entrance fee is roughly $20 per person.

When the sun goes down, it’s time to explore Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife. Head to Ta Hien Street, you can enjoy some draft beer or drop by some nightclubs.

>>>  Check out Things to do in Hanoi at night !

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

On your second day, take a Hanoi city tour to the city’s most well-known sites such the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the Temple of Literature, West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake, and others.

We advise joining a food tour in the evening with a local guide to get to know the local cuisine. It would be a pity to visit Hanoi and miss the food because enjoying the local food is one of the best ways to have an amazing travel experience.

>>> Check out: Un-Pho-Gettable Hanoi Street Food Tours

Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave)

After spending 2 days in Hanoi, it’s time to leave the city to discover more destinations of this beautiful country. Although Ninh Binh is less well-known than Ha Long Bay, it is worth traveling there for a day trip from Hanoi because it offers beautiful, diversified landscapes and is very tourist-friendly.

Those who don’t like crowded and touristy places will find Ninh Binh to be more appealing.

It takes around 2hours to get there, so you should leave for Ninh Binh around 7 or 8 in the morning.

• Coming here, you can visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital , which was Vietnam’s ancient citadel when Ninh Binh served as the country’s capital in the old days. According to historical records, Hoa Lu – Ninh Binh’s former capital was a palatial and majestic palace encircled by arching rocky mountains with spectacular views of lakes and lagoons, giving the area’s surroundings a charming, peaceful, and mysterious quality all at once. Then, let’s visit the temples of King Dinh and King Le that are close by.
• Go to restaurant for lunch and try the goat meat, which is a specialty of Ninh Binh.
• Explore Tam Coc in the afternoon by taking a boat ride along the river, which is bordered by beautiful rice fields.

Tam Coc is also well-known in international travel publications for the locals’ distinctive form of boating by legs. The boat ride will last 1.5 hours, and the ferryman will take you through every cave. This will be the highlight of your 1-day Ninh Binh.

• Mua Cave Viewpoint : In the late afternoon, what could be more wonderful than visiting Mua Cave and climbing to the top of the mountain to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of rivers, rice fields, mountains, and peaceful villages. The top of Mua Cave is also one of the places where you can capture many beautiful photos.

Return to Hanoi and spend the night in Hanoi.

>>> You can see detail itinerary for a day in Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave

Day 4,5: Discover Halong Bay

Ha Long Bay is on any traveler’s list of must-see locations in Vietnam. This World Heritage Site offers many stunning attractions that never let tourists down.

Almost all tourist services are offered on cruises, so travel to Halong Bay is higher than to other places. But don’t worry, even with the greater price, it is still worthwhile to pay. With our advice on How to Choose a Reasonable Trip, you might find a better cruise at a reduced cost.

>>> Check it out: How to choose the right Halong Bay Cruises

If you choose a night on Cruises

With 2 days in Halong Bay, tourists will have the chance to experience the nightlife in the bay, which has become their favorite part of the trip.

When taking an overnight cruise, you will spend at least one night on a boat with a variety of activities such as watching the beautiful sunset or sunrise over the sea, kayaking, swimming at some of the beautiful beaches, going squid fishing at midnight on the boat, visiting the floating fishing villages and the stunning islands in the bay.

Halong Bay Cruise only offers tours in 2 Days and 1 Night or tours in 3 Days and 2 Nights depending on the itinerary of each cruise. Some recommendations are:

• 3-star cruises: A Class Legend, Cozy Bay Cruise, Graden Bay Cruise, Swan Cruise…
• 4-star cruise: La Pandora Cruise, Sena Cruise, Dory Cruise, Peony Cruise…
• 5-star cruises: La Casta Cruise, Bhaya, Le Theatre Cruise, Capella, Scaret Pearl…

If you prefer hotels in Halong Bay

There are several hotels to select from, with standards ranging from 2-star to 5-star. If you want to easily find a room at a reasonable price, you should travel early in the week or in the middle of the week.

Halong is frequently crowded on the weekends from Friday through Sunday, therefore there is a chance that there will be a lack of accommodations and that prices will be higher than usual.

• Halong Hotels: Wyndham Halong Hotel, Halong Plaza (No. 08 Hang Road); Halong Dream (No.10 Halong Road); Mithrin (Hung Thang Road); Halong Pearl (Bai Chay); Halong Bay (Halong Road); Bach Dang (No.02 Halong Road); Bai Chay Union (Halong Road); Moon Light (Hung Thang Road) …

The First Day in Halong Bay

• Visit Sung Sot Cave, one of Halong Bay’s largest and most stunning caverns. When you visit, you will undoubtedly be in awe of the magnificent and enchanted stalactites that give the place its name.
• Visit other famous attractions such Tien Ong Cave, Ho Tien Cave, Luon Cave, and Titop Island, which are all wonderful locations for those who enjoy taking pictures.
• Watch the sunset while relaxing on the sundeck
• Join a cooking class to learn how to make Vietnamese dishes on deck
• Take part in nighttime activities like squid fishing, parties, or simply enjoy Halong Bay at night while sipping on some drinks on the deck. All of these activities will undoubtedly be very interesting for you.

>>> Read more: What to do and see in Halong Bay

The second day in Halong Bay

• Wake up early to watch the sunrise, then practice Tai Chi on the sundeck and enjoy the fresh air of the early morning.
• Visit a fishing village and take part in activities such as kayaking and swimming.
• Return to Hanoi.

Day 6,7: Back to Hanoi for Further Discovery

After a 2-day Halong Bay cruise, you return to Hanoi to continue exploring the hidden beauty of Hanoi’s capital.

According to our recommendations above on Things You Should Do in Hanoi for 2 Days, there are still plenty of places and activities that you should not miss.

Our first recommendation for the following days in Hanoi is to visit the museums. Below are some suggested museums:

List of museums

• Ho Chi Minh Museum: Included in Ho Chi Minh complex, the museum will help you know more about Ho Chi Minh’s life history of the country
• Vietnamese Women’s Museum : the museum explores Vietnam’s cultural diversity and women’s significant contributions to the nation’s development, culture, and society. The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is a community repository of cultural and historical knowledge of Vietnamese women’s lives across the nation’s 54 ethnic community groups.
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: here, you can know more about a diverse Vietnam – a country that has 54 officially recognized ethnic groups. Also, you can have fun while joining some traditional games here.

>>> Learn more: Best things to do in Hanoi

Tourists can also decide to travel to locations that are further away:

• Located 44 kilometers from Hanoi, Duong Lam ancient village is a great choice if you are looking for a peaceful countryside to relax after the hustle and bustle of life. This place also preserves many old architectural houses with brick roads, laterite walls and cultural features of the northern countryside.
• Van Phuc Silk Village is located on the banks of Nhue river and just 10 kilometers from the Hanoi Old Quarter. This area is well-known for its fine silk goods and traditional weaving methods. As a village more than 1200 year old, it impresses visitors with its daily routine and representations of traditional Vietnamese villages, such as banyan trees, community houses, wells, and the constant sound of looms.
• Bat Trang Ceramic villages: About 13 kilometers from the city center, Bat Trang is a long-standing craft village famous for its high-class ceramic products. Tourists coming here can experience making some ceramics as souvenirs on hand.
• Le Mat Snake Village: If you are looking for a more exciting experience, just visit Le Mat village. Come here, you will be able to learn about the famous snake farming or witness firsthand how to catch and process snakes into specialty dishes.

>>> Don’t forget your FREE ITINERARY PLANNING by local experts <<<

Option 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Sapa (2 days in Hanoi, 3 days in Sapa, 2 days in Halong Bay)

Day 1: hanoi arrival – hanoi city tour.

For day 1 and day 2 in Hanoi, please refer to Option 1 mentioned above. Or you can check out our article on 2-day Hanoi itinerary for more information. Click Here

Day 2,3: Halong Bay

• We’ll follow the same 2-day itinerary for Halong Bay as Option 1. On the cruise, you will stay one night.
• You will get on the bus back to Hanoi in the afternoon after your 2-day itinerary in Halong Bay. Then in that evening, catch the night train to Sapa and arrive in Sapa the next morning.

Day 4,5,6: Sapa

As a small mountain town in Lao Cai province, Sapa is situated roughly 350 kilometres northwest of Hanoi, in close proximity to the Chinese border. The Hoang Lien Son mountain range, which has Fansipan, the nation’s highest peak, can be found here.

To get to Sapa, you must take a shuttle bus or a taxi to the town after the train stops in Lao Cai province.

>>> Don’t forget to check out Best Things to do in Sapa !

Then what to do next?

There are lots of things to do in Sapa once you arrive. You can snap some “check-in” shots at Holy Rosary Church, also referred to as the ancient stone church by the locals, which is situated in the heart of Sapa Town.

The Sapa Market is nearby, where you can stroll around and buy some well-known regional foods.

More remote areas should be visited the following day. Families and groups of friends can spend the day touring Sapa villages, which are home to the majority of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities.

The easiest place to visit in Sapa is Cat Cat Village because it is the closest to the town—just 3 kilometres. Here the H’Mong people live at the base of the Hoang Lien Son mountain like in a valley surrounded by terraced fields.

In addition, you can visit and take pictures of Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall or enjoy the beautiful scenery of golden terraces in the most beautiful season.

Ta Van Village

Ta Van village which is around 8 km from Sapa town, and Lao Chai village are often ignored because it is not as near the town as Cat Cat village. When it’s the lean season, Ta Van’s pristine beauty can reach a new level.

Ta Van is home to the H’Mong and the Red Dao. You can take time to learn about their interesting customs. Or else, you could only need an afternoon to take a walk, view the sights, and take beautiful pictures there.

Fansipan Peak

Another activity that you shouldn’t give up is conquering Fansipan peak (also known as the Roof of Indochina).

To climb to the top of the mountain, it takes you at least 3 days (1 night sleeping outdoors on the climb). Therefore, we recommend you take the Fansipan cable car to get to the top of the mountain as it only takes a few hours for both ways.

Day 7: Hanoi Departure

You have a free and easy day to ready for your departure.

Option 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Sapa – Ninh Binh

For this option, you can see an example itinerary here. For further information, contact us as this itinerary will greatly depend on your travel preferences, financial condition, and other requirements.

Last but not least, you can refer to other 7-day Hanoi Itineraries that include other worth-visiting destinations of Vietnam.

Please contact us if you require more details. We hope that our knowledge of the area will assist you have a nice trip to Hanoi.

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What to do in Hanoi for a week – Complete 1 week itinerary

 Are you planning for a trip in Hanoi that will last for 1 week? Not sure what to do when you’re here? Explore the vibrant city of Hanoi and discover the best things to do in Hanoi for a week with our comprehensive 1-week itinerary. Our curated guide ensures you won’t miss a thing during your week-long adventure in Hanoi. 

