Hanoi, Vietnam is mesmerizing. The city is brimming with must-see sights, an aromatic and delectable cuisine and a stimulating café culture.
Honking horns, buzzing traffic and vibrant vendors are the rhythmic, pulsing soundtrack of the city. It is intriguing, intoxicating…and intimidating.
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Planning what to do in Hanoi can be an overwhelming task – but don’t stress. Our Hanoi Itinerary includes all of the best things to see…and a few hidden gems, too!
Planning a Hanoi Itinerary for 1 to 5 Days
On our first Visit to Vietnam, our Hanoi sightseeing was simply wandering around aimlessly and trying not to get run over. While we were able to get acquainted with the city, we regrettably missed a lot, too.
For our return trip to Hanoi, we were much better prepared. We created a plan that included all the top places along with a deeper dive into the iconic cuisine!
Top Tip: Get (and stay) organized for your vacation to Vietnam with our Travel Planner!
Best Hanoi Itinerary 5 Days
Okay, we hope you’re ready to discover the capital of Vietnam, because we are diving right in. Later in the article we’ll discuss logistics and those all-important Hanoi itinerary travel tips!
DAY 1: Must-See Attractions in Hanoi Old Quarter
Begin your 5 days in Hanoi in the city’s most iconic districts: The famous Old Quarter and the opulent French Quarter.
Complete your discovery with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and end the day with a classic Vietnamese meal.
Pro Tip: Use our free Hanoi Walking Tours (Routes 1, 2 and 3) for more detailed information on where to go.
Places To See in Hanoi Old Quarter
Get an early start at the Dong Xuan Market and explore the labyrinth of lanes that fill the 3-story hall. Then emerge onto the chaotic streets and make your way to the city’s historic gate, O Quan Chuong.
Next, visit the oldest and most famous temple, Bach Ma. Then make your way to the Hang Bac Temple, a hidden gem in the Old Quarter.
Stop at 39 Ta Hien Café and order a classic Vietnamese iced coffee with sweet condensed milk. Sit on a low plastic stool outside where you can savor the coffee and atmosphere.
Continue your Old Quarter discovery along Hang Bac – Silversmith’s Street – and pop into Dinh Kim Ngan Temple along the way.
Visit the Hanoi Ancient House – a historic dwelling that has been preserved as a museum. Next, wander along Pho Gia Ngu, a shop-lined street where vendors sell fresh herbs, vegetables and raw meat.
Finish your Old Quarter exploration at Den Ba Kieu Temple, which sits on the north end of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Places To Go in Hanoi French Quarter
Cross the red wooden bridge and visit the Ngoc Son Temple. Then stroll south along the water to the statue of Ly Thai To, the city’s founder. Walk past the frog fountain in Dien Hong Park to the National History Museum.
Next, visit the most famous building in the French Quarter: The Hanoi Opera House. After admiring the historic, yellow structure, detour to Pho Thin for a bowl of the best pho in Hanoi.
If you desire something sweet after lunch, stop in S’Patisserie for a slice of cake. Then make your way to the west side of the lake to St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Next, walk lakeside and enjoy the peaceful retreat at the King Le Thai To monument. Stay by the water and walk north to the large square, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc.
Find the hidden entrance to Cafe Phố Cổ, where you can take in the rooftop views and a refreshing beverage.
Explore the Ancient Guild Streets
If you have the energy, discover the 36 Guild Streets of the Old Quarter. Each lane was once dedicated to a specific trade and named for that craft.
Find the street dedicated to the silk trade and the one where they sell children’s toys. Seek out the herbal medicine street or peek into the shops selling paper votives for Buddhist rituals.
Dinner in Hanoi Old Quarter
Choose one of the establishments featuring the famous Cha Ca – a fish dish that originated here. The restaurant where the meal was invented is on Cha Ca Street (along with several others), but we recommend Cha Ca Thang Long.
Want more foodie tips? Check out our Hanoi Food Guide for more fantastic things to eat!
