Hanoi is the charming capital of Vietnam, brimming with delicious food, interesting historical sites, and friendly locals. If you’re lucky enough to be spending a few days in this vibrant city, here’s a suggested itinerary for how to make the most of your time.
Day 1: Eat Your Way Around Hanoi Old Town
photo: Ashim D’Silva
Hanoi Old Town is a warren of narrow streets and alleyways, each one home to numerous vendors selling all kinds of delicious food. Start your day with a light breakfast of banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) before exploring the markets and sampling some of the region’s specialties, like pho (noodle soup), nem cua be (crab spring rolls), and Bun Cha (grilled pork with rice noodles). For dinner, make your way to one of the Old Town’s many street food stalls for some Bun Dau Mam Tom – fried tofu served with vermicelli noodles and a dipping sauce made from fermented shrimp paste. Yum!
Day 2: Explore the Temples and museums
photo: Thuong D
After fueling up on breakfast banh mi and coffee at one of Hanoi’s many roadside cafes, spend the morning exploring some of the city’s religious sites. The tranquil One Pillar Pagoda and atmospheric Temple of Literature are both well worth a visit. Then head to Hoa Lo Prison Museum to learn about Vietnam’s turbulent 20th-century history. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake before grabbing dinner at one of the Old Quarter’s many eateries.
Day 3: Sample Hanoi’s Street Food Scene
photo: Flo Dahm
On your last day in Hanoi, get up early and wander the streets in search of breakfast. There are lots of great options, but try to find somewhere serving trung vit lon – duck eggs that have been slightly incubated so that the yolk is still soft but the whites are cooked through. These are often served with rice paper wrappers, shredded ginger, dipping sauce, and herbs. Yum! In the afternoon, take a tour of one of Hanoi’s breweries or go shopping for souvenirs at one of the city’s many markets. End your perfect three days in Hanoi with a Traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Show – a must-see for any first-time visitor!
Hanoi is a city full of culture and history, with plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s temples and museums, sampling its delicious food scene, or taking in a water puppet show, there’s something for everyone in Hanoi. So get out there and explore – you won’t regret it!
Have you considered taking a captivating cyclo tour around Hanoi for a distinct perspective? You’ll immerse in the rich culture and history with a well-informed guide. I also recommend visiting Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple for serenity amidst the lively city.
surrounding mountains. The journey itself is an adventure, as you’ll take a scenic boat ride and hike through lush forests to reach the pagoda. The views from the top are breathtaking and well worth the effort.
rich history and intellectual legacy. The day can end with a water puppet show, a unique form of traditional Vietnamese entertainment that will leave you amazed and captivated.
I apologize for not having visited Hanoi yet, but your article has given me a great insight into what to expect on my future trip. The way you described the city’s rich history and culture, along with the delicious street food, reminds me of my experience in Kyoto, Japan, where I also found a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
Oh, great! Another article telling me how to spend my limited time in a new city. But hey, at least this one has some interesting suggestions for exploring Hanoi. Maybe I’ll give it a shot and see if I can fit in all the recommended spots in just three days.
@VpopFrenzy Wow, it’s always exciting to discover new recommendations for exploring a city like Hanoi! I’m eager to see if I can make the most of my three days there by visiting the suggested spots mentioned in this article.
captivating way to experience traditional Vietnamese culture.
Finally, on day three, take a day trip to the nearby Perfume Pagoda, which is a beautiful complex of Buddhist temples and shrines nestled in the mountains. The journey there involves a scenic boat ride and a hike up to the main temple, which is well worth the effort. Hanoi is truly a gem of a city, and I hope you enjoy your visit!
limestone cliffs and serene waterways.
Day 3: Spend your final day in Hanoi exploring the city’s rich culture and history. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, which honors the country’s beloved leader, and then head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country’s diverse ethnic groups. End your day with a delicious meal at one of Hanoi’s many excellent restaurants, where you can sample the city’s famous pho and other local specialties.
Hanoi seems like an incredible destination that’s rich in history and culture, and I love that there are so many different things to see and explore, from the bustling Old Quarter to the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son temple.
I’m so excited for you to experience the vibrant energy of Hanoi! With so much to see and do, your three days will be packed with adventure. Did you know that the Temple of Literature was built in 1070 and is dedicated to Confucius, the Chinese philosopher?
destinations in Vietnam. The stunning limestone formations and crystal clear waters make for a truly unforgettable experience. Overall, Hanoi is a city that is full of surprises and adventures, and I highly recommend adding it to your travel bucket list.
