hanoi travel itinerary 4 days

4 Day Hanoi Itinerary – The Ultimate Guide!

By: Author Catrina

Posted on Last updated: October 29, 2022

Categories ASIA , VIETNAM

Travelling to Hanoi and looking for a great 4 day itinerary?

From visiting picturesque Hoàn Kiếm Lake, to the best markets and street food to try, to taking an excursion to Halong Bay, it’s all in here.

Whilst Saigon in the south is larger and gets more attention, Hanoi is actually the capital of Vietnam and definitely deserves a few days on any Asia bucket list itinerary! Keep reading to check out a great 4 day travel itinerary of Hanoi!

4 DAY HANOI ITINERARY

Take time on your first morning to explore the Old Town of Hanoi and it’s narrow streets.

The Old Town is the heart and soul of Hanoi, and whilst during the weekdays the streets are really hectic and full of motorbikes everywhere, at the weekends the whole of the Old Town is closed off to traffic and is a lot calmer.  Therefore try and time your trip so you will be here during the weekend if possible!

The best way to explore the Old Town is on foot. You can explore alone, or there are many walking tours available that you can go on to get your bearings for the city – several of which are free ! There are traditionally 36 streets of the Old Quarter, each one named after which craft was practiced here years ago, for example: Medicine Street, Silk Street (Hang Gai), Tin Street etc.

The streets of Hanoi’s Old Town are packed with small eateries and you’ll see lots of portable street food stalls on the back of bicycles in the mornings. Stop and join the locals at one of the stalls. As with anywhere in Asia, it is easy to tell where the good places are for food: look where the locals go and follow! Sit on the low plastic stools, enjoy your food and just watch the locals go about their everyday life!

The two most famous Vietnamese dishes are  bánh mì sandwich and phở noodles, both of which are delicious and great value. You also need to try egg coffee. Yes, a coffee made from egg. Sounds awful right, but it actually tastes pretty good! It is a specialty from Hanoi so definitely try one when you are here!

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) is one of the most popular places in Hanoi to visit. Stroll around the lake and enjoy the beautiful view – there are lots of beautiful trees here that make for some fantastic pictures.

Like the Old Quarter, if you visit the lake at the weekend the streets will also be pedestrianised and free from traffic. There is the most incredible atmosphere at this time, especially in the evenings, with locals flooding the streets, people playing games and playing instruments amongst many other things. Normally the traffic around here is pretty crazy, so enjoy it!

Take the bridge across the lake to the Temple of the Jade Mountain and stroll round the small island in the middle of the lake. During the evening the bridge is lit up red and looks really beautiful.

Rooftop views

Head to Legend Beer, right on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake ( click here to see the Google maps location). This place is always busy but make your way to the balcony on the top floor – hopefully there will be a spare table! Enjoy food and drinks with a view here and experience the best view in Hanoi!! The views overlooking the lake are so stunning.

Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market

As mentioned above, the weekends are the best time to explore Hanoi’s Old Town, when the streets are pedestrianised and no vehicles can enter. On Friday – Sunday evenings the streets of Old Hanoi get transformed into one giant Night Market, full of street food, souvenirs, clothing, you name it, it’s here! The atmosphere here is really special, and you can even buy locally brewed beer (‘ bia ‘) and watch street performers here!

*If you want to go on a day trip to Halong Bay on your last day, try to book it today or on day 2 at one of the many tour companies! Read below to find out more.*

Dong Xuan Market

Along with Hanoi’s touristy Night Market in the Old Town on the weekend evenings, Hanoi has another famous market: the local’s daily morning market at Dong Xuan. This is a local’s market, where hundreds of Vietnamese people come to buy their groceries every morning. There are also sections of the market where people can buy everyday products, and there is a street food section too!

This is a great place to observe and experience the everyday life of the local people here. As it is a local market and not a touristy market, the vendors won’t be bothering you trying to get you to buy products, they will just leave you to it. Not many people will speak English here either so just go with the flow and enjoy the experience! Open 6am until 7pm daily. Click here to see the Google maps location.

Hỏa Lò Prison

Visit Hoa Lo Prison, also nicknamed locally as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ to learn about the sufferings the Vietnamese endured here during the French rule, as well as the American prisoners of war (POWs). It is a gruesome insight into the inhumane conditions prisoners were subjected to, and is told from the point of view of the Vietnamese. Not for the faint hearted.

You only visit a small section of the prison that remains, as the rest was later demolished. Inside the prison you’ll see life size models of Vietnamese prisoners. Life here was awful: prisoners lay side by side on concrete platforms with their ankles chained to a barre, and they were only allowed to be free of their chains for 15 minutes a day. You can even see the death-row dungeons and guillotines here, as well as the sewer several death-row inmates escaped from.

Above the entrance to the prison are the French words ‘maison centrale’ meaning central house – a term French often used to describe city prisons. Entrance is 30,000VND (£1) and it is open every day from 8am to 5pm. Click here to view the location on Google maps.

Saint Joseph’s Cathedral

Located in the heart of Hanoi is Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, a beautiful Neo-Gothic style Cathedral built in 1886 that is easily one of the most beautiful Cathedrals in Asia. You can instantly see the French Colonial style architecture present here: evidence of the influence the French had over this city (they colonised it in the 1850’s). Similar to Saigon’s Cathedral, this Cathedral was modelled on Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral. Sadly, when the French retreated from Vietnam in 1954, this Cathedral became controlled by the Vietnamese Nationalists and remained closed until Christmas Eve in 1990.

Personally, after having seen the Cathedral both during the day and during the evening, I prefer it at the evening when it is lit up. The exterior walls have become stained by pollution and so appear dark and dirty during daylight. We managed to visit inside when Mass was on which was really interesting. With over 4 million Catholics in Vietnam, the majority of the people are predominately Catholic (due to the French colonists) and so this Cathedral is really important to the people of Hanoi.

You can visit the outside of the Cathedral at any time, but if you wish to go inside be aware that it isn’t open all day. Usually it is only open when a mass takes place, which is at 6pm in the evenings (and 05.30 in the mornings!). On Sundays there are roughly 7 Masses that happen throughout the day, so you’ll have a much better chance of being able to go inside if you visit on a Sunday (except between 12 and 4pm when there are no Masses).

Click here to see the Google maps location of Saint Joseph’s Church.

Ba Dinh Square

Ho Chi Minh was the Nationalist revolutionary leader and President of North Vietnam from 1954 until his death in 1969. Ba Dinh Square is the large square where he declared Vietnam’s independence on September 2nd 1945, and consequently became the site of his mausoleum, which was actually based on Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow. It is free to visit his mausoleum and you can even see his embalmed body (photos and videos are prohibited). It is closed on Mondays and Fridays, but the rest of the days it is open from 7.30am to 10.30am. Bear in mind it can get extremely busy here so visit early in the morning if you wish to escape the crowds and the huge lines.

Coming off Ba Dinh Square are several other notable points of interest, including The Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, the War Memorial and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Military History Museum

Just a few minutes walk from Ba Dinh Square is the Military History Museum. This is a must visit museum, dedicated to the Vietnamese Army and the work they did to keep Vietnam’s independence and fight against the French and later the Americans in the Vietnam War.

Vietnam’s history cannot be ignored: there are reminders of it almost everywhere you go in the country, especially in Hanoi and Saigon . Take time before, or when you are here, to learn about the 20 year long Vietnam War (in Vietnam it is known as The Resistance War against America, or The American War).

The Hanoi Flagtower is located inside the museum and you are able to climb to the top and enjoy the panoramic view over Hanoi from here. This 200 year old World Heritage Site was one of the only ancient monuments that wasn’t destroyed by the French Colonists.

*Like Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Military Museum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. The remaining days of the week it is open from 8am – 11.30am and again from 1pm until 4.30pm.*

Hanoi Train Street

About half a kilometre from the Military History Museum lies Hanoi Train Street, located in a residential neighbourhood. The single track train line runs through a street of houses and cafes, dividing it into two (similar to the train market in Bangkok). Over recent years this became incredibly well-known thanks to social media and it is one of the most Instagrammable places in Hanoi. Twice a day (3pm and 7pm) a train passes almost inches away from the resident’s houses. During the rest of the time, tourists can walk along the tracks and stop off in the many cafes along the side of the tracks.

** October 2019 – Hanoi Train Street Closed Down**

However, since October 2019 police have blocked off the train street due to tourist activity here. There were simply too many tourists on the tracks that they felt it was a hazard, and even one train had to make an emergency stop and be rerouted as tourists were in the tracks when it was due to pass. The police ordered the cafe’s to close, and signs have been put up telling tourists not to enter.

Day Trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay

You’ll see adverts all over the Old Quarter for trips to Halong Bay from Hanoi. Ha Long Bay is a must visit when you are in Vietnam – it is so beautiful. But before you book on the first tour you see, shop around and decide which kind of trip you would like as there’s several different types of trip you can do.

You will often only need to book a trip just one or two days in advance, so during the first day when you are strolling around the Old Town you can book it.

Organised day trip (boat trip)

You can go to Halong Bay and back in one day from Hanoi if you wish (or if that’s all the time you have). You’ll be away from your hotel/hostel for about 12 hours probably – usually from 8am to 8pm (it takes around 3 hours to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi).

The price for these day trips is actually very reasonable and prices are very competitive as many companies offer them. It is actually better to go into the travel agencies and book the tour there as opposed to booking it online as you more often than not will get a better deal in the shop than online.

However, if you would like the reassurance of buying online, click here to see my favourite tour.

Check the itineraries of the boat trips: see where they stop off as there are many different tours and routes. Try and make sure the boat stops at Ti Top Mountain – from here you can climb to the top and get some beautiful aerial views of Halong Bay and the limestone karst islands.

Independent trip (Boat trip and Bai Tho Mountain)

If you aren’t a fan of group tours you can visit Halong Bay by yourself. I have done this before – it was easy to organise and I had a really enjoyable time. You can take a bus from Hanoi to Halong City and then take a boat trip from there. This is a popular bus route in Vietnam so there are many buses that run. Click here for the timetable and to book tickets.

Tuan Chau marina or Bay Chai harbour is the pickup point for boat tours, and you can expect to pay around 700,000 dong for a 4 hour excursion. There are many boats and you don’t need to book beforehand. However if you do want to book a trip, I recommend two tours by Origin Vietnam: click here for the full day tour and  here for the half day tour.

It will be slightly more expensive to plan an independent trip as opposed to going on an organised day trip from Hanoi, but the main reason I did this was because I wanted to climb Bai Tho Mountain, also known as Poem Mountain. I had seen pictures of the views from here and it looked incredible.

It is a hard climb up but is definitely worth the effort in my opinion! The view is absolutely incredible and it is one of the most famous and highest peaks in the bay to climb up.

What’s great is that Bai Tho is located right in the centre of Halong City on the mainland; you don’t have to take a boat to get to this mountain, so you can even skip out the boat ride if you wish! It can be a little hard to find Bai Tho Mountain – click on yer link to read how to get there!

If you have longer than 4 days in Hanoi:

Head from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh – a stunning town where you can take a boat ride down Tam Coc – where the women row the boats with their feet! You can also climb to the top of Hang Mua mountain where you’ll be rewarded with absolutely gorgeous and iconic views of Ninh Binh!

Castaways Island

If you have longer in Hanoi, you can do the 3 day Castaways trip to Halong Bay. I did this trip back in 2017, which is organised through Vietnam Backpacker Hostel (which is an awesome party hostel in the centre of the Old Quarter with free beer, crazy parties and an epic atmosphere!). It is aimed specifically at young backpackers and is basically one giant epic piss up. If that’s what you’re after (and that was exactly what I needed right then), you’ll have a great time! I had a fantastic time and met some amazing people on the trip!

What’s great about this trip is that you actually get to stay for 2 nights on one of the islands in Halong Bay – how many people can say they’ve done that?!! It does take a while to reach the island though: you all take a 2 hour bus from Hanoi to get to Cat Ba (one of the main gateways to Halong Bay). Then you take a boat, then a bus for 30 minutes across Cat Ba island, then another boat to our island in Halong Bay.

I’m not going to lie, the journey is tedious, especially when you are all hungover from last nights partying in Hanoi. BUT it was a great group of people – around 40 of us altogether, and we kept ourselves entertained and laughing the whole time. It was honestly such a memorable trip! We did watersports when we were there, went on a booze cruise, partied and stayed in the most amazing open-air cabins when we were there! Definitely recommend it fo young backpackers who want to let their hair down, socialise and party.

If you only have 1 day in Hanoi check out this itinerary to see the best of the attractions in Hanoi in 24 hours .

Where to stay in Hanoi?

Stay in Hanoi’s Old Quarter so you will be close to all the attractions and amenities of Hanoi (bus station, travel agents etc).

When is the best time to visit Hanoi?

Try and time your stay in Hanoi so that it falls at the weekend. In terms of which month, February to April, and October to November are the best times to visit as the rain levels are lowland the temperatures aren’t too high. Fortunately this is also the best time to visit Halong Bay.

Vietnamese exchange rate

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong. £1 is roughly 30,000 dong and $1USD is roughly 23,000 dong (VND). There are money exchange places everywhere, but some places such as travel agencies and restaurants will accept USD. However, they will give you a poor exchange rate (20,000 VND to 1USD as opposed to 23,000 VND), so exchange your money to dong wherever possible before you make any purchases.

Like the rest of Vietnam, Hanoi is pretty inexpensive. For sure nowadays Vietnam is cheaper than Thailand.

What are the Vietnamese people like?

One thing I love about Vietnam more than any other South-East Asian country is that the Vietnamese people have no pretences. What you see is what you get. In so many countries, the locals really want to only showcase the best parts of their country to tourists. But the Vietnamese are far too busy getting on with their lives to be thinking about this!

Some tourists think Vietnamese people can be a little rude, when they have come from countries like Cambodia where the locals are almost too polite to you. But personally, I love the no-frills attitude the Vietnamese have, and find them an absolutely fascinating nation to observe. And in my opinion they are absolutely not rude. Hop next door to China, then you’ll see the definition of rude.

Is Hanoi safe?

Hanoi, and Vietnam on the whole, are very safe. As long as you exercise caution like you would do anywhere else, you should be fine.

The thing most people worry about in Vietnam is the motorbikes! There are so many, it is literally unbelievable. Crossing the road can be very daunting for some people as it seems like the scooters don’t even slow down. But just be confident – once you start crossing the road keep going. Don’t run, just walk at a constant slow-ish pace so they can manoeuvre around you. If you stand at the side of the road and wait for the traffic to stop, you’ll be waiting there for a lifetime, so you just have to make the plunge and go for it!

Heading down to the south of Vietnam? Check out my posts on Saigon (HCMC) and Mui Ne !

Enjoyed this 4 day Hanoi itinerary? Let me know in the comments below!

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Catrina is a Travel Writer and ex-Flight Attendant based in Sydney, Australia. She has visited 85 countries and lived in several – including Italy, Australia, United Arab Emirates and England. Her work has been featured in a variety of popular travel publications including Fodors, Escape, Australian Traveller and Bear Grylls, as well as several international aviation and travel companies. She only writes about places she has personally visited, and aims to give real, honest advice to help her readers.

Saturday 1st of July 2023

Great explanations and nice places

Friday 7th of July 2023

Thanks Wim! Hanoi is an incredible place!

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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4 Days Hanoi Itinerary: A Perfect Getaway Guide

• May 8, 2023
• Asia , Destinations
• 4 Days Hanoi Itinerary: Perfect City Getaway Guide

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, home to over 8 million inhabitants. It is also one of the most visited cities in the country, thanks to its diverse array of activities. If you are planning a visit to Hanoi, you are at the right place, as we show you a Hanoi 4 Days Itinerary that is action filled!

