Hanoi 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on the cultural highlights of Hanoi. It’s designed for first-time visitors who want to experience the city’s history, food, and people.

Day 1: Exploring the Old Quarter & History

  • Morning: Arrive in Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport - HAN).

    • Things to know:
      • Be prepared for a taxi ride from the airport (around 30 minutes) or book a private transfer beforehand.
      • The Old Quarter is a bustling area with narrow streets and many shops. Be aware of your belongings, as pickpocketing can be an issue in crowded areas.
    • Transportation:
      • From Airport: Taxi, Grab, airport bus (more affordable options)
      • Within Old Quarter: Walking is the best way to explore its narrow streets. Consider a cyclo tour for a fun and unique experience.

  • Afternoon:

    • Check into your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
    • Food: Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien (a local favorite for Hanoi-style grilled pork and noodles) or Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su.
    • Things to do:
      • Explore the Old Quarter: Get lost in the labyrinthine streets, marvel at the French colonial architecture, and experience the vibrant street food scene.
      • Take a cooking class: Learn how to make delicious Vietnamese dishes like pho or spring rolls (check out Hanoi Cooking Centre).

  • Evening:

    • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner in the Old Quarter.
    • Experience the night market (open Friday-Sunday) for shopping and local nightlife.

Hotel Recommendations:

  • Budget: Hanoi Backpackers Hostel, Hanoi Hostel
  • Mid-range: The Hanoi Hotel, Essence Hotel
  • Luxury: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, The Reverie Saigon

Hanoi Food Experiences:

  • Bun Cha 10 Lien: This iconic restaurant offers a taste of history with their signature dish (grilled pork and noodles).

  • Pho 10: Enjoy a bowl of “Pho 10” for a more authentic Vietnamese experience.

  • Hanoi Street Food Tour: Immerse yourself in the local culture by joining a guided food tour and exploring the delicious street food that Hanoi is famous for (e.g., Hanoi Cooking Centre’s evening food tours).

Things to do:

  • Hanoi Old Quarter:

    • Wander through the narrow streets and discover hidden cafes, temples, and traditional craft shops.

  • Hoan Kiem Lake: Take a leisurely stroll around this picturesque lake in the heart of Hanoi, enjoy a boat ride, or visit Ngoc Son Temple on its island.

    • Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour: Explore the vibrant streets and learn about the history of Vietnamese cuisine.

  • Visit the Temple of Literature: This historical site is dedicated to Confucius and is a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.

    • Explore the Old Quarter’s unique alleyways (hẻm): Wander through the charming alleys, wander through bustling markets, and try local street food stalls like “Hanoi Street Food Tour” for an authentic experience.

  • Enjoy a performance: The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre offers nightly shows of this traditional art form.

Day 2: Culture & History:

  • Transportation: Walking is the best way to explore the historical sites in Hanoi.

  • Hanoi Museum: Immerse yourself in the history of Hanoi and Vietnam.

    • Learn about the history of Vietnam’s capital at a museum dedicated to its rich cultural heritage.

  • Water Puppet Show: Immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture.

  • Explore Hoan Kiem Lake:

    • Enjoy a boat ride on the lake.
    • Visit Ngoc Son Temple, a serene temple on an island in the lake.

  • Hanoi Old Quarter (evening):

  • Hanoi Street Food Tour (optional):

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese meal with a cultural show.

  • Bia Hoi Corner: Experience the local nightlife by joining the “Hanoi Food Tours” for a taste of the city’s famous beer culture.
  • **Explore the Hanoi Old Quarter (Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre)

Transportation:

  • Public Transportation: Use Grab or taxis to get around the city.

  • Other options:

  • Cyclo: Enjoy a unique and traditional ride through the streets of Hanoi.

  • Walking: Many attractions are within walking distance in the Old Quarter.

Hanoi Food Experiences:

  • Explore the Old Quarter (evening): Try local dishes like “Bun Cha” (grilled pork vermicelli noodles) or “Bún bò Nam Bộ” (spicy beef noodle soup).

Day 3: Culture & Nature:

  • Morning:
    • Visit Hoa Lo Prison, a historical site that was once used to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries and later American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.
  • Shopping:

Explore the bustling shops in the Old Quarter for souvenirs, textiles, and handicrafts.

Things to do:

  • Other options:

    • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese cooking class at the Hanoi Cooking Centre.
    • Explore the Hoan Kiem Lake area on foot or by “cyclo” (enjoy a leisurely ride).

  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee: Indulge in the unique flavors and traditions of Vietnamese coffee.

  • Cyclo Ride: Enjoy a guided tour through the city’s vibrant streets, and learn about Hanoi’s history and culture.

Other options:

  • Visit a local market: The Old Quarter is known for its lively markets like Dong Xuan Market where you can experience the local life and try delicious street food.

  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese meal: Try dishes from different vendors, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the local food scene.

  • Hanoi Street Food:

  • Hanoi Cooking Centre: They have a great selection of souvenirs and crafts that are unique to Hanoi.

  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese experience:

Take a stroll through the Old Quarter’s streets and alleys, exploring its hidden gems.

  • Explore the city’s vibrant street food scene: Try the street food stalls at Hang Gai Street (famous for silk) or Hoan Kiem Lake.

  • Enjoy the local culture:

The Hanoi Cooking Centre offers a variety of Vietnamese street food tours

  • Enjoy a delicious meal in the Old Quarter: You can explore the history and art of the “Old Quarter” with a local guide.

  • Take a boat ride on Hoan Kiem Lake: Enjoy the sunset views.

  • Explore the old town:

  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee (again!): This time, try a different style or flavor at a cafe in the French Quarter.

  • Enjoy a cultural experience: Immerse yourself in the art and architecture of Hanoi’s Old Quarter on a walking tour. *

  • Visit the Temple of Literature: Enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a focus on local specialties like “Bun Cha Ca” (grilled fish noodles).

  • Experience the unique charm of the city: Learn about the history of Confucianism in Vietnam.

  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese market experience: Enjoy a delicious bowl of “Pho” at a street-side stall.

  • Hanoi’s vibrant markets offer a variety of experiences: Explore the bustling atmosphere and enjoy the local culture.

  • Enjoy the historical significance of the Temple of Literature: Sample some delicious, authentic food like “Bún chả” (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles) or “Bánh Mì” (Vietnamese baguette sandwiches).

  • Visit a pharmacy in Hanoi’s Old Quarter: Experience a traditional Vietnamese medicine shop and learn about the local herbs and remedies.

  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese cooking class:

  • Enjoy the vibrant street food scene

  • Enjoy a relaxing evening at a cafe: Try the “egg coffee” for a sweet treat.

Hanoi Cooking Class:

  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese meal with Ngoc Son Temple’s history and architecture.

  • Explore the variety of ingredients used in Vietnamese cuisine: This will allow you to understand the diversity of flavors and textures in Hanoi’s food scene.

  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese cooking class: Enjoy the unique culture

Tips:

  • Learn about the “Hanoi Food Tours”. They offer a hands-on experience with local ingredients and cuisine.

  • Book your “Old Quarter” walking/food tour in advance: These experiences are popular, so it’s best to book ahead of time.

  • Consider taking a cooking class:

  • Learn how to make traditional dishes:

  • Enjoy a variety of local delicacies.

You can enjoy these activities and more:

  • Enjoy the atmosphere: Explore different aspects of Vietnamese culture.
  • Try a street food tour:

Enjoy your trip to Hanoi!