Hanoi Vietnam 3 Day Itinerary

August 1, 2024

Day 1: Explore Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

9:00 am: Start the day at Dong Xuan Market (12 Hang Dao St) for a local shopping experience. You can find everything from souvenirs to clothes to street food.
10:00 am: Walk to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (19 Ba Dinh Sq), where you can pay respects to the former president of Vietnam.
11:30 am: Visit the Presidential Palace, which now serves as a museum showcasing Vietnamese history and culture.
1:00 pm: Lunch at Madam Hien (54 Hang Be St) for delicious traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Try their famous Pho or Banh Cuon dishes!
2:30 pm: Explore the Old Quarter’s narrow streets, visiting the iconic Ngoc Son Temple (19 Hoan Kiem Lake St).
4:00 pm: Visit the nearby Bach Ma Temple (42 Nguyen Thai Hoc St) for a glimpse into Vietnam’s spiritual heritage.
6:00 pm: Enjoy street food at Binh Minh (17 Hang Non St), where you can try grilled pork and other local specialties.

Accommodation

Hotel Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (15 Ngo Quyen St) offers luxurious accommodations in the heart of Old Quarter.
Hanoi Backpackers’ Hostel (10 Ma May St) provides affordable dormitory-style accommodations for backpackers and travelers on a budget.

Transportation

Taxi: Available at most hotels and major intersections. Cost around 10,000-20,000 VND ($0.50-$1 USD) per ride.
Motorbike taxi (Xe Om): A convenient way to get around the city. Cost around 5,000-10,000 VND ($0.25-$0.50 USD) per ride.
Walking: The best way to explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter!

Things to know

Weather: Hanoi can be hot and humid during summer (June-August), while winter months (December-February) are cool and pleasant.
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). USD is widely accepted, but you’ll get a better exchange rate at banks or currency exchange offices.
Language: Vietnamese is the official language. Many locals speak English, especially those in tourism industry.

Tips

Bargain: When shopping at markets or from street vendors, be prepared to negotiate prices.
Respect local customs: Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering temples or homes.
Stay hydrated: Bring water and snacks with you throughout the day.

Day 2: Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Temple of Literature

9:00 am: Visit the famous Hoan Kiem Lake (Ngoc Son Temple), where locals come to exercise, socialize, or simply enjoy the scenery.
10:30 am: Take a stroll around the lake’s walking path, which offers beautiful views of Hanoi’s architecture and bustling streets.
12:00 pm: Lunch at KOTO (59 Ly Quoc Su St), a restaurant that supports local artisans and farmers. Try their delicious Vietnamese cuisine!
1:30 pm: Visit the Temple of Literature (58 Quoc Tu Giam St), where you can learn about Vietnam’s literary heritage and admire beautiful architecture.
3:00 pm: Explore the nearby Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases Hanoi’s rich history.
5:00 pm: Enjoy street food at Cay Mep (14 Hang Be St), where you can try grilled pork or other local specialties.

Day 3: Explore West Lake and Trinh Cong Son

9:00 am: Visit the beautiful West Lake (Tran Quoc Pagoda), which offers stunning views of Hanoi’s skyline.
10:30 am: Take a walk around the lake’s walking path, visiting the nearby Tran Quoc Pagoda for some peaceful moments.
12:00 pm: Lunch at Anh Dao (24 Ly Tu Trong St), where you can try traditional Vietnamese cuisine and enjoy stunning views of West Lake.
1:30 pm: Visit the nearby Trinh Cong Son, a museum showcasing Hanoi’s art and cultural heritage.
3:00 pm: Return to your accommodation for some rest or further exploration.

Additional tips

Learn basic Vietnamese phrases: Show respect by learning basic words like “Xin chào” (hello), “Cảm ơn” (thank you), and “Tạm biệt” (goodbye).
Be patient with traffic: Hanoi’s streets can be chaotic, so be prepared for crowds and traffic jams.
Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples or homes, and remove shoes when entering sacred spaces.

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