Hanoi, Vietnam-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Start the day with a traditional Vietnamese coffee at Café Pho Co (11 Hang Gai St) or Café Giang (91 Nguyen Huu Huan St).
  • 9:00 AM: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Ba Dinh Square), a grand monument dedicated to Vietnam’s founding father.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Take a stroll around Hanoi Old Quarter, exploring the narrow streets and alleys, and visit Dong Xuan Market for some local shopping.
  • 3:00 PM: Stop by St. Joseph’s Cathedral (40 Nha Chung St), a beautiful Catholic church built in 1886.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huyen St) or Cha Ca La Vong (14 Cha Ca St).
  • 9:00 PM: Catch a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (57B Dinh Tien Hoang St).

Accommodation

  • Stay at Hanoi Imperial Hotel (44 Hang Hanh St) or Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa (12 Nguyen Quang Bich St), both centrally located and offering comfortable rooms.

Transportation

  • Take a taxi or ride-hailing app like Grab to get around the city.
  • Be prepared for chaotic traffic and consider wearing a mask to protect yourself from air pollution.

Tips

  • Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases, such as “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you).
  • Be respectful when visiting temples or cultural sites by dressing modestly and removing your shoes when required.
  • Haggle prices at local markets, but be fair and respectful.

Day 2: Discover Hanoi’s Cultural Heritage

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Nguyen Van Huyen St), showcasing the country’s diverse ethnic cultures.
  • 11:00 AM: Stop by the Temple of Literature (58 Quoc Tu Giam St), a historic temple dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s rich literary heritage.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Take a break at KOTO (59 Van Mieu St), a social enterprise cafe supporting local youth.
  • 2:30 PM: Explore the Hanoi Opera House (1 Trang Tien St), a stunning example of French colonial architecture.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy a street food dinner at Bun Bo Hue (110 Nguyen Van Huyen St) or Xoi Yen (35 Hang Bai St).
  • 9:00 PM: Explore the night market at Hang Dao Street, offering local souvenirs and snacks.

Things to Know

  • The Temple of Literature is a popular spot for graduation photos, so be prepared for crowds.
  • The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology offers free admission on Fridays.

Day 3: Take a Day Trip

Morning

  • 7:00 AM: Depart from Hanoi and take a day trip to Ha Long Bay (approximately 3.5 hours by car).
  • 10:00 AM: Explore the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay on a guided boat tour.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy a seafood lunch on the boat.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit Thien Cung Cave, a hidden gem with breathtaking views.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Return to Hanoi and enjoy dinner at Highway4 (25 Bat Su St), serving modern Vietnamese cuisine.
  • 9:00 PM: Relax at your hotel or explore the night market at Tong Duy Tan Street.

Transportation

  • Book a guided day trip to Ha Long Bay with transportation included.
  • Consider taking a seaplane for a bird’s-eye view of Ha Long Bay (approximately 1 hour).

Tips

  • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the boat tour.
  • Be respectful of the environment and don’t litter.

Day 4: Explore Hanoi’s Artistic Side

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum (36 Ly Thuong Kiet St), showcasing the country’s feminist history and cultural heritage.
  • 11:30 AM: Stop by the Hanoi Fine Arts Museum (66 Nguyen Thai Hoc St), featuring a collection of Vietnamese art.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Take a break at The GEM Coffee (10 Nguyen Van Huyen St), a stylish cafe with delicious coffee.
  • 2:30 PM: Explore the Tran Quoc Pagoda ( Thanh Nien St), a peaceful Buddhist temple on an islet in West Lake.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Home Restaurant (34 Chau Long St), serving modern Vietnamese cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • 9:00 PM: Take a stroll around the lake and enjoy the city’s evening atmosphere.

Things to Know

  • The Vietnamese Women’s Museum offers free admission on Wednesdays.
  • The Hanoi Fine Arts Museum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

Additional Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or cultural sites.
  • Learn about Vietnam’s history and culture to appreciate the city’s landmarks and attractions.
  • Stay hydrated and bring sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.