Hanoi is a city that will constantly surprise and excite you with its unique experiences. From exploring the stunning limestone formations to immersing yourself in the crystal clear waters, there’s no shortage of unforgettable moments waiting for you in this vibrant city. It’s definitely a must-visit destination in Vietnam! And when it comes to food, don’t forget to try Bun Dau Mam Tom, fried tofu with vermicelli noodles and a delicious dipping sauce made from fermented shrimp paste. It’s a mouthwatering dish that you won’t want to pass up!
You’ll be blown away by the incredible adventures you can have in Hanoi! From exploring the breathtaking limestone formations of Halong Bay to diving into the mesmerizingly clear waters of Nha Trang, Vietnam has it all. Check out travel blogs for more exhilarating inspiration!
a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes or visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn more about the country’s diverse ethnic groups. But hey, who needs three perfect days in Hanoi when you can just stay in your hotel room and binge-watch Netflix?
Hanoi is a perfect destination for those who want to experience the rich culture and history of Vietnam, and I would love to hear any additional tips on how to make the most of my trip there.
and Ngoc Son Temple, which are located in the heart of the city and offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Don’t forget to try some of Hanoi’s famous dishes, such as pho and bun cha, which are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Did you know that Hanoi is known for its egg coffee, a unique and delicious drink made with egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk?
@LeShin I absolutely loved my trip to Hanoi! The city has so much to offer, from the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake to the delicious and unique egg coffee. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.
@LeShin Exploring the vibrant Old Quarter is a must-do activity in Hanoi, with its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and bustling markets offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture.
Exploring the lively Old Quarter is an absolute must when you’re in Hanoi. With its narrow streets, vibrant buildings, and bustling markets, it’s a feast for the senses and a perfect way to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture. You’ll be captivated by the colorful sights and sounds around every corner!
I couldn’t have expressed it more wonderfully myself! Exploring the vibrant Old Quarter is an absolute necessity when you’re in Hanoi. The narrow streets, colorful buildings, and bustling markets offer a sensory overload that truly immerses you in the city’s rich history and culture. By the way, have you tried the famous street food in the Old Quarter yet? It’s an appetizing experience that shouldn’t be missed!
, why not immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting some of Hanoi’s famous landmarks such as the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Hanoi Opera House. Wrap up your trip with a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the city. Hanoi is truly a hidden gem of Vietnam, and this itinerary is the perfect way to experience it all.
@amandagibbs I absolutely loved this itinerary! One thing I would add is to try some of the street food in Hanoi. The local cuisine is so delicious and unique, and it’s a great way to experience the city like a local.
stunning and peaceful spot in the heart of Hanoi. In the evening, be sure to check out the Night Market, where you can sample some of the city’s best street food while browsing for souvenirs.
On the third day, you can take a day trip to the nearby Ninh Binh province to see the stunning limestone formations of Tam Coc. Alternatively, you can visit the Perfume Pagoda, a beautiful and serene temple complex that is nestled in the mountains outside of Hanoi.
Joke: Why did the pho go to Hanoi? To get broth-er!
This article provides a great itinerary for anyone looking to explore the vibrant culture and history of Hanoi, but I’m wondering if there are any off-the-beaten-path destinations that are worth checking out?
if you’re feeling adventurous, you can go kayaking or rock climbing.
On your third and final day, you can visit the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn more about the country’s rich history and diverse culture. In the evening, head to the Hanoi Opera House to catch a traditional water puppet show.
I’ve never been to Hanoi before, but after reading this guide, I’m definitely adding it to my travel bucket list!
@BiN22 I don’t think three days is enough time to fully experience all that Hanoi has to offer.
Hanoi sounds like an amazing destination to explore the culture and history of Vietnam. With so many activities to choose from, I can’t wait to visit the Old Quarter, watch a water puppet show, and visit the beautiful countryside of Ninh Binh. Thank you for sharing this informative guide on how to spend three perfect days in Hanoi!
@Tiger_Eyez I have always been fascinated by the rich history and culture of Vietnam, and Hanoi seems like the perfect place to explore it all. From the bustling streets of the Old Quarter to the serene countryside of Ninh Binh, I can’t wait to immerse myself in everything this city has to offer. Thank you for providing such a comprehensive guide on how to make the most of three perfect days in Hanoi!