Hanoi-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Quarter

Morning

  • Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport and take a taxi or bus to your hotel in the Old Quarter (~30-40 minutes)
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
  • Visit the nearby Hoan Kiem Lake (15-minute walk) and explore the surrounding streets to get a feel for the city

Afternoon

  • Head to Hang Gai Street (5-minute walk) to try some local street food, such as banh mi or bun cha
  • Explore the Old Quarter’s narrow alleys and discover hidden gems, like traditional tea shops and artisan workshops

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner at Cha Ca La Vong, a local institution serving delicious fish dishes (10-minute walk)
  • Take a stroll around the lake and enjoy the evening atmosphere

Where to Stay

  • Hanoi Imperial Hotel: A comfortable and centrally-located hotel with modern amenities (~ $30/night)

Tips

  • Be mindful of motorbikes and pedestrians when walking in the Old Quarter’s narrow streets
  • Try to avoid eating at touristy restaurants and opt for local eateries instead

Day 2: Cultural Experiences

Morning

  • Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (10-minute taxi ride), a grand monument dedicated to Vietnam’s founding father
  • Explore the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, a historic temple with stunning architecture

Afternoon

  • Take a water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (15-minute walk) and enjoy this traditional Vietnamese art form
  • Visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum (10-minute walk), showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese massage at the Hanoi Heritage Massage (10-minute walk) to relax and unwind
  • Try some local street food, such as banh xeo or bun bo Hue, at Tong Duy Tan Street (5-minute walk)

Transportation

  • Taxi: Mai Linh or Vinasun taxi companies are reliable options (~ $3-5 per ride)
  • Walking: The Old Quarter is easily explorable on foot

Day 3: Day Trip to Ha Long Bay

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Ha Long Bay (3.5-hour drive), a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 1,600 limestone islands
  • Book a reputable tour operator, such as Hanoi Tourist, for a guided cruise and kayaking experience (~ $60-80 per person)

Afternoon

  • Enjoy a seafood lunch on board and take in the breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay
  • Visit Sung Sot Cave (optional), a massive limestone cave with stunning formations

Evening

  • Return to Hanoi in the evening and enjoy a street food dinner at Bun Cha Ta, serving delicious grilled pork and rice noodles (10-minute walk)

Tips

  • Book your Ha Long Bay tour in advance to ensure availability
  • Be prepared for crowds and long bus rides during peak season

Day 4: Local Markets and Cuisine

Morning

  • Visit the Dong Xuan Market (10-minute walk), a bustling local market selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs
  • Explore the nearby Hang Be Market, offering a wide range of goods, including clothing and accessories

Afternoon

  • Take a cooking class at the Hanoi Cooking Centre (15-minute taxi ride) and learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes (~ $30-40 per person)
  • Visit the Egg Coffee Shop, a quirky cafe serving coffee made with egg yolks (10-minute walk)

Evening

  • Enjoy a dinner at KOTO (10-minute taxi ride), a restaurant serving modern Vietnamese cuisine and supporting local youth education projects
  • Explore the Tay Ho Night Market (20-minute taxi ride), offering a range of goods, food, and drinks

Tips

  • Be prepared to haggle at local markets
  • Try new foods and flavors, but ensure food safety by eating at reputable establishments

Day 5: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Check-out of your hotel and take a taxi or bus to Noi Bai International Airport (~30-40 minutes)

Tips

  • Leave ample time for airport procedures and potential traffic congestion
  • Consider booking a private car transfer for convenience (~ $20-30 per person)

Additional Tips

  • Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND) as its currency, with an exchange rate of approximately 1 USD 23,000 VND
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am and 4-6 pm) to minimize traffic congestion
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples or pagodas

This itinerary provides a mix of cultural experiences, delicious food, and stunning natural beauty. Enjoy your trip to Hanoi!