Hanoi 4 Day Itinerary

Hanoi: 4-Day Itinerary

This itinerary focuses on exploring the historical, cultural, and culinary delights of Hanoi. It can be customized to fit your interests and adjusted based on the time you have available each day.

Day 1: Exploring the Old Quarter & History

  • Morning: Arrive in Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport - Noi Bai), settle into your hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter.
    • Where to stay: Consider a boutique hotel or homestay within the Old Quarter for an immersive experience.Things to know: The Old Quarter is the historic center of Hanoi, bustling with activity and traditional charm.
  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch: Enjoy a delicious bowl of Pho at a local eatery in the Old Quarter.

    • Explore Hoan Kiem Lake: Take a stroll around this iconic lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple on its island, and watch the locals go about their daily routines.

    • Experience Hanoi’s history:

      • Ngoc Son Temple: Explore this historic temple located on a serene island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
      • Temple of Literature: Wander through the beautiful gardens and learn about Vietnam’s first university.
      • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Pay respects at the mausoleum of Vietnam’s revered leader.

    • Dinner: Sample authentic Vietnamese street food like Bun Cha or Banh Mi in the Old Quarter.

Where to eat:

  • Street Food:

    • Pho Gia Truyen (Hanoi, Vietnam): Known for its traditional and delicious pho.
    • Quan An Ngon: A popular spot with a variety of local dishes.
    • Bun Cha Huong Lien: For a more local experience, try the bun cha here.

Things to do in Hanoi:

  • Hanoi Old Quarter: Get lost in the maze-like streets and explore the vibrant markets.
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Learn about Vietnam’s history and culture by visiting this historical site.
  • Temple of Literature: Immerse yourself in the cultural and architectural significance of the temple.

Things to know:

  • History: Hanoi is a city steeped in history, dating back over 1000 years.

  • Culture: The Old Quarter is filled with colonial-era architecture and temples that showcase Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

  • Food: Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh flavors and variety.

Day 2: A Taste of Culture & History

  • Morning: Visit the bustling Old Market, a must-see for any traveler wanting to experience the heart of Hanoi.

Activity:

  • Hanoi Walking Tour: Explore the charming streets of the Old Quarter with a local guide, learning about its history, architecture, and daily life.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at Bun Cha Hang Man, trying out their famous Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles and vegetables).

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum: Learn about the prison’s role in Vietnam’s history and its use by the French, then Vietnamese, as a place of imprisonment.
    • Explore the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural: This impressive 4km-long mural is a testament to the city’s artistic spirit and dedication to their heritage.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

  • Things to know:

    • The Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural depicts scenes from Vietnamese history and daily life and is the world’s longest ceramic mosaic.
    • The Hanoi Walking Tour will be filled with cultural experiences. You can learn about the history of the country, its people, and its traditions.

  • Where to eat:

    • Bun Cha: This dish is a must-try for any visitor to Hanoi, offering a glimpse into the city’s culinary heritage.

Day 3: Delving into History & Art

  • Morning: Visit the Museum of Ethnology, showcasing Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the museum’s cafe or restaurant.

    • Where to eat:

  • Bat Trang Pottery Village: Explore the traditional craft of pottery-making and witness the artistry of local artisans.

  • Evening: Stroll through the Old Quarter, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and enjoying the delicious street food.

  • Things to do:

    • Hanoi History Museum: Learn about Hanoi’s history from ancient times to modern day.
    • Explore the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum: Discover traditional Vietnamese art and artifacts.

Day 4: A Taste of Modernity

  • Morning: Enjoy a final leisurely morning exploring the Old Quarter’s street markets and having a delicious Vietnamese breakfast.

  • Afternoon: Relax at Hoan Kiem Lake, soak in the scenery, and enjoy a traditional snack.

    • Visit the Hoa Lo Prison: Learn about the prison’s role as a holding place for Vietnamese prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.

Things to know:

  • Things to eat:

    • Enjoy a traditional breakfast

  • Enjoy a modern Vietnamese breakfast: Explore the variety and enjoy a bowl of Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls) or Bun Dau Mam Tom (grilled vermicelli noodles with fried tofu).

  • Evening:

  • Dinner: Experience a traditional Vietnamese dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Explore the Old Quarter’s nightlife: Enjoy a delicious meal and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Quarter.

  • Dinner:

    • Enjoy a modern Vietnamese dinner with friends or family.
    • Try some “Banh Xeo” (Vietnamese crispy crepe) filled with savory ingredients like pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.
    • Explore the “Bia Hoi Corner”: Enjoy a cheap and cheerful experience with a variety of traditional dishes and cold beers.

Things to know:

  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee at a street stall or cafe.
  • Try a “Banh Mi” sandwich for a taste of local street food.
  • Visit the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural: This mural, depicting a scene from the Vietnam War, is a unique and thought-provoking artwork.

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter.

  • Experience the “Hanoi Street Food Tour” for a taste of local delicacies.
  • Visit a traditional water puppet show: Enjoy a unique cultural experience.
  • Explore the “Hanoi Cooking Class”: Learn how to cook Vietnamese food.