Hanoi 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Hanoi

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Old Quarter

  • Morning: Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport and take a taxi or bus to your hotel in the Old Quarter.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (opens from 8am to 11am) and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda. Explore the Old Quarter, wandering through the narrow streets and alleys, taking in the sights and sounds of local life.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

Where to Eat:

  • Bun Cha Huong Lien: Try delicious grilled pork and rice noodles at this popular local eatery.

Where to Stay:

  • Hanoi Old Quarter Hotel: A comfortable and centrally located hotel with friendly staff.

Day 2: Hanoi’s Cultural Heritage

  • Morning: Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Literature, a historic temple dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s rich literary heritage.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner at KOTO Restaurant, which supports local street children.

Transportation:

  • Use taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab or Go-Van for easy transportation around the city.

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Day Trip

  • Morning: Take an early bus or private car to Ha Long Bay (around 3.5 hours).
  • Afternoon: Cruise through the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.
  • Evening: Return to Hanoi in the evening and enjoy a street food dinner at Tong Duy Tan Street.

Tips:

  • Book your Ha Long Bay tour in advance to avoid crowds and ensure availability.
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes for the day trip.

Day 4: Local Markets and Coffee Culture

  • Morning: Visit the bustling Dong Xuan Market, where you can find everything from souvenirs to local snacks.
  • Afternoon: Explore Hanoi’s coffee culture at Cafe Pho Co or Cafe Giang, where you can try traditional Vietnamese coffee.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos at local markets, and bargain politely when shopping.
  • Vietnamese coffee is strong and served over ice with sweetened condensed milk.

Day 5: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

  • Morning: Take a bus or private car to Ninh Binh (around 2 hours).
  • Afternoon: Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, including the Dinh Tien Hoang Temple and Le Dai Hanh Temple.
  • Evening: Return to Hanoi in the evening and enjoy a street food dinner at Bui Thi Xuan Street.

Transportation:

  • Book a reputable bus company like Futa Bus or Ninh Binh Tourist for your day trip.

Day 6: Relaxation and Leisure

  • Morning: Treat yourself to a relaxing morning at Hanoi La Siesta Spa, offering traditional Vietnamese massages.
  • Afternoon: Visit the peaceful Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on an islet in West Lake.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Highway4 Restaurant, serving modern Vietnamese cuisine.

Where to Eat:

  • Xoi Yen Bakery: Try delicious banh mi and coffee at this popular bakery.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market.
  • Afternoon: Depart for Noi Bai International Airport for your onward journey.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for chaotic traffic and crowded streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples and cultural sites.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Hanoi!