Read on and let Viland Travel’s customizable tours tailor this itinerary to your preferences for an unforgettable week in this captivating city.

Your ultimate itinerary with best things to do in Hanoi for a week

Welcome to Hanoi, the enchanting capital of Vietnam that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern dynamism. As you step into the bustling streets, you’ll be embraced by a rich tapestry of history, culture, and vibrant life. Discover its elegant colonial architecture, serene lakes, and bustling markets. Immerse yourself in the maze-like alleys of Old Quarter , where the pulse of the city can be felt in every corner. From iconic landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake to hidden gems awaiting your exploration, Hanoi offers an array of experiences that capture the essence of Vietnam’s past and present.

If you are planning for a one week stay in Hanoi, let our itinerary fill with the best things to do in Hanoi for a week to guide you through the exciting adventure in this robust city.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arriving in Hanoi, embark on the first leg of your journey by settling into your chosen accommodation. Let the vibrant energy of the city embrace you as you leisurely stroll along the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake , soaking in the serene atmosphere it offers. Wander through the labyrinthine alleys of the Old Quarter, where history and modernity converge in a captivating blend. As evening approaches, treat your taste buds to an authentic Vietnamese culinary experience with a traditional meal that will surely delight your senses. This initial exploration of Hanoi sets the tone for the adventures that await in the heart of Vietnam’s cultural and historical tapestry.

Day 2: Historic Exploration

Embark on a captivating journey through Hanoi’s historical treasures and cultural landmarks. Begin your exploration by visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum , an iconic site that pays homage to the revered leader of Vietnam. As you walk through the solemn halls, you’ll be immersed in the nation’s history and the legacy of Ho Chi Minh. Adjacent to the mausoleum, the stately Presidential Palace stands as a testament to Vietnam’s political history, inviting you to delve into the country’s past and present.

From there, venture to One Pillar Pagoda , an architectural marvel that rises elegantly from the water. This Buddhist temple holds profound symbolism and offers a serene atmosphere for contemplation. Transitioning into Hanoi’s scholarly heritage, the Temple of Literature awaits your exploration. Wander through its tranquil gardens and admire the intricate architecture that has been a center of learning for generations.

To round out your historical journey, a visit to Hoa Lo Prison Museum is a must. Uncover the stories of the past as you step into the halls that once held political prisoners. This museum provides a stark reminder of the country’s tumultuous history and the resilience of its people. With each site you explore, you’ll uncover layers of Hanoi’s narrative, connecting you to the heart and soul of this captivating city.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Begin your day with a serene morning stroll around the picturesque West Lake , a tranquil oasis nestled within the heart of Hanoi. As you leisurely walk along the lake’s scenic path, immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere while observing locals engaged in their morning rituals. Your journey will lead you to the renowned Tran Quoc Pagoda , a cultural gem with a history dating back over a millennium. This sacred site stands as a testament to Vietnam’s spiritual heritage, offering intricate architecture and a serene ambiance that invites contemplation.

Embark on an enlightening cultural exploration at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology . Delve into the rich tapestry of the nation’s ethnic diversity through captivating exhibits showcasing traditional artifacts, clothing, and crafts from various indigenous groups. This immersive experience provides insights into the cultural mosaic that shapes Vietnam’s identity, offering a deeper understanding of its history and traditions.

Conclude your day with a unique and enchanting evening activity – a water puppet show . This traditional art form originated in the rice paddies of Northern Vietnam and has evolved into a captivating performance that combines puppetry, music, and storytelling. Watch as intricately carved wooden puppets come to life on a water stage, depicting scenes from rural life, legends, and folklore. This culturally rich experience offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s artistic heritage and provides a delightful way to conclude your day of exploration in Hanoi.

Day 4: Food Adventure

Embark on a delectable journey through Hanoi’s culinary wonders by joining a captivating street food tour. Delight in the symphony of flavors that define the city’s renowned dishes, from savory Pho to crispy Banh Mi. As you stroll along bustling streets, your taste buds will be treated to an array of authentic flavors, offering a true taste of Vietnam.

Venture into the heart of Hanoi’s local culture by visiting one of its vibrant markets. Witness the lively atmosphere as vendors proudly display their fresh produce and aromatic ingredients. Engaging with the market’s hustle and bustle is an immersive experience that connects you to the daily rhythms of Hanoi life, unveiling the essential role of food in the local culture.

No visit to Hanoi is complete without a visit to Dong Xuan Market, a treasure trove of local crafts and souvenirs. Explore the market’s sprawling labyrinth, where stalls brim with an array of items ranging from traditional handicrafts to fashionable apparel. This is not only a chance to find unique keepsakes but also an opportunity to engage with local artisans and understand the city’s creative pulse, making your Hanoi journey an unforgettable blend of tastes, sights, and culture.

Day 5: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Ninh Binh , a mesmerizing destination that promises to captivate your senses. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the breathtaking Trang An Landscape Complex , a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary beauty. Glide along tranquil waterways as you navigate through awe-inspiring limestone karsts, each a natural masterpiece rising from emerald waters. Immerse yourself in the serenity of the surroundings as you traverse these enchanting pathways.

During your exploration, a boat ride will transport you not only through the mesmerizing landscapes but also back in time as you visit ancient temples tucked within the karst formations. These temples stand as testaments to the rich cultural heritage of the region, offering insights into centuries-old traditions and beliefs. As you witness the harmonious blend of nature and human history, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the intricate interplay between the two.

As the day draws to a close, you’ll return to Hanoi, carrying with you memories of the stunning vistas and cultural wonders that have left an indelible mark on your heart. The journey to Ninh Binh and the Trang An Landscape Complex is a symphony of nature’s grandeur and human ingenuity, offering a profound connection to both the past and the present.

Day 6: Trip in Halong Bay

Embarking on a cruise trip in Halong Bay is like stepping into a dream world. This UNESCO World Heritage site in Vietnam boasts an otherworldly landscape of limestone karsts rising dramatically from emerald waters. A cruise here offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this natural wonder and experience the bay’s beauty from up close.

As you set sail on the calm waters, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the towering rock formations and tranquil coves. Activities onboard vary but often include Tai Chi sessions at sunrise, cooking classes to learn the art of Vietnamese cuisine, and even squid fishing under the starlit sky.

Exploring the bay by kayak is a highlight, allowing you to glide through hidden caves and secret lagoons. Visiting fishing villages gives you a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the local communities who call the bay home. Swimming in the bay’s clear waters is also a must, especially during the warmer months. 

Day 7: Countryside and Farewell

Savor a delightful breakfast as the vessel leisurely cruises back to the port. Upon disembarking, you’ll be transferred back to Hanoi.

Embark on a captivating bike tour through the picturesque countryside that envelopes Hanoi. Pedal through tranquil landscapes, absorbing the rustic charm and natural beauty of the region. Traverse quaint villages, lush rice paddies, and winding pathways, immersing yourself in the authentic rural life that thrives just beyond the city’s hustle.

A highlight of your journey is a visit to the renowned Bat Trang pottery village . Here, you’ll witness the age-old craft of pottery-making come to life. Engage with skilled artisans, observe their meticulous techniques, and even try your hand at molding clay into artful creations. This immersive experience unveils the intricate traditions that have been passed down through generations.

As your adventure draws to a close, savor a heartwarming farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Indulge in delectable Vietnamese cuisine, a flavorful fusion of tastes and aromas that embodies the nation’s culinary heritage. This culinary journey not only tantalizes your taste buds but also serves as a celebration of your exploration through Hanoi’s countryside and its cultural gems.

Read more: Exciting things to do in Hanoi at night

Final thoughts

Delve into the captivating realm of Hanoi, a multifaceted adventure that winds through historical narratives, cultural treasures, and the vibrant tapestry of local life. Following this comprehensive guide of things to do in Hanoi for a week , you’ll not only fall under the city’s enchanting spell, particularly within its charming historic district, but also unravel the authentic pulse of its vivacious local culture.

Forge an expedition like no other with Viland Travel’s bespoke tours . Their expertise weaves a unique tapestry, tailored to your passions, ensuring every facet of your journey is distinctive and purpose-driven. Let Viland Travel decode the mysteries of Vietnam’s distinctive destinations, transforming your expedition into an extraordinary narrative through this beguiling nation.

Secure your place now and get ready for an unforgettable and exceptional escapade that will leave an indelible mark!

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3 Days in Hanoi Itinerary (2024) for Culture & Food Fans!

Table of Contents

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Welcome to my Hanoi itinerary! After writing 5,000 words on Hanoi food and coffee alone, it’s clear I have A LOT to say about Vietnam ’s capital. If it’s your first time and you’re keen to suss out the top things to do during 3 days in Hanoi, as well as the best eats, coffees, hotels, hostels and day trips, keep reading.

HANOI ESSENTIALS E-sim data plan Copy of Lonely Planet Vietnam Getting there: flight ( Skyscanner ) / train / bus 12GoAsia Pre-book your Hanoi airport to city transfer Accommodation: Booking.com // Hostelworld Tours: GetYourGuide Essential reading: 101 Southeast Asia travel tips

How long to spend in Hanoi?

I’ll never tire of Hanoi. Teaming with scooters, reaching to the skies and bubbling with life, noise and street food, it’s one of the most interesting and overwhelming cities I know, and a must for your Asia bucket list . It’s not a place that could leave you without an opinion. Love it or hate, you’ll remember it forever while it won’t stop to remember your name. Like a bucking bronco, you’ll either enjoy the ride or it’ll send you flying (literally – I’ve narrowly escaped too many scooters collisions!) I want to spend forever but the average visitor spends around 3 days in Hanoi often as part of a bigger Southeast Asia itinerary . There are plenty of museums and cool neighbourhoods so 2 days would be tight. While you might want to spend 4 or even 5 days exploring quirky corners in the Old Quarter, you’ll also want to explore other parts of Northern Vietnam. For that reason, 3 days in Hanoi is optimum .

Related read: The ultimate 2 week Vietnam itinerary & my Northern Vietnam itinerary

Where to stay in Hanoi

There are so many places to stay during 3 days in Hanoi that you’ll be spoiled for choice. Obviously, the Old Quarter is the best for convenience and local life, but I also liked staying above quirky Hanoi Train Street . A couple of my favourite places to stay in Hanoi include the following.