Find out where are the best places to go, indulge in delicious Vietnamese food, and have a blast in Hanoi! 

Let’s Zip Up And Go Vietnam!

• Why you should visit Hanoi

Hanoi is blessed with great weather, and unlike many SouthEast Asian countries, it experiences 4 seasons, which means you do not need to bear with the crazy humidity or high temperatures if you don’t wish to! 

Weather aside, Hanoi is unique thanks to its long history. People have settled here since prehistoric times, and although it was colonised by the French, it left behind an interesting mix of Eastern and Western architecture begging to be explored. 

Centuries of rule by different dynasties have made Hanoi more intriguing, and it is worthwhile to understand how they influenced the capital.

Whether you are a food lover or not, you will appreciate the incredibly diverse Vietnamese cuisine, from banh mi to pho ga and egg coffee to coconut coffee. Not a moment is boring when you are here in Hanoi.

Disclaimer This page may contain affiliate links. Check our  disclosure  to learn more. 

• Hanoi Itinerary Overview: Save A Copy!

Here is what 4 days in Hanoi looks like. Be sure to save a copy below to take it with your offline!

• Day 1: Hoa Lo Prison, St Joseph’s Cathedral, Dong Xuan Market, Hoan Kiem Lake, Water Puppet Show, The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple
• Day 2: Museum of Ethnology, Long Bien Bridge, Hanoi Ancient House, Bach Ma Temple, Phung Hung Mural Street, Hanoi Night Market, Ta Hien Street, Long Bien Night Market
• Day 3: One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, Vietnam Military History Museum, Temple of Literature
• Day 4: West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Cooking Class

• Travel Tips: Useful Information
• Hanoi uses the Vietnamese Dong, VND, and is approximately 23,300 VND to US1.00
• Do not drink water from the taps. Buy bottled water.
• 220V, 50Hz AC, Type A, C and F plugs

What's covered in this post

Things to do in Hanoi: Save to Google Maps

Hoa lo prison relic, st. joseph’s cathedral, dong xuan market, hoan kiem lake, thang long water puppet show, the huc bridge, ngoc son temple (temple of the jade mountain), vietnam museum of ethnology, long bien bridge, hanoi ancient house (heritage house), bach ma temple, phung hung mural street, old quarter night market (hanoi night market), ta hien street + legend beer rooftop bar, long bien night market, one pillar pagoda, ho chi minh mausoleum/complex, ba dinh square, thăng long imperial citadel, vietnam military history museum, temple of literature, tran quoc pagoda, cooking class, how many days should i spend in hanoi, when is the best time to visit, getting to hanoi, getting around hanoi, budget needed for visiting : how much does it cost each day, where to stay in hanoi, day trips from hanoi, guided tour options, logistics before visiting hanoi vietnam, hanoi itinerary: is it worth visiting.

Here is a Google Map that contains all the places covered in this 4 Day Hanoi Itinerary. 

It contains 7 layers, one for each day, one showing the quarters, one showing location of day trips and one showing the recommended accommodation. Depending on your interest, you can mix and match to make up 2 days in Hanoi or any other combination.

How to use : Take note you will have to be signed in to your Google Account. 

• Click on the image below. The map will appear in a new window.
• Once you have opened up the map, it will be saved to your account automatically.
• Make sure to do this step so that you can easily refer back to the locations even when you are offline.
• Next time, simply open up Google Maps again and find this map under “Your Places” –> “Maps”.

Expert tip : Be sure to download offline maps in Google Maps when you have an internet connection. You might not have data or access to WiFi, and the offline version will come in super handy.

Hanoi Itinerary: Day 1, French Quarter (Hoan Kiem)

During the French occupation of Vietnam, there were several uprisings and rebellions. The French needed to suppress those actions, and during this process, built several new prisons to accommodate the arrests. 

One such prison was Hoa Lo Prison, built in 1896. It was significant as it was one of the largest prisons the French ever constructed, and it took the site of a famous pottery village. The prison went on to house lots of revolutionaries, and some escaped and continued to fight for independence. 

The prison became a school of sorts to spread the message of revolution, and has a deep impact on Vietnam’s history.

Today, a part of the prison has been transformed into a historical relic, and you should visit to learn the sacrifices made by these patriots. 

Start time: 9 am Address: 1 Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam Getting here: By taxi or Grab, or walk from your hotel Fee:  30,000 VND Opening hours:  8 am – 5 pm daily Recommended Time To Spend:  1 hour

When you visit St Joseph Cathedral, you will be surprised by how well preserved it is, considering that Hanoi was previously the site of fierce battles during the war. Either that, or you will notice its similarity with the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which it drew inspiration from. 

The neo-Gothic cathedral was built in 1886, and in fact was made of wood in its original design. Over the years it received significant rebuilt and restoration, and today looms over an open plaza where most tourists will be taking selfies. 

Its facade is stunning, with its twin towers and lovely stained glass windows. Inside, it is worth a visit too. While the outside undoubtably took its looks from European influences, you will be able to see how the locals shaped the interiors, especially with the use of red and yellow.

The area around Big Cathedral, Old Cathedral or Hanoi Cathedral, whichever way you choose to call it, is now very popular among the young crowd, and you should take some time to explore its interesting range of boutiques and restaurants. 

Start time: 10 am Address: 40 Nhà Chung, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam Getting here:  Less than 10 minutes walk from Hoa Lo Prison Fee:  Free Opening hours: Mass Timings Weekday: 5:30 am & 6:15 pm Saturday: 6:00 pm Sunday: 5:00 am, 7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm Recommended Time To Spend:  30 minutes

This is one of the oldest markets in Vietnam, maybe even SouthEast Asia, as it was built in 1889. The design is also very distinct, not for its elaborate facade but rather, it is Soviet styled. Not too many of the buildings in Hanoi looks like this anymore.

As Hanoi’s largest indoor market, there is a ton of items you can get your hands on. Whether you are shopping for fruits or vegetables, or just browsing for cute souvenirs to bring home, this is the place to be. 

The Dong Xuan market is integral to the locals, and it is a great spot to observe local culture and behaviour. 

On the ground floor, check out how the people haggle with the fresh food sellers, either bargaining over the freshest fishes or meats. Something we don’t fancy though it the availability of pets here. They are obviously unregulated and unsanitary. Stay away from this.

If you need to get a quick and cheap shopping fix, head upstairs to search for a bargain. The four stories of Dong Xuan is an amazing way to spend a couple of hours. 

Start time: 11 am Address: Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam Getting here:  Less than 5 minutes walk from Old Cathedral Fee:  Free Opening hours:  6 am – 7 pm daily Recommended Time To Spend:  min 1 hour

Hoan Kiem Lake means Lake of the Restored Sword, and there’s a story behind that. 

Legend has it that Le Loi, a Vietnamese hero who fought the Chinese successfully, found a sword that helped him tremendously in his campaigns. Later, the gods claimed back the sword through a golden turtle.

Today, you won’t see any sword wielding heroes here, but Hoan Kiem Lake is a perfect place to take a walk amidst the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. 

Take a stroll from here towards the North West side of the lake. Along the way, you get to catch a glimpse of the lives of the locals here, as they go about their businesses. 

Lunch time is pretty busy, as the tour groups arrive but there is enough space for everyone. 

If you are here during June or July, this is one of the best spots to see the leaves changing colours.

Start time: 12 pm Address: Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam Getting here:  Right next to Dong Xuan Market Fee:  Free Opening hours:  24 hours daily Recommended Time To Spend:  1 hour

Watching a water puppet show is one of those popular tourist activities in Hanoi, but definitely worth a go to witness an almost lost art. 

This art form goes all the way back to the 11th century, when villagers kept themselves entertained as their rice fields became flooded. They would stand in the paddy fields and performed shows using puppets, hence giving it its name. 

An orchestra accompanies this simple but entertaining act, and you should try to get seats as close to the stage as possible, for the crowds can really swell up.

Get Skip-the-line and VIP Tickets here!

Start time: 3 pm Address: 57B Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam Getting here:  Walk along Hoan Kiem Lake for 10 minutes Fee:  From 213,000 VND Opening hours:  3 pm – 9 pm daily Recommended Time To Spend:  1 hour

Staying on the shores of the Hoan Kiem Lake, make your way to The Huc Bridge that links the mainland to Ngoc Son Temple. 

If you have seen photographs of Hanoi, it is quite likely that this iconic bridge has come up. 

It translates to “the place where morning sunlight rests”, and this simple bright red arched bridge has a deep meaning to the country. It is where the material transitions to the spiritual world, represented by the Ngoc Son Temple.

Start time: 4.15 pm Address: Cầu Thê Húc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam Getting here:  3 minutes walk from Water Puppet Theatre Fee:  Free Opening hours:  24 hours daily Recommended Time To Spend:  10 minutes

This is the most visited temple in the whole of Vietnam, and we guess it is due to its location and fascinating history behind it. It has a classic Vietnamese style, and has a long and complicated past. 

Located on a small island on the lake, many locals often come here to pray for good fortune or better health, amongst many other reasons. 

Although it is crowded, there is a sense of tranquility, and on this island, you will also find a 300 year old banyan tree, a giant turtle related to the legend of Le Loi, as well as beautiful views across the lake. 

Start time: 4.30 pm Address: Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam Getting here:  Across The Huc Bridge Fee:  30,000 VND Opening hours:  8 am – 5 pm Recommended Time To Spend:  30 minutes

2 Days Hanoi Itinerary: Old Quarter

Start the second day of your Hanoi itinerary by taking a taxi or Grab to the outskirts of Hanoi. 

In the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, you can learn about the incredibly diverse ethnic groups spread around the country, some 54 different ones. 

As a research centre, this is the best place to see the way of life of the different groups of people in Vietnam, through exhibits that covers religion, everyday objects, traditional houses and so much more. 

Some of the groups that you will learn about includes Viet, Tho, H’Mong-Dao, Ngai, Mon-Khmer, Cham and Khmer, demonstrating the diversity that Vietnam has, a real melting pot of cultures. 

Especially of interest to us were the outdoor exhibits, which traditional houses built on stilts among the lush greenery.

Start time: 9 am Address: Nguyễn Văn Huyên, Quan Hoa, Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam Getting here:  By taxi or Grab from your hotel Fee:  40,000 VND Opening hours:  8 am – 5.30 pm daily except Mondays Recommended Time To Spend:  1.5 hours

Make your way back to the city, as the rest of the day revolves around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Ask your driver to alight you at Long Bien Bridge, the first ever steel bridge of Hanoi. 

Again, this architecture has close ties with the French, as it was designed by the same person who came up with the Eiffel Tower, Gustave Eiffel.

While many may not remember, the bridge serves as a reminder to many of the older generation of the tenacity and industriousness of the Hanoi people. 

The bridge was bombed several times during the war, but was quickly restored after each attack. 

Start time: 11 am Address: Cầu Long Biên, Ngọc Thụy, Long Biên, Hà Nội, Vietnam Getting here:  By taxi or Grab from your Ethonology Museum Fee:  Free Opening hours:  24 hours daily Recommended Time To Spend:  15 minutes

The rest of the day will be covered mainly on foot, as you make your way through the Old Quarter to arrive at the Hanoi Ancient House (Ma May Ancient House). 

It showcases a traditional ancient house of Hanoi, and was constructed somewhere in the late 19th century, which means it is over a hundred years old now. 

As one of the oldest of its kind still surviving, Hanoi Ancient Houses offers an insight into the way of life of Hanoians as well as how they went about their daily lives. It reminds us of one such ancient house we visited in Hoi An too. 

One thing you will notice almost right away is how narrow the house is, which gave rise to the name tube house. It is a common design as taxes back then were determined by the width of your house, which meant houses were mostly long and narrow!

Now you know!

Start time: 11.30 am Address: 87 Phố Mã Mây, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam Getting here:  10 minutes walk from Long Bien Bridge Fee:  10,000 VND Opening hours: 8 am – 12 pm, 1.30 pm – 8 pm daily Recommended Time To Spend:  1 hour

There are no lack of temples to visit in Vietnam, and Bach Ma is one of the oldest you can find in the country. This Buddhist temple is an important place of worship for the locals, drawing them through the beautiful ancient wooden gates. 

Once inside the temple, a large statue of a white horse greets you. The horse is symbolic of story of how the temple’s location was chosen. According to legend, a white horse was instrumental in helping the King decide on building the temple here.

Explore the area around the temple for lunch afterwards!

Start time: 12.45 pm Address: 76 Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam Getting here:  5 minutes walk from Heritage House Fee:  Free Opening hours: 7 am – 11 am, 2 pm – 5 pm daily Recommended Time To Spend:  30 minutes

Not too long ago, Phung Hung Street was actually an undesirable area, home to trash and filth. It underwent a series of upgrades and clean ups, with the walls being replaced by murals. 

These murals are being painted by artists from both Vietnam and Korea, which also signified the cooperation and friendship between these 2 countries. 

The paintings mostly show scenes of Hanoi past, from street food vendors to celebration of festivals. It gives you a valuable look into the lives of locals in the past, and contrasts how Hanoi has changed with the times now. 

Come here to take photos of the art on display, but don’t forget to appreciate the stories behind them too. 

Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering around Old Quarter. The side streets and alleys are a joy to discover hidden secrets.

Start time: 3 pm Address: 27 Phùng Hưng, Hàng Mã, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam Getting here:  10 minutes walk from Bach Ma Temple Fee:  Free Opening hours: 24 hours daily Recommended Time To Spend:  30 minutes

Night markets are quintessentials in SouthEast Asia. Almost every place you go you can find at least one. Hanoi Night Market does not disappoint, as home to some of the best street food and a lively atmosphere.

When the action comes alive, get yourself ready to discover mouth watering food of all kinds, from the popular pho to having sweet soups on stools streetside. 

There are lots of people vying for your attention, such as the staff from gifts and souvenir shops, as well as the buskers performing traditional folk music or the latest beats. 

Here’s a tip for you: Keep your stomachs empty for Hang Buom Street, where the best food can be found. 

Start time: 8 pm Address: Hàng Đào, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam Getting here:  Easily walkable within Old Quarter Fee:  Free Opening hours: Friday – Sunday, 8 pm till late Recommended Time To Spend:  For as long as you’re having fun!

With your stomachs filled with yummy food, we now turn your attention to a local favourite: Beer, or more specifically Bia Hoi. 

Make your way to Ta Hien Street (Beer Street Hanoi) to get a taste of the world’s cheapest draft beer, choosing a seat at one of the stools in Beer Corner. 

It gets crowded and noisy quickly, so consider moving on to Legend Beer rooftop bar to have a drink or two, while soaking in the best night views of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Start time: 10 pm Address: 27 Phùng Hưng, Hàng Mã, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam Getting here:  5 minutes walk from Hanoi Night Market Fee:  From 5,000 VND for a Bia Hoi Opening hours: from 6 pm onwards Recommended Time To Spend:  For as long as you’re having fun!

Reserved for the true night owls, Long Bien Night Market is one of the most unique expereines you can have in Hanoi. It is Northern Vietnam’s biggest wet market, and it comes alive in the wee hours of the morning. 

From 1 am on, produce from all over the region comes here, and it becomes madness! A crazy wholesale market like you have never seen before. 

Coming here gives you a truly special experience of how these guys conduct business. There are so much going on, and everywhere you turn you will see something you have probably never seen before. 

The place is just an explosion of colours and smells, and the noise. Epic. 

