Welcome to Hanoi! Three days is the perfect amount of time to spend admiring iconic landmarks, sampling the best of northern Vietnamese street food, and getting an authentic feel for daily life in the city.

The chic (yet chaotic) capital of Vietnam is by far the most popular starting point for adventurers making their way through the country.

Centrally located in the north, this super safe city not only gives you a taste of the country's complex history and traditional culture, but also acts as the perfect base for visiting neighboring destinations like Ha Giang, Sapa, Cat Ba, and Ha Long Bay.

Fly directly into Noi Bai International Airport, hop on a quick 50-minute, $3 bus ride, and you'll find yourself on the quaint cobblestone streets of Old Quarter.

This first-timer's guide will take you through all of Hanoi's highlights, from soaking in the peaceful ambiance of Hoan Kiem Lake on a Saturday morning to visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It will also provide insider tips that only locals are privy to.

So, if you're excited for an immersive journey that covers everything from the historic marvels of Thăng Long Imperial Citadel to the trendiest Train Street egg coffee cafes, here's what to do in Hanoi for three days!

MY VIETNAM EXPERIENCE:

Duration: 1 Month
Season: December - January (Winter)

3 Days Hanoi Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Wander The Streets Of Old Quarter, Relax By Hoan Kiem Lake, Catch A Water Puppet Show
Day 2: Dive Into Hanoi's History & Culture With Museums, Mausoleums, and Pagodas
Day 3: Day Trip To Ninh Binh or Incense Village (Quang Phu Cau)
Where To Go From Here
Most Popular Day Trips and Half Day Trips From Hanoi
Hanoi FAQs

Day 1: Wander The Streets Of Old Quarter, Relax By Hoan Kiem Lake, Catch A Water Puppet Show

Begin Your Day With Egg Coffee And Pho

Start your journey off strong with some delicious street food.

Egg coffee or cà phê trứng, is an iconic Vietnamese drink that originated in Hanoi in 1946. The rich and creamy coffee drink blends egg yolks, condensed milk, sugar, and coffee for a unique combination that seems strange on paper but is perfectly indulgent on the tongue.

Try the original at Café Giang in Old Quarter. The beverage is authentically enjoyed hot, but if you're visiting on a sweltering summer day, you can swap it for an iced version like I did.

Once you've gotten your caffeine fix, it's time to fill the belly!

You probably already know what pho is, but did you know that it's traditionally a breakfast food?

Stop by any restaurant frequented by locals and trust me, you won't regret it. This fragrant, savory, and warming noodle soup is easy on the stomach, and the perfect way to start your morning.

But if you're uncomfortable with having noodles for breakfast, I get it. You can also wait until brunch time to order it if psychologically that feels a little more acceptable.

Wander The Alleys Of Old Quarter

One of the best things to do in Hanoi is to explore its historic Old Quarter on foot.

The winding alleys of Hoan Kiem are full of colorful shops and charming vendors selling everything from traditional handmade crafts like lanterns and wicker baskets to modern artisanal goods like small-batch craft robusta coffee and genuine Vietnamese silk scarves.

The whimsical colonial-style buildings integrate organically with some historic landmarks like Bach Ma Temple and Heritage House, so keep your eyes peeled and be sure to stop by and pay them a visit as you're walking by.

Traffic in Hanoi gets quite congested and with hundreds of tourists crammed into a small neighborhood, it can get pretty overwhelming.

So, here are some tips to help you cope:

Be mindful of your bags. If you're traveling with luggage, it's best to set them down in your accommodations or use a luggage storage facility before visiting Old Quarter.
Watch your step. Hanoi's curbs have the tendency to drop off suddenly and the pavement is always a little wonky, so it's pretty easy to sprain your ankles (speaking from personal experience here 🥲).
When crossing the street, stay calm and wait for an opening. However, if you're bold and want to try it the local way, just be assertive and walk directly into oncoming traffic. Drivers in Vietnam are pretty attentive and will try their best to maneuver around you.
When crossing larger streets without crosswalks, walk slightly diagonally into traffic. That way, you can keep moving towards your destination but the drivers can anticipate where you're going. Observe the locals doing this this before you try it for yourself.

