Hanoi 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Hanoi’s Rich History and Vibrant Culture

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Breakfast Club (24 Liên Hương, Hoàn Kiếm) - A popular spot for Western-style breakfast.
  • Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum (19 Ngọc Ha, Ba Đình) - Respect the father of modern Vietnam. Remember to dress modestly. The mausoleum is closed on Fridays and from late October to early November for renovation.
  • Visit Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts (1 Ngọc Ha, Ba Đình) - A simple house where the president lived for nearly two decades.
  • One Pillar Pagoda (1 Phúng Khánh, Ba Đình) - An iconic Buddhist temple dating back to the Ly Dynasty.

Lunch:

  • Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Lê Văn Hưu, Hoàn Kiếm) - Famous bún chả restaurant that President Obama visited with Anthony Bourdain.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Temple of Literature (54 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da) - Vietnam’s first university, dating back to 1076.
  • Take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple.
  • Explore the Old Quarter - A bustling area filled with narrow streets selling everything from clothing to electronics.

Dinner:

  • Street Food Tour (Dong Xuan Market Area) - Experience Hanoi’s delicious street food scene, guided by a local.

Evening:

  • Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (57b Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem) - A traditional Vietnamese art form dating back nearly a thousand years.

Nightlife:

  • Bia Hoi Corner (21 Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoàn Kiếm) - Enjoy cheap beer and snacks at this popular spot.

Accommodation:

  • Hanoi La Siesta Premier Hotel & Spa (58 Ma May, Hoan Kiem) - A highly-rated 4-star hotel in the heart of Hanoi.
  • The Hanoi Club Hotel (19 Pho Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem) - A trendy boutique hotel with a rooftop bar offering great city views.

Day 2: Discovering Hanoi’s Charm and Modern Side

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Cafe Pho Co (11 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem) - Try a bowl of pho for breakfast.
  • Visit the Museum of Ethnology (Quán Cáo, Nguyễn Văn Bội, Trúc Bạch) - Learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
  • Visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum (36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Ba Dinh) - Gain insights into the role and status of women in Vietnamese society.

Lunch:

  • Quán An Ngon (18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem) - Enjoy a variety of Vietnamese dishes under one roof.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda - Relax by the lake and visit this ancient Buddhist pagoda.
  • Shopping at Vincom Mega Mall (191 Dao Tan, Ba Dinh) - A modern shopping mall with a wide range of international brands.

Dinner:

  • Ly Quoc Su Temple Vegetarian Restaurant (107 Ma May, Hoan Kiem) - Try some delicious vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine.

Evening:

  • Cyclo Tour - Explore the city by cyclo (a three-wheeled vehicle similar to a rickshaw). It’s a great way to see the sights and interact with locals.

Tips:

  • Bargain when shopping in the Old Quarter.
  • Be aware of motorbike taxis offering you a ride without agreeing on a price first.
  • Carry small bills for transactions, as change may not always be available.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Have fun and enjoy your stay in Hanoi!