• Hostel: For a comfy hostel in central Hanoi, I recommend Nexy Hostel . Rooms have cosy bunks with privacy curtains, and there are private options decorated with unique Hanoi wall murals, plus there’s a roof terrace, cafe and games room. Check availability from US$7 .
• Budget hotel: With a welcoming front desk and air-conditioned rooms, budget travellers can’t go wrong with Hanoi Holiday Hotel . It’s centrally located and has an onsite ATM and spa. Check availability from US$19 .
• Mid-range: Hanoi Garden Boutique Hotel & Spa is a charming Old Quarter Hotel with gorgeous rooms and artwork, plus a stellar breakfast and spa onsite. Check availability from US$28 .
• Splash-out: Seeing the Hanoi sights from La Sinfonía Majesty Hotel is seriously special and best enjoyed from the sky-high restaurant or rooftop bar, which has a 360-degree view.  The opulent interior blends classicism with modernism for a stylish but rejuvenating stay, and the spa and concierge services are superb. Check availability from US$70 .

Browse all Hanoi accommodation on Booking.com and Hostelworld .

3 day Hanoi itinerary

Let’s get stuck straight in. Later, I’ll run through how to get around, where to stay and what to eat. Let’s go…

Hanoi itinerary day 1 – Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake

The description above about bucking broncos and scooter collisions? Pretty much about Hanoi’s Old Quarter. For such a busy and hectic place, there’s buckets of charm. From steaming cups of coffee to hidden temples, you’ll find quirky corners once then never see them again. A hundred people could go wandering and have totally different experiences. It’s a wonderland out there! Did you know many of the streets in the Old Quarter are named after what they used to sell (and in many cases still do)? Hàng Bạc was once the area of silversmiths and is now packed with jewellery shops, while Han Gai is famed for its silk and tailoring, and Lan Ong sells medicinal products. Have a wander around – it’s busy but a lot of fun.

Breakfast – banh cuon

Begin your 3 days in Hanoi with a local breakfast. My favourite Hanoian breakfast dish is banh cuon . Steamed rice batter is wrapped around a mix of pork and wood ear mushrooms and served with chilli, and fish sauce to dip, as well as a generous handful of herbs. In the Old Quarter, you’ll find banh cuon cooked fresh on hot plates at modest restaurants and street stalls for around 30k VND. 

Pull up a little red stool and dig in!

Related activity: small group Hanoi street food tour by foot or private tour with cyclo driver

Coffee in the Old Quarter

If you’re the kind of person that can’t function without coffee, you’re reading the right Hanoi itinerary. Check out my guide to the best cafes in Hanoi , a topic I worked selflessly and tirelessly to research 😉 In the Old Quarter, I’d recommend Loading T coffee shop set inside a repurposed French mansion and Cafe Dinh , a hidden-away cafe serving egg coffee, the most famous Hanoian beverage. This cafe is a mission to find so find it in my guide to the best egg coffee in Hanoi .

Other things to do in the Old Quarter

• Wander the various old guild streets and try to work out what they’re famous for.
• Go for a cheap beauty treatment. Massages in Hanoi are cheap!
• Shopping! You can buy souvenirs here from gorgeous painted coconut shell bowls to silk scarves, decorated notebooks and clothing. Don’t forget to haggle.
• Head inside pretty Bach Ma Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city.
• Admire Joseph’s Cathedral, a neo-gothic cathedral and place of worship for 4 million catholic Vietnamese people (who knew?)

The French Quarter

Hanoi’s French Quarter is a picture of colonial grandeur. With oh-so-Asian scooters buzzing by, it’s a bizarre and intriguing sight to see. Don’t forget to gawp at the sunny yellow Opera House, or even come back later in the evening for a Cirque du Soleil-style show with talented local performers. Pay 600k a ticket.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is the beating heart of Hanoi. Every day (and especially at weekends), locals come to the shores to chat, exercise and relax. They pounce on you in the friendliest way possible, keen to practise their English and check you’re having a great time. Nestled in the centre of Hoan Kiem is the Turtle Tower , a poignant landmark for the Vietnamese. Its history is part fact and part myth, dating back to the days of Chinese rule and the fight for Vietnamese independence. Leader, Le Loi, was paramount in the bloody war and was said to have been handed a magic sword from an underwater dragon king which helped him defeat the enemy. 

Later, it was taken by a turtle who swum it to the bottom of what subsequently translates as the ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’. Real-life turtles genuinely do appear in the lake today, much to everyone’s excitement. Don’t miss Hanoi’s most visited Temple, Ngoc Son , is on an island in Hoan Kiem Lake. Cross the pretty red bridge to reach it and admire views across to the Turtle Tower. Useful info: Entrance is 30,000 VND and opening times are 8am-6pm.

If you’re hungry again and want to sample more food in the Old Quarter, I would suggest bun cha or banh mi.  Bun cha is my favourite Vietnamese dish, smoky pork balls bathed in a tangy broth with veggies and a side of rice noodles to dip. You can order it with ‘nem’ which are crispy, meat-filled spring rolls to dunk. Eat it at Bun Cha Nem at 6 Ngõ Trạm Street . Banh mi is a globally famous dish that can be tried at Banh Mi 25, a touristy joint that deserves the hype. From meaty baguettes to mushroom and tofu, there’s something for everyone, plus it’s cheap as chips. Just order two… no, scrap that, five! Check out my guides to Hanoi street food and finding the best banh mi in Vietnam .

Afternoon – Temple of Literature

My favourite temple while visiting Hanoi was the Temple of Literature. This is the site of Vietnam’s oldest university – it even features on the 100k banknote. It became a university 1,000 years ago and has survived various wars and disasters. Early graduates had their names engraved on a stone which can still be seen today. The Temple of Literature (local name, Van Mieu Mon) is a beautiful, chilled place to spend a couple of hours. Entry is 30k VND.

Evening – Water Puppet Show

If watching shows is your thing, may I recommend the Water Puppet Theatre . If you like having a clue what’s going on, may I recommend avoiding the Water Puppet Theatre. Originally a show for local children, this is now a tourist favourite that many people will ensure you is a must for 3 days in Hanoi. You probably won’t follow the plot (is there a plot?) but it’s a bit of a novelty if you’ve got time on your hands while visiting Hanoi. You can buy tickets for the 50-minute show on the door or online for $9. It’s right beside Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hanoi Night Market

If you’re visiting on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you can check out Hanoi Night Market which can be found in the heart of the Old Quarter. As well as street food from Vietnamese to Korean and fresh smoothies and juices, it’s one of the best places to shop for crafts, arts and souvenirs.

Bia Hoi Junction

Essential to any Hanoi itinerary is a trip to Bia Hoi Junction at the corner of Ta Hien and Lương Ngoc Quye . Locals and tourists alike flood the streets, perched on red stools and sipping pints of bia hoi, otherwise known as fresh beer.  This local drink is brewed on site but don’t think that makes it any weaker – a few too many pints will give you a very sore head the next day. It will definitely be worth it for an evening at Bia Hoi Junction especially as a pint can set you back as little as 5k VND (that’s 17p to Brits!).

Hanoi itinerary – day 2

Provided you didn’t drink too much beer hoi the night before, we’ve got a day of culture and cool neighbourhoods coming up.

Morning – Hanoi museums

The Women’s Museum : this is one of my all-time favourites, telling the story of Vietnamese women from the issues they face to their successes and bravery throughout Vietnamese history. You could easily spend a half-day as there’s plenty to see. Entrance is 30k VND and the museum can be found near the Old Quarter. Hoa Lo Prison : this is another important stop during three days in Hanoi. It’s where political prisoners were kept during French rule and US prisoners were kept during the war between Vietnam and America. During this second period, it became nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton despite its bleak living conditions.

While this museum has a dark history, it’s important in understanding Vietnam’s most important political events. You can visit from 8am-5pm seven days a week (apart from a lunch break from 11.30am to 1.30pm daily). Entrance is 30k VND. Thăng Long Imperial Citadel : this historic site, museum and park is another place to visit if you have time. You can easily spend 2-3 hours wandering around and learning about the history of Vietnam. Entry is just 30k VND. Military History Museum – dedicated to Vietnam military history, this is a fascinating stop for history buffs displaying everything from artefacts to aircraft.

Afternoon – Truc Bach and Tay Ho

I’d suggest leaving the Old Quarter behind and continuing your Hanoi itinerary to an area called Truc Bach . This ties in well with a tasty lunch because Truc Bach is famous for one specific Hanoian speciality. Set beside Truc Bach Lake, the commercialised corner of the neighbourhood is home to a giant floating Highlands Coffee boat where you can sip cold drinks or hire a swan pedalo to cruise around the lake. Alternatively, pay a visit to the much less touristy side where a relaxed community resides on Truc Bach island . Not only can you see how the locals live but you can head to Phở Cuốn Hương Mai restaurant known for serving pho cuon, tasty rice batter rolls filled with pork and served with chilli, lime and fish sauce to dip.

You can also try pho chien phong, deep-fried rice batter served with meat and veggies. This no-frills restaurant is busy and authentic: the real deal! After lunch, you can use my Truc Bach guide to explore the neighbourhood. The best thing to do nearby is check out Tran Quoc Pagoda , the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi known for its lakeside views and sunny yellow pagodas. It’s free to visit.

Other things to do in Truc Bach:

• Wander over the ornate bridge to pretty Đền Thủy Trung Tiên , also known as the Temple of the Dog.
• Sample tasty and affordable food at State-Run Foodshop Number 37 , a ration-themed restaurant with quirky military memorabilia on the walls.
• Look out over the lake where US senator John McCain crashed his plane during the war with the US.
• Visit cute cafes like Lang Thang Coffee & More.

West Lake / Tay Ho

For the late afternoon, head to West Lake, the biggest lake in Hanoi with a 17km shore length. Sunset from the banks is a reason to visit alone.  West Lake translates into Vietnamese as Tay Ho which is the name of the district beside it. This is where most of the Westerners who work as English teachers live. It might not sound highly cultural but an influx of stylish bars, cafes and restaurants have sprung up as a result. My favourite is Maison de Tet Decor which is a coffee shop and restaurant in a giant yellow repurposed mansion with gorgeous lake views. You can have a coffee or beer looking out over the lake for the perfect end to the day. I wouldn’t blame you for returning the following morning for a delicious brunch. For dinner, I hear great things about Bao Wow with its Instagrammable ‘I licked it so it’s mine’ sign. As well as great Asian food with plentiful veggie options, they stay open late and turn into a bar.

Hanoi itinerary – day 3 

Ho chi mausoleum.