Start time: 1 am Address: Số 189 Hồng Hà, Phúc xá, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 119121, Vietnam Getting here:  15 minutes walk from Legend Beer, or take a taxi or Grab Fee:  Free Opening hours: from 1 am Recommended Time To Spend:  1 hour

Hanoi Itinerary: Day 3

This historic Buddhist temple is quite a peculiar one as well, rising from a pond with the support of one big pillar, unlike most traditional ways of building. 

It was done on purpose though, as the temple was designed to look like a lotus sprouting out of the water. 

The One Pillar Pagoda has its history traced back over a thousand years, and it is a miracle the tiny temple is still standing as it withstood numerous wars. 

Maybe that is one of the reasons why this temple is highly revered by the Vietnamese, coming from across the country to pay respects to Quan Am, the deity whose effigy lays inside.

Start time: 9 am Address: Chùa Một Cột, Đội Cấn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam Getting here:  By taxi or Grab, or walk from your hotel Fee:  Free Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily Recommended Time To Spend:  15 minutes

As most visitors would probably know, Ho Chi Minh was a hero to the country, leading it to independence and subsequently served as its prime minister as well as president. 

When he died in 1969, his intentions were to be cremated but the people in power at that time decided to preserve his body instead. It thus kickstarted an amazing journey to get Russian experts to come into the country to do the job, all this while the Vietnam War was ongoing.

It is amazing how the body never got into the hands of the Americans, which would have become a bargaining chip. 

When the peace agreement was finally signed, Uncle Ho’s embalmed body was finally laid to rest the mausoleum. 

His body now lies in a clear glass coffin, where visitors can “view” or pay respects. You will be shuffled into the building and have a chance to walk pass it. The lines are long, but it won’t take long as it doesn’t stop moving. 

Tip: Start as early in the morning as possible and do not try to take any photos!

Start time: 9.30 am Address: 2 Hùng Vương, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam Getting here:  Less than 5 minutes walk from One Pillar Pagoda Fee:  Free Opening hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 7.30 am – 10.30 am; Saturday and Sunday, 7.30 am – 11 am Recommended Time To Spend:  30 minutes depending on queue

There is hardly a place in Hanoi that is as momentous as Ba Dinh Square, for it is here where independence for Vietnam was declared. Not to mention, the Ho Chi Minh complex is here too, the final resting place of a true Vietnamese hero. 

As the largest square in Vietnam, Ba Dinh is a way for the locals to remember its achievements, as well as a solemn reminder of its difficult past. 

While there is not much activity going on in the day, which is great, at night families turn up to gather on the fringes and chat the evening away. 

Start time: 10 am Address: Hùng Vương, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 118708, Vietnam Getting here:  Right where mausoleum is Fee:  Free Opening hours: 24 hours daily Recommended Time To Spend:  30 minutes

One of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is an impressive fortress that served numerous rulers for nearly 1300 years. 

Its history is fascinating, home to the military, royal family and political establishment. Although large parts of it were destroyed, what remains have been carefully restored and preserved, including the iconic Hanoi Flag Tower. This is a largely forgotten attraction, which means less crowds!

While visiting the citadel, be sure to enter the D67 bunkers that were dug during the Vietnam War. It is pretty amazing to see the actual rooms that were used by military commanders during that period!

Start time: 10.45 am Address: 19C Hoàng Diệu, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam Getting here:  10 minutes walk from Ba Dinh Square Fee:  30,000 VND Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily except Mondays Recommended Time To Spend:  1 hour

War played a big part of Vietnam’s history, and it is here that the memories are captured. Originally built to showcase the First Indochina War where the French were driven out of the country. 

A new section was later built to include the American War, as the Vietnam War is known here. 

Various exhibits are found inside the museum, but there is a also a large outdoor section that displays items such as airplanes, tanks and rockets that were used during that time. 

As the headquarters of the Army Museum system, the facility is rather poorly maintained, but still provides a good understanding of the events that occurred. 

Head for lunch after this!

Start time: 12 pm Address: 28A Điện Biên Phủ, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam Getting here:  5 minutes walk from Thang Long Imperial Citadel Fee:  30,000 VND + 20,000 VND to include use of cameras Opening hours:  Tuesday – Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 8 am – 11.30 am and 1 pm – 4.30 pm Recommended Time To Spend:  1 hour

As one of the top cultural sites in Hanoi, the Temple of Literature served as the first university of Vietnam over 1000 years ago. It was originally built to worship Confucius the great philosopher, and later modified to become a school. 

The main attractions here are the 5 courtyards, which differs in style. Starting from Đại Trung Môn, and ending at the grounds of the Imperial Academy, they represent the 5 elements, namely Earth, Metal, Wood, Water and Fire. 

Along the way, there are lots of opportunities to look at symbols that were important during those times, such as the phoenix, dragon and the carp. 

The Temple of Literature is a holy place, so do keep your voices down while visiting and be respectful at all times!

Spend the rest of the day exploring the rest of the French Quarter. 

Start time: 3 pm Address: 58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam Getting here:  15 minutes walk from Military Museum Fee:  30,000 VND Opening hours:  April to October, 7.30 am – 5.30 pm daily; November to March, 8 am – 5 pm daily Recommended Time To Spend:  1 hour

Hanoi Itinerary: Day 4

Today is the last day, and let’s take it slow. 

Start the day off by heading to the West Lake, Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake. It is located in the Tay Ho District, and is often addressed as Tay Ho Lake too. 

There is a wide range of activities available here, as you can take your time to stroll the edges of the lake, or opt to take a boat ride on the waters. 

One such attraction is the Quan Thanh Temple, which is one of Vietnam’s Four Sacred Temples that were built over a thousand years ago. 

While you explore the area surrounding West Lake, there are lots of restaurants and bars for you to take a breather. End your visit at the SouthEastern end where you will see Tran Quoc Pagoda. This area is also excellent for brunch in Hanoi .

Start time: 9 am Address: West Lake, Tây Hồ, Hanoi, Vietnam Getting here:  By taxi or Grab, or walk from your hotel Fee:  Free Opening hours:  24 hours daily Recommended Time To Spend:  1.5 hour

This Buddhist Shrine is the oldest in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century! 

It is set on a small island amidst lush greenery. 

Besides the eleven story pagoda at its center, it is a wonderful place to admire the lake and explore the museum that contains relics from hundreds of years past. 

Although it does get crowded often, and especially during festivals, there is always a sense of tranquility found here. That could very well be the reason it was once named the most beautiful pagoda of the world. 

The rest of the day can be spent relaxing around the area, or consider joining a cooking class! 

Signing up for a cooking class is an excellent way to learn about the country’s food, and a perfect way to try out delicious Vietnamese food, all made by yourself! 

This tour takes you to a local market to shop for supplies, and the guide shows you insider tips on how to choose the freshest ingredients. 

Upon returning to the cooking studio, you get hands on preparing your lunch or dinner, under the close guidance of a professional instructor. 

You don’t need to worry about logistics as all of that is taken care for you, from picking your up to visiting the market and returning safely. 

All in all, it’s a great experience not to be missed while in Hanoi. 

Join a cooking class!

We think that 4 days is the optimal amount of time to spend in Hanoi, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit all the major attractions.

If you are short of time, you can easily turn this itinerary into 3 days by selecting only those that interests you the most.

If you have more time to spare, you can consider taking a day trip. There are several spots that are good options and are easily doable. You can read more about these options down below. 

Hanoi in general is suitable to visit any time of the year, except maybe August. That is the wettest month of the year, and most visitors stay away.

The best weather occurs during late October to February, but that is also the peak travelling period, meaning more visitors. That said, Hanoi is a really busy city, so you won’t exactly feel the impact, except slightly higher prices for accommodation. 

We visited during late January, and there were nights that dropped to low teens, and the crowds seemed to have gone home. 

Most visitors will enter the city through Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport.

Located 45 kilometres outside of the city, it usually takes about an hour to get to the center, thanks to its notorious traffic. 

Shuttle bus: There is a shuttle service operated by Vietnam Airlines, and you don’t have to fly with them to use it. Once you arrive, look for signs that will direct you to the counter. They depart every 30 – 45 minutes (yes, time is quite flexible in Hanoi) and takes about 1.5 hours to get to 1 Quang Trung street. 40,000 VND one way.

Public bus: This is the cheapest way to get to the city center, but we don’t recommend it. The journey takes an hour to reach the end station, after which you will need to take a taxi to your destination. 

Taxi: There are lots of taxis lining up outside the terminal and typically costs 300,000 VND to reach the city in an hour or so. Buy a ticket from the stand outside the terminal and wait for yours to come. Take note though, there are many dishonest drivers who will insist on a higher rate upon driving off. 

Grab: Use this ride hailing service to save yourself a few dollars. You should be looking at 250-300,000 VND for a ride to the city, and the rate is fixed. Take note you will need internet connection to use the app. 

Private transfers: If you want absolute peace of mind, book a private transfer. We prefer this option as we know for sure what to expect and it gets us to our destination directly. It does cost more, but certainly worth the money to sit in comfort on the way to our hotel. 

Book a private transfer here

This itinerary has been planned in a way that walking will take the bulk of your commute from one place to another. Many of the attractions are located near each other, so walking makes more sense. 

That said, if you need transport, make use of taxis or Grab. They are cheap, plentiful and convenient. 

• Accommodation : US$40, twin sharing
• Food : US$10, 2 meals, breakfast in hotel
• Transport : US$4
• Total per person per day : US$34

Keith first visited Vietnam in 2006, and remembers that hotels back then seems a tad dodgy and feels like communism hostels (if there is such a thing). But today, things are very different thanks to the explosion of tourism and growth of its economy.

Choices for accommodation are of much higher quality, and are very reasonably priced. High end hotels are accessible too. 

We recommend staying somewhere in Old or French Quarter, as it affords you the best location and allows you to reach the attractions easily. 

Here are our top picks. Be sure to click through to read the reviews and get updated pricing. 

Budget: Trang Trang Boutique Hotel

Mid range: Hanoi La Selva Central Hotel & Spa

Luxury: InterContinental Hanoi WestLake

You can mix up your Hanoi itinerary by including one of these day trips. The most popular has got to be Halong Bay, and you can either do it on your own or hire a guide to take you there and back. 

Here are the options to consider: 

• Perfume Pagoda
• Ha Long Bay
• Bat Trang Pottery and Ceramic Village

Wanna go further? Consider extending your Vietnam vacation to Da Nang or Phu Quoc !

Small Group Tour to Perfume Pagoda Day Trip Guide to Halong Bay 2 Days Tour of Ninh Binh Half day small group to Bat Trang

We typically do not take any tours, preferring to do things our own way. But of course, there are situations where guided tours make sense, whether for convenience or you just prefer something organised. 

Here is a bunch we think you might like. 

• Hanoi Street Food Tour (Small Group)

Join the Street Food Tour here!

• Hanoi Half Day Tour

Join the Half Day Tour here!

Stay connected Before you travel, make sure to pre-book a mobile router so that you can get access to the internet easily with WiFi. The router can be shared by a few friends, making it super budget friendly. 

Save on currency exchange rates Stop paying exorbitant rates forever! Make use of TransferWise debit card to get the best rates across the globe. You can also use it to transfer money worldwide for cheap.

Find cheap flights. Air tickets are usually the bulk of your expenses. Set up an alert and snag cheap fares with Skyscanner .

Find the best accommodation. Book a place ahead of time to get good rates. Booking.com has transparent fees and excellent rates. 

Handy travel guide. For the old school kid in you, get a travel guide book and get lost exploring the city.

Photos. Your mobile phone can do a pretty good job, but if you need an upgrade, we recommend the Sony A6000 (US) (International)

Travel insurance. You don’t need us to teach you to be a responsible adult, do you? Get a quote here.

Planned for you activities in Hanoi. Need a guide to show you and your group around? Lots of operators here to choose from here. You know who they are and how they are reviewed. 

More resources to help you. All other useful travel resources we use when we book our trips.

Hanoi is a great city to visit for a few days, and there are lots of attractions that are diverse for all kinds of travellers. Not forgetting the experience of crossing the crazy streets of Hanoi, and deciphering the maze like alleys, and finding amazing street food!

Whether this is a stop in your Southeast Asia tour or something else, we are sure you will thoroughly enjoy your 4 days in Hanoi!

Have you visited Hanoi? Let us know how your experience was!

If you enjoyed this article, do share it on social media and pin it to Pinterest!

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4 days in Hanoi, Vietnam, a Hanoi itinerary

This post is also available in: French

Planning to spend 4 days in Hanoi, Vietnam, and looking to see as much as possible? There are so many things to see in Hanoi and the surrounding area. This Hanoi itinerary will help you make the most out of your stay.

If you’re planning on going to Vietnam, the vibrant city of Hanoi will most certainly be on your list and may well be the jumping-off point for your Asian adventure. In which case, you’ll want to plan an amazing Hanoi itinerary to start your trip off in style. Having recently returned from Vietnam, I have put together a four-day Hanoi itinerary that I think ticks all the boxes for those wishing to soak up the city’s history, culture, charm, and character.

From the world-famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Vietnam War Museum to the stunning collection of temples, lakes, markets, and more, this Hanoi itinerary really does have it all! Plus, giving yourself four days also allows you to take a day trip to Halong Bay which is one of the real highlights of the whole of Vietnam!

Table of Contents

The Best Time To Visit Hanoi

Hanoi’s climate has a bit of a mix between standard Northern Hemisphere seasons (with varying temperatures throughout the year) and trop ical downpours that are more in line with its southeast Asian location. As such, you’ll need to decide what your priorities are in terms of weather when deciding when is the best time for you to visit Hanoi.

February to April tends to be Hanoi’s spring months with mild temperatures (15-20) and regular drizzle making it an ideal time for vegetation to bloom. From then on, the summer months of May to August start to heat up with temperatures heading into the 30s and sometimes even 40s throughout the months of July and August! These months are distinguished by their heat and high humidity as well as heavy afternoon rainfall which can sometimes cause serious flooding.

Once you get into September temperatures start to dip again, with pleasant 25-degree days and a changing autumnal landscape that makes a stunning backdrop on your trip. And lastly, winter in Hanoi lasts throughout December and January. These months are usually cool yet with high humidity which means they’re not the best time to travel unless you want to explore the city while avoiding the heat.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

How To Get To And From The Airport In Hanoi

There are various ways that you can get to Hanoi city center from Noi Bai HAN Airport (and vice versa) with the shuttle being one of the cheapest and easiest methods for those staying in the Old Quarter. The airport shuttle service costs around 40,000VND (under $2/1.50) and should take around 45 minutes to one hour depending on the time of day you travel and whether the bus leaves on time!

From the airport, the shuttles leave from just outside the terminal and from the city center they leave from the Vietnam Airlines Office on Quang Trung near the Hoan Kiem Lake. These buses usually leave every hour but it may be a case of waiting until the bus is full before the driver departs. Depending on where you are staying in the city, you may be able to walk to your hotel or hop in a taxi for the last leg.

Alternatively, you could take a taxi all the way from the airport to the city. This could be a good choice if you are traveling as a group or know that you are staying somewhere outside of the center. Taxis generally cost around 300,000-350,000VND ($12-15/10-12) so still won’t break the bank. You’ll want to make sure you get an official green taxi from the airport taxi rank though to ensure that you don’t get ripped off by an unscrupulous taxi driver charging over the odds on his dodgy meter!

If you’d rather have a transfer organized in advance (a particularly good idea if you’re arriving late at night) then you can arrange a private airport transfer for around $15/12 so that you can have a professional driver waiting with a personalized sign to take you from door-to-door – click here for more information and to book your transfer. 

How To Get Around Hanoi

Many of Hanoi’s main city sights are located in the Old and French Quarters which means that they are generally accessible on foot from your hotel if you are staying somewhere central. As there are simply so many things to see and do you’ll never have to walk more than half an hour before stumbling upon yet another sight!

