Hanoi, Vietnam 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Old Quarter

  • Morning: Check-in at your hotel in the Old Quarter. Some recommended hotels include Hotel De l’Opera Hanoi, Silverland Jade Hotel or Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa.
  • Lunch: Visit Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama Bun Cha) for a taste of Vietnam’s famous dish, Bun Cha.
  • Afternoon: Stroll around the bustling Old Quarter and visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and Dong Xuan Market.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
  • Transportation: Walking is the best way to explore the Old Quarter. Grab (Vietnam’s version of Uber) or taxis are also available.

Day 2: Museums and Bat Trang Pottery Village

  • Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts, and the One Pillar Pagoda.
  • Lunch: Savor traditional Vietnamese food at Quan An Ngon.
  • Afternoon: Head to Bat Trang Pottery Village (outside Hanoi) to witness pottery making and buy unique souvenirs.
  • Evening: Explore Ta Hien Beer Street for some local beer and snacks.

Day 3: Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison

  • Morning: Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and learn about Vietnamese education history.
  • Lunch: Savor delicious Pho at Bun Cha Dac Kim.
  • Afternoon: Explore Hoa Lo Prison (nicknamed “Hanoi Hilton”) to learn about Vietnam War history.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese Bai Choi performance and dinner at Cha Ca La Vong in the Old Quarter.

Day 4: Halong Bay Day Trip

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Halong Bay (book a tour in advance). Spend the morning cruising around the beautiful bay, visiting caves, and swimming.
  • Lunch: Lunch will be served on the boat during your Halong Bay cruise.
  • Afternoon: Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
  • Dinner: Have a farewell dinner at Lotteria (Vietnamese fast food chain) or Pizza 4Ps for a change of pace.

Things to Know:

  1. Hanoi can be hot and humid, so pack lightweight clothing.
  2. Bargain when shopping in markets.
  3. Always carry small bills as many vendors don’t have change.
  4. Respect local customs and traditions.
  5. Traffic in Hanoi can be chaotic, so be careful when crossing the street.
  6. Tipping is not expected but appreciated in restaurants and for tour guides.
  7. Vietnam uses Vietnamese Dong (VND). Exchange your currency at a reputable exchange office or ATM.

Transportation:

  1. Grab and taxis are widely available, but be aware of scams. Use a reputable taxi company or download the Grab app.
  2. Motorbike taxis can be faster during traffic jams, but they’re riskier. Always negotiate the price before hopping on.
  3. Buses are affordable but may not always stop where you want them to. Be prepared to walk a bit.