Hanoi 2 Day Itinerary

Hanoi 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Start your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can pay respects to Vietnam’s beloved leader.
  • One Pillar Pagoda: Take a short walk to the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic temple with a unique architecture.

Afternoon (1:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

  • Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong: Try some delicious Vietnamese cuisine at Cha Ca La Vong, a local restaurant serving traditional dishes like grilled fish and noodles.
  • Old Quarter Walking Tour: Explore the bustling Old Quarter, taking in the sights and sounds of the narrow streets and alleys. Visit the Dong Xuan Market for a taste of local shopping.

Evening (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

  • Water Puppet Show: Catch a traditional Water Puppet Show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a unique and entertaining experience.
  • Dinner at Highway4: Enjoy dinner at Highway4, a modern Vietnamese restaurant with a focus on using fresh, local ingredients.

Day 2:

Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)

  • Hanoi Opera House: Take a stroll around the beautiful Hanoi Opera House, an example of French colonial architecture.
  • Hoan Kiem Lake: Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Take a walk around the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple.

Afternoon (1:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

  • Lunch at Banh Mi 25: Try some delicious banh mi at Banh Mi 25, a popular spot for this Vietnamese sandwich.
  • Vietnamese Museum of Ethnology: Visit the Vietnamese Museum of Ethnology to learn about Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

Evening (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

  • Dinner at Xoi Yen: Enjoy dinner at Xoi Yen, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese dishes.
  • Explore the Night Market: End your day with a visit to the Hanoi Night Market, where you can find local souvenirs and try some street food.

Where to Stay:

  • Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa: A comfortable hotel located in the heart of the Old Quarter, offering a range of rooms and suites.
  • Hanoi Golden Moon Hotel: A boutique hotel with modern amenities and a rooftop bar overlooking the city.

Transportation:

  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but make sure to use reputable companies like Vinasun or Mai Linh.
  • Grab Bike: A convenient way to get around the city, especially for shorter distances.
  • Walking: Hanoi is a walkable city, and exploring on foot is a great way to discover its hidden gems.

Things to Know:

  • Dress Modestly: Dress conservatively when visiting temples and mausoleums.
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Hanoi can be busy, especially in the Old Quarter. Be patient and prepared for crowds.
  • Learn Some Vietnamese Phrases: Greet locals with a smile and some basic Vietnamese phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you).

Tips:

  • Bargain at Markets: Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices at markets and shops.
  • Try Local Food: Be adventurous and try local street food, like bun cha or banh xeo.
  • Respect Local Customs: Remove your shoes when entering temples or homes, and avoid public displays of affection.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Cooking Classes: Take a cooking class to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine.
  • Day Trips: Consider taking a day trip to nearby destinations like Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh.
  • Markets: Visit other markets like the Quang Ba Market or the Chau Long Market for a taste of local shopping.