Hanoi 7 Day Itinerary
7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Hanoi, Vietnam
Day 1: Arrival & Settling In
- Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Ciputra Hanoi or Hanoi La Siesta Premium Hotel & Spa for a comfortable base.
- Activities: Settle into your hotel and rest after the journey. In the evening, stroll around the Old Quarter to get a feel for Hanoi’s vibrant streets.
Day 2: Explore the Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake
- Breakfast: Start your day with a bowl of Pho at Bun Cha Huong Lien, famous for being Barack Obama’s favorite eatery in Hanoi.
- Activities: Visit the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, explore Dong Xuan Market, and take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. Don’t miss the Tortoise Tower and Ngoc Son Temple.
Day 3: History & Culture
- Breakfast: Try a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Cha Ca La Vong, famous for grilled fish in turmeric sauce.
- Activities: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university. In the afternoon, explore the Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake.
Day 4: Museum & Art Appreciation
- Breakfast: Have breakfast at a local café like Café Pho Co or Café Giang.
- Activities: Spend the day visiting museums such as the Museum of Ethnology and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum to learn about Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.
Day 5: Day Trip to Ninh Binh
- Breakfast: Early morning departure to Ninh Binh, a beautiful rural region nicknamed “Halong Bay on Land.”
- Activities: Explore Trang An Grottoes by boat, visit the temples at Bai Dinh Pagoda, and take in the stunning landscapes of Tam Coc.
Day 6: Street Food Tour & Night Market
- Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a street food tour to discover Hanoi’s culinary delights. Hanoi Street Food Tours offers excellent experiences.
- Activities: In the evening, visit the Dong Xuan Night Market for shopping and more local food experiences.
Day 7: Departure
- Breakfast: Have one last delicious Vietnamese breakfast at your hotel or a favorite spot from your stay in Hanoi.
- Activities: Spend the morning at leisure before heading to the airport for your departure.
Transportation: Taxis are readily available, but motorbike taxis (Grab) can be more convenient and cheaper for shorter trips. You can also use buses for longer journeys.
Tips: Hanoi’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and a light raincoat. Always carry cash, as some smaller businesses may not accept cards. Negotiate prices when taking motorbike taxis and always agree on a price before starting the journey.