Lunch & Coffee Break At Hanoi Train Street

Grab a Banh Mi for lunch and then make your way over to the picturesque Hanoi Train Street (or Railway Street)!

If you're on social media at all, you've definitely seen clips of this striking and exhilarating attraction. Railway Street features historic train tracks that are flanked on both sides by two-story tall coffee shops. These narrow roads leave just enough room for pedestrians to pass by, and provide quite the thrill when the railroad crossing bells go "ding ding ding" and active trains zoom by just two inches from your nose.

Hanoi Train Street is technically two train streets: one that runs between Kham Thien and Le Duan Street and one that runs from Phung Hung to Tran Phu Street.

They were originally built by the French during the country's colonial era and while there used to be plenty of room around the tracks, the buildings slowly began to encroach on the space as the city grew.

Spend an afternoon at this popular destination people watching, sipping on Vietnamese coffee, and snapping cute photos for the gram. I DIY-ed this portion of the trip myself but have heard great things from fellow travelers who opted for a street food tour that included Train Street instead!

Unwind By Hoan Kiem Lake And Ngoc Son Temple

After a hectic morning exploring the city's most lively neighborhood, retreat to the tranquil waters of Hoan Kiem Lake.

This natural freshwater body is located in the heart of the city and has long been the center of the Hanoi's social and spiritual life.

One of the lake's most recognizable landmarks is Ngoc Son Temple, situated on Jade Islet in the northeast section. This temple was built in the 19th century and is dedicated to the Taoist diety, Van Xuong De Quan who brings happiness and wealth to scholars, and General Tran Hung Dao who defeated the mongols in the 13th century.

On the weekends, the area surrounding the lake becomes a pedestrian-only zone where you can enjoy lively festivities, street performances, traditional folk games, and connect with locals.

Catch A Traditional Water Puppet Show

As evening nears, it's time to head to the theater.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is one of the most famous cultural attractions in Hanoi and does an incredible job preserving a traditional art form that otherwise would have been lost in today's modern age.

The theater offers more than 500 traditional Vietnamese water puppet shows that incorporate a live band and talented singers who perform traditional works with classic Vietnamese instruments such as Erhu, Flute, Zither, Monochord and Cheo singing.

The shows are all in Vietnamese, but because they're based on traditional legends and historical tales, they're fairly simple to follow. You can also rent an audio guide if you want further explanation.

The performance might look simple to the eye, but is actually pretty complex. I really enjoyed the music and lighting that accompanied the show and thought that the experience offered lots of insight into traditional Vietnamese humor and values.

✨ Tip: Book your tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines and opt for seats closes to the stage because the puppets are surprisingly small!

Book Your Water Puppet Show Tickets

Dinner & Hanoi Beer Street

Your first night in Hanoi would be incomplete without a quick peek at nightlife!

Beer Street or Ta Hien Beer Street is one of the most lively (and dare I say rowdy) places in the city past 6pm. Grab a refreshing pint of Bia Hoi (a light draft lager that is popular with the locals) and munch on some dried squid as you watch the night unfurl.

I'm not saying that you have to stay for long because the vibe certainly isn't for everyone, but it's nice to just walk through and witness the chaos.

Once you're done with the pre-dinner drinks, it's time to head to the main event.

Chả Cá Lã Vọng or Hanoi Turmeric Fish with Dill is one of the city's signature dishes. This fragrant and deeply filling dish consists of freshwater fish (usually catfish or snakehead) cooked over smokey coals and comes to the table on a hot stone platter with fresh dill and green onion. I tried it a Cha Ca Thang Long (here's the Google Maps link) and while it was pretty expensive, the portions were huge.

Day 2: Dive Into Hanoi's History & Culture With Museums, Mausoleums, and Pagodas

Explore Hanoi's French Quarter

Enjoy a peaceful start to your second day at Hanoi's French Quarter. This neighborhood features stunning colonial French architecture, wide boulevards lined with leafy trees, luxury boutiques, and is home to some of the city's important political buildings.

Your first stop today is St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the oldest catholic church in Hanoi. A prime example of Gothic Revival architecture from the late 19th century, it's remarkable that the structure remains in such great condition even after two major wars.

