Hanoi, Vietnam-5-day-itinerary

Hanoi Itinerary: 5 Days of Culture, History & Delights

This itinerary balances must-see sights with local experiences, giving you a taste of Hanoi’s vibrant charm.

Accommodation: Consider staying in the Old Quarter for easy access to attractions and nightlife. Boutique hotels like Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa or Essence Hotel Hanoi offer comfortable stays with Vietnamese flair.

Transportation:

  • Walking: The Old Quarter is best explored on foot.
  • Cyclo: A fun, traditional way to see the sights. Negotiate the price beforehand.
  • Motorbike Taxi (Grab): Convenient and affordable for longer distances. Download the Grab app.
  • Bus: Cheap but can be crowded.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). ATMs are widely available.
  • Bargaining: Expected in markets and with cyclo drivers. Start low and be polite.
  • Language: English is spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases is appreciated.

Day 1: Old Quarter Charm & Culinary Delights

  • Morning: Explore the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter. Admire colonial architecture, browse shops selling silk, handicrafts, and street food.
  • Afternoon: Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis in the city center. Cross the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple for stunning lake views.
  • Evening: Indulge in a traditional Vietnamese dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien (famous for Bun Cha) or Cha Ca La Vong (renowned for grilled turmeric fish).

Day 2: History & Culture Immersion

  • Morning: Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, dedicated to Confucius.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, including Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. Note: Dress respectfully (covered shoulders and knees).
  • Evening: Enjoy a captivating Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a unique Vietnamese art form.

Day 3: Art & Culinary Exploration

  • Morning: Visit the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, showcasing traditional and contemporary Vietnamese art.
  • Afternoon: Take a cooking class at Hanoi Cooking Centre or Home Hanoi Cooking Class. Learn to prepare delicious Vietnamese dishes.
  • Evening: Sample street food delights in Hang Gai Street or Hang Ma Street, known for their culinary offerings.

Day 4: Day Trip to Halong Bay

  • Book a one-day cruise to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking limestone islands and emerald waters.
  • Enjoy kayaking, swimming, exploring caves, and admiring the stunning scenery.

Day 5: Shopping & Farewell

  • Morning: Shop for souvenirs at Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest covered market.

  • Afternoon: Relax at a traditional Vietnamese cafe like Cong Caphe or Cafe Giang. Enjoy egg coffee (cà phê trứng), a unique Hanoi specialty.

  • Evening: Savor your final Vietnamese meal and reflect on your adventures before departing.

Additional Tips:

  • Download offline maps for navigation.
  • Carry small denominations of VND for street vendors and transportation.
  • Be mindful of traffic and cross streets carefully.
  • Embrace the chaos and enjoy the vibrant energy of Hanoi!