Planning a 3 day Hanoi itinerary? We’re sharing where to go and what to see to help you plan the perfect itinerary.
My friend and I had arrived in Hanoi from Da Nang, and we were eager to explore the bustling capital city of Vietnam.
Hanoi is a vibrant and dynamic city with a rich history and culture, and we were excited to immerse ourselves in everything it had to offer.
From mouth-watering street food to fascinating historical sites, Hanoi has something for everyone. We were thrilled to spend the next few days exploring the city and its surrounding areas.
Travel Tip! If it’s your first time traveling to Hanoi, avail of Vietnam tour packages for a hassle free trip.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Quarter
Arriving at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, my friend and I took Bus No. 17 for 19,000 VND/person from the airport to Long Bien Station. It was a convenient and cost-effective way to reach the city.
The best thing? We were able to catch a glimpse of the city outskirts during the ride.
Morning
Set out to explore the vibrant neighborhood of the Old Quarter. Walk along the streets, admiring the beautiful colonial architecture, and visit notable sights such as the Bach Ma Temple and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
- Bach Ma Temple: open 9:00am – 5:30pm daily
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral: open Sunday: from 7:00-11:30 am, 3:00pm-9:00pm; Monday to Saturday: 8:00-11:00am, 2:00pm-8:00pm
Afternoon
Walk the perimeter of Hoan Kiem Lake Park (also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword), which is exactly one mile. Hoan Kiem Lake Park is one of the most iconic and popular attractions in Hanoi.
Legend has it that a magical sword was given to Emperor Le Loi by a golden turtle to help him defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty. After the victory, the emperor returned the sword to the turtle, and the lake was named in honor of the event.
Hoan Kiem Lake Park also offers several recreational activities – street performers and food vendors that add to the lively atmosphere of the park.
Don’t miss to visit Ngoc Son Temple. The temple is a beautiful and intricately designed structure that is dedicated to the national hero Tran Hung Dao. Visitors can cross the red-painted Huc Bridge to reach the temple and admire the stunning architecture and artwork inside.
- Hoan Kiem Lake Park: open 24 hours
- Ngoc Son Temple: open 8:00am to 6:00pm daily; entrance fee: 30,000 VND
Evening
Head to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to watch a traditional water puppet show. Tickets sell out quickly so grab a ticket before the first show at 3:30pm.
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: daily afternoon and evening shows; ticket price: 100,000-200,000 VND
Day 2: Visiting Historical and Cultural Sites
Morning
Start your day by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The mausoleum is a grand monument built in honor of Ho Chi Minh – the revolutionary leader who played a pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence. Get impressed by the sheer size and grandeur of the mausoleum.
Stop by the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage. Get amazed by the intricate architecture and design of the citadel, as well as the historical significance of the site. There is also an archaeological museum right in front of the citadel.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: open 7:00 am – 5:00 pm daily, entrance fee: FREE
- Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: open 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily; entrance fee: 30,000 VND/adult
Afternoon
After lunch, visit the Temple of Literature, which is a beautiful temple complex that was once home to Vietnam’s first university. The temple is dedicated to Confucius and features stunning architecture, including a picturesque courtyard with a lotus pond.
Be fascinated by the history of the temple and its significance in Vietnamese culture and education.
Visit also the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, a fascinating museum that showcases the diverse cultures and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Learn about the unique customs, rituals, and beliefs of each group through displays of traditional clothing, tools, and artifacts.
- Temple of Literature: open 8:00am – 5:00pm daily; entrance fee: 30,000 VND
- Ho Chi Minh Museum: open (Tuesday-Sunday) 8 AM–12 PM, 2–4:30 PM; entrance fee: 150,000 VND/adult
Day 3: Exploring Hanoi’s Surrounding Areas
One of the most popular destinations outside the city is the Huong Pagoda (Perfume Pagoda), which is located about 60 kilometers southwest of Hanoi. This site is a complex of Buddhist temples and shrines that are nestled into the mountainside and surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Visitors can take a boat ride along the Yen Stream and then hike up to the pagodas, or take a cable car to the top for stunning views.
Another popular day trip is a cruise on Ha Long Bay, which is about 170 kilometers east of Hanoi. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a breathtaking natural wonder that features over 1,600 limestone islands and islets. Visitors can take a cruise on a traditional junk boat and explore the caves, beaches, and floating villages of the bay. Some tours even offer kayaking or swimming opportunities.
There are several tour operators that offer day trips from Hanoi, such as Klook and similar sites. Alternatively, you can also arrange tours through your hotel or a local travel agency.
- Huong Pagoda: open 24 hours
- Ha Long Bay: entrance fee: 200,000 VND per person for a day cruise; 500,000 VND per person for an overnight cruise
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
Generally, the best time to visit Hanoi is during the spring and fall seasons, which run from April-November respectively.
During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and lower levels of humidity. This makes it a great time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions, such as Hoan Kiem Lake and Ha Long Bay.
The winter months of December to January are the peak months, but the festive atmosphere of the holiday season and Lunar New Year celebrations can be a unique and memorable experience.
However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds and save money, you may want to consider visiting during the summer seasons. The summer months of May to September can be hot and humid, but this also means that there are fewer tourists and lower prices on accommodations and tours.
Other Helpful Tips for Visiting Hanoi
Transportation: The most common way to get around is by motorbike or bicycle. However, if you’re not comfortable driving, there are buses and taxis in the city. You can also hire a driver or join a tour group.
Food and beverage: Hanoi is known for its delicious street food, such as pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and bun cha (grilled pork with noodles). Be sure to try the local cuisine. You might also want to try an egg coffee, a unique Hanoi specialty made with whipped egg yolk, sugar, and coffee.
- Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND). It’s a good idea to exchange some money before your trip, or withdraw cash from an ATM once you arrive. Many places in Hanoi also accept credit cards, but be aware of foreign transaction fees.
- Language: Vietnamese is the official language in Hanoi, but English is widely spoken in touristy areas. However, it’s always helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Vietnamese, such as “xin chao” (meaning “hello;” pronounced as “seen ciao”) and “cam on” (meaning “thank you;” pronounced as “gahm un”).
- Dress code: Hanoi is a conservative city, so it’s recommended to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting religious sites or government buildings. This means covering your shoulders and knees, and avoiding revealing or tight-fitting clothing.
- Safety: Hanoi is a relatively safe city, but be aware of common tourist scams and pickpocketing in crowded areas. It’s also important to wear a helmet when riding a motorbike or bicycle, as traffic can be chaotic.
- Culture: Hanoi has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and art. Attend a water puppet show or visit a local art museum to learn more about the city’s culture and history.
Final Thoughts
Hanoi is a vibrant and exciting city that offers a wealth of cultural and historical experiences for visitors. From exploring the narrow streets and markets of the Old Quarter to visiting iconic sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature, there is always something exciting to discover in this fascinating city.