After admiring the tall, colorful stained-glass windows, make your way over to the Hanoi Opera House, another remanent from French colonial times.

This building was built between 1901 and 1911 and is one of three opera houses built by the French during their occupation of Vietnam. If you have a chance, catch a concert or a ballet there, but if you're short on time, it's nice to simply admire from the outside.

Spend Your Morning Museum Hopping

They always say that history is written by the winners, and that's why I always find museums to be such an enriching part of travel.

Not only do you get to learn history and culture right from the source, but it also presents a different perspective than the one that I might have as an outsider looking in.

So, we'll start at the beginning: The National Museum of Vietnamese History.

This museum features a wide range of exhibits that span from prehistoric times, through the different Vietnamese dynasties, and even to the establishment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. It's a comprehensive museum that gives you a broad view of the country's timeline and provides context for some of the other landmarks that you might see on your trip.

Next up: the Vietnamese Women's Museum.

If you're an Asian American woman, there's no doubt that you've heard of the legacy of Vietnamese women. From the fierce ABGs of the west coast during the 90s to the women warriors that fought for their democratic party, Vietnamese women have always been fierce defenders of their community.

The Vietnamese Women’s Museum highlights the role that women have had in Vietnam's history and culture. This exhibit dives into their roles during the country's multiple military conflicts as well as their prowess in commerce, and even their traditional roles within the family.

Moving on, we'll make our way over to the Hỏa Lò Prison Museum. This museum preserves the remains of a prison that was constructed during French occupation to hold political dissidents from Indochina and later used by North Vietnam to hold U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam. The exhibits illuminate some of the inhumane experiences and living conditions that prisoners experienced as captives.

Dive Into Hanoi's Political History

Continuing with our political theme, we'll make our way over to the west side of the city. We'll start with the modern and gradually step into more historical landmarks.

The Presidential Palace is an iconic three-story, mustard yellow, French-style building where the current president of Vietnam officially resides. Although the building itself is closed to tourists, you can still visit Ho Chi Minh's stilt house and stroll through the lush gardens within the complex.

Your trip to Hanoi would be incomplete without a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum!

Like Lenin, Stalin, and Mao, the communist leader is forever preserved and on display in a monumental marble edifice. Ho Chi Minh is largely considered the father of Vietnam, and while he remains controversial amongst those against communism, there's no questioning his impact on the country.

The center literally just houses his body without much else to see. Even so, it's a sacred space and worth visiting.

Now let's leave modern history behind and take a giant leap back to Vietnam's Lý dynasty.

The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long was built in the 11th century and gives visitors a chance to explore ancient palaces, pavilions, and archeological relics that date back thousands of years.

Although I've included it as a stop for the afternoon, you can also take a special night tour to see it under a different light.

From the ancient city grounds, we'll head over to Tran Quoc Pagoda (One Pillar Pagoda), the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi.

This temple was built in 541 (500 years before the imperial citadel was even constructed!) and features three main houses that open up to make the pagoda look like a blooming lotus. This structure has been serene representative of religion in the country for over 1,500 years and provides contemplative grounds for processing all that you've seen this afternoon.

Bun Cha At West Lake

We'll wrap up our day with a relaxing dinner of bun cha on the the tranquil waters of West Lake (Ho Tay).

West Lake is the biggest freshwater lake in Hanoi and the surrounding neighborhood features lots of upscale restaurants, modern cafes, and boutique shopping.

Catch the sunset on the lake and then make your way to one of the adorable establishments nearby.

I recommend trying Bún chả, another one of Hanoi's signature dishes, for dinner. This Vietnamese dish features grilled pork meatballs, refreshing herbs, and thin rice noodles with a delicious tart and savory dipping sauce.

After an exhausting day out, retreat back to your hotel and rest up for the next day of adventures!

Day 3: Day Trip To Ninh Binh or Incense Village (Quang Phu Cau)

Spend your third day outside the main city.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, Hanoi is centrally located in the north. It's an easy access point for day trips and you would be remiss to not take any.