DAY 2: Iconic Places To Visit in Hanoi
Today you’ll journey to the west of the Old Quarter. The area is home to some of the top things to see in Hanoi: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace and ancient Citadel.
These sights require appropriate attire, so be sure to dress modestly. This typically means no tank tops, plunging necklines, bare midsections or short shorts.
Top Tip: We combine most of these on our Hanoi Walking Tour #4.
Best Hanoi Monuments
Start by touring the ancient Thang Long Imperial Citadel. The historic complex features structures from different periods in time – including bunkers from the Vietnam War.
After touring the Citadel grounds, head for the stoic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is one of the best places in Hanoi to understand the Vietnamese people’s love for their former leader.
Next, tour the Presidential Palace grounds and the traditional Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived. Finally, visit the historic wooden One Pillar Pagoda before moving on.
West Lake and Truc Bach District
On the southeast bank of West Lake, visit the Quan Thanh Temple. Then walk north along Thanh Nien Street that separates West Lake from the much smaller Truc Bach Lake.
If you need a rest and refreshment, make a stop at Highlands Coffee, a Starbucks-esque coffeeshop chain in Vietnam.
As you continue north along Thanh Nien, note the American War Memorial that celebrates the capture of American pilot and late US senator, John McCain.
Now head for the small island on West Lake, which is completely occupied by the Tran Quoc Temple complex. Many locals consider the 6th century Buddhist temple to be one of the most important in the city.
Make your way to the Truc Bach Island and find a seat at Pho Cuon Huong Mai for a late lunch. Order one (or both) of their signature dishes: Rolled Pho or Fried Pho.
Walk off lunch and visit the Cho Chau Long Market and make one last stop at the Roman Catholic Church of Martyrs, more commonly known as Cua Bac Church.
Old Quarter Hanoi Night Market
If it is a weekend night (Friday, Saturday or Sunday), spend the evening perusing the wares at the Night Market in Hanoi.
The bazaar is set up on Hang Dao Street, which completely closes to vehicular traffic after 6:00pm. Vendors sell clothing, accessories, heaps of souvenirs, sweet treats and all kinds of meat on a stick.
Walk the length of the market and then spend some time in the vibrant Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. A fantastic place for people watching, look for large groups of people practicing Zumba and street performers!
DAY 3: Hanoi Culture and Additional Attractions
Today on your 5-Day Hanoi Itinerary, you’ll spend time learning more about the history and Vietnamese culture.
Pro Tip: We bundled most of these sights on our Hanoi Walking Tour #5.
Ancient Hanoi History
Start your third day bright and early with a jolt of caffeine from Cộng Cà Phê. The modern coffeeshop features vintage communist décor and an amazing iced coconut coffee.
Next, head into the Temple of Literature to learn about the educational complex that dates to 1070. You may also want to look around the Fine Arts Museum that is located nearby.
Then, visit the Quan Su Pagoda, a picturesque 15th century Buddhist temple that also serves as the Head Office of Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha.
Modern History in Hanoi
Step inside the Hao Lo Prison, better known as the Hanoi Hilton, where American POWs were held captive during the Vietnam War. Learn about the prison’s history under French colonialism and stories of the POWs.
For lunch, eat a bowl of Bun Cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien. It was made famous in 2016 when the late Anthony Bourdain and US President Obama dined there. Order the Obama Special: Bun Cha, a seafood roll and a beer!
Next, visit the Vietnamese Women’s History Museum, which features displays and information about women’s traditional role in society. Learn about their position in the family, fashions and history.
Ta Hien Beer Corner
End the day drinking a few local beers at the famous Ta Hien Beer Corner; it’s one of the top things to do in Hanoi at night. The jovial scene is boisterous, chaotic and highly entertaining.
Simply pick a place and find a seat…if there are no tables, the waitstaff can quickly bring one out for you. Just don’t stay out too late – tomorrow you will embark on a full day trip from Hanoi!