For your final day in Hanoi, I would suggest checking out the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and a few other attractions nearby. Despite being a bit morbid, the body of the first Communist leader of Vietnam preserved in a glass case is an iconic site in Hanoi. Visit for just 10k VND from Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday. While in the area, you can swing by One Pillar Pagoda . This isn’t the most impressive temple in Hanoi in my opinion but entrance is free and it doesn’t take long to walk the grounds and ponder how the pagoda stays upright with just one leg. From Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda, you’re nearby another of my favourite areas in Hanoi…

This neighbourhood may be little-known to tourists but it’s well worth a visit. The sleepy old-fashioned flower neighbourhood is one of the oldest in Hanoi, dating back 1,000 years. It doesn’t take long to explore so I’d recommend spending an hour or two wandering the streets and checking out local life, using my Ngoc Ha guide for further info.

Final night – explore the bars

The Hanoi nightlife scene has a bit of everything from smoky, grimy clubs to fancy bars and local beer streets. You’ll notice that everything officially gets shut down by the police at midnight but there’s usually a way around this. People initiate lock-ins, plus outdoor clubs spring up at weekends just a few out of miles out of town. Be sure to check out:

Polite & Co

Hanoi’s most stylish bar is without a doubt Polite & Co . With a speakeasy theme, it’s quirky from the offset and boasts a range of creative and unusual cocktails. The ‘around the world’ menu offers coffee cocktails from Ethiopia, chai-infused Indian options and maple syrup liquors from Canada.  We opted for Vietnamese classics. Mine was flavoured with sticky rice and ice cream while my friend Lola’s stole the show and wore a mini rice hat.

Ne Bar has all your usual cocktails as well as some you’ll need to dare your friends into trying. Following a strong drink at Polite & Co, I was coerced into drinking both a pho cocktail and a fish sauce cocktail. Despite sounding bizarre, both were refreshingly aromatic: icy cold flavoured with chilli and lime. I’d forgive you for sticking to a mojito though.

Other things to do in Hanoi

Since I’ve spent much longer than 3 days in Hanoi, I have a few other favourite corners. If you have extra time or don’t fancy something mentioned above, for example admiring the embalmed body of a communist leader, swap any of these into your itinerary for Hanoi. Check out my guide to all the best Hanoi hidden gems .

Take a craft class

From ceramics to cooking and even knife making, there are loads of ways to get engrossed in traditional professions while visiting Hanoi.  One of my favourite afternoons was spent at a watercolour painting class where I got to unleash my creative side (which admittedly didn’t go very well due to my lack of talent) and take home the most beautiful piece of artwork that my instructor had painted himself. Browse craft classes in Hanoi .

Take a cooking class

To try your hand at making the local cuisine, a cooking class is a fun option. Several tour companies will pick you up at your accommodation, take you shopping at the local market, then help you prepare a meal in ambient settings. Book a cooking class from $40 .

Long Bein Market

For a cultural but quite gritty and exhausting addition to your Hanoi itinerary, set your alarm for 4.30am and head to Long Bein Market beside the bridge of the same name. This is where local traders sell fresh goods so that restaurant staff can have them cooked and on the table by the opening time of 9am.  I woke up at 4.30am and called a Grab scooter to spend an hour walking around in flip flops getting very muddy and almost having my feet run over by in the bustling market. If you’re keen to see the real Hanoi, this is it. You can also see the colourful 6km Hanoi Mosaic Wall running along outside when the sun comes up.

Dong Xuan Market 

While lots of tourists visit Dong Xuan Market , it’s big and busy enough that it remains a local experience and an insight into hectic Hanoi. If you don’t fancy waking up at the crack of dawn for Long Bein Morning Market, this is your best bet. Grab your camera and explore the indoor and outdoor sections overflowing with fruit, spices, drying squid and many other items you’d rather admire than actually buy.

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Focussing on the 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam, this museum aims to preserve their cultural heritage by showcasing their cultures, regions and practices. The site is massive – as well as your usual clothing and artefacts, you can see and full-size homes in the grounds, and visit a whole exhibition on water puppet theatre. Entrance is 40k VND.

How to get around Hanoi

It’s easy to explore the whole Old Quarter by foot , you’ll rarely have to take any form of transport. For heading further afield to Truc Bach, Tay Ho and Ngoc Ha, the quickest and cheapest option is to take a Grab scooter, the Asian version of Uber but on scooters. Call one on the app and within 2 minutes, a driver will whiz up with a spare helmet for you and you’ll jump on the back. You can also order cars but, given hectic Hanoi traffic, scooters are by far the quickest option. If there’s two of you, I’d suggest ordering separate Grab scooters . When you’re coming from Noi Bai International Airport, you’ll obviously need a car for your luggage. Some expats in Hanoi hire or buy their own scooter but I wouldn’t recommend this unless you’re a real pro. The traffic is so hectic that it could be dangerous. Local buses also run and the routes are mostly marked on Google Maps. These cost practically pennies!

Day trips from Hanoi

With so many things to do in Hanoi, I don’t see how anyone could ever get bored. If you have a fourth day to add to your Hanoi itinerary, I would highly recommend…

The best day trip from Hanoi is Ninh Binh, a gorgeous countryside region just a two-hour drive away. Actually, I’d recommend catching a bus and staying overnight but if you’re tight on time, $48 will get you a fun and all-inclusive return day trip . The popular attractions in Ninh Binh are the Tam Coc cliffs and boat rides, as well as the numerous temples in the countryside. Read about how to plan a Ninh Binh day trip here.

The Perfume Pagoda

Also known as the Huong Pagoda, this stop is a series of Buddhist shrines and temples set into the mountains. It takes around two hours to reach from Hanoi and most visitors arrive via a day tour . I’ve never been myself as some people say it’s a bit of a tourist trap but I’ll leave you to make your own decision.

Bat Trang Pottery Village

Porcelain pottery has been made in Hanoi for seven centuries and provides a livelihood for countless residents. A visit to Bat Trang allows you to shop for souvenirs and visit the factory to learn about the rich history of Hanoi handicrafts. Take a day trip from Hanoi and arrive via a tour , local bus or taxi.

Where next?

After your Hanoi itinerary, you’re in a fantastic position to explore more of Vietnam’s most incredible attractions. To best explore, check out my Northern Vietnam itinerary . Must-see spots include…

Ha Long Bay

If you do one thing outside of Hanoi, make sure it’s Ha Long Bay . I’ve now been twice and I’d love to do it all again. Book a tour in any Hanoi agency and you’ll get picked up and driven to the harbour where you’ll board a cruise. The itinerary will include caves, kayaking and climbing viewpoints. Some people manage to do Ha Long Bay as a day trip though as it’s a three-hour drive each way that sounds pretty tiresome. I’d recommend taking a two-night cruise with the second night on Cat Ba Island. On the way to Cat Ba, you make it further into the bay (past the busy, touristic mouth) and see more local life. Browse GetYourGuide’s overnight Hanoi cruises including meals, kayaking and guides.

Magical little Sapa is a misty hilltown I had the pleasure of visiting for the first time recently. The main activity is trekking the rice terraces with a local guide who will take you to some of the most picturesque spots. The highlight for me was meeting the minority hill tribes who have their own unique languages and forms of traditional dress. Like Ha Long Bay, you can see Sapa in a short period of time if necessary. You can take a sleeper train from Hanoi , stay in Sapa Town and explore independently, or take a multi-day tour. Browse tours in any Old Quarter travel agency or book in advance . I took this 3 day tour with a homestay ( 2 day trip also available) or you can opt for a hotel stay instead.

Going down the coast?

Many people visit Hanoi at the beginning of their Vietnam trip. Once your 3 days in Hanoi are up, use my Vietnam travel itinerary to plan your trip. There’s so much to see and do in Vietnam so I’d recommend at least a month if you have time.

Spending time in other SE Asian countries? Read my 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary

Recap of my other Hanoi posts

• What to eat in Hanoi
• The best coffee shops in Hanoi
• Hidden & lesser known places in Hanoi
• Truc Bach area guide
• Ngoc Ha area guide
• Where to drink egg coffee in Hanoi

Thanks for reading my Hanoi itinerary!

Looking for more Vietnam inspo? Check out my blogs…

Central Vietnam posts:

• Solo travel in Vietnam
• The ultimate Hoi An itinerary
• The best Hoi An cafes
• Where to eat vegetarian food in Hoi An
• A complete street food guide to Hoi An
• Co-working cafes for digital nomads in Hoi An
• Hue Abandoned Waterpark
• How to spend 2 days in Hue
• Phong Nha National Park travel guide
• Quy Nhon travel guide – Vietnam’s hidden gem

Southern Vietnam posts:

• A complete Saigon itinerary
• How to take a Mekong Delta day trip from Saigon

See you next time for more adventures,

For more content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Ps. Liked my 3 day Hanoi itinerary? Pin it for later!

VIETNAM QUICK LINKS Getting around by air – it’s easy to get between cities by flight. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Stay connected with E-sim data plans that don’t require delivery or collection; just scan the QR code. In my opinion, Lonely Planet offer the best guidebooks. Get the latest Lonely Planet Vietnam . For Vietnam buses and trains , I use 12GoAsia . The search feature allows you to compare prices and durations. I use Booking.com for accommodation. They have the best range of hotels and self-catering apartments, plus you can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. For activities, I use GetYourGuide as they have a huge range of affordable tours. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

2 thoughts on “ 3 Days in Hanoi Itinerary (2024) for Culture & Food Fans! ”

Planning to visit Vietnam your veg/vegan restaurant at Hoi An information will help me a lot Thanks do you have this information for Hanoi ,Ho Chi Minh, Ha Long cities

Hello! I’m so glad you found it helpful. Sorry I don’t have vegan guides to those cities unfortunately!

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• Itinerari / Travel / Vietnam

Itinerari: 5 hari ke Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Sapa

by Dan Arif · Published March 3, 2020 · Updated February 23, 2021

Trip ke Hanoi Ha Long Bay & Sapa

Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Sapa merupakan antara tempat tarikan pelancong yang popular di utara Vietnam . Rata-rata pelawat yang ke Hanoi, pastinya akan ke Ha Long Bay ataupun ke Sapa. Kali ini kami ingin kongsikan pengalaman Muhammad Amin yang telah mengembara selama 5 hari ke ketiga-tiga tempat ini.

Destinasi : Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Sapa Durasi : 5 hari 4 malam Traveler : Muhammad Amin Jenis Trip : Berdua

Assalamualaikum. Ok kali ni aku nak cerita sedikit sebanyak cara cara atau langkah langkah atau bahasa mudahnya iaitu itinerary ke Vietnam dengan kos yang sederhana. Itinerary aku kali ni agak panjang berjela. Tapi aku tulis panjang panjang ni pun sebenarnya, lebih kepada nak bercerita perjalanan aku ke sana dengan lebih terperinci agar dapat memudahkan korang untuk ke sana. Dan aku akan buat perkiraan perjalanan untuk 2 orang. Since selalu travel laki bini kan? So lagi senang untuk korang.

