Hanoi Vietnam 2 Day Itinerary

July 31, 2024

Here is a suggested 2-day itinerary for traveling in Hanoi, Vietnam:

Day 1:

Breakfast: Start your day at Café Pho Co, a popular spot for delicious Vietnamese coffee and traditional breakfast dishes like pho and banh mi.
Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (8:30 am - 9:30 am): Take a short taxi ride or walk to the mausoleum, where you can pay respects to Vietnam’s beloved leader. Be respectful of the guards and dress modestly.
Explore Ba Dinh Square (10am-11am): After visiting the mausoleum, take a stroll around the adjacent Ba Dinh Square, which features several monuments and memorials.

Try street food: Head to the famous Old Quarter, where you can find plenty of street food stalls serving delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Try some popular dishes like banh mi, bun cha, or goi cuon.
Lunch spot: Stop by Bún Chả Huong Liên for a mouth-watering bowl of bun cha and grilled pork.

Visit the Temple of Literature (2 pm - 3:30 pm): Take a short taxi ride or walk to this historic temple, which is dedicated to Confucius and features beautiful architecture and gardens.
Explore the Old Quarter: Spend some time wandering through the narrow streets and alleys of the Old Quarter, where you can find shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Relax at a café: Take a break and enjoy a coffee or snack at a café like Café des Arts, which features beautiful artwork and a cozy atmosphere.

Dinner: Try some traditional Vietnamese cuisine at KOTO restaurant, which supports the local community through job training programs.
Explore the night market: Visit the Night Market on Hang Bong Street, where you can find vendors selling everything from souvenirs to snacks.

Day 2:

Breakfast: Start your day at Café Pho Co again, or try some breakfast at Bakery & Café.
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum (9 am - 10:30 am): Take a short taxi ride or walk to this museum, which features exhibits on Vietnam’s history and culture.
Explore the French Quarter: Spend some time wandering through the charming streets of the French Quarter, where you can find shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Try more street food: Head back to the Old Quarter for lunch at a popular spot like Bún Chả Huong Liên again.
Lunch spot: Try some Vietnamese cuisine at Madam Hien, which features delicious dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

Visit the Ethnological Museum (2 pm - 3:30 pm): Take a short taxi ride or walk to this museum, which features exhibits on Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups.
Explore the city: Spend some time exploring other areas of Hanoi, such as the Trang Tien Plaza, where you can find shops and restaurants.

Dinner: Try some upscale Vietnamese cuisine at Maison M restaurant, which features delicious dishes in a beautiful setting.
Explore the city’s nightlife: Visit the Bac Ha Street, where you can find bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Transportation

The best way to get around Hanoi is by taxi or ride-hailing services like Grab. You can also take public buses or cyclos for a more local experience.
Be aware that traffic in Hanoi can be congested during rush hour (7-9 am and 4-6 pm).

Tips

Dress modestly: When visiting temples or mausoleums, dress modestly to show respect.
Learn some Vietnamese phrases: Try learning a few basic phrases like “xem” (see), “nghe” (hear), and “chào” (hello) to interact with locals.
Bargain at markets: When shopping at markets or from street vendors, be prepared to bargain prices.

Accommodation

Some popular hotels in Hanoi include:

Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi MGallery Collection: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of the French Quarter.
Sheraton Hanoi Hotel: A 5-star hotel featuring beautiful gardens and a spa.
Hanoi Hotel: A budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a convenient location.

Safety