Ultimate Hanoi Itinerary: Must-See Sights, Food & Hidden Gems

Hanoi Itinerary 3 Days

Here’s a detailed 3-day Hanoi itinerary for your trip, blending the city’s must-see cultural landmarks, rich history, and vibrant street food scene. Each day focuses on a balanced combination of activities, food, and relaxation:

Day 1 – Old Quarter Exploration & Cultural Immersion

Morning:

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple:

Start your day at the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake. Walk around the lake, and visit Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island connected by the iconic red bridge – The Huc means “welcome the morning sun”.

Emperor Ly Thai To Monument:

A short walk from the lake, you’ll find this statue, commemorating the emperor who moved Vietnam’s capital to Hanoi in 1010.

Hanoi Opera House:

Admire the stunning French colonial architecture of the Hanoi Opera House. You can take a quick photo stop or enjoy coffee nearby.

Ice Cream at Kem Trang Tien:

Treat yourself with an ice cream at the famous Kem Trang Tien on Trang Tien street, a local favorite since the 1950s.

Midday:

Bun Cha Dac Kim (Dac Kim Hanoi-Style Grilled Pork & Vermicelli Noodles): Enjoy your lunch with Hanoi cuisine.

• Website: Bun Cha Dac Kim
• Google Map

Afternoon:

St Joseph Cathedral:

Visit the St. Joseph Church known as Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic-style building reminiscent of Notre Dame in Paris.

Hanoi Train Street:

Experience the famous Hanoi Train Street, where trains pass through a narrow alleyway, inches from local homes. Take a seat and enjoy a cup of Hanoi Egg Coffee to learn about the local coffee culture.

Evening:

Water Puppet Show:

Watch an entertaining traditional Water Puppet Show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre near Hoan Kiem Lake.

Cyclo Tour Around Old Quarter:

Take a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter, Hanoi’s vibrant and bustling area with 36 streets named after the goods sold in the past.

Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang:

End your evening with a delicious egg coffee at the original Cafe Giang.

Night:

Hanoi Nightlife:

Explore Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife by visiting Ta Hien Beer Street for a cold beer and soaking in the lively atmosphere or discover Hanoi’s energetic nightlife with live music, rooftop bars, or a stroll through the Old Quarter.

Day 2 – History, Pagodas, and Local Foods

Morning:

You can do Hanoi City Tour 1 day with the most iconic Hanoi Attractions such as:

Ho Chi Minh Complex:

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you can pay your respects to Vietnam’s beloved leader at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Explore the nearby Ho Chi Minh Museum, his stilt house, and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Tran Quoc Pagoda & West Lake:

Head to the tranquil Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda on West Lake. Take a moment to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views. Learn about Vietnamese Buddhism.

Midday:

Cha Ca Thang Long (Thang Long Fish Cake with Noodles):

Is a signature Hanoi dish featuring flavorful grilled turmeric-marinated fish served with fresh herbs, rice noodles, and peanuts. Cooked tableside, this delicacy is a must-try for a taste of authentic northern Vietnamese cuisine.

• Website: Cha Ca Thang Long
• Google map

Afternoon:

Temple of Literature:

Continue your journey to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius.

Hoa Lo Prison (Hilton Hanoi):

Visit Hoa Lo Prison, once used to house political prisoners and later American POWs during the Vietnam War. It offers a sobering look into Vietnam’s history.

Evening:

Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour:

For Dinner, indulge in a Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour, where you’ll try local delicacies like Pho, Bun Cha, Banh Cuon and Banh Mi.

Dong Xuan Market & O Quan Chuong Old Gate:

Explore the bustling Dong Xuan Wholesale Market for some shopping. Don’t miss the nearby O Quan Chuong Old Gate, one of the few remaining ancient gates of the Old Quarter.

Ta Hien Beer Street:

Return to Ta Hien Street for some evening drinks or a massage at one of the nearby spas.

Day 3 – Local Crafts & Day Tours

Morning:

Hanoi Cooking Class and Egg Coffee Making Class:

Start the day with a cooking class where you can learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes and egg coffee. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in local cuisines.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel:

Visit the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich historical significance.

Midday:

Museum Visit (B52 Museum, Fine Arts Museum, or Women’s Museum):

Depending on your interest, choose a museum to explore. The B52 Museum covers war history, the Fine Arts Museum showcases Vietnamese art, or the Women’s Museum highlights the role of women in Vietnam.

Traditional Handicraft Villages:

In the afternoon, visit nearby traditional handicraft villages like Bat Trang (pottery), Van Phuc (silk), or Quang Phu Cau (incense making).

Evening:

Old Quarter Night Market & Walking Street (Only on weekends):

If your trip falls on a weekend, don’t miss the Old Quarter Night Market and walking street, offering local handicrafts, food, and souvenirs.