Kenapa Vietnam? Ok selain awek awek yang cantik, Vietnam juga terkenal dengan gelaran syurga instagram. Sebab apa? Sebab banyak gila wei port port baik korang nak snap gambar and bubuh dalam instagram korang.

Even ibu negara Vietnam iaitu Hanoi merupakan salah salah sebuah destinasi pelancongan yang terbaik di dunia pada kedudukan yang ke-12 berdasarkan review Trip Advisor mengalahkan Tokyo dan Dubai.

HARI PERTAMA

Ok hari pertama, kitaorang punya flight pukul 6 pagi waktu Malaysia. So malam tu tidur beralaskan lantai airport je la apa lagi. Perjalanan mengambil masa 3 jam. Kira kira jam 8 pagi waktu sana dah sampai Hanoi. Sana waktu diorang lewat sejam ye daripada kita. So sampai je sana tanpa membuang masa kitaorang terus cari bas untuk ke Old Quarter. Ok Old Quarter ni port korang nak cari hotel. Kira town area la. So nak pergi sini dari airport, korang kena ambil bas nombor 86 ye. Jangan salah bas, kang tak memasal ke tempat lain pulak.

Dalam 35 minit gitu la korang akan sampai kat Old Quarter Hanoi. Lepas tu korang pergilah pergi beli simkad so senang nak cari kat mana korang punya hotel. Macam aku, aku dah book siap siap kat Agoda so tinggal datang tidur je la. Aku booking Golden Charm Hotel Hanoi. Tapi diorang bagi check in pukul 2 pulak. Tak boleh check in awal. So kena merayau dulu la. Ok best part bila kau sampai Hanoi ni, kau tak payah susah susah keluar duit naik grab ke apa untuk pergi tempat tempat best. Kau boleh menapak je beb. Takde jauh mana pun. Dalam radius 3km dari Old Quarter ni bersepah port port best kau nak snap gambar nak bubuh dalam instagram.

First aku pergi Tasik Hoan Kiem. Tasik ni memang lawa beb dengan ada jambatan merah macam dalam opera cina tu. Kau nak lari lari joget joget kat atas tu pun boleh. Lepas tu aku dengan bini aku terus pergi Masjid Al Noor untuk lunch la apa lagi. Hahaha dekat sebelah masjid ni ada Zaynab Restaurant. So boleh makan kat sini la. Satu aku nak pesan, kat Vietnam ni adalah lebih elok kalau kau bawak makanan sendiri. Lebih afdhal. Sebab makanan kat sini agak mahal.

Satu kesilapan aku, aku datang sini, aku bawak makanan dari Malaysia sikit sangat. So nak taknak memang kena cari makanan lain la kat sini. Dan kosnya amatlah mahal. Harga dah macam makan kat hotel. Jadi aku sarankan, kalau korang nak ke sini, adalah lebih baik bawak makanan siap siap ye. Lepas makan dan solat di masjid, kitaorang pun terus ke Hanoi Train Station. Ok kalau datang sini, korang kena try coffee diorang. Hanoi terkenal dengan egg coffee yang sedap. Para pencinta kopi memang disarankan untuk try. Macam aku, aku minum jus nenas je sebab tak minat sangat kopi ni.

Kat sini korang boleh lepak dekat kedai kedai kopi kat sebelah landasan kereta api ni. Apa yang best? Kereta api lalu celah gigi kau je wei. Memang seronok rasanya. Pergh dia punya nikmat. Tapi kau silap langkah, kau ke depan sikit je, memang alamatnya meninggal la kat situ. View memang cantik. Serious tak tipu. Sini memang port budak budak insta luar dan dalam negara ambil gambar. Ok untuk makluman korang, train akan lalu jam 7 malam dan ke atas sahaja. Kecuali hari minggu, train akan start lalu dalam pukul 3 petang. Macam aku, aku datang petang, lepas tu malam tu aku datang lagi sebab nak rasa macam mana kereta api lalu betul betul sebelah kita kan.

Kos hari pertama:

• Tiket Air Asia KL-Hanoi pergi balik. (Beli masa free seat) : RM 691.60
• Tiket bas dari Airport ke Hotel : RM 12.75
• Simkad : RM43.70
• Hotel Hari Pertama : RM 84.90
• Makan di Zaynab Restaurant : RM 23
• Minum di Hanoi Train Station Cafe : RM 7:30

Total : RM863.25 untuk dua orang

Ok hari kedua kitaorang pergi jauh sikit. Tempat ni memang wajib pergi. Kau pergi Vietnam tapi tak pergi sini macam takde makna wei. Kitaorang pergi Halong Bay. Salah satu tapak warisan dunia yang diiktiraf oleh UNESCO. Sini aku cakap korang la, memang superb. View memang lawa nak mati. Ada ribuan pulau dan dia punya laut warna hijau emerald beb. Perjalanan ke sini mengambil masa kira kira dalam 3 jam jugak la. Boleh tahan jauh. Aku pergi sini naik bas. Aku ambik pakej je, dah siap dengan tourist guide, makan minum atas kapal semua dengan aktiviti kayak. Senang je, korang boleh beli tiket dekat Klook je. Memang lagi murah compare kalau korang beli via walk in. Lepas tu nanti diorang pick up kat dekat depan hotel je.

Aku ke sini untuk day trip je, kalau korang nak tidur dekat kapal pun boleh takde hal. Dia ada pakej pakejnya la. 2 hari satu malam ada, 3 hari 2 malam pun ada. Macam aku, aku ambik daytrip je sebab lebih jimat dan masa yang agak terhad. Kat sini korang boleh naik satu kapal besar atau dalam bahasa penjajahnya ialah cruise. Dalam 24 orang gitu la dalam tu. Then diorang bagi makan tengah hari. Macam aku, aku request vegie dan seafood sahaja. So diorang akan bawak kau pergi bersiar siar naik kapal ni pusing dekat area pulau pulau tu. Memang banyak pulau. Lepas tu diorang akan bawak pergi gua. Kat sini korang boleh lihat pelbagai jenis dan latar belakang peminat peminat MU dalam gua ni. Gua ni memang besar dan memang agak cantik. Lepas tu nanti korang boleh berkayak lalu bawah bawah gua semua la.

Kitaorang kat sini sampai petang. Lepas tu terus gerak balik ke Hanoi. Sebab malam dah nak terus gerak ke Sapa. Untuk ke Sapa, perjalanan memerlukan lebih kurang 5 hingga ke 6 jam. Jauh beb. So kitaorang ambil sleeping bus untuk ke sana. Senang sikit boleh tidur dengan selesa dalam bas dan dah jimat dah. Takyah susah susah nak book hotel lagi. Apa ada di Sapa? Akan aku ceritakan dalam perenggan untuk hari yang ketiga. Jeng jejenggg.

Kos hari kedua :

• Tiket Halong Bay: RM 368.70
• Tiket sleeping bus Hanoi to Sapa : RM119.50

Total : RM 488.20 untuk dua orang

HARI KETIGA

Ok hari ketiga ni hari yang ditunggu tunggu. Sebab tujuan utama aku pergi Vietnam ni memang nak ke sini pun. Kat sini ada The Rooftop of Indochina, iaitu Gunung Fansipan. Ok kitaorang sampai sini pukul 5 pagi. Cuaca memang sejuk tak boleh bincang beb. 6 darjah celcius bai. Dia ingat kita ni apa. Kat Malaysia suhu macam ni cuma dalam peti ais dengan peti bilik mayat je.

Nasib baik diorang bagi kitaorang tidur dulu dalam bas sementara tunggu matahari naik. Dalam pukul 6 macam tu, kitaorang terus gerak ke hotel. Jalan kaki je la. Nak jimatkan. Sebelum kau turun dari bas lagi, orang orang kat sini dah ready nak offer kau pakej untuk trekking ke kampung kampung area sini. Korang nak ambil pakej dengan diorang pun boleh. Macam aku, jenis kedekut dan takde duit. So aku pergi sendiri je semua tempat tempat tu.

Kat sini suasana dia, suasana kampung yang agak lawa. Orang kata kalau kena dengan masanya, dapat tengok salji turun. Aku datang tak kena masa la ni. Aku sampai hotel dalam pukul 7:30 pagi gitu. Jalan kaki dalam 2.5 km gitu la. Nasib baik Praha Hotel Sapa ni bagi kitaorang check in awal awal sebab nak bagi kitaorang rehat. Baik betul diorang ni. Hotel ni memang highly recommended la. View pun lawa.

Lepas mandi rehat semua, kitaorang terus menuju ke Gunung Fansipan. Wehuuuu. Ok takyah susah susah nak hiking. Naik cable car je. Tiket pun korang boleh beli dekat Klook ye. Walaupun kitaorang pergi waktu tengah hari, tapi dah sampai puncak tu, aku rasa dia punya sejuk lagi gila la. Bawah 0 darjah celcius. Memang tak boleh bawak bincang la. Tapi view memang superb. Masa aku pergi tu, kabus memang tebal gila, nampak view lawa tu bila cahaya matahari terpancar sekejap, haa time tu la baru nampak view lawa.

Kat belah bawah pulak masa kitaorang turun, ada taman bunga. So nak berjadah jadah ambil kat sini pun boleh. View pun lawa. Tapi disarankan pergi musim bunga la. Aku pergi musim sejuk ni banyak bunga mati. Lepas tu petang tu kitaorang lepak lepak kat Pekan Sapa. Tengok gelagat budak budak main bola. Ada yang jual kraftangan. Tapi jenis memaksa pulak, tu yang aku tak berapa nak gemar. Kau taknak beli nanti dia tolak tolak kau. Haihh patkal la budak kecik.

Ok malam tu kitaorang makan dekat Omar Namaste Restaurant. Tengah hari dan petang tu bukan aku tak makan, aku makan. Aku bawak makanan dari Malaysia je. Nak lagi jimat bawak lagi banyak. Silap aku, aku bawak sikit je. Tu yang terpaksa cari makanan kat luar. Kat Omar Namaste Restaurant ni pun harga boleh tahan yahudi jugak la. Tapi ok la sedap. Korang kena try roti naan dia.

