2-Day Hanoi Tour Itinerary for First-Time Travelers (2025)

Ultimate Hanoi itinerary 2 days: Explore Iconic Landmarks, Hidden Gems, and Vibrant Nightlife

Day 1: Hanoi’s Iconic Landmarks and Hidden Gems

07:30 AM – 08:00 AM: Start Your Day with Vietnamese Coffee

• Start Hanoi itinerary 2 days with a classic egg coffee from either Cafe Giang (39 Nguyen Huu Huan) or Cafe Dinh (13 Dinh Tien Hoang). These legendary cafes provide a creamy, sweet coffee experience you won’t find outside Vietnam’s capital city.

08:15 AM – 09:30 AM: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

• Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and pay homage to the country’s revered leader.
• Mausoleum: Pay homage to Ho Chi Minh.
• Presidential Palace: Stroll through beautiful French colonial gardens.
• House on Stilts: Visit the modest and unassuming abode in which Ho Chi Minh resided.
• One Pillar Pagoda: an unusual lotus-shaped pagoda symbolic of Hanoi.
• Dress Code: No shorts and no sleeveless shirts allowed.
• Tip: Arrive early to avoid waiting in line.

09:45 AM – 11:00 AM: Explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

• An ancient royal site and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Must-See Highlights:
  • Kinh Thien Palace: The heart of the ancient citadel.
  • D67 House: A wartime command center with historical artifacts.
  • Hanoi Flag Tower: A proud symbol of Hanoi’s history.
• Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND ($1.5).

11:15 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch at a Local Restaurant

• Have a try at Bun Cha Ta (21 Nguyen Huu Huan) for grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, or a hot bowl of Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc).
• Average Price: 60,000 – 80,000 VND ($3 – $4).

12:45 PM – 01:45 PM: Visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam)

• Vietnam’s first university, a center of learning and Confucianism.
• Explore the Courtyards:
  • Great Gate: The iconic entrance.
  • Well of Heavenly Clarity: Tranquil pond ringed by venerable structures.
  • Khue Van Cac: The red Constellation of Literature Pavilion.
• Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND ($1.5).

02:00 PM – 03:30 PM: Walk Through the Bustling Old Quarter

• Wander through the bustling Old Quarter’s lively streets, a network of age-old shops.
• Must-Visit Streets:
  • Hang Ma: Famous for its bright lanterns and festive decorations.
  • Ta Hien: Renowned for its nightlife as “Beer Street".
• Street Food to Try:
  • Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang.
  • Nem Ran (Fried Spring Rolls) at local stalls.
  • Banh Mi – A Vietnamese sandwich with a crunchy baguette.

04:00 PM – 05:30 PM: Relax by Hoan Kiem Lake

• Take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene sanctuary in the middle of Hanoi Vietnam.
• Visit Ngoc Son Temple: Cross over the iconic red The Huc Bridge to get to this temple island.
• Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND ($1.5).

06:00 PM – 07:30 PM: Dinner at a Local Restaurant

• Delight in a hotpot meal at Quan An Ngon (18 Phan Boi Chau), or try fresh seafood at Chim Sao Restaurant (65 Ngo Hue).
• Average Price: 150,000 – 250,000 VND ($7 – $12).
  

08:00 PM – 09:00 PM: Experience a Water Puppet Show

• See and experience authentic Water Puppetry at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
• Showtimes: 17:00, 18:30, 20:00.
• Ticket Price: 100,000 VND ($4).
• Tip: Book your tickets in advance.

09:15 PM – 10:30 PM: Night Walk Around Ta Hien Street

• Experience Hanoi’s nightlife on Ta Hien Street, with its lively bars and energetic vibe.
• Relax with a drink, sample local brews, and absorb the infectious energy of the urban center.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Sours: vietnamluxuryexpress)

Day 2: Nature, Art, and Unique Experiences

08:00 AM – 09:15 AM: Stroll Around West Lake (Ho Tay)

• Take a serene early morning walk through West Lake, Hanoi’s largest lake.
• Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda: The 1,500-year-old pagoda is and oldest in Hanoi.
• Explore Quan Thanh Temple: A temple dedicated to Taoism and famous for its Tran Vu bronze statue.

09:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Explore Ba Dinh Square and Hoa Lo Prison Museum

• Walk through Ba Dinh Square, the site of President Ho Chi Minh’s 1945 declaration of Vietnam’s independence.
• Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum: Nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton," Hoa Lo Prison Museum tells the story of Vietnamese revolutionaries’ ordeal.
• Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND ($1.5).

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch in the French Quarter

• Treat yourself to a bowl of Pho at Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc) or Bun Cha at Bun Cha Ta.
• Average Price: 60,000 – 80,000 VND ($3 – $4).
  

01:00 PM – 02:30 PM: Discover Hanoi’s French Quarter

• Marvel at the serene beauty of Hanoi Opera House and St. Joseph’s Cathedral’s gothic elegance.
• Hidden Gem: Stroll through Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, the globe’s largest ceramic mural.
• Optional: Stop by the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum to gain a better appreciation for Vietnamese art.

03:00 PM – 04:30 PM: Capture Sunset at Long Bien Bridge

• Proceed to Long Bien Bridge to take in a spectacular view over the Red River at sundown.
• A perfect location for great photographs and a moment of serenity.

05:00 PM – 06:30 PM: Dinner at a Riverside Restaurant

• Enjoy grilled seafood and Vietnamese cuisine at The Red River View Restaurant, with its picturesque views of the river. 
• Average Price: 250,000 – 400,000 VND ($12 – $18).
  