If you do wish to travel long distances in and around Hanoi, you can take a motor-taxi (known as xe om ), a cab (always try to flag down a green one) or hop on the electric bus which covers the Old Quarter and the area around Hoan Kiem Lake. For shorter hops when you don’t fancy walking in the Hanoi heat, take a cyclo (similar to a rickshaw), just make sure you agree on a fixed price first.

With most transport options around the city, it’s a good idea to have your destination written down in Vietnamese to avoid miscommunication!

4 Days in Hanoi, a Comprehensive Hanoi Itinerary

4 days in hanoi: day one.

Your first day in  Hanoi Vietnam will be spent in and around the Old Quarter visiting the lakes, temples and significant sites that give you an insight into the city’s history and culture. There will be a lot of walking today so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes and have a backpack complete with your camera, water, and daily essentials!

Tran Quoc Pagoda and West Lake

The Tran Quoc Pagoda located on West Lake in the heart of Hanoi is one of the most iconic city sights, not least because it is the oldest pagoda in the city. The Tran Quoc Pagoda – meaning protecting the peaceful country – is around 1500 years old and is a sacred space that is visited by both locals and tourists alike who come to admire the beautiful architecture as well as the peace that it represents within this chaotic city. The site features a distinct red stupa, a Bodhi tree donated by the Indian president as well as smaller temple buildings and a museum which houses important antiques and statues.

Presidential Palace Historical Site

The Presidential Palace Historical Site (Khu di tích Phủ Chủ tịch) is a yellow, French colonial-style building that was the home of President Ho Chi Minh during the 1950s and 60s. Since 1977 it has been open to the public as a cultural site and visitors can explore the rooms where many political gatherings took place.

It is important to note that the Presidential Palace Historical Site is only open in the morning (7.30 am-10.30 am weekdays/7.30am-11 am weekends and holidays) so if you want to go inside the building, you’ll want to ensure that it is early on your itinerary.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Next up is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, another site that is only open in the morning. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is situated in the center of Ba Dinh Square and is arguably the most visited attraction in the city.

The large structure is both imposing and iconic and thousands of visitors line up around the square to go inside and glimpse the body of the Vietnamese leader which is preserved here in a glass case. Admission to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is free but it is worth noting that visitors are required to dress appropriately and are required to check-in their belongings before entering the site.

One Pillar Pagoda

The quaint One Pillar Pagoda is a lovely site to visit in Hanoi with the structure thought to represent a pristine lotus flower rising up out of the water below. Built between the years of 1028 and 1054, the One Pillar Pagoda is both a tourist attraction and a holy shrine dedicated to the Vietnamese Buddhist deity Quan Am. As the pagoda is located in the park behind the Ba Dinh square, it is a tranquil place to relax and cool off after your visit to the mausoleum this morning.

Thăng Long Imperial Citadel

Another highlight of your trip to Hanoi will be the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient buildings and ruins and historic artifacts that give visitors an insight into the trading history and lives of Vietnamese people over the past few centuries. This was the cultural and political heart of the country for around 13 centuries and as such, the historic fortress is one of the most notable and important sites.

Hoa Lo Prison Memorial

Hanoi’s Hỏa Lò Prison Memorial is a symbol of the Vietnamese struggle against French colonists in which harsh, inhumane punishments were carried out and hundreds of sacrifices took place in the hope of national independence. Today, the prison serves as a memorial and educational reminder of the atrocities and the tenacity of the Vietnamese people during this period.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake – Temple of the Jade Mountain – The Huc Bridge

Another of Hanoi’s famous lakes is Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful retreat in the city that is home to Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain) accessed by crossing the picturesque Huc Bridge (Rising Sun Bridge). This iconic area is not only known for its beauty but also its legendary past that is thought to have seen an emperor defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty with a magical sword, which, in turn, allowed the return of the Golden Turtle God to the lake.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

The last stop on Day 1 of your Hanoi itinerary is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre where you can spend an evening admiring this traditional Vietnamese art. The art of water puppetry is thought to have started in rural Vietnam when locals decided to make entertainment out of their flooded rice paddy fields. Typical water puppet shows features stories of everyday life in Vietnam or portrays historical legends, with light, sound, and movement creating an intriguing show of puppets floating across the water.

Click here to book your skip the line tickets for the water puppet theatre. 

4 Days in Hanoi, Day Two

Vietnam museum of ethnology.

A great way to start your second day in Hanoi is to visit the Vietnam Museum Of Ethnology, a site that provides information about the 54 different ethnic groups in Vietnam. This is a fascinating museum that helps to preserve cultural heritage and identity through the use of education and exhibitions. The museum allows you to explore the different architectural styles of the ethnic groups, get an insight into the various pastimes and admire the range of traditional clothing, jewelry and festival items that make each of these groups unique.

Vietnam War Museum

Next, you’ll move on to the Vietnam Military History Museum, a site that houses a vast collection of military items and weaponry that has been used throughout Vietnam’s tumultuous history. Not only does the museum feature authentic military relics but it also includes a number of first-hand accounts from former soldiers who tell their side of the story.

Temple Of Literature

For those who prefer culture to history, the Temple Of Literature in Hanoi is a real favorite. This temple was originally constructed as a university in 1070 but is now a memorial to education and literature, with manicured gardens and courtyards focused on mental clarity and learning and with the names of successful graduates engraved on stone columns throughout the complex.

Train Street

Hanoi Train Street is a much-loved Instagram spot thanks to the rare urban landscape that makes an amazing backdrop for photographs. The narrow, traditional Vietnamese street is iconic because it has a real, working railway running straight down the middle of it! For most of the day, life carries on as normal with children playing and local ladies cooking up street food, but every few hours everything gets cleared out of the way and a high-speed train whistles through the street on the way to Ho Chi Minh!

Check Out The Street Food

Asian street food is always a real highlight with tasty treats, meals, and snacks being cooked up on practically every street corner on the continent. Hanoi is no different and therefore checking out the street food is a must. With hearty bowls of steaming pho (noodle soup), crispy spring rolls, fresh summer rolls, and Vietnamese coffee there are loads of different treats to try. Plus, Vietnam has a historical French influence so you can try sumptuously filled baguettes (banh mi) and delectable desserts too! If you are worried about navigating Vietnamese street food stalls on your own, opt instead for a small-group walking tour of Hanoi’s street food so you can try the highlights without the hassle.

4 Days in Hanoi: Day Three

Day trip to tam coc.

After spending your first two days exploring the sights within the city, you might want to get away from the hustle and bustle to see something a little different. This is why I choose to put a day trip as the third day of this Hanoi itinerary.

This day trip to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave allows you to enjoy a stunning boat trip along the Ngo Dong river in Vietnam’s rural countryside, witnessing traditional villages, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the spectacular Mua Cave and mountain. Guests can climb the 500 steps to the top of the cave where you will be greeted with panoramic views of the region!

Click here for more information and to book this tour. 

4 Days in Hanoi: Day Four

Day trip to halong bay.

Last but by no means least on your four-day Hanoi itinerary is a day trip to Halong Bay. Halong Bay is one of the most impressive and iconic sites in the whole of Vietnam and is, therefore, a must when visiting Hanoi. The bay lies around 180km from the city and can be easily reached in just a few hours. As such, there’s really no excuse not to go. Your Halong Bay day trip will take you from the Old Quarter of Hanoi to the Tuan Chau Island pier where you will board your boat and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch while you sail amongst the islands.

Halong Bay comprises of a breath-taking selection of karst limestone peaks and islands along with white sand beaches, coves, and caves that invite you to take a closer look. If you wish, you’ll then have the chance to hop in a kayak to explore Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Grotto) a huge chamber with mysterious stalactites and stalagmites at every turn. This is likely to be a real highlight of your trip and will be a day you’ll never forget!

Click here for more information and to book this cruise. 

Where to stay in Hanoi

Hanoi has an incredible selection of hotels with everything from luxurious chains to local guest houses available to suit all travelers. During my trip, we stayed at the Hotel Du Parc , an exquisite hotel situated towards the south of the city. The property features large, modern rooms and excellent on-site facilities such as a restaurant, cafe, and lobby bar as well as a spa and fitness center. While I would recommend this for those seeking a stylish western hotel, the location did mean it was around a 30-minute walk to Ba Dinh Square or a taxi ride to other, further destinations.

Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.

Alternatively, if you want a hotel located in the heart of the French Quarter, you might want to opt for somewhere like the Apricot Hotel a gorgeous hotel situated on the edge of the Hoan Kiem Lake which features bright, comfortable rooms as well as a rooftop pool and spa facilities.

Click here for more information and to check the latest prices. 

Hopefully, this four-day Hanoi itinerary has you inspired to start planning your trip to Vietnam so that you too can explore the country’s fascinating culture and landscapes. This itinerary gives you both a taster of the city center highlights, as well as a couple of local day trips to ensure your experience is varied, exciting, and interesting throughout.

Let me know in the comments if you’re planning on traveling to Hanoi and I can give you some more top tips!

Check out more posts on Vietnam: 1o day in Vietnam itinerary Hoi An itinerary 1 day in Hue Ho Chi Minh Itinerary

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1 thought on “4 days in Hanoi, Vietnam, a Hanoi itinerary”

Looks like a really great place to visit, I’d love to see the Train Street!!!

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4-Day Hanoi Itinerary

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• Hanoi in 4 days
• 1-Day Hanoi Itinerary
• 2-Day Hanoi Itinerary
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• 5-Day Hanoi Itinerary

Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: west side of town, day 3: proximity is everything, day 4: keep it simple, ho chi minh's mausoleum.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Temple of literature, hoa lo prison relic, ngoc son temple, where to eat, koto van mieu, namaste hanoi, highlands coffee, green tangerine.

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Hanoi Opera House

Ly thai to garden, thang long water puppet theatre, hoàn kiếm lake, vietnam military history museum, thong nhat park, my hai restaurant, moto-san uber noodle.일본 라면, le beaulieu, jacksons steakhouse.

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Cau Giay Park

Vietnam museum of ethnology, hanoi botanical garden, ho chi minh museum, one pillar pagoda, bánh giò miss béo.

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Aeon Mall Long Bien

Old quarter ta hien corner, vietnam national museum of history, vietnamese women's museum, st. joseph cathedral, vietnam national fine arts museum, quán nem chua nướng cô phượng, banh mi hoi an, madame hien restaurant, angelina restaurant & lounge.

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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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Sample HANOI ITINERARIES: 1-7 Days

In my travel circles, it’s hard to find a destination as polarizing as Hanoi. Those who love it seem to have enjoyed it tremendously, and those who are not fans of it have a few choice words for it. Where do I stand? I am on Team Hanoi.

Sure, it’s not on my list of top places to visit but I don’t dislike it at all. Like most cities in the developing world, Hanoi has a lot to improve on. It is bursting with character. It is definitely textured, and it constantly assaults your senses. But like I always say, Hanoi isn’t the type that you would fall in love with instantly. For starters, it’s a city where even the non-religious are compelled to say a little prayer every time they cross the street. And if you’ve always had trust issues, let’s just say that they’re not going away during your visit. But truthfully, I loved my time here. In fact, out of the eight stops on my Southeast Asian backpacking trip, I stayed the longest in Hanoi.

Hanoi was the capital of North Vietnam and then, after the war, became the capital of reunified Vietnam. It played a mighty important role in the history of the nation. Its location also makes it the gateway to the wonders of this side of the country. Halong Bay, Sapa, Mai Chau, and Ninh Binh are all easily accessible from Hanoi.

If you’re planning a trip to Hanoi, we have prepared some recommended HANOI ITINERARIES for 1 day to 1 week! Please take note that all these itineraries assume the following:

• You’re a party of two , splitting accommodation and some transportation costs.
• You’re arriving in and leaving Hanoi via Noi Bai International Airport (HAN, Hanoi Airport). . If you’re coming from another city in Vietnam by land, just make the necessary adjustments.
• Your budget per meal is ₫100,000. This is pretty bloated so you can be flexible with it. For example, if you spend ₫40,000 on lunch, you can burn ₫160,000 on dinner. Also, you’re skipping breakfast. It’s healthy.
• You’re booking airport transfers from Klook. This way, you’re taken straight to your destination instead of having to navigate around an unfamiliar city with heavy luggage in tow. Also, many scammers operate at the airport, just waiting for gullible tourists. You’ll be spending more but at least you have peace of mind. You don’t want to start your trip on a sour, scammed note.
• These estimates are inflated. These are only for budgeting purposes. I added some reasonable allowances. It’s better to overestimate than under. The last thing you want is run out of cash!

Feel free to make necessary adjustments to this itinerary to match your flight schedule, personal tastes, and whatnot.

But before that, you might want to rent a pocket wi-fi!

Because of the language barrier, it’s a good idea to stay connected should you feel the need to consult the gods of the Internet for research or recommendations. Klook offers mobile wifi devices for rent, delivered to your hotel so you don’t need to worry about picking it up.

The device will be delivered to your hotel on the day you choose so just ask the front desk if there is a pocket wifi for you upon check in. You can connect up to 8 devices at once.

Only limited number of devices are available, so reserve one as soon as you can.

Hanoi Itinerary 1 Day

One day is definitely not enough to see the best that Hanoi has to offer. But if you’re on a layover or for whatever reason, that’s possible too.

This day tour itinerary combines two things that are great about Hanoi: history and food. Note, however, that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is only open from 8am-11am, so if your schedule doesn’t fit, you can replace it with something else.

Don’t miss the food tour. Vietnamese cuisine is wonderful, and being able to sample dishes from different restaurants and stores is an unforgettable experience.

This itinerary will set you back ₫800,000 (USD35, EUR30, SGD48, PHP1840) , excluding airfare.

Hanoi Itinerary 2 Days

If you only have 2 days and 1 night to give Hanoi, here’s our suggested itinerary. We added another day exploring other sites in Hanoi including an afternoon tour of the West Lake and surrounding structures.

This itinerary will cost you 1.8 Million dong (USD78, EUR68, SGD107, PHP4135) , excluding accommodations and airfare.

Hanoi Itinerary 3 Days (with Ha Long Bay Day Tour)

In this itinerary, not only will you see the best of Hanoi, you’ll also get a glimpse of the world-famous Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a day.

Klook offers packaged day tours to Ha Long Bay which covers a ride on a boat, entrance fees to sites, and lunch.

If you follow the above itinerary, prepare to shell out around 3 Million dong (USD 130, EUR 114, SGD 178, PHP 6900) , excluding airfare and accommodations.

Hanoi Itinerary 4 Days (with Overnight Ha Long Bay Tour)

This itinerary is very much like the 3-day version. The only difference is, instead of doing a Ha Long Bay Tour, you’ll be spending a night on a boat there and return on the next day.

Klook offers overnight cruises too, which covers an overnight stay on a boat, entrance fees, and meals.

The itinerary above will cost you 5 Million dong (USD 216, EUR 189, SGD 296, PHP11,500) including the overnight boat accommodation in Ha Long Bay but excluding airfare and hotel in Hanoi.

Hanoi Itinerary 5 Days

Since all four days are pretty hectic, for this 5-day schedule, we decided to just insert a rest day before the Ha Long Bay cruise. On this day, there is no planned activity. You can simply walk around the city, shop for souvenirs, or just rest all day. But you may choose to watch the water puppet show at night, too!

Day 3: REST DAY, WATER PUPPETS SHOW 12:00nn – Lunch, ₫100,000 05:20pm – Water Puppet Show, ₫100,000 07:00pm – Dinner, ₫100,000 09:00pm – Lights out

This itinerary will set you back 5.3 Million dong (USD 229, EUR 200, SGD 314, PHP12,205) including the overnight boat accommodation in Ha Long Bay but excluding airfare and hotel in Hanoi.