Kos hari ketiga:

• Hotel hari ketiga : RM 164.95 (ni korang boleh dapat lagi murah. Ni sebab aku nak layan mountain view je sebab tu aku pilih bilik ni)
• Tiket ke Fansipan : RM 328
• Makan : RM 53

Total : RM 545.95 untuk dua orang

HARI KEEMPAT

Ok hari keempat dan hari terakhir di Sapa. Kitaorang plan pagi pagi dah check out. Sebab nak pergi Cat Cat Village then pukul 3 naik bas balik ke Hanoi. Akan tetapi, sebab betapa baiknya Sapa Praha Hotel ni, diorang bagi kitaorang pergi Cat Cat Village dulu, lepas balik ke hotel nanti mandi mandi siap siap dulu, then baru check out. Punya lah baik hati even dah lepas pukul 12 time tu.

Ok pagi tu lepas sarapan kat hotel then kitaorang terus menapak ke Cat Cat Village. Kat sini korang boleh jumpa dengan suku kaum Hmong. Ni kira etnik rare tau kat sini. Memang betul betul suasana kampung la. Dengan ada bela ayam babi itik semua. Memang relax la kalau duduk sini. Rasa nyaman je. Lepas tu ada air terjun. Siap ada kincir air wei. Memang keren banget dong. Kau nak sewa pakaian tradisional suku kaum ni pun boleh. Ada banyak kedai, kena pandai cari yang paling mur mur.

Lepas penat berjalan dan penat bergambar, kitaorang terus gerak ke Hanoi naik sleeping bus. Sampai Hanoi dalam pukul 9 malam. Lepas tu check in hotel then terus membuta la apa lagi.

Kos Hari Keempat :

• Tiket ke Cat Cat Village : RM 32.80
• Sewa baju etnik Hmong : RM9
• Tiket sleeping bus Sapa to Hanoi: RM119.50
• Hotel hari keempat : RM 84.90

Total : RM246.20 untuk dua orang

HARI KELIMA

Ok hari kelima dan hari terakhir di bumi Vietnam ini. Disebabkan hari pertama hari tu aku lupa nak ke satu port best ambil gambar. So aku pergi hari kelima. Pergi mana? Pergi Long Bien Bridge. Memang lawa beb kalau kau ambil gambar kat sini. Cuma. Ermm cuma tempat ni bau hancing. Keliling kau kiri kanan kau bau air kencing. Kalau ada rezeki kau boleh jumpa orang berak tepi jalan depan mata kau. Sampai sekarang terngiang ngiang dalam kepala hotak kau.

Ok pagi tu lepas check out hotel, kitaorang pun terus la bergerak, berlegar legar berjalan jalan di bandar Hanoi sebelum pulang ke tanah air. Kat Hanoi ni kereta tak banyak sangat. Tapi motor, masyaAllah, kiri kanan depan belakang kau semua ada motor. Nak berak pun kat sebelah kau ada motor lalu. Motor memang bersepah. Aku tanya orang sini, dia cakap sini kereta mahal, lepas tu parking pun tak banyak. So orang lagi prefer beli motor dari beli kereta.

Ok berbalik pada Long Bien Bridge ni. Ianya sebuah jambatan yang panjang tapi untuk laluan motor dan kereta api sahaja. So kalau kau nak ambil gambar lawa, kena berhati hati nak melintas ke tengah tu. Kang jatuh ke bawah kena baham buaya sungai merah tak ke naya. Ada buaya ke tak tu aku tak sure la. Then korang kena tengok jugak ea. Kalau ada kereta api nak lalu tu, cepat cepat la meniti keluar dari landasan tu. Memang bahaya, tapi dengan gambar yang kau dapat ambil, memang berbaloi kau pertaruhkan nyawa kau tu. Hahaha.

Lepas pong pang pong pang ambil gambar, kitaorang pun terus naik bas pergi ke airport. Yelah nah balik kan.

Kos hari kelima :

Total : RM 12.75 untuk dua orang

Kos kesuluruhan : RM 2156.35untuk dua orang. So seorang dalam RM 1078 sahaja. Murah kan?

Sebenarnya korang boleh rendahkan lagi kos ni. Diharap apa yang aku ceritakan ini dapat memudahkan perjalanan korang ke sana dengan kos yang berpatutan. Haa siapa kata nak travel kena banyak duit? Siapa nak tengok video video aku di sana boleh klik link di bawah ye. Mintak tolong subscribe ya gaiss 

Semoga itinerary trip ke Hanoi Ha Long Bay & Sapa ini bermanfaat

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Things To Do in Hanoi Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on April 21st, 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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Home » Southeast Asia » Vietnam » Hanoi

Backpacking Hanoi Travel Guide (2024)

Take one step onto the streets of Hanoi and you’re sure to experience sensory overload: endless streams of motorbikes, loud traffic, and delicious aromas coming from the nearby street food vendors. Welcome, my friends, to backpacking Hanoi.

Hanoi is a bustling, up-and-coming capital city with plenty of food to taste and sights to see, but it has lived through some dark times. The history of Vietnam’s capital city goes back over a thousand years to when Emperor Ly Thai To moved his capital here in 1010, naming it  Thang Long  (Rising Dragon).

The city has had many names since then, finally settling on Hanoi in 1831. (In case you were wondering, Hanoi means “City in the Bend of a River.”)

For many years, Hanoi was the capital of French Indochina, and although there are some beautiful remnants of this period – cathedrals and baguettes, mostly – colonialism destroyed much of the city and resulted in a bloody war against the French.

Speaking of wars, you’ve probably heard about one that happened in Vietnam a few decades ago. They call it the American War here, and repeated bombings ensued massive damage onto the city.

When the dust finally settled and an independent Vietnam was proclaimed in 1976, Hanoi was again chosen as the capital.

Despite its dark and turbulent past, Hanoi is now a city on the rise. Over 7 million people call Hanoi home, making it the second largest city in Vietnam.

It’s also a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors in from all over the globe to view its countless museums, pagodas, temples, and parks.

The best part about backpacking Hanoi, however, is meeting the Vietnamese people and soaking up their culture. People in Hanoi are incredibly welcoming and friendly, especially the younger generation who can speak a bit of English.

Of course, indulging in the delicious Vietnamese food is a major highlight as well.

If you’re ready to plan that epic backpacking trip to Hanoi, read on for a comprehensive Hanoi travel guide, including a typical daily budget, an awesome 3-day Hanoi itinerary, travel tips and plenty of great recommendations.

How Much does Backpacking Hanoi Cost?

Backpacker accommodation in hanoi, top things to do in hanoi, backpacking hanoi 3 day itinerary, backpacking hanoi travel tips and city guide.

Great news for Broke Backpackers everywhere – Hanoi is a very budget-friendly destination. For a bustling capital city with plenty of amenities, you’ll be amazed at how far your money goes here.

If you’re really motivated, you can backpack Hanoi on a budget of just $20-25 a day. It’s not hard to find a dorm bed for less than $5 a night here.

Public transportation is also super cheap, as is local food like bahn mi sandwiches or a delicious bowl of pho . You’ll mostly stick to free activities at this budget, but you’ve still got money for a few draft beers since they only cost $0.25 each!

Upping your travel budget for Hanoi to around $40-45 a day means you can afford to do quite a bit of sightseeing around the attractions, enjoy some privacy and comfort in your own private room, and cover more ground by renting a motorbike for your stay.

This budget allows you to try some nicer restaurants and drink something other than bia hoi from time to time. Below is a breakdown of a daily Hanoi budget so you can see how far your money goes.

Daily Costs for Backpacking Hanoi

Dorm bed in a hostel:  $5-10

Small basic room for two:  $20-25

Airbnb in a private apartment:  $30-40

Motorbike for a day: $5-6

Airport bus:  $1.75

Ho Chi Minh Museum:  $1.50

Street food snack ( bahn mi  sandwich):  $1-1.50

Local restaurant for lunch: $2-3

Cup of Vietnamese coffee:  $1

Local beer in a bar:  $0.50-$1

Hanoi Budget Backpacking Tips

As you can see from my list above, Hanoi is already an excellent bargain. That being said, there are always ways you can travel cheaper and stretch your travel funds even further. Here are a few tips for backpacking Hanoi on a budget:

• Stay in the Old Quarter : I’m sure you’ll end up doing this anyway, as a majority of hostels are located here. Staying in the Old Quarter means you don’t have to spend much on transportation, and you have plenty of cheap places to eat and drink.
• Book a hostel with free breakfast and/or a kitchen : Cutting down on your food expenses is a great way to stretch your budget. There are plenty of hostels that have free breakfast or offer breakfast for cheap. If there’s a communal kitchen, you can buy groceries and cook a few meals for yourself.
• Keep it local : If you eat and drink as locals do here, you’ll spend very little on food. Vietnamese street food only costs a buck or two for a good meal and drinking bia hoi on draft costs pennies. Seriously, you can have a few of them for a dollar. Once you go out to Western food or start ordering imports, your costs shoot way up.
• Take advantage of free activities : There is plenty to do in Hanoi that costs absolutely nothing. Walk around the lake and enjoy the lively scenes, wander around the Old Quarter, and pay a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, all for free-ninety-nine!
• Budget-friendly Tours: If you do happen to go on any guided tours, at least make it a tour where you can pay it off in instalments. Global Work and Travel have the broke backpacker in mind with this one. You can even choose the amount per instalment! The Vietnam Explorer Tour includes Hanoi and looks like buckets of fun.
• Pack a travel water bottle and save money every day!

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Hanoi is a sprawling and chaotic mess of grime and magic: truly, it’s somewhere you can get lost. Each distinct neighborhood of Hanoi twists into the next with each offering something different to travelers who stay there.

Most backpackers flock to the area of Hanoi known as the Old Quarter . There are tons of excellent hostels and budget hotels to choose from here. It’s a bustling area with plenty to see and do, so you’ll never get bored staying in this part of the city. If you are doing your solo travel in Vietnam I can highly recommend this area since you’ll meet lots of other backpackers doing the same as you.

If you want a slightly quieter place, you may want to check out the Ba Dinh area. This neighborhood isn’t too far from the Old Quarter and it’s close to many of Hanoi’s best museums. Another good choice is Tay Ho , which is an expat enclave with some great options for dining and nightlife.

The Best Places to Stay in Hanoi

Are you wondering  which is the best part of Hanoi to stay in?  Well, let me give you a few suggestions.

Ba Dinh is a large suburb located north of Hanoi city centre. It’s characterized by its leafy streets and laid-back atmosphere as well as it’s stunning setting along the southern shores of Lake Ho Tay

Hoan Kiem is the historic centre and soul of the city. Hanoi’s hectic and chaotic downtown, Hoan Kiem is packed with busy streets, vibrant temples, buzzing cafes, ancient gates and plenty of traditional shops

Tay Ho is a district located north of Hanoi city centre along the shores of Ho Tay Lake. Not long ago, Tay Ho was a cluster of fishing villages known for their sleepy and quiet atmosphere

Hai Ba Trung

Hai Ba Trung is a modern and lively district set in Hanoi’s city centre. Adjacent to the Old Quarter, this district is well-connected throughout Hanoi, making it a great base for exploring the city

This small residential neighbourhood sits on the southern shores of Truc Bach Lake. It is centrally located nestled between Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem and Tay Ho, and is well-connected throughout Hanoi

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Hanoi is stacked with crazy cool things to do! Here are just ten of my faves – go find some more yourself!

