Hanoi, Vietnam-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport and take a taxi or bus to your hotel.
  • Check-in at Sunny Garden Hotel, a cozy hotel in the heart of Hanoi.

Afternoon

  • Visit the nearby Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Stilt House, and the Presidential Palace.
  • Explore the beautiful Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius, Vietnam’s first university, and a symbol of education in Vietnam.

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Vietnamese street food at Xoi Yen, serving sticky rice desserts, including sweet coconut sticky rice and sweet corn sticky rice.
  • Wander through the lively streets of Old Quarter (36 Streets) for shopping and sightseeing.

Day 2: Historic Landmarks

Morning

  • Start your day with a visit to the stunning One Pillar Pagoda, a historic pagoda built in 1049 to commemorate an apparition of the Virgin Mary.
  • Visit the Hoan Kiem Lake (Restored Sword Lake) and Ngoc Son Temple, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, showcasing the rich diversity of Vietnam’s ethnic groups through their customs, traditions, and culture.
  • Stop by Bun Cha Huong Lien, a popular restaurant serving Vietnamese cuisine, especially bun cha (grilled pork served with rice noodles).

Evening

  • Visit Taiko Sushi & Grill, known for its delicious sushi and other Japanese dishes.
  • Enjoy the street performances and nightlife in Old Quarter.

Day 3: Cultural Experiences

Morning

  • Attend a traditional Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This ancient art form is a unique blend of music, dance, and theater.
  • Visit Hanoi Handicraft Association, where you can see artisans making local handicraft products like silk embroidery, woodcarving, and paper cutting.

Afternoon

  • Relax with a traditional Vietnamese massage at a spa in your hotel or nearby.
  • Visit Bakery & Café Moka, for some delicious coffee and baked goods.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Sojo Restaurant, serving creative international cuisine with Vietnamese twists.
  • Explore the trendy neighborhood of Tay Ho for a nightlife experience.

Day 4: Nature Escapes

Morning

  • Visit the Trinh Hoang Garden, offering a peaceful retreat from Hanoi’s bustling streets. You can walk, read, or simply enjoy nature here.
  • Take a short trip to Ba Vi National Park (about an hour away), featuring lush forests and natural springs.

Afternoon

  • Stop by Cafe Pho Co, which serves great coffee along with traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho.
  • Visit the Hanoi Botanical Garden, a serene escape in the heart of the city, featuring various plant species and walking trails.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Dinh Cafe, offering delicious Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy setting.
  • Explore the vibrant streets of Ta Hien for street food, cafes, and nightlife.

Day 5: Market Experiences

Morning

  • Visit the Old Quarter Market (also known as Dong Xuan Market) to experience local shopping. You can find everything from traditional clothing and handicrafts to fresh produce.
  • Stop by Cafe Pho Co again for some great coffee.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Thong Nhat Park, offering a peaceful escape with its lakes, gardens, and walking trails. You can also visit the nearby museum of Vietnamese art.
  • Enjoy traditional Vietnamese tea at Tea House La Badiane.

Evening

  • Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Ginza Hanoi, serving contemporary Japanese cuisine with a focus on sushi.
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife of Ta Hien Street.

Day 6: Local Life

Morning

  • Visit a local morning market in Tay Ho district to see and experience daily life. Here, you can find everything from fresh produce and flowers to fish and poultry.
  • Stop by Bakery & Café Moka for some delicious pastries.

Afternoon

  • Take a short trip to the nearby Van Phuc Silk Village (about an hour away), famous for its silk production. You can see artisans weaving and dying silk.
  • Enjoy traditional Vietnamese coffee at Cafe Pho Co.

Evening

  • Have dinner at Sojo Restaurant for more delicious international cuisine with a Vietnamese twist.
  • Explore the trendy bars in Tay Ho.

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend your last morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any places you missed earlier.
  • Check out of Sunny Garden Hotel and head to the airport for departure.

Transportation:

  • Taxi: The most convenient mode, but can be expensive. Make sure to agree on the fare beforehand.
  • Public Transport: Use bus services like Futa or Sapa Express Bus (about 40 minutes from Old Quarter), and then take a taxi or motorbike taxi for a short ride.
  • Motorbike Taxis: A cheap way to get around, but can be challenging in heavy traffic.

Tips:

  • Respect local customs and traditions. For example, dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas.
  • Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases like hello (xin chào), thank you (cảm ơn), and goodbye (tạm biệt).
  • Try the street food, but ensure it’s from a reputable vendor to avoid food poisoning.

Things to Know:

  • Vietnam uses the Dong currency. You can exchange your money at airports or banks, or use ATMs.
  • Internet services are readily available throughout Hanoi. Many cafes offer free Wi-Fi.
  • Weather in Hanoi is generally mild, but it can get cold during winter months (December to February).

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, and leisure activities for your visit to Hanoi, Vietnam. Enjoy your trip!