Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, is a city where ancient history meets modern hustle. It's a place where you can wander through the bustling Old Quarter's narrow streets, savor incredible street food, and find serene moments at historic sites like the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake. With its French colonial architecture, buzzing markets, and friendly locals, Hanoi offers a rich tapestry of culture and charm that makes every corner a new adventure. Whether you're exploring its storied past or enjoying its lively present, Hanoi is a city that captures the heart and leaves lasting memories. 

A question that we get a lot is “How many days should I spend in Hanoi?” Well, that depends on the time you have available. If you don’t have much time and want to visit as much as possible in Vietnam, you can set aside 1-2 days for Hanoi. But if you want to soak in all the culture, food, and history of the capital city, and even get day trips around Hanoi, go with 4 or 5 days. Either way, let us help you. Here is our advice on how many days to spend in Hanoi, and things to do each day to get the most out of your trip !

How Many Days To Spend In Hanoi

Is 2 Days In Hanoi Enough ?

Two days will be pretty packed, but you'll leave with a great impression of Hanoi. Since you have limited time, your 2 days should be dedicated to the “essentials” of Hanoi.

Day 1: Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, West Lake, and Tran Quoc Pagoda

Start your day at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. It's peaceful and full of history, a great way to ease into Hanoi's vibe. Then, head over to Ba Dinh Square where you can visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, pay respects to the revered leader, and explore the surrounding areas. Don't miss the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique pagoda that has become a symbol of the city. Savor on local specialties like Bun Cha, Pho, or Egg Coffee.

After lunch, make your way to West Lake (Ho Tay). It's a bit of a walk, but the lake is serene, and the views are worth it. Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, beautifully set on a small island in the lake.

Day 2: Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market, Street Food Tour

Start early in the Old Quarter. Wander around the narrow streets, and soak up the bustling atmosphere. Visit Dong Xuan Market for some local shopping and street food. Bach Ma Temple, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and the Sofitel Metropole are all worth a look for their historical and architectural significance.

In the afternoon, you have a few great options:

Museum Visit: The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or the Hoa Lo Prison are both fascinating choices.

Jeep Tour or Motorbike Tour: A fun and unique way to see the city from a different perspective.

Street Food Tour: Hanoi is famous for its street food. A guided tour will ensure you taste the best of the best.

What To Do In Hanoi For 3 Days ?

Three days is the usual time that most visitors choose to spend in Hanoi. Three days in Hanoi is a great amount of time to get a real feel for the city. For 3 days, you get a wonderful mix of history, culture, and vibrant street life that you'll remember long after your trip.

Day 1 : Street Food and Old Quarter

Dive into the vibrant Old Quarter. Stroll through the narrow, bustling streets, and try some iconic street food like Pho and Banh Mi.

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple on the lake, and enjoy the calm in the middle of the city.

Head to Ta Hien Street, also known as "Beer Street," for a local beer and to soak up Hanoi’s nightlife atmosphere.

Day 2 : Ho Chi Minh Complex and More

Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the stilt house, the presidential palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda. It’s a rich dive into Vietnamese history.

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university and a beautiful historical site.

Wander around the French Quarter and catch a traditional water puppet show. It's a unique cultural experience.

Day 3 : Cooking Class and Relaxation

Join a cooking class to learn how to make some Vietnamese dishes. It's hands-on and delicious!

Head to West Lake (Ho Tay) and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda. Then, stroll around Truc Bach Lake for a quieter, more local feel.

End the day with a cocktail on a rooftop bar, enjoying the city views.

What To Do In Hanoi For 4 Days

Four days in Hanoi is perfect! You'll have enough time to explore the city's main attractions, soak in the culture, and even take a day trip to Halong Bay.

Day 1: Historical and Scenic Hanoi

Start your day at West Lake (Ho Tay) and visit the beautiful Tran Quoc Pagoda. Head to the Ho Chi Minh historic site. Visit the Mausoleum, the house on stilts, the presidential palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda. In the afternoon, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple. In the evening, catch a water puppet show – a unique cultural performance that you shouldn't miss.

Day 2: Culture and Cuisine

Visit the Museum of Ethnography. It's fascinating and provides a great overview of Vietnam's diverse cultures. Then, head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. In the evening, join a street food tour. This is a fantastic way to try a variety of local dishes and learn about Vietnamese cuisine from a local perspective.