1. Walk around the lake

First up, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake . This picturesque lake is located in the Old Quarter. It is a popular meeting point for tourists and locals alike.

There’s an interesting legend behind the name of the lake, which means “returned sword.” I won’t spoil it for you, though – you’ll just have to get to Hanoi to hear it for yourself!

2. Go on a free walking tour

Going on a walking tour is a great way to see Hanoi while learning about its history and culture. The tours are run by local students who do an excellent job of introducing their city. They have a variety of free walking tours available exploring different sides of Hanoi, so be sure to check them out and sign up for at least one.

3. Visit Uncle Ho

Ho Chi Minh City may have the name, but Hanoi has the man. That’s right, Vietnam’s capital city is home to the preserved body of none other than Uncle Ho himself.

If seeing a dead body in a case isn’t your thing, you should still go check it out to see the mausoleum from outside and the crowds that gather there. Plus, you can still visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum . It’s full of interesting exhibits and well worth a look.

4. Go museum hopping

There are several excellent museums around the city that cover a wide range of topics and. A day or two of museum hopping around Hanoi should definitely be high on your list of things to do here.

In addition to the one dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, you can visit the fantastic Women’s Museum , the Museum of Ethnology , and the Museum of Vietnamese History .

5. Take a cooking class

One of the best things about backpacking Vietnam is sampling the country’s amazing cuisine. You’re sure to miss Vietnamese food when you go home, so why not learn how to make it yourself?

Hanoi has tons of cooking classes where you can shop in local markets and learn how to cook up classic Vietnamese dishes.

6. Check out the Temple of Literature

One of the most beautiful places in Vietnam is the Temple of Literature . This Confucian temple was built way back in 1070. It’s also home to the Imperial Academy , which was Vietnam’s first national university. You’ll also see the temple on a daily basis thanks to its image on the back of the 100,000 Dong note.

7. Visit the “Hanoi Hilton”

Another interesting museum you can visit is the Hoa Lo Prison , which was referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs in the war.

Former US presidential nominee and Senator John McCain was one of the notable inmates who spent time here, and you can even see the suit he was wearing when his plane was shot down.

Before it was the Hanoi Hilton, the prison was used by the French colonists to hold political prisoners. Most of the exhibits revolve around this time period, and they gloss over what happened during the war with the US.

8. Street food and bia hoi

Everywhere you go, there is some tasty food being cooked up in the street. Whether it’s a banh mi sandwich or a yummy bowl of bun cha , Vietnamese street food always hits the spot. It doesn’t hit the wallet though, as you can usually eat well for $1-2.

At night, it’s time to pull up a plastic stool, order some snacks, and start throwing back a few cold ones. Local draft beer is known as bia hoi and can be found all over the city. The best part about these refreshing suds? A small glass only costs about $0.25. Go ahead and have a few…

9. Party in the Old Quarter

After a nice pre-game with street food and bia hoi , you can keep the party going in the Old Quarter. As the backpacker hub of the city, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of bars here.

You’ll have to start early, though as places close down at midnight. It’s possible to find some low-key after-hours bars if you really want to keep partying.

10. Watch a water puppet show

A really fun thing to do in Hanoi is to watch the water puppet show. This traditional Vietnamese art form goes back to the 11th century. You can catch a performance at the Thang Long Theatre . Tickets only cost about $3, and it’s a fun thing to do in Hanoi before going out for the evening.

Now that you’ve learned a bit about the city, it’s time to plan an epic 3-day itinerary uncovering Hanoi to make the most of your visit.

Day One in Hanoi: Exploring the Old Quarter

The best thing to do on your first day in Hanoi is to explore the Old Quarter. Chances are you’ll be staying in this district anyway, so after you check into your hostel you can jump right into an afternoon free walking tour. These tours are run by local college students who are very passionate about showing you around Hanoi.

You’ll get a nice introduction to the city, make new friends, and get recommendations on where to go and what to eat. Just be sure to leave a decent tip for your guide if you enjoy the tour.

After walking around for a few hours, it’s time to dig into some local food. The Old Quarter is full of countless street food vendors and hole-in-the-wall restaurants where you can enjoy Vietnamese classics like pho or bun cha .

There’s so much good, cheap food in Hanoi, so go ahead and indulge!

Even though you probably saw a bit of it on the free walking tour, it’s worth walking a lap around Hoan Kiem Lake on your own. It’s always bustling with activity, as locals come here to practice tai chi , play cards, or boogie down. It’s probably the best place for people watching in Hanoi.

You never know what you’re going to see walking around the lake. On our visit, we ended up checking out a local band filming their music video. How cool is that? Stick around until it gets dark to watch the tower on the lake light up and then head out into Hanoi for the night.

Once the sun goes down, locals and tourists alike come out to enjoy snacks and the ubiquitous bia hoi , which flows like water. When a small drink is only $0.25, you can have dinner and a few beers for just a couple bucks. These beer joints are a great place to pre-game and share a drink with locals, who are always excited to toss back a few with backpackers.

You could just spend your night bouncing around from different places, having cheap beers and snacks here and there. If you need a change of pace, there are tons of backpacker bars in Hanoi as well.

Whether you want to find a cocktail lounge to chat with friends or a club to cut a rug in, you can find it in Hanoi.

As a super popular backpacker destination, it’s not hard to find fun nightlife in Hanoi. It’s just too bad that it shuts down early. Places close down at midnight, so you’ll have to find some underground venue after hours and hope the authorities don’t shut it down.

Day Two in Hanoi: Vietnamese Icons

For day two in Hanoi, you should definitely start off with some Vietnamese coffee. There are tons of cafes in the Old Quarter, and it’s not hard to find a nice place to sit down for breakfast and a nice dose of caffeine, Vietnam style.

Next up, it’s time to go visit Uncle Ho . Head to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which is the final resting place of the former Vietnamese leader. His preserved body is on display, despite his wishes against it. Even if you opt to not go in, as I did, it is still worth seeing the outside of the mausoleum and the crowds who line up to pay their respects.

While you’re over here, you might as well head into the Ho Chi Minh Museum. There are some pretty “out there” exhibits, including one that’s supposed to represent the inside of Uncle Ho’s brain. It’s an interesting museum, to say the least.

From the museum, you can walk over to the One Pillar Pagoda . This Buddhist temple was built to resemble a lotus, and it’s one of the most iconic temples in the country. (Just be warned: you might be overwhelmed by tour groups, and do not expect a very peaceful outing. Snap a picture of the temple and move on to the next stop.)

After grabbing some lunch from a street food vendor or a local restaurant, you can head to the nearby Temple of Literature. This ancient Confucian temple is home to the first national university in Vietnam and is one of the top sights to visit in Hanoi .

It’s been a busy day so far, so feel free to take some time to chill out. I recommend checking out a Vietnamese water puppet performance in the evening. You won’t understand anything at the show, but it only costs a few bucks and it’s a fun way to start the night.

Take a break from the bia hoi and treat yourself to some craft beer at Standing Bar . Grab a pint and head to their rooftop terrace for views of Truc Bach Lake . There are comedy shows here from time to time as well.

You’ve got one more busy day in Hanoi, so you may want to take it relatively easy tonight. (Or you may want to go out and rage until the taser-wielding police officers clear out the bars. That’s totally up to you. I won’t judge.)

Day Three in Hanoi: Museum Hopping

How late you stayed out on night two will affect what you end up doing on day three. There are tons of excellent museums in Hanoi, so you should try to hit at least one on your last day in town. If you were a good backpacker the night before, you might even be able to check out three!

Those who get up early should head out to the Museum of Ethnology first. It’s a bit far from the Old Quarter but it’s well worth the trip. There are 54 ethnic groups that call Vietnam home, and you can learn about all of them on a visit to this museum.

While there is a lot to see at the museum, the replica houses from all over the country are the best part. For those not travelling to rural parts of Vietnam, these houses provide a glimpse into other parts of the country.

Next up on our museum hopping adventure is a trip to the Women’s Museum . This museum features four floors, each with a different theme. One of my favorite exhibits details the female street vendors who come to big cities like Hanoi to make a better living.

One of the most popular museums to visit in Hanoi is the Hoa Lo Prison , which many know of as the “Hanoi Hilton.” If the prison looks more French than Vietnamese, that’s because it is. French colonists built it to hold political prisoners, and most of the exhibits detail the tragedies of colonialism.

The prison was also used to house American POWs during the war, which is known as the American War here.

They have received criticism for the way they depict the treatment of POWs, especially when compared to testimonials of the actual prisoners, so take what you learn here with a grain of salt. Either way, it’s an interesting and historical place to visit in Hanoi.

Those who suffer from museum burnout may want to replace one museum with another activity. I suggest signing up for a Vietnamese cooking class . What better souvenir to take home than the ability to cook delicious Vietnamese food for friends and family?

A great cooking school is one of the Highway 4 restaurants, which serve up innovative Vietnamese cuisine and ethnic specialties. Even if you don’t sign up for their cooking class, you should still eat a good meal here for your last night in the city.

Torn? Let us help you make the decision between Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City with this helpful guide.

Hanoi off the Beaten Track

It’s not that difficult to get off the beaten track in Hanoi. Most travelers spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, so as soon as you step out of this area you’ll immerse in the local scene.

If you really want to get out there, rent a motorbike and explore the city. It can be a bit intense at first and is not recommended for total beginners, but once you get the hang of it, riding a scooter around the city is a ton of fun.

You’ll quickly notice people in Hanoi are extremely welcoming and friendly. When locals strike up a conversation, they’re genuinely trying to get to know you and not just trying to sell you something.

We met plenty of Vietnamese people after spending a few days in the city. Some college kids even invited us out to dinner and then took us to visit their campus. If you are open to meeting the locals, you’ll get to see Hanoi’s local side.

Best Walks in Hanoi

With thousands of motorbikes constantly whizzing by, Hanoi might not seem like a great city to see on foot. While the traffic can indeed be intense, there are plenty of good walks in Hanoi.

