Hanoi 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Hanoi, Vietnam

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

  • Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport. Use taxis or pre-booked car services for hassle-free travel.
  • Check-in at your hotel. Recommended areas to stay: Old Quarter, Tay Ho District, and Ba Dinh District. (Examples: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Silk Hotel & Spa, La Siesta Premium Hanoi)
  • Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien or Bun Cha Dac Kim. These are the famous bún chả restaurants where President Obama dined.
  • Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. A peaceful spot to unwind after your journey and experience a bit of Hanoi’s history.
  • Explore the Old Quarter. Get lost in its charming streets filled with local shops, eateries, and vibrant culture.
  • Dinner at KOTO or Cha Ca La Vong. KOTO is a restaurant that provides vocational training to disadvantaged youths, while Cha Ca La Vong offers a signature dish of grilled fish in turmeric broth.

Day 2: Historical & Cultural Exploration

  • Morning visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum. Remember to dress modestly (long pants and covered shoulders).
  • Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, and Tran Quoc Pagoda. These historical sites showcase Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Lunch at Bat Dan Street or Pho Gia Truyen for a traditional Vietnamese pho experience.
  • Afternoon visit to the Museum of Ethnology. Learn about the diverse ethnic groups in Vietnam.
  • Dinner and Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. An entertaining and educational experience showcasing Vietnamese folklore.

Day 3: Exploring Modern Hanoi & Local Markets

  • Morning visit to the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, Hoa Lo Prison, or the National History Museum. Choose based on personal interest.
  • Lunch at Hang Be Market or Dong Xuan Market. Both markets offer a variety of food stalls serving local specialties.
  • Afternoon visit to the West Lake area. Explore Truc Bach Lake, the Buddhist Trich Store Temple, and have a relaxing coffee at a café overlooking the lake.
  • Dinner at Cha Ca La La or Lam’s Seafood Restaurant. Both offer delicious seafood dishes with a view of West Lake.

Day 4: Day Trip to Ninh Binh (optional)

  • Early morning departure to Ninh Binh. Rent a car or join a group tour.
  • Visit Trang An Grottoes, Tam Coc, and Bai Dinh Pagoda. These sites offer breathtaking landscapes and rich historical significance.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant in Ninh Binh. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes with a scenic view.
  • Return to Hanoi in the evening.
  • Dinner at La Terrazza or Le Beaulieu for a taste of Western cuisine with a view of the city.

Day 5: Last Minutes & Departure

  • Morning visit to Bach Ma Temple or Tay Ho Village. If you haven’t visited these places yet, they offer calming environments and beautiful views.
  • Lunch at a restaurant serving your favorite Vietnamese dish from the past few days.
  • Prepare for departure. Depending on your flight time, spend some last moments exploring the city or shopping for souvenirs.
  • Head to Noi Bai International Airport for your departing flight.