Hanoi Itinerary 6 Days

For this itinerary, we’re adding a day trip to Ninh Binh, a popular destination not too far from Hanoi. Located in the Red River Delta, Ninh Binh captivates with its scenic areas, cave networks, ancient temples, and towering cliffs rising above rivers and rice fields.

Klook offers day tours to Ninh Binh that includes roundtrip transfers with hotel pick up and drop off, entrance fees, rowboat rental fee, and lunch!

Day 4: REST DAY, WATER PUPPETS SHOW 12:00nn – Lunch, ₫100,000 05:20pm – Water Puppet Show, ₫100,000 07:00pm – Dinner, ₫100,000 09:00pm – Lights out

The itinerary above will cost you 6.1 Million dong (USD 265, EUR 230, SGD 361, PHP14,050) including the overnight boat accommodation in Ha Long Bay but excluding airfare and hotel in Hanoi.

Hanoi Itinerary 7 Days

For this itinerary, you will be visiting the Huong Pagoda or Perfume Pagoda, a complex of Buddhist shrines and temples in the karst Huong Tich mountains. Taking Klook’s day tour will allow you not just to visit the temples but also ride a rowboat down the Yen Stream and enter the Hong Tich cave which features several rock formations.

Day 5: REST DAY, WATER PUPPETS SHOW 12:00nn – Lunch, ₫100,000 05:20pm – Water Puppet Show, ₫100,000 07:00pm – Dinner, ₫100,000 09:00pm – Lights out

If you follow this itinerary, prepare to shell out 7.2 Million dong (USD 311, EUR 272, SGD 426, PHP16,580) including the cable car ride in Perfume Pagoda and overnight boat accommodation in Ha Long Bay but excluding airfare and hotel in Hanoi.

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣8️⃣ • 8️⃣ • 2️⃣1️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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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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Your Gateway to Asia

How to Spend 4 Days in Hanoi

You are spending 96 hours in the beautiful capital of Vietnam yet have no ideas what to do in Hanoi for 4 days ? Worry no longer, we’ll help you with the planning to create the best Hanoi itinerary for four days. In this article, you’ll learn not only all the best things to do in Hanoi but also the itinerary, map and day trips from Hanoi.

Read Next: When is the best time to visit Hanoi? What to do in Hanoi in December

Hanoi is among the most desirable destinations in Vietnam. The thousand year old capital city of Vietnam shines with both modernity and age old tradition. Come to Hanoi, you’ll experience ancient traits in Hanoi Old Quarter , the vintage French buildings and the busy markets around town. Hanoi is the city of history, culture and heritage.

To really enjoy the city and discover all of its beauties and stories, I suggest you stay at least two days or ideally 4 days, including day trips from Hanoi to other beautiful destinations like Halong Bay and Ninh Binh.

What to do in Hanoi for 4 days | Ultimate Hanoi Itinerary

Within Hanoi, you only need 2 days to discover the city. On the other two days, you can spend discover the suburb of Hanoi where you also have a lot of things to do and see. Here are some options for you:

• 1 st option: 2 days in Hanoi city, 1 day outside of Hanoi and 1 day for day trip
• 2 nd option: 2 days in Hanoi, 2 days in Halong Bay
• 3 rd option: 1 day in Hanoi, 2 days in Halong and 1 day in Ninh Binh

In the below, we’ll show you the itinerary for the 1 st option in which is believed the most suitable and ideal itinerary for a four-day trip in Hanoi. Separated itinerary to Halong will be provided with links.

Day 1: Hanoi City Tour – Old Quarter, French Quarter, Water Puppet Show

Any Hanoi City Tour would take you the most highlighted Hanoi attractions . We suggest you to book a full day tour with a water puppet show included in the evening.

1. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum

Ho Chi Minh is the most influential and beloved politician in Vietnam history. Come to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum to not only learn more about Ho Chi Minh and the affection Vietnamese people have shown him but also appreciate the beautiful architecture of the complex.

• Location: 25 Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
• Opening days: Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
• Opening hours: morning from 8:00 AM – 12:00, afternoon from 14:00 to 16:30
• Admission: 40,000VND
• Dress code: avoid wearing shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless shirts, tank tops and the like

2. Take a look at one Pillar Pagoda

One-pillar pagoda is the centerpiece of Vietnamese traditional architecture style. The work is absolutely singular and very iconic, related closely with history and legends at the same time. You shouldn’t miss visiting this place.

You can visit the pagoda when visit Ho Chi Minh complex.

3. Enjoy the view of West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda

West Lake is the largest lake in Hanoi, offering not only spectacular sunset views but also a lot beautiful religious monuments. Tran Quoc, built 1500 years ago, has a significance role in the religious and spiritual life of Hanoian people.

• Location: Thanh Nien Street
• Admission: free entrance
• Opening hours: 11:00 – 11:30 & 13:00 – 16:00 (Mon – Sat); 7:00 – 16:00 (Sun and holidays)

4. Hang around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Hoan Kiem Lake or Sword Lake and Ngoc Son Temple together is the most well-known attraction in Hanoi. One reason for that is the close location of the complex to Hanoi Old Quarter. The lake is such a change of landscape after a long hour on the busy roads of Hanoi.

Ngoc Son temple and The Huc Bridge create a solemn sight on the middle of the green lake. The red bridge is exceptionally beautiful at night.

• Ngoc Son temple’s admission: 20,000VND for foreigners
• Opening hours: daily, 7:30 – 17:00
• Dress code: no miniskirts or shorts

5. Discover Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter is the heart of the capital city, also the city’s biggest travel hub. This is the place everything happens. Originally, Old Quarter was the trading center of the whole country, with at least 36 crafts guilds assembled.

To this day, Old Quarter still retains its traditional traits in some corner, yet developed into a vibrant, modern and exciting hub with a lot of things to do and enjoy.

6. If you have time, enjoy a water puppet show

Water puppet is one of the oldest folklore art forms in Vietnamese culture . It’s well reserved and promoted so you can easily watch it. Artisans stand in the waist-deep water using bamboo sticks to control the water puppetry movements. The performances often tell folklore stories and mythical legends of Vietnamese people. If you’re going with kids, your children would love it so much. This is also the top activities in Hanoi on rainy days  or at night

Recommend Hanoi City Tour 1 Day

Day 2: Cooking Class & Street Food Tour

If on the first day, you were too busing visiting places then the second day is perfect to be spent appreciating Vietnam cuisine by taking a Hanoi street food tour .

A cooking class only lasts for a half-day, and finishes at the right time for lunch so you can enjoy all the dishes you just made.

Cooking class will starts with a market tour where guests will experience buying for the ingredients. Visiting a local market will give you so much insight into how the daily life of Vietnamese people goes by. It’s such a vibrant, vivid sight of a wet market in Southeast Asia.

The chef will give you detail instruction and introduction of the dishes you about to learn. All the dishes are the most iconic and famous Vietnamese dishes like Banh Xeo, Spring Rolls, Banh Mi…. You’ll enjoy all the dishes you made for lunch.

In the afternoon, your street food tour will start from Hanoi Old Quarter – the paradise of Hanoi street food. Even the famous chef Anthony Bourdain lost his way finding the best dishes of Hanoi here.

The first dish is the famous Banh Cuon (steam rice paper rolls) which is just the quintessence of Hanoi cuisine. You’ll see the local chef demonstrating the skills of making this dish. Stop next at barbeque stalls to taste the savory grilled meat. Your last stop is at the city’s most famous ice-cream parlor – Trang Tien.

>> See Hanoi Cooking Class and Street Food Tour Itinerary

Day 3: Visit handicraft village and Hanoi night market

This day will give you further insight into Hanoi in general. If you want to take a breather outside of the crowded Hanoi, take a short trip to just outside Hanoi to enjoy the tranquil countryside.

Bat Trang Pottery and Ceramic Village is the best choice for a half-day trip out of Hanoi. With the history of seven centuries, Bat Trang has a culture of making pottery and ceramics on its own.

Bat Trang ceramics products were preferred in many countries like Japan, Chinese and Western countries. Come to Bat Trang, not only that you’ll see the beautiful pieces of ceramic products, you can also try your hands on making your own pottery product at some of the stores here.

Back to the city for a trip to the night market in Hanoi. The three most famous and worthiest night markets to visit in Hanoi are:

Old Quarter Night Market

• Location: Hang Dao to Hang Giay Street
• Opening hours: 18:00 to midnight every Fri, Sat, Sun

Long Bien Night Market

• Location: near Long Bien Bridge
• Opening hours: 23:00 to early next morning every day

Quang Ba Flower Night Market

• Location: 236 Au Co Street
• Opening hours: night time to early next morning

Day 4: Hanoi Day Trips

Thanks to its central location, Hanoi is the base to travel to many other famous destinations in northern Vietnam . Within its closest proximity, Ninh Binh and Halong Bay are the most popular destinations and can be visited within day. Other closers attractions in Hanoi like Ba Vi National Park and Perfume Pagoda are also considered attractive sites for a Hanoi day trip.

Option 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is just a breathtaking destination and it’s only 2 hours driving south of Hanoi. As a mixed world heritage for both cultural and natural values, there’re a lot of things to do in Ninh Binh. A day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh will take you to see the most beautiful landscape of limestone mountains on river in Vietnam.

Hang Mua in recent years has been known as the most wonderful viewpoint in northern Vietnam. Trang An and Tam Coc need no elaboration on their beauties.

In the morning you will enjoy a boat ride in Trang An or Tam Coc which is about 2 hours long. After lunch, you’ll visit one of these sites: Hang Mua, Bai Dinh pagoda or Phat Diem Cathedral.

Recommended day tour in Ninh Binh from Hanoi:

• Hoa  Lu – Tam Coc Day Trip
• Majestic Trang An

Option 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay Day Cruise

Thanks to the new expressway, the time you need to travel from Hanoi to Halong is only about 2 hours. A day cruise in Halong Bay can be either 4 hours or 6 hours.

For a basic 4-hour cruise, you’ll be visiting Hon Trong Mai, Incense Burner, Stone Dog, Thien Cung Cave, and Dau Go Grotto. It’s a short but surely an exciting trip.

*For a more perfect option, including Hanoi, Halong and Ninh Binh in just 4 days, see our best itinerary:

Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh 4 Days

If you find one day is too rushing, a 2-day-1-night overnight cruise would be a fantastic option for you. Take a look at our best Halong cruise collection:

Halong Bay Tours from Hanoi

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

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

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

Planning a Hanoi Itinerary

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

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

The Best Hanoi Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

Hanoi Museums And Landmarks

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

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

Hanoi Tourist Map

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

HANOI ITINERARY 5 DAYS

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

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

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

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

Top Places to See in Hanoi Old Quarter

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

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

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

Places To Go in Hanoi French Quarter

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

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

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

Explore the Ancient Guild Streets

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

Dinner in Hanoi Old Quarter

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

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

DAY TWO: ICONIC PLACES TO VISIT IN HANOI

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

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

Best of Hanoi: Monuments

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

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

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

West Lake and Truc Bach District

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

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

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

Old Quarter Hanoi Night Market

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

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

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

DAY 3: HANOI TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND CULTURE

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

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

Ancient Hanoi History

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

Modern History in Hanoi

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

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

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

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

Ta Hien Beer Corner

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

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

DAY 4: DAY TRIPS FROM HANOI

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

Hanoi Day Trips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hanoi Outskirts by Bicycle

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

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

More Day Tours from Hanoi

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

Perfume Pagoda

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

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

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

DAY 5: WHAT TO DO IN HANOI FOR UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

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

Morning: Indulge in Local Hanoi Fare

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

Discover Local Food on your Own

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

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

Join a Guide for a Hanoi Street Food Tour

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

Hanoi Cooking Class

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

Afternoon: Hanoi Neighborhood Exploration

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

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

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

Evening: Unique Things To Do in Hanoi – Train Street

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

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

Night: Local Bia Hoi Corners

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

Bat Dan Bia Hoi Ha Noi

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

New Bia Hoi Corner: Hang Buom and Dao Duy Tu

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

Fresh Beer at Dao Duy Tu and Luong Ngoc Quyen

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

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

How Many Days in Hanoi, Vietnam?

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

Hanoi Travel Itinerary Suggestions

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

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

One Day in Hanoi

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

Hanoi Itinerary 2 Days

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

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

Hanoi Itinerary 3 Days

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

Hanoi Itinerary 4 Days

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

Hanoi Itinerary 6 Days

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

Hanoi Itinerary 7 Days

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

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

More Sample Hanoi Itineraries

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

5-Day Hanoi and Halong Bay Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10-Day North Vietnam Tour Package

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

HANOI TRAVEL TIPS

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

When Is The Best Time To Go To Hanoi?

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

Hanoi Weather

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

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

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

Hanoi Holidays

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

How To Get To Hanoi, Vietnam

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

Hanoi Airport

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

Getting Around Hanoi, Vietnam

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

Shopping in Hanoi

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

Where To Stay in Hanoi, Vietnam

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

Amber Hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter

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

Hanoi Accommodation French Quarter

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

Swimming Pool Hanoi Hotel

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

Hanoi Backpackers Hostels

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

What To Pack For Hanoi, Vietnam

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

Appropriate Attire for Vietnam 

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

Hanoi Weather Gear and Day Bag

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

Travel Camera

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

Hanoi Map and Guidebook

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

WiFi in Vietnam

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

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

Mobile WiFi Hotspot

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

Vietnam Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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One of best Halong bay cruise for 4 days itinerary Hanoi

One of best Halong cruise for Hanoi travel itinerary 4 days 3 nights

Halong bay is the best destination for Vietnam tour Hanoi itinerary 4 days 3nights

Impression of Lifetime Hanoi itinerary 4 days

See the customized Hanoi itinerary 4days between us & our clients

• See how Ms. Bronislava customised her Hanoi itinerary 4days with us
• See their Hanoi trip reviews here

Bestselling Hanoi Itinerary 4 Days 3 Nights Customized by Thai Ta - Travel Expert for North Vietnam Tour Packages

Day 1: Amazing Taste - Best Things To Do In Hanoi Old Quarter

Activities of 1st day on your Hanoi Itinerary 4 Days 2020 - 2021:

You will be warmly welcomed and picked up at the airport for amazing discovery of our lovely capital - Ha Noi. Get refreshment at the hotel before touring the 1st University of Vietnam, nowadays well-known as The Temple of Literature - for the best Hanoi city tour. Here, you will get to know how the education system in Vietnam was in the past and you are free to question our professional tour guide about our education system nowadays. Great to know Vietnam from the local person.

Leaving this area, you will discover Quan Thanh holy temple of Hanoi - another highlight of best Hanoi city tour. Here, you will see one of the 4 holy temples in Hanoi. It is really old and charming. One of the nicest monuments here is the 4 ton weighed bronze statue cast in 1677 by Ngu Xa bronze casting artists. Tran Vu god statue is considered as a great example of bronze-casting creation in Vietnam.