• Hoan Kiem Lake : Taking a lap around Hoan Kiem Lake is a great walk. It’s scenic, free of the traffic, and constantly buzzing. This is an awesome walk for people watching and soaking up local Hanoi culture.
• Old Quarter : At least once during your trip, you should just hit the pavement and aimlessly wander around the Old Quarter. Check out the architecture, try some street food, and soak up the vibrant and bustling vibes.
• West Lake : This is another great place for a stroll. Along the way, you can check out the oldest temple and oldest pagoda in Hanoi. When you’re done exploring the area, hit up Standing Bar  for delicious craft beers.

Best Time of Year to Visit Hanoi

You might assume that Hanoi is warm year-round it’s a part of Southeast Asia, but before you stuff your packing for Vietnam full of nothing but singlets and footie shorts, you should know that Hanoi has all four seasons.

Since Hanoi is in the northern hemisphere, winter can get downright chilly. Hanoi’s winters last from around December to February.

During summer from June to August, Hanoi becomes stifling hot, and as soon as you step outside, you’ll be drenched in sweat. Summer is also the wettest season with frequent downpours. This will seriously limit what you can do and your overall enjoyment of the city.

As you might expect by now, spring and fall are the best times of year to visit Hanoi. April-May and October-November have reasonable temperatures and little rain. If you can, try to time your visit to Hanoi during one of these months.

Getting in and out of Hanoi

Most travellers who aren’t border-hopping will first arrive for their backpacking Vietnam adventure via Hanoi at the Noi Bai International Airport . Because of the opening of the new international terminal, the immigration process has sped up substantially. It actually won the “World’s Most Improved Airport” award thanks to this new terminal.

There are direct flights to several destinations from the Hanoi airport. Most of them are other Asian cities though, so you’ll probably need to make at least one connection if coming from Europe, the Americas, or Down Under.

If you’re backpacking Hanoi on a budget, you’ll be happy to hear about the express bus from the airport to the city. It’s cheap, convenient, and saves you the headache of haggling with taxi drivers. If you’re feeling lazy, there are legit taxi stands where you can get a ride for about $20-25.

When you’re ready to travel to Hanoi, forgo buying tickets at the station and book them online instead! You can now book transport in advance for most of Asia using Bookaway and doing so can really save you some stress (and maybe money, too).

How to get around Hanoi

There are plenty of options for getting around Hanoi. Most backpackers choose a mixture of public transportation and walking.

The Old Quarter is compact enough to get around on foot. When you want to venture around the city, you can catch a local bus, hitch a ride on the back of a motorbike, or call a taxi.

The buses are cheap and efficient, but the system can be tricky to figure out, and many taxi drivers will try to negotiate a flat fee rather than simply use the meter, which can be frustrating.

If you have an unlocked phone with a local SIM, you can try to use rideshare services like Uber or Grab.

One fun way to get around Hanoi is on a cyclo (pedicab). Just be clear about your destination and the fee, and be ready to walk away if your driver tries to pull any monkey business.

Many backpackers rent a motorbike since they are cheap, only costing around $5-6 a day and about $1 to fill up. Hanoi’s traffic can be insane, to say the least, so I don’t recommend getting a bike unless you know what you’re doing. This is not a great place for your first ride! If you do rent a bike, be sure to get a helmet and lock it up or pay for attended parking.

Note: While the city doesn’t have a metro system yet, it’s been in the works for years and a few of the lines are due to open soon.

Onwards Travel from Hanoi

If you’re planning on heading south from Hanoi, Ninh Binh might be the next logical step. Nestled among enormous karst formations (those weird, steep hills), Ninh Binh is just a little more than a 2-hour train ride away. This is a great destination to stay for a paddle up the Trang An before traveling further south to other beautiful areas of Vietnam .

If you’re looking for a more extensive water adventure, Ha Long , also just a short jump from Hanoi, harbors loads of “junk boats,” which aren’t all that trashy. You can even purchase a Halong Bay cruise that arranges transportation from Hanoi to your onboard cabin. Be sure you research your options first, as cost and comfort can vary greatly between tours.

Sa Pa is another great destination to immerse in the beautiful landscapes that brought you to Vietnam in the first place! We don’t have much to say about the city itself except that it’s well set up to accommodate backpackers. The real draw is its scenic position among pristine rice paddies and terraces. The 8-hour train commitment (overnight, as it so often is) is worth it.

Long-distance trains from Hanoi

You can get to or from Hanoi by train via other points in Vietnam or China. Heading south, you can jump on a train from Hanoi and travel to Ho Chi Minh City . There are several spots along the way to stop, including Hue and Nha Trang .

There are a variety of options on the train – soft seat, hard sleeper, and soft sleeper. Obviously, the latter is the most comfortable and thus the most expensive. It does save you a hotel bill for the night, so it’s a great way to travel in Vietnam.

For more on train travel in Vietnam, I highly recommend checking out the detailed post on Seat 61 . They have timetables, prices, and pictures to show you what it’s like riding the rails.

Although onwards travel to China had been disrupted for several years due to landslides, the train is up and running again too. Most people end up connecting in Nanning and then hopping on another train. There is a direct train to Beijing now, but it only leaves twice a week and takes two nights.

• Backpacking Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in Hue
• Backpacking Hoi An Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in Nha Trang

Safety in Hanoi

Hanoi is a very safe place in Vietnam to visit, and honestly, the biggest danger you’ll face on a daily basis is simply crossing the street.

Violent crime is very uncommon here, although petty theft occurs when the opportunity arises. Just be mindful of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe and in sight.

If you’re going to ride a motorbike around Hanoi, don’t be an idiot. Wear a helmet, drive with caution, and definitely don’t jump on that bike after pounding a bunch of quarter beers. Also, be sure to lock up your bike or pay to park it with an attendant. Dealing with a stolen motorbike is a really shitty thing to have to do on vacation.

Travel Insurance for Hanoi

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

If there’s one insurance company I trust, it’s World Nomads.

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.

Hanoi Accommodation Travel Hacks

Hostels in Vietnam are already super cheap, and it’s not hard to find a dorm bed in a decent place for as little as $4-5 a night. Other types of accommodation in Hanoi are comparatively cheap too. That being said, there are still a few ways to stretch your money.

First of all, find a hostel that has free breakfast and/or a communal kitchen. Even if it’s just toast, bananas, and coffee, it saves you a trip out and a few bucks in the morning.

In a city this big, there are plenty of people signed up for Couchsurfing . It certainly doesn’t hurt to send out a few requests to local hosts before you go booking a hostel. Not only will you pay nothing for accommodation, but you’ll also get valuable tips from someone who lives in the city.

Eating and Drinking in Hanoi

One of the best things about backpacking Hanoi is indulging in mouth-watering Vietnamese food. Street food is everywhere in Hanoi and it’s some of the best in the world : it’s delicious and it’s super cheap.

Most days in Hanoi, I’d have a bahn mi sandwich or a bowl of pho for lunch and only spend $1-2!

If you’d prefer to sit inside, there are plenty of excellent budget restaurants cooking up Vietnamese classics as well. You may pay a little more, but at least you’ll be a little more comfortable while you eat.

There are a few great night markets in the city where you can find a wide variety of food. Visiting these places encourages you to try a few different things from a few different vendors and spread your business around.

Sometimes you need Western comfort food, and there’s plenty of that here as well. Hanoi is used to having backpackers around, so it’s not hard to find a good burger or pizza.

When it comes to drinking in Hanoi, it’s all about coffee and beer ! Start your day off with a small but powerful cup of Vietnamese coffee, which is sweetened with condensed milk. There are cafes of all shapes and sizes in Hanoi where you can find a good cup of joe.

As far as beer goes, most people stick to the light and cheap bia hoi . Small draft beers only cost $0.25. Pull up a plastic stool and join the crowd for a fun night of beer drinking.

Nightlife in Hanoi

In addition to the ubiquitous bia hoi joints, you’ve got several options for nightlife when you are backpacking Hanoi. Here you can find craft beer joints, fancy cocktail lounges, speakeasies, pulsating nightclubs, and everything in between. Where you go out at night depends on your budget and what kind of scene you’re looking for.

Keep in mind that nightlife in Hanoi shuts down early. Bars are not allowed to stay open past midnight, and the local authorities take this pretty seriously. Every night in the Old Quarter, you’ll see armed police officers brandishing their tasers to let you know it’s time to go home.

If you want to be a rebel and keep the party going, there are some underground parties that stay open past curfew.

Check out Vietnam’s festivals for a unique and cultural alternative to a night out.

Books to Read on Hanoi

Reading about a place you’re planning to visit is always fun. It gets you more excited for your trip and you learn something new in the process. Below are 5 books and guides to add to your Hanoi reading list:

Lonely Planet Vietnam Travel Guide – Plan your trip to Hanoi and the rest of Vietnam with the most recent Lonely Planet guide.

Moon Hanoi : If you’re looking for a jam-packed guide to the city, grab this copy of Moon Hanoi. It also includes Halong Bay, a place you’re sure to visit from here.

Vietnam Hanoi Old Quarter City Walks : This guidebook features seven great walking tours for discovering a bunch of cool stuff in Hanoi.

Hanoi of a Thousand Years : Those interested in the long history of Hanoi will want to pick up this excellent book.

Volunteering in Hanoi

Long term travel is awesome. Giving back is awesome too. For backpackers looking to travel long-term on a budget in  Hanoi  whilst making a real impact on local communities, look no further than  Worldpackers . World Packers is an excellent platform  connecting travelers with meaningful volunteer positions throughout the world.

In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your room and board are covered.

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in Vietnam in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project.

Worldpackers opens the doors for work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs, and eco-projects around the world. We’ve tried and approved them ourselves – check out our Worldpackers in-depth review .

If you’re ready to create a life-changing travel experience and give back to the community, join the Worldpacker community now. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

If you’d like more info, then check out our dedicated writeup by one of our adventures experts on his experience volunteering in a Vietnamese community through WorldPackers.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Make money whilst Backpacking Hanoi

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection.

Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills! It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read our in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in Vietnam , getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Being a responsible backpacker in Hanoi

Reduce your plastic footprint:  Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Instead, pack a  tough travel water bottle .

Go and watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix – it’ll change how you view the plastic problem in the world; you need to understand what we are up against. If you think it doesn’t matter, get off my fucking site.

Don’t pick up single-use plastic bags, you’re a backpacker – take your daypack if you need to go to the shop or run errands.

Bear in mind, that many animal products in countries you travel through will not be ethically farmed and won’t be of the highest quality. I’m a carnivore but when I’m on the road, I only eat chicken. Mass-farming of cows etc leads to the rainforest being cut down – which is obviously a huge problem.

Need more guidance? – Check out our post on  how to be a responsible backpacker.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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I would like to add in your biggest danger you’ll face on a daily basis is the scam taxi and also the weather I guess so we must check the weather when we go there. Thanks for this article:)

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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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