Hanoi-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
  • Take a taxi or Grab to your hotel (~10-15 minutes, ~$5-7 USD)
  • Check-in at Hotel Metropole Hanoi (or similar) for 4 nights

Afternoon

  • Visit Hoan Kiem Lake (Turtle Lake), a popular spot for locals and tourists alike (~10,000 VND / ~$0.40 USD per person)
  • Walk to the nearby Ngoc Son Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao (~10,000 VND / ~$0.40 USD per person)
  • Explore the surrounding streets, including:
    • Old Quarter: a maze of narrow alleys and shops selling everything from souvenirs to street food
    • Hang Gai Street: known for its beautiful architecture and upscale shopping

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Cha Ca La Vong, a restaurant famous for its grilled fish (~100,000 VND / ~$4.20 USD per person)
  • Take a stroll around the Old Quarter to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife

Day 2: History and Culture

Morning

  • Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam’s founding father (free admission, but donations appreciated)
  • Explore the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, a historic temple built in 1049 (~10,000 VND / ~$0.40 USD per person)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Museum of Ethnology to learn about Vietnam’s diverse cultures (50,000 VND / ~$2.10 USD per person)
  • Enjoy lunch at Bún Cá, a restaurant serving delicious fish noodle soup (~40,000 VND / ~$1.70 USD per person)

Evening

  • Attend a Water Puppet Show, a traditional form of Vietnamese entertainment (~60,000 VND / ~$2.50 USD per person)
  • Enjoy dinner at KOTO, a restaurant supporting disadvantaged youth in Vietnam (~80,000 VND / ~$3.40 USD per person)

Day 3: Markets and Street Food

Morning

  • Visit Dong Xuan Market, one of Hanoi’s largest markets (free admission)
  • Explore the surrounding streets to sample street food and buy souvenirs

Afternoon

  • Visit Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Street, a pedestrian-only street in the heart of the Old Quarter (free admission)
  • Take a break at Cafe Pho Co, a cozy cafe serving excellent coffee (~20,000 VND / ~$0.80 USD per person)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Bún Chả Huong Lien, a restaurant famous for its grilled pork noodle soup (~60,000 VND / ~$2.50 USD per person)
  • Explore the night markets in the Old Quarter to buy souvenirs and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife

Day 4: Relaxation

Morning

  • Visit Temple of Literature, a historic temple dedicated to Confucius (~10,000 VND / ~$0.40 USD per person)
  • Take a stroll around the nearby Trang Tien Street, known for its beautiful architecture and upscale shopping

Afternoon

  • Treat yourself to a massage at Bodyworks Spa, a luxurious spa offering various treatments (~100,000 VND / ~$4.20 USD per person)
  • Enjoy lunch at KOTO, a restaurant supporting disadvantaged youth in Vietnam (~80,000 VND / ~$3.40 USD per person)

Evening

  • Attend a Traditional Music Performance, such as a performance by the Vietnamese National Opera (price varies depending on the event)
  • Enjoy dinner at Cha Ca La Vong, a restaurant famous for its grilled fish (~100,000 VND / ~$4.20 USD per person)

Things to Know

  • Language: Vietnamese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency, although US dollars are also accepted at many establishments.
  • Weather: Hanoi has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit is from March to May or September to November.
  • Safety: Hanoi is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Transportation

  • Taxi: Available throughout the city, but be sure to use reputable companies like Vinasun or Mai Linh.
  • Grab: A popular ride-hailing app in Vietnam, available for download on most smartphones.
  • Motorbike Rental: Available at various shops throughout the Old Quarter, but be aware of local traffic rules and road conditions.

Tips

  • Bargaining: Haggling is a normal part of shopping in markets and from street vendors. Be respectful and have fun with it!
  • Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples or cultural sites.
  • Learn Basic Vietnamese Phrases: Show your respect for the culture by learning basic phrases like “Xin chào” (hello), “Cảm ơn” (thank you), and “Tạm biệt” (goodbye).

Other Things to Do

  • Visit Hanoi’s many museums, such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or the National Museum of Vietnamese History.
  • Take a day trip to nearby destinations like Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh Province, or the Perfume Pagoda.
  • Explore Hanoi’s vibrant art scene by visiting galleries and studios throughout the city.

This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you may choose to modify it based on your personal preferences and interests. Have a wonderful time exploring Hanoi!