Amazing experience on Hanoi trip is the food on foot tour. you will enjoy the walking tour with your local guide around the Old Quarter to get familiar with the small crowded streets. It is also the time to try as many of the typical traditional food in Hanoi. Your walking will be around 4km in the Old quarter "36 streets" to visit some famous and specialized- food family running stalls or local restaurants, food shops on their business everyday. Certainly you will see some of the food being made by your eyes and taste some particular dishes. The vegetarian food or special requirement is upon request. Surely, It is very difficult to find some local food on your own in hidden alleys or sidewalks. This food tour is combined by street food stalls and lovely mini restaurants. Some of the local food have been voted as some of top 25 dishes in the world by CNN. You keep on ordering food as long as you can eating, suggestion to taste a little bit in each place. Overnight in Hanoi

The 1st day Hanoi Itinerary Including: Accommodation, Private car/van/bus, local guide

Day 2: Explore inspiring Landscapes Of Thung Nham & Tam Coc

Activities of 2nd day on your Hanoi Itinerary 4 Days 2020 - 2021:

8:30 am, your local tour guide will pick up you at your hotel for the depart for Ninh Binh province(120km). You will visit Hoa Lu - the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries where now you can see the foundation of the royal capital and the 2 temples for the kings of Dinh and Le dynasties in Vietnam.

Have lunch in the local restaurant and try the local food - Com Chay & Thit De which you can find nowhere in Vietnam. And then proceed to Tam Coc where you start to cycle to Thung Nham. Here, you take the boat trip to explore the bird park. Then, continue cycling to visit the old temple Bich Dong including a pagoda inside limestone cave from here offering chance to climb the mountain for those whom love adventure, mystery and wildness. We arrive back Hanoi in late afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi.

The 2nd day Hanoi Itinerary Including: Accommodation, Private transportation, local guide, All entrance fees, Meals - B, L

Day 3: Hanoi Tour Halong Bay

Activities of 3rd day on your Hanoi Itinerary 4 Days 2020 - 2021:

Saying good bye to Hanoi for the journey to amazing Ha Long bay - top of the best for Hanoi itinerary 4 days. Arriving in Halong bay, you will board on a luxury cruise at least 3 star level - Why? it is because of your safety and the accidents have happened here with low quality boat. At check-in time, get the most updated Halong bay tour itinerary depending the tide here today.

Then, get into your cabin for refreshment before your boat starts to cruise Halong bay. Every activities now and then will happen in the public area and the sundesk. Enjoy the seafood lunch while your lovely boat is about to tour Halong bay. Get on the sundesk for more incredible scenery of Halong bay Vietnam. The 1st stop is the fishing Village of Vung Vieng. Get the exploration on the bamboo boat trip around the village. Contact with the local people to learn the waterlife here.

After exploring the beautiful and peaceful village, come back to your cruise for further touring Ha Long bay and enjoy the sunset in the astounding scenery of Cong Do area which belongs to Bai Tu Long bay. Before your dinner, you will attend the cooking class in the dinning room. If you like, get your hands busy and taste what has been done by you late. Overnight on boat.

Hanoi Itinerary Including: Accommodation, Private transportation, local guide, All entrance fees, Meals - B, L

Day 4: Good Bye Halong bay - Departure

Activities of 4th day on your Hanoi Itinerary 4 Days 2020 - 2021:

Before your light breakfast with cookies and tea, cafe, you are welcomed to join the taichi class under the sunrise over Bai Tu Long Bay.

Today, explore the bewildering area of Hon Co Island with Thien Canh Son cave. Relax and leisure on the white sand beach of Hon Co Island or swim here on the long white sand beach with the green water. Back to your cruise for check out.

Then, enjoy the brunch while your cruise is touring back to Vinashin dock. Disembarkation for the journey to Noibai airport for departure. Hen Gap Lai! See you again, soon.

Hanoi Itinerary Including: Private transportation, local guide, All entrance fees, Meals - B, L Book it here

Kindly Noted: The Hanoi itinerary 4 days could be extended with Mai Chau, Sapa, Ba be, Cat Ba, Hue, Hoian, Mekong delta and Angkor Wat - UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites. Please see the best of 15 days Cambodia Vietnam Tour Package

Our travelers reviews 9.6/10 Excellent based on 266 tour reviews

Chat with Taiwan visitors at facebook.com/kathleen.ho.73 from Taiwan

See How Ms. HO, PAI HWA from Taiwan tailor-make their Hanoi itinerary 5 days / 4 nights with Tony - tripadvisor for North Vietnam Tour Itinerary

HO, PAI HWA customised Hanoi itinerary 5days 4 night from Taiwan From: "HO, PAI HWA" - [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Best Hanoi itinerary 5 days 4 nights

Hello Deluxe Vietnam Tours, We looking for 5 day Hanoi tour package (Best of Best) Indochina sails or Victory star cruise 5 days 4 nights (Sept. 30 ~ Oct. 4) 2 adults (twin beds). Asap with quotation.

Tony - tripadvisor for Hanoi Itinerary 5 days 4 nights

From: Tony Ta - [email protected] To: "HO, PAI HWA" - [email protected] Re: Best Hanoi itinerary 5 days 4 nights

Dear Ms. Ho,

Warmest welcome from Deluxe Vietnam Tours! Thank you very much for contacting us. Based on your request, I customized your Hanoi Holiday as follow: Day 1 - 30th Sept: Hanoi Arrival Day 2 - 1st Oct: Explore Charming Hanoi + Amazing food tour Day 3 - 2nd Oct: Hanoi - Halong bay, Paradise on Earth Day 4 - 3rd Oct: Halong bay - Hanoi Day 5 - 4th Oct: Hanoi Departure

Please see the details of your Hanoi itinerary 5 days 4 nights in the attached file and some photos of cruise.

Luxury Huong Hai Sealife cruise – Newer cruise with nicer cabin – highly recommended Option 1 - Hanoi private tour package: You will have a private 7 seat car with driver and tour guide for whole tour . It will be more convenient because you do not have to wait for anyone. Time for departure and return are more convenient. Journey – Hanoi to Halong bay is 3.5hour one way(estcorted tour guide from Hanoi) and Price for a private group of 2 person: USD/person * 2 persons = USD in total.

Option 2 – Combination of private tour and join-in van: Transfer from airport(2ways) and Hanoi city tour are private tour package. Hanoi – Halong bay – Hanoi: join-in van with group(tour guide onboard only). If you are the 1st person, you can sit anywhere you like, but the driver will drive around the city to pick up other tourists and it may take around 30minutes. If you are the last person, you have to take the last seat. The journey from Hanoi to Halong bay takes around 4 hours/way. The next day from Ha Long to Hanoi, after check out the cruise, you will have to wait 45 minutes to more than 1 hour for the van to come. Price: USD/person * 2persons = USD in total

Best regards, Tony - tripadvisor for Hanoi tour package

Ms. HO, PAI HWA customised Hanoi itinerary 5 days 4 nights from Taiwan From: "HO, PAI HWA" - [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Best Hanoi itinerary 5 days 4 nights

Hi Tony, Thank you very much for the information provided. We like to take your recommended Luxury 5 star Huong Hai Sealife cruise with Option 1 - Hanoi private tour, and have few more questions as below:

1. My friend will arrive at Hanoi on 9/29 (one day before me) late at night, how much will the cost be if she requires a pick-up service from the airport to the same hotel we will stay and one more night at that hotel? 2. Would it be possible for us to have a Maderine speaking tour quide as my friend is not good with English? 3. In our 1st day tour in Hanoi, may we shorten or extend the time in any stop if we wish? 4. Our departure time on 10/4 are both late in the evening, are we free to choose the time to be sent to the airport?

Thank you in advance for your kind help. Best regards, Ms. Ho, Pai hwa

Tony - tripadvisor for Hanoi 5 days 4 nights Itinerary

Thank you for the mail. Pick up and the room at the same hotel - XXX USD for your friend( please kindly noted: even for 2 persons, it is still XXX USD). Our Maderine speaking guides are used for big groups, so if at that time we have available Maderine tour guides, you will have. If all our Maderine tour guides are busy, you will have English speaking tour guide. In this case, Our English speaking tour guide will speak slowly and it will be fine for your friend.

It would be fine to shorten or extend time in any stop in the city tour and you are free to choose the time to the airport. However, it should be 3 hours before your flight departure and you should inform the time.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

I look forward to hearing from you soon as it is high travel season in Vietnam.

Best regards, Tony - Tripadvisor for Hanoi package tours

Ms. HO, PAI HWA customised Hanoi itinerary 5 days from Taiwan From: "HO, PAI HWA" - [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Best Hanoi itinerary 5 days 4 nights

Hi Tony, Thank you for your reply and detail answers. While I’m waiting for my friend’s confirmation, could you advise how do I officially book for the extra pick-up and hotel and the Luxury 5 star Huong Hai Sealife cruise with Option 1 - Hanoi private tour with you? Any form I need to fill out? Thank you for your kind assistance.

Best regards, Ms. Ho, Pai hwa

Tony - tripadvisor for Hanoi Itinerary 5 days

When we confirm the booking with our clients, we request 50% deposit of the payment to our accounting manager's account. The rest will be paid in cash in Hanoi. The deposit is to guarantee that you will come.

Please see the invoice in the attached file and below bank information: Please inform us if any of you have any special request on food such as can not eat meat, fish, milk...... for good food setting up on the cruise.

Best regards, Tony -tripadvisor for Hanoi and Halong bay tour package

Note: Many travelers have made their Hanoi holiday longer with one more night on Halong bay or spend some more days in Trangan - World Natural & Cultural Heritage Site and Sapa. See how our clients customise their Hanoi tour package here

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Best Halong Bay and Hanoi Itinerary for 4 days (Budget and What to Do)

Are you planning to visit Hanoi and Halong Bay in Vietnam? Here’s the detailed Halong Bay and Hanoi Itinerary complete with budget and suggested things to do in the city. The charming yet chaotic city of Hanoi has captivated the hearts of many with its history, food and culture.

Itinerary Details

Day 1: manila – hanoi, day 2: hanoi museums – night market.

• Day 3: Ha Long Bay Day Tour

Day 4: Hanoi Old Quarter – Water Puppet Show

Visa requirements, suggested accommodation, suggested activities:.

• Best way to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay
• Can you do a day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

When is the best time to visit Hanoi and Halong Bay?

Here is the halong bay and hanoi itinerary for 4 days and 3 nights  .

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and has also been a capital of the French Indochina during their occupation in the region. The influence of the Hanoi’s colonial past can be seen with its architecture and design fusion with the touch of the Orient.

Evening departure from Manila to Hanoi.

Airport transfer from Hanoi Airport. Pre-arranged with the hotel prior to arrival.

Late check-in at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we visited a few known landmarks in Hanoi.

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Ho Chi Minh Museum
• Quan Thanh Temple
• One Pillar Pagoda
• Vietnam Military Museum

We had lunch and tried Hanoi’s popular food – Buncha .

We head back to the hotel to get some rest, then went out again in the evening to visit the Night market in the Old Quarter.

Day 3:  Ha Long Bay Day Tour

Halong Bay, Vietnam  is one of the popular day trips from Hanoi. You can find and book various Halong bay cruises from Hanoi. I suggest pre-booking this in advance to get the best deals, read reviews, and book the best Halong bay cruise in the market.

I wrote this article about Cruising in Halong Bay and it was definitely worth it! There are other day trips from Hanoi that you can do while you are in Vietnam like a visit to Ninh Bihn , A day trip to Sapa , and the Perfume Pagoda .

Ha Long Bay Tour: We pre-arranged the Halong Bay cruise  in our hotel’s reception the day before we go on the tour.  I suggest booking this tour advance.

8 AM Hotel Pick Up

4-hour drive to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi.

12 Noon – Arrival in Ha Long Bay, abroad our boat and enjoyed our free lunch while cruising.

More cruising around Halong Bay, we visited Thien Cung Cave and a fishing village.

4 PM – Head back to Hanoi

8 PM – Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi Old Quarter is the beating heart of the city. You can find various Hanoi attractions dotted around, you will find most of the attractions and landmark in this travel guide.

Our last day in Hanoi. Our flight is not until midnight, so we spent the day roaming around the Old Quarter.

Lunch in Quan An Ngon. Visited Hoan Kiem Lake and Watched the Water Puppet Show. We head back to the hotel to sort our stuff ready for departure, then we went out for a quick bite and drinks. 10 PM Head to the Hanoi Airport.

Arrival back in Manila early morning of the following day.

Our trip to Hanoi was a memorable one. Though there was a little misfortune on our way overdue to the old visa-on-arrival policy and the scams, overall, that didn’t stop us to enjoy the beauty of Vietnam. Alternatively, if you want to explore the other main city of Vietnam, you can check out the things to do in Ho Chi Minh city a.k.a Saigon

Talking about great savings, you can also use Airlo E-Sim Card for tourists to stay connected and share your travel snaps with your family and friends.

Since I’m a dual citizen (British – Filipina), Here are the visa requirements needed to visit Vietnam.

For Philippine passport holders: 

Visa is not required for Filipinos for tourism purposes, a maximum of 30 days.

For British Passport holders:

As of November 2015, the British do not need a visa to visit Vietnam for 15 days.

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Trip Budget

When I visited Hanoi, we stayed in the Old Quarter so everything was accessible from our hotel.

HOLIDAY EMERALD HOTEL

🛏️ 24 Hang Manh Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam 🌟 5 / 5 – EXCELLENT 👍 Great location, spacious rooms, and good value for money.

For a cheaper alternative, just a few meters away from the Holiday Emerald Hotel is the budget-friendly hotel in Hanoi.

GOLDEN LAND HOTEL

🛏️ 31 Hang Manh Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam 🌟 4.5 / 5 – EXCELLENT 👍 Great location, spacious rooms, and good value for money.

Looking for things to do in Hanoi?

Here are the various activities on what to do in Hanoi that I would recommend. See this blog post that I wrote about the best things to do in Hanoi.

FAQ: Halong Bay and Hanoi Itinerary

Best way to get from hanoi to halong bay .

Land travel is the best way to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay .  You can either travel by bus or taxi from Hanoi to Halong Bay . The distance of  Hanoi to Halong Bay is more than 170+ kilometres, this will probably take you around over 3 hours land travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Can you do a day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay ?

Absolutely yes, you can do a day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay.  This probably the most convenient and the cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay .

The cost of the day trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi depends on the company and inclusions that you wish to have within your day trip. You can try to book this day trip to Halong Bay Cruise Day Trip from Hanoi  or if you wish to stay overnight in a junk boat in Halong Bay, you can book this 2 Days & 1 Night Halong Bay tour.  Staying overnight in the junk boat is probably the best way to see Halong Bay from Hanoi as you get to take in the whole experience more.

The road condition from Hanoi to Halong bay  is well-paved roads. Some of the roads may be bumpy at times but that is typical due to the remoteness of the destination.

The best time to visit Hanoi and Halong Bay is during the Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to April), as they tend to get a milder temperature compared to the other months of the year. Just to make sure to check the weather forecast prior to travel as this side of Vietnam is the typical pathway to typhoons within Southeast Asia.

Have you been to Vietnam? Do you have other samples of Halong Bay and Hanoi Itinerary? Share your Vietnam adventures in the comment box below!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryazan Tristram

Ryazan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. She also has more than 10 years of work experience gained from working in the hotel and travel sectors in Asia and Europe. Her work has been featured and published in BBC, Huffington Post, Reader’s Digest, Discovery Channel, World Travel Guide, MSN, CNBC, GMA, Daily Mail UK, Lonely Planet, and many more. She is currently living in the UK as a dual citizen (British-Filipina). Join her in travelling around the UK, Europe, and beyond with a mission to promote sustainable tourism and share travel guides, travel tips, foodies, history, and culture.

18 thoughts on “Best Halong Bay and Hanoi Itinerary for 4 days (Budget and What to Do)”

Hi Ryazan! Now I’m also considering Vietnam other than Cambodia. In your 4-day trip, how did you manage spending in cash? Did you go to a money exchange before leaving in the Philippines? Or most of the attractions accept payment in debit or credit card? Thanks for all the tips!