My recommendation would be one of two options:

Day trip to Ninh Binh
Half-Day trip to Incense Village with a cooking class or massage in the evening

Ninh Binh and Incense Village (Quang Phu Cau) are both destinations that have largely gained popularity due to social media. Ninh Binh offers more of a quiet escape into nature while an Incense Village tour gives you further insight into the culture behind traditional crafts in Vietnam.

Day Trip To Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, sometimes called as "Ha Long Bay on Land," is located just an hour and a half by car from the city center. This protected UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its surreal landscapes featuring picturesque rivers, mossy pagodas and striking limestone karsts. If you're looking to unwind and reconnect with nature I recommend that you go with this route.

Of course, you can plan a day trip all by yourself, but getting around without a car can be quite a challenge. So I recommend going with a group tour for a more convenient experience.

The Ninh Binh Day Tour that I booked took us to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, on a small boat trip through the cramped limestone caves of Tam Coc, and then wrapped up with an easy hike to spectacular sunset views at Hang Mua Cave and Ngoa Long (Lying Dragon Mountain).

Book Your Day Trip To Ninh Binh

Half Day Trip To Incense Village (Quang Phu Cau)

Take a trip to Hanoi's Incense Village and witness the beauty of vibrant bundles of bright red, yellow, and green incense sticks drying in the sun for yourself!

Vietnam is home to thousands of traditional craft villages and Quang Phu Cao is just one of them. This village is located just one hour away from the city center and preserves the centuries old tradition of making incense by hand. Incense plays a key role Vietnamese culture and is used in many rituals and celebrations to communicate with and honor ancestors.

The half-day tour that I booked brought us to incense village where they explained the process of cutting, dying, drying, and packaging the incense. When we visited, they were preparing for Tet (Lunar New Year) so production was at an all time high.

This tour not only brought us to Quang Phu Cau, but also to the neighboring Chuong Conical Hat Village and Ha Thai bamboo lacquer where we got to experience traditional crafts for ourselves. Unfortunately, I didn't have space in my luggage to bring the wares home, but it gave me a newfound sense of appreciation for items that we might now take for granted.

Book Your Half-Day Trip To Incense Village

Massage Or Cooking Class

If you opt for the half-day trip, wrap up your evening with a massage or a cooking class.

A long flight + lots of time walking = a sore body, so why not unwind and relax with a massage on your last day?

I got several massages during my one-month Vietnam trip, and they were all quite good! Communication can be a slight challenge (especially if you just step into a random shop) but if you book through an experience provider, they masseuses can usually understand basic cues like "harder" or "softer."

If a massage isn't for you, I'd recommend a cooking class! This top-rated experience teaches you five traditional Vietnamese dishes and is a great way to support the local community while learning about authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Where To Go From Here

The more I travel, the more I realize the importance of geography. In a country as long and skinny as Vietnam, you want to plan your trips strategically. So here are some recommendations on where to visit next.

Ha Giang

This northern province of Ha Giang is known for its majestic mountains, famous motorbike loop, and ethnic minority villages. If you're an adventure traveler or simply need a break from city life, I highly recommend doing a 4-Day Ha Giang Loop Tour. This guided motorbike experience guides you through some of the most remote areas of the province while giving you a chance to hang out extensively with local drivers.

For more on Ha Giang, check out:

Sapa

To the northwest, you'll find Sapa, another mountainous region that is great for trekking through lush rice terraces, chasing waterfalls, witnessing the phenomenon of a sea of clouds, and Vietnam's tallest mountain, Fansipan. Sapa town is also really cute as it's built around a lake and used to be a popular summer escape for many of the Hanoi elite during the summer months. I recommend renting a motorbike (make sure you have a license) and spending at least two or three days riding through the mountains, enjoying Red Dao herbal baths, and dining on hearty dishes like pumpkin soup and Sapa black chicken!

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay has been a popular tourist destination for a long time...and for good reason! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of thousands of limestone islands floating amidst sparkling emerald waters and towering limestone mountains. Splurge on a luxury multi-day cruise and enjoy all-inclusive exploration of the bay's pristine beaches, mysterious caves, and hidden grottos.

