Hanoi Vietnam 5 Day Itinerary

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 (~30-40 minutes)
  • Check-in at Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa or similar
  • Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese coffee at Cafe Pho Co or try some street food like Banh Mi or Xoi

Afternoon

  • Visit the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and take a stroll around the lake
  • Explore the nearby Ngoc Son Temple, a beautiful temple situated on an islet in the lake
  • Walk through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, taking in the sights and sounds of local life

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Bun Cha Ta, a popular restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese dishes like Bun Cha and Nem
  • Explore the Night Market at Hang Dao Street, which takes place every Friday to Sunday evening

Tips and Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the Old Quarter
  • Try to avoid eating at touristy places and opt for local eateries instead
  • Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you)

Day 2: Cultural Experiences

Morning

  • Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a grand monument dedicated to Vietnam’s founding father
  • Explore the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, a historic temple with stunning architecture
  • Learn about Vietnam’s history and culture at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Afternoon

  • Take a Cooking Class at Hanoi Cooking School or similar, where you can learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes like Pho and Spring Rolls
  • Visit the Temple of Literature, a beautiful temple dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s rich literary history

Evening

Tips and Things to Know

  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and mausoleums
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions
  • Try to avoid taking taxis or motorbikes during peak hours (7-9 am, 4-6 pm)

Day 3: Day Trip to Ha Long Bay

Morning

  • Take an early morning bus or private car (~3.5 hours) to Ha Long Bay, a stunning natural wonder with over 1,600 limestone islands and islets
  • Check-in at Paradise Cruise or similar for a day-long cruise

Afternoon

  • Explore the bay’s hidden caves and grottos, including Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Cave
  • Take part in activities like kayaking, swimming, or simply relaxing on the sundeck

Evening

  • Return to Hanoi in the evening and enjoy dinner at Highway4, a popular restaurant serving modern Vietnamese cuisine
  • Explore the Tay Ho Night Market, which takes place every Friday evening

Tips and Things to Know

  • Book your cruise in advance to avoid peak season crowds
  • Be prepared for a long day of traveling, but the scenery is well worth it!
  • Don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses!

Day 4: Local Life and Street Food

Morning

  • Visit the Dong Xuan Market, one of Hanoi’s largest markets selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs
  • Explore the nearby St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a beautiful Catholic church with stunning architecture

Afternoon

  • Take a Street Food Tour with Hanoi Street Food Tours or similar, where you can sample local delicacies like Banh Cuon and Cha Ca La Vong
  • Visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, a beautiful temple situated on an islet in West Lake

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long, a popular restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese dishes like Cha Ca La Vong
  • Explore the Old Quarter’s Nightlife, with many bars and clubs staying open late into the night

Tips and Things to Know

  • Be adventurous and try new foods, but make sure they’re cooked properly!
  • Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases to help you navigate local markets and street food stalls
  • Don’t drink tap water and stick to bottled or filtered water instead

Day 5: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any attractions you may have missed earlier in your trip
  • Check-out of your hotel and take a taxi or bus back to Noi Bai International Airport (~30-40 minutes)

Tips and Things to Know

  • Make sure to exchange your currency or withdraw VND from an ATM before departing Vietnam
  • Leave some extra time for unexpected delays or traffic congestion
  • Don’t forget to grab some Vietnamese coffee or snacks for the road!

Transportation

  • Taxi: Mai Linh or Vinasun are reliable taxi companies in Hanoi
  • Bus: Take bus number 7 or 17 from Noi Bai International Airport to the Old Quarter
  • Motorbike: Rent a motorbike for around 100,000 - 200,000 VND (~5-10 USD) per day

Accommodation

  • Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa or similar (around 2,000,000 VND ~85 USD per night)
  • Consider staying in the Old Quarter for easy access to attractions and local life

Tips and Things to Know

  • Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases to help you navigate local life
  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in popular areas
  • Try to avoid eating at touristy places and opt for local eateries instead