We have USD with us before we left Manila. Vietnam widely accepts USD. The debit and credit cards are mostly accepted on bigger establishments. Better to use cash still so you won’t get stuck. 🙂 Enjoy Vietnam!

The beauty of the bay comes of course by riding on the waves. There are several cruises which can stop at certain spots for excursions and explore the local culture. Shuttle buses from Hanoi to Halong Bay are very convenient. You can also take help of bus transportation like Hanoi Travel Bus.

Thanks for the tip, Isabella. 🙂

Ha Noi and Halong is one of the best places must to visit in Vietnam. With me, Halong Bay like a dream, I cannot forget my friends in Halong Bay. About Hanoi, I love Hanoi street food, especial is Pho, Sticky, Com Cake,etc… I would high recommend you need travel to Hanoi and Halong, if have enough time, you need travel to Ninh Binh.

Sounds like you really had a great time in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. I will definitely go back to Vietnam and include Ninh Binh on my itinerary.

I need to get myself to Halong Bay very soon! I plan to spend 3 days in Hanoi when I visit so I’ll be bookmarking this post for future reference. Do you think August would be a good time to visit? Also, where else do you suggest I visit in Vietnan apart from Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An and Hanoi? Also, Halong Bay is a must visit but they say it can get super crowded. Is there a way around that?

Vietnam is beautiful! In August you might encounter some monsoon rain, but I hope you’ll be lucky with the weather. I would suggest to visit Nin Binh, it’s one of the UNESCO world heritage sites for a very good reason!

This is such a comprehensive post! As someone who has been to two of these places before, I totally agree with the tips you suggested above. Actually, you even made me want to do a revisit 😉

Your Hanoi itinerary sounds good. My only regret is we spent too less time in this beautiful city when we visited. I would strongly recommend a night stay over a day trip to Halong Bay.

Your post encompasses a lot of useful information. My husband and I want to visit Vietnam next year, so I’ll make sure to bookmark your post. You don’t mention anything about a visa requirement for Americans. We we need a visa as American citizens?

Wow that was an amazing breakdown and schedule! I am planning on going here in September so this guide will be what I will base my trip on. The pricing is actually very reasonable too in your breakdown.

The itinerary is superb! 4 days were spent really well. We were considering booking for 5 or 6 days but this is perfect!

Now we have the perfect guide to plan our trip to Halong Bay. Halong Bay looks so dreamy. I have a question we will be visiting Vietnam for the first time so which all places should we club.

Vietnam is definitely on my list of places to visit when I return to Asia. Everyone always talk about how wonderful it is and everyone’s photos always look so awesome. I like how well you broke down your guide, even including prices. That will be very helpful when I start to plan my trip.

It was great to find your blog; nice pictures & helpful tips! This is really useful. Hope that you will provide us with the more interesting articles about this beautiful country. Thank you so much!!

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4 Days Hanoi Sapa Itinerary: Discovery The Best Of Northern Vietnam

• 12 May, 2023 4:06 am

Table of Contents

1. Overview

The Hanoi Sapa itinerary is a popular trip in Northern Vietnam that offers a blend of cultural and natural experiences. The journey typically starts in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, where travelers can explore the city’s famous landmarks. From Hanoi, you can take a train or a coach ride to Sapa , a mountainous region in Northern Vietnam known for its stunning landscapes and ethnic minority communities and enjoy the best food. Below are the 4 days of the Hanoi – Sapa itinerary.

2. 4 DAYS HANOI SAPA ITINERARY 

2.1. day 1: arrival in hanoi , arrive in noi bai international airport and check in at your hotel .

You arrive at Noi Bai airport in the morning of the day, then take a taxi to your hotel for check-in procedures.

Recommended hotel in Hanoi: – Apricot Hotel – 136 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Category: 5 stars hotel

Tel: 024 3828 9595

Email: [email protected]

Go around the Hanoi Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake 

No one comes to Hanoi without visiting the Hanoi Old Quarter. This place is not only the central area of Hanoi’s capital but also a place to keep traces of the ups and downs of time where ancient houses, streets with historical memories, or Hanoi’s culture are preserved and handed down from thousands of generations.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner

Hanoi has many delicious and diverse dishes that are worth a try. Specifically, the best choice food is Hanoi kebab rice noodles , a traditional, fragrant, and delicious dish. Or there is La Vong grilled fish , which consists of seabass prepared with many spices and fish sauce, served with vermicelli, raw vegetables, and dipping sauce. Or you can try Vietnamese Stew with Organ Meats , a staple of pork and beef intestines, with a rich and delicious sauce.

Recommend restaurants: – Bun Cha Huong Lien – 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi Open time : From 8 AM to 8:30 PM Tel: 024 3943 4106

– Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant – 14 Cha Ca Street, Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Open time : From 10:30 AM to 2 PM and From 5:30 AM to 9 PM

Tel: 024 382 398 75

2.2. Day 2: Visit outstanding places in Hanoi  

Visit the temple of literature  .

The Temple of Literature was built in the 11th century and is a place to honor and record writers, teachers, saints, and court officials of the Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties. So, a very suitable spiritual space for visitors to learn the history and culture of Vietnam that you should not miss.

Location: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Temple of Literature, Dong Da, Hanoi Open time : From 8 AM to 5 PM Ticket price : 1.27$ / adult

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum  

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a place marking the history of Vietnam and the life of President Ho Chi Minh. The mausoleum has a mausoleum of the President put in a large space of 70m², guarded by guard soldiers dressed in traditional costumes.

Location :  2 Dien Bien Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi Open time : From 8 AM to 11:30 PM / everyday (Closed on Monday and Friday) Ticket price : 1.06$ / adult

Presidential Palace

Presidential Palace is the residence and working place of the President and Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The palace is considered an important symbol of Vietnamese history and culture and is a popular destination for tourists visiting Hanoi . Today, the Presidential Palace is not open to the public, but tourists can view the exterior of the building from the outside and can take a guided tour of the surrounding gardens and grounds.

Location : 2 Hung Vuong, Ngoc Ho, Ba Dinh, Hanoi Open time : From 7 AM to 4 PM / everyday (Closed on Saturday and Sunday)

Discover the Dong Xuan Market 

Dong Xuan Market is located in Hanoi Old Quarter , one of the busiest places, always active. The market offers various goods, including clothing, accessories, souvenirs, electronics, and food. It is particularly well-known for its street food vendors, where visitors can sample multiple traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Location : Hanoi Old Quarter, Dong Xuan street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Open time : From 6 AM to 6 PM

Move to Sapa by train or coach

After you have visited the prominent places in Hanoi and enjoyed the typical food in this city, you can move to Sapa by two ways. The best choice is by coach, the average time is 5-6 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Or you travel by train to Lao Cai station, from there you can travel to Sapa by taxi, the average time is 8-9 hours.

2.3. Day 3: Arrival in Sapa 

Check-in at your hotel .

According to the schedule, you will arrive in Sapa in the morning. At this time, you check in at your hotel and start your journey to discover Sapa .

Recommended resort in Sapa: – Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa – Xuan Vien Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province Category: 4 stars hotel

Tel: +84 214 3871 522

Email: [email protected]  

Visit Cat Cat Village and see the local Hmong community

Cat Cat Village is located in northwestern Vietnam, near Sapa . The village is home to the Hmong ethnic minority. On the way around Cat Cat Village , you will encounter factories powered by flowing water wheels, ethnic houses, Cat Cat Waterfall , and terraced fields. Another exciting thing is that you can try Hmong clothes and enjoy food and drink, such as bamboo-tube rice or corn wine.

Location: San Sa Ho commune, Sapa district, Lao Cai province

Open time : From 5 AM  to 10 PM Ticket price : 3.08$ / adult  

Visit Fansipan by cable car 

At 3,143 meters, Fansipan has stunning views of the surrounding mountainous region. The cable car ride takes about 20 minutes, and you can see Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Muong Hoa Valley, and many other spiritual and cultural complexes.

Location : Sapa Station – 1st Floor Sun Plaza Trade Center, Sapa Town, Sapa District, Lao Cai Province Open time : From 8 AM  to 5 PM Ticket price : 31.14$ / adult  

Enjoy ethnic cuisines

The cuisine of Sapa is almost all the traditional dishes of the ethnic people. In particular, these local dishes are highly addictive, as are buffalo meat upstairs kitchen, armpit pigs, stream fish, etc. Their prices are not too high but definitely leave an unforgettable aftertaste for tourists.

Recommended restaurant:

– A Phu Restaurant -15 Fansipan Street, Sapa town, Lao Cai Open time : From 10 AM to 10 PM Tel: 0868 159 900

2.4. Day 4: Enjoy the atmosphere of Sapa and return to Hanoi

Drink a morning coffee and see the terraced rice fields .

After exploring Sapa ‘s culture and cuisine, treat yourself to an ideal morning with a cup of coffee and immerse yourself in the space of the mountains and forests, watching the poetic terraced fields in this land.

Recommended coffee shop: – The Haven Sapa Camp Site – Ta Van village, Sapa district, Lao Cai province

Open time : From 7 AM to 2 AM

Tel : 0214 3888 789

Explore Ham Rong mountain 

Ham Rong Mountain is a great place for you to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Sapa , such as see flower garden, and rice terraces, through lush forests and waterfalls, and learn about the culture and traditions of the local ethnic minorities, including the Hmong, Dao and Tay people.

Location: Ham Rong street, Sapa town, Lao Cai province Open time: From 6 AM to 6 PM Ticket price: 2.96$ / adult

Shopping for souvenir to take home 

Sapa is known for its unique and diverse cultural traditions, reflected in the handicrafts and souvenirs available in the town’s markets and shops. You can buy handwoven textiles, silver jewelry, clothing, local food, and drinks as gifts for family and friends.

Return to Hanoi  

The way back to Hanoi also has two ways to move as above: train or coach, depending on your choice.

So, this 4 days Hanoi – Sapa travel schedule is enough for you to experience cultures, cuisines and relax with nature in Vietnam for your vacation.

In conclusion , Metta Voyage hopes this information will help you consider a suitable trip and discover many interesting things in both Hanoi and Sapa , two famous tourist cities in Vietnam. Of course, this is just one possible itinerary and can be adjusted based on your interests, travel style, and available time.

3. Tips for travel to Hanoi – Sapa

Weather: Hanoi has cold and rainy winters and hot and humid summers, while Sapa generally has a cooler climate. Therefore, you should check the weather forecast and prepare appropriate clothes.

Accommodation: In Hanoi, there are many options for accommodation, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. In Sapa, you can find homestays and guest houses run by local people, which can offer a more authentic experience.

Language: While many locals in Hanoi can speak basic English. In Sapa, many ethnic minorities have their own languages, so a local guide can be helpful to translate for you.

So, exploring Hanoi to Sapa more comprehensively, you can book local tours to get a better experience.

You can explore more our tours including Hoi An below:

• Northern Vietnam “Golden Season” Luxury Adventure
• Sapa 3 days 2 nights
• Vietnam Adventure Tour – Sapa Trekking
• North Vietnam Deluxe Cool Spring 5 Days
• Sapa Trekking By Night Train

Website: mettavoyage.com

Hotline 24/7: + 84 989 383 572

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Hanoi and Halong Bay Package 4 Days 3 Nights

• Duration: 4 days
• Price from: $283 USD

There is a Vietnamese saying goes: Halong bay – “Descending Dragon” and Hanoi – the heart of Vietnam. This 4-day private tour (2 days Halong Bay from Hanoi) includes the popular Halong classic wonders and the highlights in Hanoian culture. Enjoy the deep-rooted cultural and traditional music show in Hanoi, relax at breathtaking karst scenery in Halong bay, taste the exquisite lifestyle by being a guest in a traditional-styled Vietnamese family with 3 generations living in one house. Let’s immerse into the rich and diverse Vietnam Hanoi to Halong Bay.

+ Join us in trip planning to discover Indochina in your own way. + 98% our clients satisfy with our service!

We will get back to you within 24 hours. Thank you very much!

Highlights of Tours from Hanoi to Halong Bay tour package

• Learn more about the history of Vietnam and the culture of the local people
• Experience the uniqueness of local life
• Conquer the breathtaking set-up of approximately 2000 different islands on Halong bay – 1 of New 7 Wonders in the World.
• Free Visa on arrival guaranted letter for some certain countries.

Why travel with us:

• Tailor made and customized tours, flexible in organizing the trip to give you more freedom even changing in last minute.
• 24/7 in-country support in the case of an emergency or for those unexpected events. Travel consultant keep in touch all the time during the trip.
• Local Price with local suppliers and local guides.
• Relaxed & fair cancellation policies.
• Responsible tourism, contribute to a better social environment.

Day 1: Hanoi arrival – Half day City Tour

Day 2: Hanoi – Halong

Day 3: Halong – Hanoi

Day 4: Hanoi Departure

DAY 1: Hanoi arrival – City Tour/The Past in the Present

Welcome to Vietnam:  after long time on airplane, you will reach Vietnam – the S-shaped land, where 54 different ethnic minorities inhabited.

In the morning

• On your arrival in Hanoi airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver then transferred to your hotel in Hanoi
• You will visit a local restaurant for lunch

In the afternoon

• At 14:00, you will firstly leave for The Tran Quoc Pagoda , which is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, is located on a small island near the southeastern shore of Hanoi's West Lake. Then you may spend time walking around the West lake to enjoy the fresh air of the biggest lake in Hanoi
• Next you will be transferred to Dong Xuan market . This is the largest covered market of Hanoi where the wholesale traders sell everything from clothes, household goods to foodstuffs.
• Walking along the street you will reach Temple of Jade Mountain sitting on a small island in the northern part of Hoan Kiem Lake and dedicated to the King Tran Hung Dao
• Afterward, you will sit in front of Cyclo to move around the old quarter and experience the local life in 30 minutes. The cyclo tour will take you back to your hotel

Meals included : __/Lunch/__

Parameter: Airport – hotel: 30 km/Driving: 45 minutes

Today useful note(s): wearing formal clothes (cover your knees and shoulders) to visit some spiritual/cultural sites

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 2: Hanoi – Halong/A Night on a Peaceful Bay

• At 08:00 – 08:30, the shuttle bus will pick you up and transfer you to Halong bay , which takes you around 0 hours through small villages with beautiful fields of rice and vegetable.
• Ariving in the habour, board the cruise and have lunch in the restaurant
• 13:00 – 15:00: A sumptuous lunch is served while cruising into the magnificent Halong Bay with its thousands of extraordinarily shaped limestone islands, considered as the heaven on the Earth.
• 15:30 – 17:00: Explore the Lờm Bò area and be charmed by this outstanding masterpiece of Mother Nature. Visit Mê Cung Cave – one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay and climb up to see the panoramic view of the bay from above.
• 17:00 – 19:00 p.m: Return to the LaFairy Sails for a Sunset party to admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set. Take pleasure in a fruit carving demonstration.

In the evening

• 19:00: Savor a sparkling and dreamlike dinner on top deck under the light of a thousand stars in middle of the tranquil Bay with extremely delicious food and be awed by a fascinating fruit and vegetable carving show. Delight in traditional music performances. Afterwards, socialize with the artist, new friends and crew members, join squid fishing.

