Hanoi, Vietnam-3-day-itinerary
Hanoi 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring the Old Quarter and French Quarter
Morning
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Start your day with a delicious Vietnamese breakfast at Café Pho Co (11 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem) or Banh Xeo Muong Thanh (102 Ma May).
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Explore the Old Quarter, wandering through the narrow streets and alleys, taking in the sights and sounds of local life. Visit Dong Xuan Market (15 Cau Go) for a taste of traditional Vietnamese commerce.
Afternoon
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Head to Hoan Kiem Lake (Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem) and take a stroll around the peaceful lake. Visit the Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the lake.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum (36 Ly Thuong Kiet) to learn about the role of women in Vietnamese society.
Evening
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (57B Dinh Tien Hoang).
- 10:00 PM: Try some street food at Ta Hien Street, known for its bustling nightlife and delicious snacks.
Where to Stay
- Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel (32 Hang Vai): A budget-friendly hostel with comfortable rooms and a great location.
- La Siesta Hotel & Spa (94 Ma May): A stylish hotel with modern amenities and a relaxing atmosphere.
Day 2: Imperial Citadel, Museums, and Local Cuisine
Morning
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long (Quan Thanh Ward), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial palace.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Nguyen Van Huyen) to learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups.
Afternoon
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit the Hanoi Opera House (1 Trang Tien), a stunning example of French colonial architecture.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Take a cooking class at Hanoi Cooking Centre (44 Chau Long) and learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Evening
- 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious dinner at Cha Ca La Vong (100 Nguyen Van Huyen), serving traditional Hanoi-style grilled fish.
- 11:00 PM: End the day with a relaxing walk around Truc Bach Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
Day 3: Day Trip to Ha Long Bay
Morning
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Depart from Hanoi and travel to Ha Long Bay (approximately 3.5 hours).
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Take a cruise through the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.
Afternoon
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Enjoy a seafood lunch on board, followed by kayaking or swimming in the bay.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Visit Thien Cung Cave, a magnificent limestone cave with stunning views of the bay.
Evening
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Return to Hanoi and enjoy a farewell dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu), serving delicious grilled pork and rice noodles.
- 10:00 PM: End your trip with a visit to the Hanoi Night Market (Hang Dao Street), offering a variety of local souvenirs and snacks.
Transportation
- Taxi: Available at most street corners, but be sure to use reputable companies like Vinasun or Mai Linh.
- Grab Bike/Motorbike: A convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
- Bus: Hanoi has an extensive bus network, with routes covering most areas of the city.
Tips and Other Things to Know
- Dress modestly: Respect local customs by covering your shoulders and knees when visiting temples or museums.
- Learn some Vietnamese phrases: Show respect for the culture by learning basic phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you).
- Be prepared for crowds: Hanoi is a bustling city, so be patient and prepared for large crowds at popular attractions.
- Try local fruits: Vietnam is famous for its delicious fruits, such as mangoes, dragon fruits, and bananas.
- Bargain at markets: Markets are a great place to find souvenirs, but don’t be afraid to bargain for the best price.