Hanoi, Vietnam-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore Old Quarter

  • Morning: Start your day at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (8am-11am), a grand monument dedicated to the father of Vietnamese independence. Be respectful of the site and dress modestly.
    • Getting there: Taxi or bus number 9 from the city center
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby One Pillar Pagoda (10am-12pm), a historic temple with stunning architecture.
    • Getting there: Walk from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or take a taxi
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Vietnamese street food at Bat Dan Street, especially at Pho Gia Truyen (try their famous pho noodle soup) and Banh Cuon Ba Hoa (delicious steamed rice rolls).
    • Getting there: Walk from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or take a taxi
  • Accommodation: Stay at the charming Hanoi Backpackers Hostel in the Old Quarter for an affordable price (starts from $10 per night).
  • Things to know:
    • Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
    • Bring sun protection and sunscreen.
    • Don’t eat at restaurants with low TripAdvisor ratings.
  • Tips: Try to avoid walking alone at night, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.

Day 2: Explore Imperial Citadel

  • Morning: Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (9am-11am), a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Vietnamese history and culture.
    • Getting there: Bus number 22 or taxi from the city center
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Dong Xuan Market (10am-12pm) for local goods, souvenirs, and street food.
    • Getting there: Walk from Imperial Citadel of Thang Long or take a taxi
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Badiane, a French-Vietnamese restaurant with delicious dishes like duck confit and spring rolls (starts from $10 per meal).
    • Getting there: Taxi from Dong Xuan Market
  • Accommodation: Upgrade to the luxury Hotel de la Lune for a comfortable stay (starts from $50 per night).
  • Things to know:
    • Respect local customs when visiting the Imperial Citadel.
    • Don’t miss trying street food at Dong Xuan Market.
  • Tips: Ask your hotel staff for recommendations on what to see and do in Hanoi.

Day 3: Day Trip to Ha Long Bay

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Ha Long Bay (8am-5pm), a stunning natural wonder with thousands of limestone islands and emerald waters.
    • Getting there: Drive from Hanoi (about 1.5 hours) or take a bus tour
  • Afternoon: Enjoy kayaking, swimming, or simply taking in the breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay.
    • Getting there: Onboard a boat tour
  • Evening: Return to Hanoi and enjoy dinner at KOTO Restaurant, a social enterprise serving modern Vietnamese cuisine (starts from $15 per meal).
    • Getting there: Taxi from Ha Long Bay
  • Accommodation: Stay at the Hotel D’Vin for a cozy night’s sleep (starts from $25 per night).
  • Things to know:
    • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
    • Don’t forget your camera.
    • Be prepared for crowds during peak season.
  • Tips: Book your Ha Long Bay tour in advance to ensure availability.

Day 4: Relaxation

  • Morning: Treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage at Bliss Spa (9am-12pm), a serene oasis amidst the bustling city.
    • Getting there: Taxi from Old Quarter
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy Tay Ho neighborhood, known for its shopping centers and cafes.
    • Getting there: Bus number 10 or taxi from Old Quarter
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Café Pho Co, a cozy spot serving delicious Vietnamese coffee and pho noodle soup (starts from $5 per meal).
    • Getting there: Walk from Tay Ho neighborhood
  • Accommodation: Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight.
  • Things to know:
    • Don’t miss trying a traditional Vietnamese coffee at Café Pho Co.
    • Be prepared for crowded streets during peak season.
  • Tips: Make sure to try some of Hanoi’s famous egg coffee!

Useful Links

Language: Vietnamese, but many locals speak English.

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND), although USD is widely accepted.

Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November).

Have a wonderful trip to Hanoi!