Hanoi 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Hanoi

Day 1: History & Culture

  1. Morning:

    • Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Bánh Căn Gia Truyền (24 Pho Hang Ga). Try the popular dish, Bánh Căn, a type of savory rice pancake.
    • Visit the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake (1 Hoan Kiem), take a leisurely walk around the lake and see the turtles at the Tortoise Tower.

  2. Afternoon:

    • Explore Temple of Literature (54 Quoc Tu Giam). This is Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1076.
    • Wander through Hochiminh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda (11 Bau Trang), a unique Buddhist structure built in the shape of a lotus flower.

  3. Evening:

    • Experience the bustling atmosphere of Dong Xuan Market (66 Hang Dong). It’s a great place to buy souvenirs, local food, and experience the nightlife.
    • Savor a delicious dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu), famous for its Bun Cha, a traditional Vietnamese dish.

Day 2: Sightseeing & Local Life

  1. Morning:

    • Take a Cyclo tour around the Old Quarter. It’s an exciting way to explore and witness the local life.
    • Visit Hanoi Hilton (1 Hoa Lo), a former prison used by the French colonialists, and later by North Vietnam during the American War.

  2. Afternoon:

    • Explore Tran Quoc Pagoda (Tran Quoc Street) on the shores of West Lake. It’s one of the oldest temples in Hanoi.
    • Visit Tu Linh Spa (104 Yen Phu), relax and rejuvenate with traditional Vietnamese massage treatments.

  3. Evening:

    • Enjoy a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (57B Dinh Tien Hoang). It’s a unique cultural experience you can’t miss!
    • Savor dinner at La Teraza del Charco (31 Van Mieu), an Italian restaurant with a beautiful garden setting.

Day 3: Modern Hanoi & Departure

  1. Morning:

    • Visit the modern district of Cau Giay, home to many tech companies and startups. Don’t forget to check out the Vietnam National University of Agriculture (444 Kim Ma), a stunning campus with beautiful architecture.

  2. Afternoon:

    • Grab lunch at Giang Cafe (39 Nguyen Quang Bich). Try their famous Egg Coffee, a unique Hanoian invention.
    • Visit the Truc Bach Lake and take a boat trip to Tran Quoc Temple. It’s a peaceful way to end your journey in Hanoi.

  3. Evening:

    • Spend your last evening shopping for souvenirs, or simply stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake before your departure.

Things to Know:

  • Hanoi’s weather can be unpredictable. Always carry an umbrella and wear comfortable shoes.
  • Traffic in Hanoi is chaotic. Use Grab (the local version of Uber) or taxis for safe and easy transportation.
  • Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops but it’s always good to carry cash.
  • English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas, so learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases will be helpful.

Enjoy your trip to Hanoi!