Hanoi-7-day-itinerary

August 4, 2024

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Morning: Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and take a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel. Check-in to your hotel and freshen up.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a grand monument dedicated to Vietnam’s beloved leader. Take a stroll around the adjacent Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple.
Evening: Head to Old Quarter (36 Hang Trong St) for dinner and exploration. Try some traditional Vietnamese street food at stalls like Vietnam Food Tours or Street Food Tour Hanoi. Be sure to try some fresh fruit smoothies and delicious banh mi sandwiches!

Hanoi Backpackers’ Hostel: A social and affordable option for solo travelers.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi: A luxurious 5-star hotel with elegant decor.

Weather: Hanoi’s weather is pleasant, but can be quite hot in the summer months (June-August). Pack accordingly!
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.
Language: Vietnamese and English are both official languages.

Day 2: Imperial Hanoi

Morning: Visit the Temple of Literature, a historic Confucian temple dedicated to education and literature.
Afternoon: Explore the Hanoi Citadel, a complex of ancient imperial buildings, including the Forbidden City.
Evening: Enjoy traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Try some street food and drinks in the nearby area.

Cooking Class: Learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes with a cooking class at Hanoi Cooking Centre or Vietnam Kitchen.
Cycling Tour: Explore Hanoi’s scenic streets on a cycling tour with Hanoi Cycling Tours or Vietnam Bike Tours.

Taxi: Convenient and relatively affordable, but be prepared for traffic jams!
Motorbike Taxi: A fun and adventurous way to get around the city. Just be sure to wear protective gear!

Day 3: Day Trip to Ha Long Bay

Morning: Take a bus or private car to Ha Long Bay, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of limestone islands.
Afternoon: Explore the bay by boat, visiting caves and grottos, and enjoying lunch on board. Try some seafood at Sunrise Restaurant or Bai Chay Restaurant.

Emeralda Resort Ha Long: A luxurious 5-star resort with stunning views of the bay.
Hanoi Backpackers’ Hostel: Also offers dorms for budget-conscious travelers.

Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable weather in Ha Long Bay. Bring a waterproof jacket!
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is still the local currency, but US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.
Language: Vietnamese and English are both official languages.

Day 4: Explore Hanoi’s Markets

Morning: Visit the bustling Old Quarter Market, a treasure trove of souvenirs, crafts, and local goods.
Afternoon: Explore the Dong Xuan Market, a massive complex featuring fresh produce, meats, and household items.

Biking Tour: Explore Hanoi’s scenic streets on a guided biking tour with Hanoi Cycling Tours or Vietnam Bike Tours.
Cooking Class: Learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes with a cooking class at Hanoi Cooking Centre or Vietnam Kitchen.

Taxi: Convenient and relatively affordable, but be prepared for traffic jams!
Motorbike Taxi: A fun and adventurous way to get around the city. Just be sure to wear protective gear!

Day 5: Explore Hanoi’s Waterfront

Morning: Visit the scenic West Lake (Ho Tay), a large lake offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
Afternoon: Take a boat ride on the lake and explore the nearby temples and gardens.

Hanoi Backpackers’ Hostel: A social and affordable option for solo travelers.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi: A luxurious 5-star hotel with elegant decor.

Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable weather in Hanoi. Bring a waterproof jacket!
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is still the local currency, but US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.
Language: Vietnamese and English are both official languages.

Day 6: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

Morning: Take a bus or private car to Ninh Binh, a scenic province featuring ancient temples and caves.
Afternoon: Explore the stunning Tam Coc, a picturesque village surrounded by limestone karsts.

Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh: A luxurious 5-star resort with stunning views of the surrounding area.
Hanoi Backpackers’ Hostel: Also offers dorms for budget-conscious travelers.

Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable weather in Ninh Binh. Bring a waterproof jacket!
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is still the local currency, but US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.
Language: Vietnamese and English are both official languages.

Day 7: Last Day in Hanoi

Morning: Spend some time exploring Hanoi’s markets and shopping for souvenirs.
Afternoon: Visit any last-minute attractions or enjoy a farewell dinner at your favorite restaurant.

Cooking Class: Learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes with a cooking class at Hanoi Cooking Centre or Vietnam Kitchen.
Cycling Tour: Explore Hanoi’s scenic streets on a cycling tour with Hanoi Cycling Tours or Vietnam Bike Tours.

Taxi: Convenient and relatively affordable, but be prepared for traffic jams!
Motorbike Taxi: A fun and adventurous way to get around the city. Just be sure to wear protective gear!

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Hanoi!