DAY 4: Excursions from Hanoi
On Day 4 of your Hanoi Travel Itinerary, join a tour to explore outside of the city center. These side-tips are relatively inexpensive – with an option to upgrade to a Hanoi private tour, if desired.
Hanoi to Halong Bay
On our first Vietnam trip, visiting Halong Bay was an absolute highlight! The enchanting landscape is surreal and it’s one of the prime places to visit near Hanoi.
For those unable to squeeze an overnight cruise into their Hanoi Itinerary, there is a jam-packed Hanoi 1-Day Tour to Halong Bay.
However, we believe a 2-Night Halong Bay Cruise is the ideal way to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Another top thing to do close to Hanoi is to visit the wonderland of Ninh Binh. Steeped in history and natural beauty, the Ninh Binh Province is nicknamed “Halong On Land.”
A full day tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh features the highlights of the region. You are driven via air-conditioned bus to the province, and an English-speaking guide leads the way to numerous activities.
This includes a traditional Tom Coc boat ride through three caves, a bike ride through a village, a visit to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and a hike to the top of Mua Cave.
Top Tip: Read about our experience Visiting Ninh Binh from Hanoi and what we would’ve done differently.
Hanoi Outskirts by Bicycle
Those who are looking for things to do around Hanoi without boarding a bus can explore by bicycle. On this Half-Day Bike Tour from Hanoi, guests pedal their bikes into the rural villages that lie just beyond the bustling center.
Perfume Pagoda
Travel 2 hours on this tour to the ancient Buddhist complex of temples and shrines built directly into the Huong Tich mountains. Enjoy a ride in a rowboat, trekking to a cave and visiting the historical Heaven Kitchen Pagoda!
Bat Trang and Duong Lam Villages
Get a full dose of traditional Vietnamese crafts, culture and history on this full day outing from Hanoi. The excursion begins in Bat Trang – a village well-known for making pottery and ceramics.
Next travel to Duong Lam, which features century-old houses, and take a bike ride through farmland to temples!
DAY 5: Hanoi Unique Experiences
To complete this Hanoi 5-Day Itinerary, satisfy your curiosity by preparing local specialties or learning a traditional craft. Then, set off to a unique neighborhood and a wildly popular location.
Morning: Indulge in Local Hanoi Fare
The food in Vietnam is like nowhere else in the world. Fragrant and flavorful dishes dominate the cuisine. Visitors can discover this incredible foodie scene a couple of different ways.
Join a Hanoi Street Food Tour
Learn about regional flavors from a local Hanoi tour guide. On this Small-Group Hanoi Food Tour, participants can get a taste of the best street food in the city!
Hanoi Cooking Class
For a real education in Vietnamese food, join a Cooking Class in Hanoi. The half-day class that I took offered so much more than expected – and the food was phenomenal! Read about the experience in my review!
Afternoon: Hanoi Neighborhood Exploration
Use the final afternoon of your Hanoi trip to discover a new neighborhood – or revisit one that you loved!
Give your feet a break and take a relaxed Hanoi city tour in a Cyclo for a different perspective. Alternatively, cover some ground on two wheels on one of the guided Hanoi Motorbike Tours!
Those who want a break from sightseeing altogether can take in some culture by watching the famous Hanoi Water Puppet Show!
Evening: Train Street
Once a neglected neighborhood along the tracks, that all changed when tourists started showing up to take pictures of trains chugging through the narrow alley.
Savvy locals then opened front porch cafes outside their living rooms and erected shifty balcony bars off their bedrooms. Predictably, the scene quickly got out of hand.
Despite completely shutting down twice and many posted signs stating otherwise, people are again entering the area when “invited” by a resident. You are, of course, expected buy drinks from your new best friend.
Night: Local Bia Hoi Corners
Drinking Fresh Beer – or Bia Hoi – is one of the fun things to do in Hanoi with locals. The beer is made daily and delivered to restaurants in large metal tanks.