Meals included : Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Parameter: Driving: Hanoi – Halong: 180 km/ 4 hours/way

Overnight on cruise

DAY 3: Halong – Hanoi/The Flavors of the Bay

• 06:30 – 07:00: Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
• 07:15 – 07:45: Enjoy breakfast in the fresh air and peaceful beauty of the Bay.
• 08:00 – 09:15: Visit Titov Island for swimming in the emerald water. Then hike up to the top of the island to take the breathtaking panoramic view of the Bay.
• 09:15 – 09:45: Relax and enjoy the marvelous sights from the top deck.
• 09:45 – 10:15: Pack your luggage and check out of the cabin while cruising towards the harbor
• 10:15: You have lunch in the restaurant on the cruise
• 12:00 – 12:30: Disembark the cruise
• 12:30: You will be transfer back to your hotel and in Hanoi and it will be a 3.5 hour journey again

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/__

Parameter: Driving: Halong – Hanoi: 180 km/4 hours/way

DAY4: Hanoi Departure

Depending on your flight time, our driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals included: Breakfast/__/__

Parameter: Hotel – Airport: 30 km/Driving: 45 minutes

  Free Quote

• The accommodation in twin/double basis with breakfast (central location, highly recommended on Trip Advisor)
• Experienced English speaking local guide
• All entrance fee and sightseeing tickets as listed
• Delicious meals with local food and tastes as listed (others are upon your request)
• Air-conditioned transfer during the whole tour
• Complimentary 1 bottle of water each day
• Service charges and government tax
• Meals, Beverages which are not specified in the program
• Any unclarified flight tickets
• Personal travel insurance
• Any personal expenses
• Any gratuities and tips to driver and tour guide ($3-5/person/day for both guide and driver)
• Any surcharge for holiday

Check in time is normally at 14.00; check out time is normally at 12.00.Early check in or check out is upon on availability of the hotels.

At last minute, Halong Bay cruise can be canceled due to bad weather, typhoons. We will then refund the cruise back to you or will change your itinerary to day trip or somewhere else if possible.

Price is different in different period of time so please contact us for the best price for your travel time

Children Policy

*S.R.S: Single Room Supplement. If you want to have your own room, you will pay extra amount for this.

*At the time of quotation, Travel Sense Asia reserves the right to adjust prices to take account of unusual movements in currency markets, hotel and transport costs as a result of inflationary price pressures in oil and other commodity markets.

Why 96% Clients Recommend TSA? Hear What They Say

                  Sarala  (Malaysia) Visited June 2018 - From TripAdvisor said:

Henry, the consultant assisting us, was able to understand our requirements quickly and arrange a Halong Bay 1-day cruise that starts from Halong Bay early in the morning (instead of from Hanoi). Email communications were prompt and he was able to provide the answers and arrangements as needed. The actual tour guide who followed us was knowledgeable, helpful and flexible... Read more

What a great experience we had in Hanoi Vietnam Halong Bay . After seeing a picture on a email, me and my brother decided to travel to Vietnam for 16 days. After a long search on google for the place where the picture was taken, I finally gave up and contacted Travel Sense Asia. Julie, one of the travel advisers, gave me an immediate reply of where the place is, and that she can arrange a day trip for us tot Trang An. Needless to say, we ended up using Travel Sense Asia, without any regrets. We pretty much decided what... Read more

Useful information for travel in Vietnam

What’s the difference between 3, 4, and 5 -star hotels?

We usually arrange centrally-located and Western-standard hotels. Five-star hotels are usually palatial with huge lobbies and comfortable rooms, their standards not quite matching the best of Paris or New York, but very close. Four-star hotels have quality facilities, but not as luxurious as five-star hotels. Three-star hotels meet the needs of most Westerners, but breakfasts have less choice. We also recommend some courtyard hotels or Vietnamese-style hotels with local features and architecture. These hotels have a good ranking, or positive feedback from our customers, and TripAdvisor. Usually, hotels in big cities, small cities, and rural areas are a bit different, even if they have the same star level. We try to use the best available hotel in each place.

Passport & Visa Requirements

You may be required for visa to Vietnam. Please check the list of countries which need visa to Vietnam in this links: Who need visa to Vietnam? Vietnam Visa is issued by Vietnam Embassy in your country or “Visa on arrival”. Travel Sense Asia will offer free visa to Vietnam for you (except some difficult countries). You will need one clear page (per visa) in a full passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your departure from Vietnam.

Currency Exchange

As currency exchange rates in Vietnam fluctuate, we suggest you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com or www.vietcombank.com In 2016 the USD & VND has been around 22.500VND per USD. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Master card, but these are limited to cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but they may charge a 2–4% transaction fee.

It is customary to tip service providers in the travel industry in Asia, depending on the service. Tipping is expected — though not compulsory — and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Recommendations for tipping drivers (3 USD per person per day as a guideline) and local guides (8 USD per person per day as a guideline) would depend on the quality and length of the service. In additionally, you will sometimes use rolling boat, cyclo riding, porter which you should give a small tip to these local people.

Eating is an important part of your Vietnam experience. Generally, breakfasts are included in the itinerary and offered by hotels. Travel Sense Asia recommend local Vietnam restaurants that are popular with local people for lunch. You can order dishes with the help of your guide. We usually leave dinner for your own choice — Western food can be found in most large cities. If you are vegetarian or you are looking for e.g. halal food, please feel free to inform your travel advisor, who can arrange a restaurant to fit your needs.

We use comfortable sedans or vans with air-conditioning. The comfort and safety of our customers is of utmost importance, so we ensure that all of the vehicles that we use are well maintained and always very clean. Our drivers take pride in their vehicles. Our car and van are always available space for a comfortable trip. Luggage - All clients are limited to two items of luggage each; a suitcase with a maximum weight of 20kg and one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 7kg. It is essential that your luggage is lockable. Please note that authorities will only allow bottles onto the aircraft if they have been checked in as main baggage. Bottles in hand luggage may be confiscated.

In Vietnam the standard voltage is 220 V. The standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type A / C / G. Below you find pictures of these power sockets and corresponding plugs. And we provide more information about the voltage and frequency. Climate - You will find a complete packing list and a helpful climate chart in the ‘Suggested Packing List’, which is included in the pre-departure information link sent within your deposit documentation. Seasonal weather patterns can be quite unpredictable. Up to the minute information on worldwide weather can be found on www.weather.com.

Ryan Mac  - Travel Expert

Jenny  - Travel Expert

Sales Expert

Hello, my name is Pera Fu, travel consultant for Travel Sense Asia, a local travel agency in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. With great passion of travel and Italian language, I would like to bring you the beautiful experiences during Vietnam and Cambodia tour: daily life, different culture, friendly people. Especially, our Vietnam is a special country with wild nature, brilliant white beaches, exquisite dishes such as “Phở Bò” – beef soup with rice noodles, “Nem rán” – fried rolls, egg coffee. Welcome!!!

Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind and fills your life with stories to tell. Our mission is to bring you authentic local experiences in the most convenience and satisfaction with the best price. Don’t hesitate to allow Travel Sense Asia to show you how to travel like a local. We’re always looking forward to being your travel mate in Indochina!

I have a dream from my childhood that I wish to travel all around the world when I grow up. My wish partly did come true, I have had the chance to make some leaps to all destinations in Vietnam and few other Indochina countries. Now, I set aside my dream and stay in office to be a travel consultant to support you – my dear customer to have your own vacation without the nerve to spend too much time prepare for it. I can assure you that we can bring you the best vacation, find you the most suitable route and give you the excellent service we can provide. With our expert experience, you can give your trust on us – Contact us now to have a worry-free vacation.

The best itinerary is the one which customer likes. I always think that your trip should be a personal experience and based on your interest. I take into account what you like and what you do not like to create the perfect trip. Just only for you

Hi everyone! My name is Linh. “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” It is a quote of Saint Augustine that I really like. With a passion for travel, I decided to work in Travel Sense Asia team as a travel consultant to share my experiences with all of you and I am always ready to take you on a dream trip.

Local Guide

My name is Phong and 24 year-olds. Tour guide was my dream when I was in high school. It was to give impulse to apply Tourism University in Hue for learning more about Tour guide job. I am also love travel to many destinations and communicate with all friends over the world. I try to learn more and more new things to make me become an knowledgeable guide to share all the things I know for my guests and learn interesting things from them. I believe that tour guide is greatest job for me from now and in the future.

I am a hungry guide in learning and changing myself every day. Friendly, patient, smiling, flexible in touring. Working as tourguide for 10 years, I am ready to learn and ready to share. I am passionate in traveling and guiding my tourist. I am still much eager on duty to introduce about Vietnam and make the memorable trip for the travelers from all over the world.

My passion is travel, bike, show history to my clients. My mission is bring them true value of the trip, local experiences.

I have developed my passion for guiding since 5 years ago. For me, this is a gob job with new knowledges and opportunities that approach me at work. I feel comfortable being a guide and i have planned to learn more in near future.

My name is Son Tran, and im a licensed tourguide from Hanoi, Vietnam. I like this fulltime job personally, and as a result, fully dedicate to it. Being a tour guide, I have opputunities to meet people from all corners of the globe and show them around my lovely motherland, visit famous landscapes, share the glorious history and mysterious tales, or get to know better their cultures. Isnt that awesome?

Xin chào! I am Nguyen Hong Khanh ( Can) and my surname is Nguyen. I’m living in Da Nang and I am really proud and passionate about my country, my people and my culture. I speak English extremely well. Educated at Da Nang University specifically to study English. I have translated complex English/Vietnamese for concerns including National Scientific & Technology Centre of Canberra, ExxonMobil, the US Air National Guard and CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation).

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A 4-Day Dallas Itinerary For Families

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Dallas is one of the most underrated cities for a family vacation, and this itinerary for families can help you explore it all! With dozens of fun things to do in Dallas with kids, it won’t be hard to plan your trip. Try unique indoor options like the Perot Museum, perfect for a hot or rainy day. Or, wander around The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden to enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna. Plus, with the Dallas city pass , you can get discounts on 4 of the 5 most popular attractions for families visiting the city! This itinerary covers some of the best things for families to do in Dallas, where to eat, and where to stay in Dallas with kids. Plus, we’ve even included day trips to nearby cities. Check out our 4-Day Dallas Itinerary For Families to start planning your next adventure! 

Day 1: Perot Museum, Dallas Aquarium, Reunion Tower

Families can begin their Dallas itinerary by exploring downtown Dallas. You’ll find some great breakfast options here, like Overeasy and Cindy’s NY Deli and Restaurant. 

Then, head to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science , where kids can explore hands-on exhibits related to science and nature. From towering dinosaurs to engineering and sports to exquisite gems, the 180,000-square-foot museum has 11 exhibit halls, an outdoor science park, a musical forest, and a cascading stream, plus a 54-foot glass-encased escalator with a stunning view of the Dallas skyline! 

Afternoon Activity: Dallas World Aquarium 

Near the museum, families can also visit the Dallas World Aquarium , home to a variety of marine life and exotic birds. It contains 5 exhibits featuring 248 species of water and land animals and the horticulture that would be found in their natural habitats. During your visit, you’ll walk along pathways and follow the signs from beginning to end, noticing the animals along the way!

For lunch, Klyde Warren Park is a popular spot because of its food truck. If the weather is nice, kids can play in the splash pad or enjoy the playground! 

Evening Activity: Reunion Tower

For a great view of Dallas at night, check out The Ge-O Deck at Reunion Tower . The tower is nearly 600 feet tall, located on the top floor with a stunning view of the city. With dozens of information platforms along the glass walls, there is so much for parents and children to learn about while admiring the view. Going at night will give you a breathtaking panorama of the city lights and the Dallas skyline! 

Day 2: Dallas Zoo, Museum at Dealey Plaza, Downtown Dallas

The Dallas Zoo spans 106 acres and is an all-day event! Most visitors cover it in about 6 hours (stopping to eat, drink, etc.), but it can be done quicker for your Dallas itinerary for families. However, if you move too quickly through the zoo, you’ll likely miss out on some of the 2,000 animals. Granted, the layout of the zoo is so well thought out, that it is difficult to miss anything!

Kids love to see the wide variety of animals in habitats that mimic their own in the wild, like the penguin, cheetah, or gorilla habitats. Of course, don’t forget about the lions! Afterward, kids can visit the climbing gym areas when they need some free time. 

Afternoon Activity: Downtown Dallas, Museum at Dealey Plaza

For lunch, explore one of the many family-friendly restaurants in downtown Dallas. Campisi’s is great for Italian food, or check out Sloane’s Corner for classic American burgers and diner fare. 

After, visit the Sixth Floor Museum At Dealey Plaza . Otherwise known as the JFK Museum, it’s located on the sixth floor of the Dallas County Administration Building at Dealey Plaza. Since the museum is dedicated to President John F. Kennedy and his assassination, we recommend it for children over twelve. Outside, adjacent to the plaza, you’ll find Grassy Knoll, a patch of grass marking the exact spot where Lee Harvey Oswald shot JFK. 

Evening Activity: Trinity Groves

That evening, families can check out Trinity Groves for dinner. This trendy marketplace has a variety of shops and restaurants, so everyone can choose what they want to eat. Plus, it has an amazing view of the Dallas Skyline! 

Day 3: Dallas Arboretum, White Rock Lake, Bath House Cultural Center

The Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden is a great place to spend a few hours with nature during your Dallas itinerary for families. Located next to White Rock Lake, this outdoor facility boasts acres upon acres of flowers, plants, and trees. Filled with stunning colors, smells, and natural wildlife like bees and butterflies, it’s a great place to take kids in strollers or kids who are old enough to walk next to their parents! 

There is even a section of the Dallas Arboretum designed specifically for kids too! At The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden , little ones can listen to a live science show, see a puppet performance, and more. Keep in mind that you need a reservation and extra tickets to gain entry into this beautiful location. 

Afternoon Activity: White Rock Lake

In the afternoon, bring a picnic lunch to White Rock Lake. There are several picnic areas around the lake where you can enjoy your meal. Then, you can spend the afternoon kayaking or paddleboarding on the lake. It’s a fun way to enjoy the outdoors on your Dallas itinerary for families and see the city from a different perspective! 

Evening: Dinner, Bath House Cultural Center

In the evening, you can visit one of the many places to eat in the area. Smoky Rose is famous for its brisket and delicious BBQ. Meanwhile, Lake House Bar & Grill has a nice patio to enjoy the weather. Then, the Bath House Cultural Center often has performances and exhibitions to enjoy during a Dallas itinerary for families.

Day 4: Day Trip

On the last day of your Dallas itinerary for families, take a day trip to a nearby destination. Forth Worth is a popular choice. Located roughly 30 min from Dallas, it’s a modern city founded in early 19th-century cowboy culture. Although walking around and visiting the old shops is a great way to spend time in Fort Worth, you can also take history in other locations.

For one, visit the Fort Worth Stockyards to glimpse at how the old cowboys lived. Kids will love people-watching at S undance Square to see the local culture. This downtown neighborhood is also ideal for shopping and dining. Located an hour south of Fort Worth, you can also visit Dinosaur Valley State Park . Kids can see real-life dinosaurs and learn about each one while roaming big open fields! 

Other popular day trips from Dallas include Grapevine. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad is home to a unique history and little craft shops run by the locals. You’ll see glass-blowing shops, clay art, and even stained-glass facilities! Arlington is also home to the Dallas Cowboys Stadium (AT&T Stadium) , where families can purchase tickets for a history-packed tour of the inside. Or, visit Cedar Hills State Park for chances to hike, bike, and more! 

For more day trip suggestions, read our article on the Best Things To Do In Dallas With Kids!  

Where to Stay Near Dallas With Kids

If you need somewhere to stay near Dallas with kids, we suggest the Fairmont Dallas , the Omni Dallas Hotel , or the Magnolia Downtown Dallas. All are located within convenient locations and feature family-friendly activities! Check out our list of the 16 Best Hotels In Dallas For Families ! 

Happy Travels! 

We hope you liked this 4-Day Dallas Itinerary For Families! From Dallas to Fort Worth, there’s so much to explore in the area with your kids. Enjoy your next family vacation to Dallas!

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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