Day 3: Handicraft Villages

Take a day trip to visit some of Hanoi's traditional handicraft villages. Depending on your interests, you could visit Bat Trang (famous for pottery), Van Phuc (known for silk weaving), or Quang Phu Cau (incense-making village). This gives you a chance to see traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship up close and maybe pick up some unique souvenirs.

Day 4: Day Trip to Halong Bay

Set out early for a day trip to Halong Bay. It's a bit of a drive from Hanoi, but once you get there, the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters are totally worth it. You can take a cruise, explore caves, and even do some kayaking if you’re up for it. It's a wonderful way to end your trip with some natural beauty.

What To Do In Hanoi For 5 Days

Five days in Hanoi is more than enough! You'll get a thorough experience of the city and have time for an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, which is a fantastic addition to your trip. Here's a laid-back itinerary to make the most of your time:

Day 1: Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake

Start your adventure in the Old Quarter. Wander the narrow streets, shop at Dong Xuan Market, and get a feel for the bustling atmosphere. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple, and maybe take a leisurely cyclo ride. Then in the evening, head to Ta Hien Street for a local beer and some people-watching. The nightlife here is vibrant and fun.

Day 2: Historical Highlights

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his house on stilts, the presidential palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Then head over to the Temple of Literature. The gardens and traditional architecture are stunning. Watch a traditional water puppet show. It's a unique cultural experience and a great way to end the day.

Day 3: Cultural Insights and Street Food

Spend time at the Museum of Ethnography. It’s fascinating and provides a deep dive into Vietnam's diverse cultures. Take a walking street food tour. Hanoi is famous for its street food, and a guided tour ensures you try the best dishes. Then finally, explore the French Quarter, admire the colonial architecture, and relax at a café or a rooftop bar.

Day 4: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

Depart early for Halong Bay. Board your cruise and set sail. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise through the stunning limestone karsts. Explore caves, go kayaking, or take a dip in the emerald waters. The bay is breathtakingly beautiful. Enjoy dinner on the boat and maybe some evening activities like squid fishing or a cooking demonstration. Spend the night on the cruise, surrounded by the serene beauty of Halong Bay.

Day 5: Return to Hanoi and Final Explorations

Wake up to the sunrise over Halong Bay, have breakfast, and continue exploring the bay. Return to the harbor around midday. Head back to Hanoi in the afternoon. Depending on your energy levels, you could visit a site you missed earlier or just relax.

Where To Stay In Hanoi ?

Hanoi offers a wide range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some recommendations for where to stay in Hanoi, categorized by area and price range:

Old Quarter

For a lively, cultural experience:

Luxury: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi – A historic and iconic hotel with colonial charm and top-notch service.

Mid-range: La Siesta Hotel & Spa – Known for its excellent service, comfortable rooms, and great location.

Budget: Hanoi Glance Hotel – Affordable and clean with friendly staff and a convenient location.

French Quarter

For a quieter, upscale experience:

Luxury: Apricot Hotel – Overlooks Hoan Kiem Lake, offering luxurious rooms and an art gallery feel.

Mid-range: Hanoi Pearl Hotel – A comfortable stay with a good blend of price and quality, near the lake.

Budget: Hanoi Holiday Diamond Hotel – Budget-friendly with great service and clean rooms.

West Lake (Tay Ho)

For a more relaxed, scenic stay:

Luxury: InterContinental Hanoi Westlake – Situated right on the lake with stunning views and serene surroundings.

Mid-range: Diamond Westlake Suites – Spacious apartments with a resort feel, ideal for longer stays.

Budget: West Lake Home Hotel – Offers a comfortable stay with views of the lake and good amenities.

Ba Dinh District

For proximity to historical sites:

Luxury: Lotte Hotel Hanoi – Modern and luxurious with amazing views from the rooftop bar.

Mid-range: Hanoi Delight Hotel – Comfortable rooms and close to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and other attractions.

Budget: Ibiz City Hostel – Affordable and located near major sites, offering basic amenities and a friendly atmosphere.

If you want to visit Hanoi without having to plan everything, leave it to us! As a local travel agency, we always try to make sure you have the time of your life by providing you with the best advice and off-the-beaten-path options! So if this is your first time visiting Vietnam, don’t hesitate to contact Vietnam Original Travel !

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