Must-Do Day Trips from Hanoi

Halong Bay 1 Day Tour:

• 4-hour cruise with kayaking, bamboo boat hand-rowing, cave exploration.,
• 6-hours cruise with kayaking, bamboo boat hand-rowing, cave exploration, swimming, sunbathing, relaxing.,

Lan Ha Bay Day Cruise and Cat Ba Island:

Enjoy one day trip itinerary from Hanoi with round-trip transfer, Lan Ha Bay cruise with kayaking, bamboo boat hand-rowing, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling.,

Ninh Binh Day Trips:

• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Explore Vietnam’s first capital, rich in history and ancient temples.
• Tam Coc Boat Trip: Sail through scenic limestone karsts and rice paddies on the “Ha Long Bay on land.”
• Trang An Boat Tour: A UNESCO site offering a serene boat ride through caves and lush landscapes.
• Hang Mua Viewpoint: Climb to panoramic views of Ninh Binh’s breathtaking countryside.
• Bai Dinh Buddhist Pagoda: Visit Vietnam’s largest pagoda complex, renowned for its spiritual significance.
• Thung Nham Bird Garden: Discover a peaceful bird sanctuary surrounded by nature.
• Van Long Wetland: Glide through a tranquil wetland home to diverse wildlife and stunning scenery.
• Cuc Phuong National Park: Vietnam’s oldest national park, perfect for trekking and spotting wildlife.
• Thien Ha Grotto (Galaxy Grotto): A hidden cave with spectacular stalactites, accessed by boat.
• Tam Chuc Buddhist Pagoda: A massive lakeside pagoda in Ha Nam with stunning mountain views and spiritual significance.

Perfume Pagoda: A famous pilgrimage site with sacred caves, reached by boat and a scenic hike.

Duong Lam Ancient Village & Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas: Step back in time in a preserved village of Red River Delta with ancient pagodas full of history.

Ba Vi National Park Hiking: A lush, mountainous park ideal for hiking with panoramic views and ancient temples.

Mai Chau Trekking: Experience peaceful countryside treks through rice fields and ethnic minority villages.

Foods Must-Try in Hanoi

Pho Bo & Pho Ga: Classic beef or chicken noodle soups, Hanoi’s most famous dish.

• Pho Thin: Famous for its stir-fried beef Pho, offering a rich, smoky flavor.
  • Google Map
  • Website: Pho Thin
• Pho Bat Dan: An iconic, traditional Hanoi beef Pho spot with a long-standing reputation.
  • Google Map
  • Website: Pho Bat Dan
• Pho Ga Dac Biet (Special Chicken Pho): The restaurant is considered a bit cramped, you may need to sit on the sidewalk but the reasonable price is very popular with diners. The noodles are small, blanched and soft enough to not fall apart. The chicken has enough thigh, breast and thinly sliced ​​chicken skin so it’s quite enjoyable to eat. The highlight is the sweet broth, squeezed with lemon for “excellent taste”.
  • Google Map
• Pho Ga Nguyet (Nguyet Chicken Pho): Delicious chicken Pho in Hanoi that is loved by many tourists. The restaurant is airy and still very clean.
  • Google Map

Bun Cha: Grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, Nem (fried spring roll), fresh herbs, and dipping sauce.

• Bun Cha Obama (Bun Cha Huong Lien): Popularized by President Obama’s visit, a top spot for Bun Cha.
  • Website: Bun Cha Huong Lien
  • Google Map
• Bun Cha Dac Kim: A legendary place for authentic Bun Cha in Hanoi.
  • Website: Bun Cha Dac Kim
  • Google Map

Cha Ca: Grilled turmeric fish served with noodles, fresh herbs, and peanuts.

• Cha Ca Thang Long: A well-known Hanoi restaurant for its flavorful fish dish.
  • Website: Cha Ca Thang Long
  • Google Map
• Cha Ca Anh Vu: A delicious take on Hanoi’s famous fish dish, offering rich flavors.
  • Google Map
  • Website: Cha Ca Anh Vu
• Cha Ca La Vong: The original spot for Cha Ca, with a history dating back over a century.
  • Google Map

Banh Cuon: Delicate steamed rice rolls filled with pork, herbs and mushrooms.

• Banh Cuon Thanh Van: A favorite spot for fresh, perfectly rolled Banh Cuon.
  • Google Map

Banh Mi: A Vietnamese sandwich filled with meats, veggies, and pickles in a crispy baguette.

• Bami Bread: To enjoy the delicate flavor of Hoi An bread in the heart of Hanoi, stopping by Bami Bread is the perfect choice.

• • Google Map
• Banh Mi 25: Is a bread place that attracts international tourists to the Old Quarter. With the owner’s enthusiasm and unique flavor, 25 Hang Ca bread has conquered the hearts of both Hanoians and international tourists.
  • Google Map

Where to Stay in Hanoi?

• Old Quarter – The best location for easy access to Hanoi’s major attractions. You can find a good hotel for your holiday from booking platforms such as trip.com, agoda, booking.com, traveloka.,
• French Quarter – For a more upscale, quieter stay and also near the Hoan Kiem lake and other Hanoi landmarks.
• West Lake Area – Ideal for a peaceful and scenic retreat from the city.

Plan Your Perfect Hanoi Adventure: Start Exploring Now!

Ready to experience the vibrant culture and rich history of Hanoi? Dive into our detailed Hanoi itinerary to uncover Must-see sights, indulge in delicious Must-try street food, and discover hidden gems. Don’t miss out—start planning your unforgettable adventure today!