Best Hanoi Travel Itineraries Based on Your Stay Duration
目次
How Many Days Should You Spend in Hanoi?
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating city that blends rich history, French colonial architecture, and vibrant street life. While it’s possible to experience Hanoi in a short trip, your itinerary will vary depending on how many days you have.
In this guide, we provide 1-night/2-day, 2-night/3-day, and 3-night/4-day or longer model itineraries. Choose the best plan that fits your schedule!
1-Night/2-Day: A Quick but Exciting Hanoi Experience
This itinerary is perfect for those who want to explore Hanoi’s key attractions in a short time.
Day 1
- Morning: Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport → Transfer to the Old Quarter
- Lunch: Enjoy Pho (Vietnamese beef noodle soup) at the famous Pho Thin
- Afternoon:
- Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
- Explore the Old Quarter and try Egg Coffee at a local café
- Admire St. Joseph’s Cathedral
- Evening: Watch the Thang Long Water Puppet Show
- Night: Enjoy Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles) at “Bún chả Hương Liên,” a restaurant visited by Barack Obama
Day 2
- Morning: Early morning walk on Long Bien Bridge & local breakfast
- Late Morning: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Temple of Literature
- Lunch: Transfer to the airport and depart
🚀 Highlights
- A well-balanced itinerary covering history, culture, and food
- Unique experiences like the Water Puppet Show and Egg Coffee
- Short yet fulfilling trip with Hanoi’s must-see spots
2-Night/3-Day: A Well-Rounded Hanoi Experience
With 2 nights, you can explore more cultural sites and even take a short excursion.
Day 1
- Morning: Arrive in Hanoi → Transfer to the Old Quarter
- Lunch: Try Banh Mi at the famous “Banh Mi 25”
- Afternoon:
- Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake & explore the Old Quarter
- Shop at Dong Xuan Market
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset cocktail at La Siesta Premium Rooftop Bar
- Night: Vietnamese BBQ or traditional fish dish at “Chả Cá Lã Vọng”
Day 2
- Morning: Take a day trip to Ha Long Bay (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Lunch: Seafood lunch on a cruise
- Afternoon: Explore the scenic landscapes around Cat Ba Island
- Evening: Return to Hanoi and explore the Night Market & local bars
Day 3
- Morning: Visit Bat Trang Ceramic Village (try pottery-making)
- Late Morning: Explore the Temple of Literature & Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Lunch: Enjoy Hanoi-style Pho at “Pho Bat Dan”
- Afternoon: Transfer to the airport and depart
🌟 Highlights
- Visit the stunning Ha Long Bay on a day trip
- Enjoy Hanoi’s diverse street food scene
- Unique experiences like pottery-making at Bat Trang Village
3-Night/4-Day or More: Deep Dive into Hanoi & Surrounding Areas
With 3 or more nights, you can explore Hanoi in depth and visit nearby attractions.
Days 1 & 2
Follow the 2-night/3-day itinerary for city highlights and a Ha Long Bay tour.
Day 3
- Morning: Take a day trip to Ninh Binh (Trang An – “Inland Ha Long Bay”)
- Lunch: Try Ninh Binh’s famous goat meat dishes
- Afternoon: Explore Hoa Lu (ancient capital of Vietnam) & Mua Cave
- Evening: Return to Hanoi & relax with a spa treatment
- Night: Enjoy Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crispy pancakes) & Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls)
Day 4
- Morning: Stroll through the Old Quarter and enjoy a slow café morning
- Late Morning: Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about local culture
- Lunch: Transfer to the airport and depart
🌍 Highlights
- Combine Hanoi with trips to Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh’s natural wonders
- Relax with a traditional Vietnamese spa experience
- Discover unique cultural and historical sites
Conclusion: How Many Days Should You Spend in Hanoi?
📌 1-Night/2-Day: A quick trip covering Hanoi’s highlights.
📌 2-Night/3-Day: A balanced itinerary with a Ha Long Bay cruise.
📌 3-Night/4-Day or More: A deeper exploration of Hanoi & nearby regions.
Hanoi offers a rich mix of history, culture, and food. Choose the itinerary that best fits your schedule and enjoy an unforgettable trip to Vietnam’s capital!
（Photo by Unsplash.com）