07:00 PM – 09:00 PM: Experience Hanoi’s Nightlife

• Delve into the lively nightlife scene on Ta Hien Street, Hanoi’s most popular nightlife area. 
• For an upscale night out, visit Skyline Lounge or The Rooftop Bar Hanoi for city views to take in.

Hanoi Opera House (Sours: vietnamluxuryexpress)

Pre-Trip Essentials: Plan Your Perfect Hanoi itinerary 2 days

Best Time to Visit Hanoi itinerary 2 days

Spring (March – May)

• Weather: It is mild and pleasant with a range of 18°C to 25°C.
• Why Visit: Hanoi is abuzz with blooming flowers, particularly near Hoan Kiem Lake, presenting a striking backdrop.
• Must-Try Experiences: Take a walk by the lake, have a typical egg coffee, and wander through the lively Old Quarter.

Summer (June – August)

• Weather: Hot and humid conditions with temperatures from 25°C to 35°C.
• Why Visit: Experience the active street life, treat yourself to iced Vietnamese coffee, and take a cooling boat ride on West Lake.
• Pro Tip: Drink water and work in cool spots during peak sun hours.

Autumn (September – November)

• Weather: Pleasant and cool with a temp ranging from 20°C to 28°C
• Why Visit: Ideal time for your Hanoi itinerary 2 days, with sunny skies, soft winds, and golden autumn foliage.
• Must-Do: While in Vietnam, you must visit the French Quarter, tour Hoa Lo Prison, and witness glorious sunsets at Long Bien Bridge.

Winter (December – February)

• Weather: Cold weather in the range 10°C to 18°C.
• Why Visit: Experience Hanoi Vietnam in a different manner, with early mornings enveloped in mist, comforting cafes, and warm bowls of Pho.
• Don’t Miss: A visit to the Temple of Literature and taking a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake in the mist.

Taking a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake (Sours: tuoitrethudo)

How to Get to Hanoi for Hanoi itinerary 2 days

By Flight

• Main Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – The primary entry point to Hanoi Vietnam.
• Major Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines.
• Average Prices:
  • Southeast Asia: $100 – $200 round-trip.
  • Europe or America: $500 – $1,200 round-trip.
• Travel Tip: Book early to get good offers, particularly during peak season.

By Train

• Reunification Express (North-South Railway): Scenic route tying together Hanoi and major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hue
• Travel Time:
  • Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi: 32-36 hours.
  • Da Nang to Hanoi: 16-18 hours.
• Pro Tip: Book a sleeper cabin for a comfortable journey.

By Bus or Private Transfer

• Direct Bus Services: From surrounding cities, including Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long, and Mai Chau.
• Travel Time:
  • Sapa to Hanoi: 5-6 hours.
  • Ninh Binh to Hanoi: 2 hours.
• Private Transfer: Best for comfort and convenience, particularly for family and group travel.

Hanoi tour by bus (Sours: gocheap)

Essential Apps and Packing Tips for Hanoi itinerary 2 days

Must-Have Apps for a Smooth Trip

• Google Maps: Your guide through the maze-like streets within the Old Quarter.
• Grab: Convenient for arranging taxis and food takeaways.
• Google Translate: A must-have for conversation with locals and reading street vendors’ menus.
• VNPAY: Cashless payment at local restaurants and shops.

What to Pack for Your Hanoi Adventure

• Comfortable Shoes: The must-have for walking tours surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter areas.
• Light Clothing: Lightweight clothes for hot days and a light jacket for cold nights.
• Rain Gear: An umbrella or raincoat (typically in summer).
• Power Bank: Keep Your Devices Charged for Stunning Photos
• Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Guard yourself against the sun, particularly during summer.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Hydrate on the move.

Book Your Hanoi itinerary 2 days with Impress Travel

Ready to make your Hanoi itinerary 2 days come true? Look no further than Impress Travel, your local expert in Hanoi Vietnam. As a part of the prestigious Viet An Services Group, Impress Travel is a world expert in seamless, expertly crafted travel experiences. Whether you’re an inaugural visitor to Vietnam or an experienced traveler, all you need to do is let Impress Travel’s expert travel specialists create an unforgettable Hanoi adventure for you.

From visiting the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the serene charm of Hoan Kiem Lake to strolling through the lively streets of Old Quarter and indulging in the tastiest street food, our carefully planned tours aim to highlight the very best of Hanoi. In need of an out-of-the-ordinary experience? Take part in food tours in Hanoi, go on a scenic one-day excursion to Halong Bay, or uncover the lesser-known beauty spots of the French Quarter. With Impress Travel, you’ll have just the right mix of cultural exploration, local cuisine, and nightlife.

Contact Impress Travel today to book your Hanoi adventure:

• Hanoi Head Office: 
  • 125 Hoang Ngan, 3rd Floor, Trung Hoa, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • (+84) 912 379 189
  •  info@impresstravel.com
    
• Saigon Office: 
  • 155 Ben Van Don, Rivergate, 4 District, Ho Chi Minh City
  •  (+84) 961 675 566
  •  saigon@impresstravel.com
    
• Website: Impress Travel – Hanoi Tours

Conclusion

Your Hanoi itinerary 2 days has seen you through from historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to lively Old Quarter, from peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake to hectic nightlife on Ta Hien Street. Two days in Hanoi and you’ve caught its essence, but with so much more to see and do, who is ever satisfied? How many days Hanoi require? There is never enough. Ready to unlock the charm of Hanoi Vietnam? Pack up and let’s start an adventure!