Book A Cruise To Ha Long Bay From Hanoi

Cat Ba Island

Ha Long Bay's lesser-known sister, Cat Ba Island is a popular choice for budget travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path option. Lan Ha Bay is literally on the opposite side of Ha Long Bay and offers similar views at a much cheaper price and with fewer tourists ruining your vibe. Spend a few day scooting around and enjoying the peace and quiet of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Zone.

Hue

All the cities I've mentioned so far have been in the north but if you're ready to head on south, take a flight straight to the imperial city of Hue. This historical city was once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty and is famous for its rich history, culture, and cuisine.

Most Popular Day Trips and Half Day Trips From Hanoi

Additionally, if you want to spend a little more time in the region, you can tack on some day trips and half day trips from Hanoi.

Popular Day Trips From Hanoi:

Perfume Pagoda (Huong Pagoda): complex of temples built into the karst cliffs of Huong Tich Mountain
Mai Chau: rice paddies, rustic farms, traditional hilltribes
Ba Vi National Park: hike through this three-peaked mountain and learn more about tropical rainforest and jungle ecology
Tam Dao: a small town in the clouds
Moc Chau: tea fields, bat caves, and spring blossoms

Popular Half-Day Trips From Hanoi:

Bat Trang Pottery Village: traditional pottery and ceramics
Son Tay Fortress: historical citadel built under Minh Mang Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty
Thanh Chuong's Palace: complex of restored traditional buildings that used to belong to the famous painter Thanh Chuong

Hanoi FAQs

Visiting Hanoi for the first time? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling in Vietnam!

How To Get To Hanoi

The easiest way to get to Hanoi is by plane. You can fly directly into Noi Bai International Airport from multiple cities around the world. Make sure to apply for your visa beforehand; otherwise you'll get sent home!

How To Get From Hanoi Airport to Hanoi City

There are four main ways from the airport to the city: bus, shuttle, taxi, and private transfer. If you're working with minimal luggage and want a cheap and safe option, I recommend taking the bus! It's severely underrated and gives you a peek at local transport in the city.

Here's a full breakdown of how to go from Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter as well as an analysis on the other options.

How Long To Spend In Hanoi

As suggested by this title, I recommend three days to spend in Hanoi. This gives you ample time to explore the city's attractions at a moderate pace. As a slow traveler, I'd personally recommend staying for a little longer as that gives you a chance to explore hidden gems and understand local life a little better.

Where To Stay In Hanoi

First time visitors should definitely stay in Old Quarter. It's centrally located and captures the essence of the city.

However, Hanoi is a fairly small (and very safe) city so there are no bad neighborhoods--only less convenient ones.

If you want some other options, I'd consider the French Quarter and West Lake for quieter, more residential alternatives.

Best Time To Visit Hanoi

The best time to visit Hanoi is autumn. The weather is pleasant (not too hot), humidity is at a tolerable level, there's less rainfall than summer, and you'll begin to see some of the autumn foliage change. Dry season runs from November - April and December - February is when you'll get the cheapest hotel rates.

What To Eat/Drink In Hanoi

Hanoi is home to some fabulous street food. In addition to the egg coffee, turmeric fish, banh mi, pho, and bun cha that I mentioned above, here are some other famous foods and beverages to try out.

Bánh Cuốn: steamed rice rolls often stuffed with ground meat, wood ear mushroom, beansprouts, Vietnamese ham, and cucumbers.
Bánh Đa Cua: crab noodle soup (originally from Hai Phong)
Bun Ngan: noodle soup with mule duck stir-fried bamboo shoots, scallions, and cilantro
Bún Đậu: platter of vermicelli, deep-fried tofu, and fermented shrimp paste
Nau Da: Vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk
Nuoc Mia: sugar cane juice
Soda Chanh: Vietnamese lime soda
Tra Da: Vietnamese iced tea

In just three days, Hanoi offers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and cuisine that captures the spirit of Vietnam. From the bustling streets of Old Quarter to serene moments by Hoan Kiem Lake, I did my best to include all of the city's must-sees in this short guide. Pack your travel capsule wardrobe and I hope that Vietnam leaves as fond of an impression on you as it did on me!

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