Hanoi, Vietnam-5-day-itinerary

Hanoi, Vietnam - 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Old Quarter

  • Morning: Start your day at Hoan Kiem Lake (Turtle Lake), a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the lake. The temple is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
  • 10:30 AM: Walk through the Old Quarter, exploring the narrow streets and alleys filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • 12:30 PM: Have lunch at Bun Cha Ca La Vong (36 Hang Non), a local restaurant serving delicious bun cha (grilled pork served with rice noodles) for around 100,000 VND ($4.50 USD).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Dong Xuan Market, a bustling marketplace selling everything from souvenirs to fresh produce.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan), a popular restaurant serving some of the best pho in Hanoi for around 30,000 VND ($1.50 USD).

Day 2: History and Culture

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the former president’s embalmed body is on display. The mausoleum is a must-visit for any history buff or curious traveler.
  • 10:30 AM: Stop by the Presidential Palace, the official residence of the President of Vietnam. Take a stroll around the grounds and admire the beautiful gardens.
  • 12:00 PM: Have lunch at Com Tam Ba Dat (44 Hang Trong), a restaurant serving delicious com tam (broken rice) for around 50,000 VND ($2.25 USD).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the culture and traditions of Vietnam’s many ethnic groups.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long (14 Hang Son), a restaurant serving delicious cha ca (grilled fish) for around 100,000 VND ($4.50 USD).

Day 3: Markets and Shopping

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the famous Dong Xuan Market (1 Dong Xuan Street), where you can find everything from souvenirs to fresh produce.
  • 10:30 AM: Stop by the Old Quarter’s shopping streets, such as Hang Gai and Hang Dao, which offer a wide range of goods, including silk, pottery, and local handicrafts.
  • 12:00 PM: Have lunch at Banh Cuon Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan), a restaurant serving delicious banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) for around 20,000 VND ($0.90 USD).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Long Bien Market, which offers a wide range of fresh produce and seafood.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Banh Xeo Muoi Xiem (14 Hang Son), a restaurant serving delicious banh xeo (sizzling pancake) for around 50,000 VND ($2.25 USD).

Day 4: Nature and Relaxation

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Tay Ho Lake, a peaceful oasis on the outskirts of Hanoi.
  • 10:30 AM: Stop by the Truc Bach Lake, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
  • 12:00 PM: Have lunch at Bun Cha Ca La Vong (36 Hang Non), a restaurant serving delicious bun cha for around 100,000 VND ($4.50 USD).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam Temple, which is dedicated to Confucius and offers beautiful gardens.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan), a restaurant serving some of the best pho in Hanoi for around 30,000 VND ($1.50 USD).

Day 5: Last-Minute Shopping

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Old Quarter’s shopping streets, such as Hang Gai and Hang Dao, which offer a wide range of goods.
  • 10:30 AM: Stop by the Dong Xuan Market, where you can find everything from souvenirs to fresh produce.
  • 12:00 PM: Have lunch at Banh Cuon Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan), a restaurant serving delicious banh cuon for around 20,000 VND ($0.90 USD).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Long Bien Market, which offers a wide range of fresh produce and seafood.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long (14 Hang Son), a restaurant serving delicious cha ca for around 100,000 VND ($4.50 USD).

Other Tips:

  • Hanoi is generally a safe city, but be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.
  • Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases to communicate with locals and show respect for the culture.
  • Haggle politely when shopping at markets or from street vendors.
  • Try local food and drinks, such as bun cha, pho, banh xeo, and ca phe sua da (coffee with milk foam).
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and historical sites.

Transportation:

  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street. Make sure to use reputable companies like Vinasun or Mai Linh.
  • Motorbike rental: Rent a motorbike for around 100,000 VND ($4.50 USD) per day to explore the city and surrounding areas.
  • Public transportation: Use buses and taxis to get around the city.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel: Stay at a mid-range hotel like the Hanoi Backpackers’ Hostel or the Artisan Boutique Hotel for around 200,000 VND ($9 USD) per night.
  • Guesthouse: Rent a room at a local guesthouse for around 100,000 VND ($4.50 USD) per night.

Budget:

  • Food: Eat at local restaurants and street vendors for around 20,000 - 50,000 VND ($0.90 - $2.25 USD) per meal.
  • Transportation: Use taxis or motorbike rentals for around 10,000 - 100,000 VND ($0.45 - $4.50 USD) per ride or day.
  • Accommodation: Stay at mid-range hotels or guesthouses for around 200,000 - 500,000 VND ($9 - $22.50 USD) per night.

I hope you enjoy your time in Hanoi!