Hanoi-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

  • Morning: Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or bus (around $5-$10) to your accommodation
  • Accommodation: Check-in at Sunny Garden Hotel (3-star, around $20/night)
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Vietnamese street food at Pho 10
    • Address: 7 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
    • Price: Around $5-$10 per meal
  • Afternoon: Explore the Old Quarter and get lost in its narrow streets
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
    • Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Tay Ho, Hanoi
    • Price: Around $5-$10 per ticket

Things to know:

  • Always bargain when shopping in markets or from street vendors
  • Try to learn some basic Vietnamese phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you)
  • Be prepared for crowds and noise in the Old Quarter

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace

  • Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
    • Address: Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
    • Price: Free admission (but dress modestly)
    • Note: The mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays
  • Afternoon: Explore the Presidential Palace and its surrounding gardens
    • Address: 1 Ho Chi Minh, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
    • Price: Around $5-$10 per person
  • Lunch: Try some local Vietnamese cuisine at Cha Ca La Vong
    • Address: 14 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
    • Price: Around $10-$20 per meal
  • Evening: Take a stroll along the Long Bien Bridge and enjoy the sunset

Things to know:

  • The mausoleum is a sacred site for Vietnamese people; dress modestly and be respectful of the surroundings
  • Try to visit the Presidential Palace early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds

Day 3: Temple of Literature and Museum of Ethnology

  • Morning: Visit the Temple of Literature, a historic Confucian temple dedicated to education
    • Address: Quoc Tu Giam Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
    • Price: Around $5-$10 per person
  • Afternoon: Explore the Museum of Ethnology, which showcases Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage
    • Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Cau Giay District, Hanoi
    • Price: Around $10-$20 per person
  • Lunch: Try some street food at Bún Chả Huong Lien
    • Address: 31 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
    • Price: Around $5-$10 per meal
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner at Madam Hien
    • Address: 14 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
    • Price: Around $20-$50 per person

Things to know:

  • The Temple of Literature is a sacred site for Vietnamese people; dress modestly and be respectful of the surroundings
  • Try to visit the Museum of Ethnology early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds

Day 4: Ha Long Bay

  • Morning: Take an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Afternoon: Explore the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay
  • Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner on board and watch the sunset

Things to know:

  • Try to book a cruise with a reputable operator to ensure safety and quality service
  • Be prepared for crowds and noise in Ha Long Bay, especially during peak season

Day 5: Ninh Binh

  • Morning: Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the nearby Trang An Grottoes
  • Afternoon: Explore the scenic countryside of Ninh Binh and visit a local farm
  • Lunch: Try some local Vietnamese cuisine at Ninh Binh Restaurant
    • Address: 23 Ly Thuong Kiet, Ninh Binh City, Ninh Binh Province
    • Price: Around $10-$20 per meal

Things to know:

  • Try to visit Ninh Binh early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting rural areas

Day 6: Departure from Hanoi

  • Morning: Check-out from your accommodation and head back to Noi Bai International Airport
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or bus (around $5-$10) to the airport
  • Departure: Fly out of Vietnam, bringing with you memories of this incredible country!

Things to know:

  • Always check-in for your flight online before arriving at the airport
  • Be prepared for crowds and noise in the airport terminal