Hanoi Vietnam 4 Day Itinerary

Hanoi 4-Day Itinerary

This itinerary provides a balanced experience of Hanoi’s cultural highlights, historical sites, and delicious cuisine. Feel free to customize it based on your interests and preferences!

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (historic charm), Lotte Hotel Hanoi (modern amenities with a view)
  • Mid-Range:
    • Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa (comfortable and centrally located)
    • Hanoi Backpackers Hostel (social atmosphere, great for solo travelers)

Day 1: Old Quarter Immersion

  • Morning: Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast in the heart of the Old Quarter.

    • Eat: Enjoy a bowl of “Pho” at a local stall. Try Pho Gia Truyen, known for its delicious and authentic pho, or Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su for a more upscale experience.

  • Afternoon: Explore the bustling streets of the Old Quarter:

    • Wander through the narrow alleys and admire the colonial architecture.
    • Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the surrounding temples like Ngoc Son Temple and the Temple of Literature.

  • Evening:

    • Experience the vibrant night market on weekends, a sensory delight with street food, souvenirs, and traditional crafts.

  • Things to know:

    • The Old Quarter is a historical neighborhood in Hanoi with charming shops, restaurants, and cafes.
    • Be prepared for crowds and noise during the market hours!
    • Enjoy:
      • Street Food: Explore the local food stalls and sample Vietnamese delicacies like “Bun Cha” (grilled pork vermicelli) or “Cha Ca La Vong” (a traditional dish of turmeric fish).
    • **Hanoi is a city that thrives on its street life, so be sure to:

Things to know:

  • Wander through the Old Quarter streets and soak up the atmosphere.

  • Bargain: Prices are often negotiable at markets.

  • Visit a traditional Vietnamese cafe. Enjoy a strong cup of “Ca Phe Sua Da” (Vietnamese iced coffee) and watch the world go by.

  • Experience:

    • Traditional Music & Water Puppet Show: Enjoy the cultural charm of a “Hat Cheo” performance, a unique form of folk theatre in Hanoi.

Things to do:

  • Hoan Kiem Lake: Stroll around the lake at night and see it illuminated with colorful lights.

  • Eat:

    • Street Food: Try “Bun Cha” (grilled pork vermicelli) at Hanoi Old Quarter.

  • Traditional food stalls: Explore the variety of Vietnamese street food on offer in the evening, from steaming bowls of pho to delicious banh mi sandwiches.

  • Explore:

  • Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter by day, experiencing its unique charm and vibrant atmosphere.

  • Experience the ancient art of water puppetry with a show at a traditional theatre.

Day 2: Historical Hanoi

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in the history of Hanoi with a visit to these landmarks:

    • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Witness the impressive mausoleum and pay respects to the revered leader.
    • One Pillar Pagoda: Explore this historical monument with its symbolic architecture.

  • Things to do:

  • Take a guided tour of the Temple of Literature, a place for learning and honoring ancestors in Vietnamese culture.

  • Visit Hoa Lo Prison (formerly known as the “Hilton Hanoi” during the Vietnam War), a historical landmark that offers a glimpse into the country’s past struggles.

  • Eat:

Enjoy authentic “Bun Bo Nam Bo” (a flavorful beef noodle salad) or “Banh Mi” (Vietnamese baguette sandwich) in the Old Quarter.

  • Explore the city’s history further by visiting Hanoi Hilton Hotel, which now houses the Vietnam Military History Museum.

Day 3: Beyond the City Walls

  • Discover:

  • Hanoi is known for its rich history. Explore this with a day trip to one of the following:

    • Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, home to historical temples and pagodas.
    • Ha Long Bay, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning limestone islands.

  • Enjoy local specialties like “Bun Cha” in Hanoi or “Cha Ca La Vong” (grilled turmeric fish) at a nearby restaurant.

  • Experience:

  • Visit the Perfume Pagoda, a complex of temples and pagodas built into the mountains near Hanoi. The Perfume Pagoda is a popular pilgrimage site with beautiful scenery and cultural significance.**

    • Halong Bay cruises offer opportunities to try delicious seafood meals while enjoying the stunning bay views.

Day 4: Relaxing Retreat

  • Explore:

  • Visit a traditional Vietnamese restaurant for a local meal, such as “Bún chả” (grilled pork and noodles) or “Phở cuốn” (fresh spring rolls).

  • Enjoy a delicious “Bún chả” (a Hanoi specialty) before heading back to the city’s Old Quarter for some last-minute shopping.

  • Banh mi: Experience the local delight of a “Banh Mi” by visiting a stall and watching the preparation process, a testament to Hanoi’s love for fresh food.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel: Explore the ancient ruins and learn about the history of Vietnam’s first imperial capital.

  • Explore the historical sites: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee at a cafe in the Old Quarter while you soak up the historical charm of the area.

  • Relax at one of Hanoi’s many beautiful parks or gardens.

  • Take a cooking class: Immerse yourself in Vietnamese cuisine and learn to make some of your favorite dishes.

  • Enjoy:

  • Visit a local market: Wander through the stalls, enjoy the sights and smells, and try some delicious “Banh Mi” (Vietnamese baguette sandwiches) or fresh seafood.

  • Explore the vibrant streets: Discover small shops and stalls selling traditional crafts, souvenirs, and clothing.

Things to know:

  • Hanoi’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack for all types of weather.

  • Learn about the history of the city: Visit a museum like the “Museum of Vietnamese History” or take a walking tour of the Old Quarter.

  • Enjoy the beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake by taking a boat ride on the lake.

Things to see:

  • Enjoy the natural beauty:

Visit a traditional village outside the city, such as Bat Trang Ceramics Village for a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich history and craftsmanship.

  • Experience:
  • Traditional Vietnamese houses: Visit the “Hanoi Citadel” (Thăng Long Imperial Citadel) to learn about the history of the city before it became part of modern Vietnam.

Things to do:

  • Visit Hoan Kiem Lake: Take a break from your sightseeing and enjoy the serene beauty of this iconic landmark.

  • Enjoy the cultural heart: Explore the Old Quarter, where you can find delicious street food, bustling markets, and traditional architecture.

  • Learn about Vietnamese history and culture through a visit to “a museum” or “one” of the “nearby temples” or “traditional pagodas”

  • Hanoi’s History:

  • Explore the city’s colonial past by visiting the French Quarter and its beautiful architecture.

  • Take a tour of one of Hanoi’s many historical sites, such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, or the Hoa Lo Prison.

  • Enjoy:

  • The beauty of the Old Town.

  • Experience:

the “ancient” charm and history of the city.

  • Explore the bustling streets and try some delicious street food.
  • **Visit a “traditional Vietnamese restaurant” in the Old Quarter, and try a traditional dish like “Bún chả”.

Remember to adjust this itinerary based on your interests and how much time you have for each activity. Happy travels!