Bat Dan Bia Hoi
Bat Dan and Duong Thanh are two Bia Hoi corner bars that sit catty-corner from each other. The open-air venues have low tables and chairs that spill out onto the sidewalks. Each small glass of beer costs about 50 cents!
New Bia Hoi Corner: Hang Buom and Dao Duy Tu
Dubbed as the New Bia Hoi Corner, vendors pop up all along the stretch of sidewalk at the intersection of Hang Buom and Dao Duy Tu. On weekends, live bands join the party, too!
Fresh Beer at Dao Duy Tu and Luong Ngoc Quyen
Another fun corner for cheap glasses of Bia Hoi is at the intersection of Dao Duy Tu and Luong Ngoc Quyen.
Hanoi Itinerary Travel Tips
Now that you know the best things to see in Hanoi and Northern Vietnam, we have some final advice for your vacation.
Weather in Hanoi
The summer months – June, July and August – are the hottest and the humidity can be stifling. It’s also considered the rainy season, meaning frequent downpours.
In the autumn – September, October and November – the temperatures are usually slightly cooler. Winter in Hanoi – December to February – sees cool temps, ranging between 50-70F.
During the Spring – March, April and May – temps start creeping up and the skies are often overcast with light showers.
Before planning a trip to Hanoi, it’s important to check the Vietnam holiday calendar. Tet – the Vietnamese Lunar New Year – is marked with week-long celebrations, usually late January or early February.
Getting To and Around Hanoi
The Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is located about 28 miles from the city center. While there are no direct flights from the US, connections are available through major Asian hub cities like Tokyo or Seoul.
Although not for the faint of heart, the ideal way to get most places on our Hanoi itinerary is with your own two feet. You can cut down on walk times by using the Grab App to catch a ride.
Where To Stay in Hanoi
The prime area for accommodations in Hanoi is the Old Quarter. That said, with the honking motorbikes and inebriated tourists, it can be loud.
The Amber Hotel is a small boutique property down a relatively quiet alley. We loved the spacious rooms, ice-cold air con, amazing breakfast and lovely staff.
Those who want to splurge have plenty of choices, too! Among the 5-Star Hanoi Hotels in the French Quarter, the following come highly-recommended by fellow travelers: Sofitel Legend Metropole and MGallery Hotel de l’Opera.
There are relatively few Hanoi hotels with a pool – and those that do tend to come at a premium. That said, there are a few that get consistently good reviews. Check the Silk Queen Hotel Hang Gai or Tirant Hotel.
What To Pack for Hanoi
As you prepare for your trip to Hanoi, read our packing hacks and complete checklist for your backpack or suitcase. For now, we’ll share a few must-haves.
Appropriate Attire for Vietnam
Visitors traveling to Hanoi in the warmer months will need loose-fitting, modest clothing. Make sure to have something that covers your knees and shoulders to enter temples – like this multi-functional wrap.
Weather Gear and Day Bag
A packable raincoat is a good choice – and a travel umbrella can provide protection from both rain and sun. Remember sunscreen, too – as it is expensive in Vietnam and insect repellent to keep the mosquitos away.
You’ll also want a great day pack to organize and secure all your everyday travel items! Unfortunately, pick-pockets can be a problem and don’t leave your phone out.
Travel Camera
Hanoi is visually stimulating and extremely photogenic! Capture it all with an actual travel camera. We shoot with a DSLR Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens.
Wi-Fi in Vietnam
Connectivity is an absolute must in Hanoi! Those traveling with locked phones can contact their provider to inquire about short-term international plans.
However, frequent travelers and those in a group should consider buying a Mobile WiFi Hotspot. We prefer this device from GlocalMe.
Vietnam Travel Insurance
Trip coverage may help with the cost of cancelled flights, lost luggage or even getting ill or injured abroad. Check policies and rates at World Nomads for your Vietnam vacation.
Start planning your trip to Vietnam! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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