How Many Days to Book for Hanoi Tours? (First-Timers)

How Many Days in Hanoi is Enough? A Clear Guide

• 2-3 Days: Suggested for those visiting for the first time. There are the Old Quarter, the French Quarter, and West Lake, the main historical sites.
• 4-5 Days: Ideal for a more leisurely pace. This gives ample time for exploring the city, such as cultural landmarks, museums, as well as day trips outside the city.

How to Choose the Right Duration:

1 Day in Hanoi:

• Sights: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple.
• Recommended for: Travelers who are short on time and want to get a feel for what the city has to offer.

2 Days in Hanoi: (Hanoi Itinerary 2 Days)

• Day 1: Old Quarter and French Quarter, with stops at St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Hoa Lo Prison.
• Day 2: West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and the Vietnam Women’s Museum.
• Good for: Visitors who seek a combination of Hanoi’s historical and modern faces.

 3 Days in Hanoi: (Three Days in Hanoi)

• The Old Quarter, French Quarter, West Lake, and cultural attractions, including the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison.
• More time to visit more museums or discover secret local markets.
• Best for: Travelers looking for a more in-depth cultural experience..

4-5 Days in Hanoi:

• Full exploration of the city’s top sights, with a day left over for a trip to Ninh Binh, Halong, Bat Trang, or Ba Vi.
• A less hectic pace that allows for shopping, local cuisine, and hidden gems.
• Best for: Those looking to strike a balance between city life and natural beauty.

Hanoi Itinerary: 1 Perfect Day in Hanoi

Morning: Explore the Heart of Hanoi (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Start your day with a deep dive into Hanoi’s historical and cultural charm.

• 8:00 AM – Hoan Kiem Lake: Start your day with a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. Feel the cool morning air as people practice tai chi on the lakeside.
• 8:30 AM – Ngoc Son Temple: This spiritual landmark honours General Tran Hung Dao but mostly you should just see it for the red The Huc Bridge.
• 9:00 AM – Old Quarter: Enter the frenetic Old Quarter, a maze of 36 winding streets that are each devoted to specific wares. Hang Bac (Silver Street) and Hang Ma (Paper Street) are cool just to walk down.
• 10:30 AM – Cafe Giang: Indulge in a serving of Hanoi’s famous Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang, the place where the frothy, creamy treat was invented.
• 11:00 AM – Street Food Delight: Snack on a banh mi from a street stall, hard crust on the outside, fresh herbs, and a savory filling inside.
• 11:30 AM – Dong Xuan Market: It’s one of the biggest markets in Ha Noi, where you can shop for souvenirs, local handi craft and try some Vietnamese snacks.

Afternoon: Iconic Sights and Local Experiences (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

• 12:00 PM – Train Street: Stop by the well-known Train Street, Go when the train passes by and you can see a narrow alley turning into a live street as a train passes by right in front of the houses! Snap the photogenic Instagram shots and enjoy the adrenaline.
• 1:00 PM – Temple of Literature: Explore the Temple of Literature, the country’s first national university, and meander around well-preserved courtyards and architecture.
• 2:30 PM – Hoa Lo Prison: Enjoy a visit to the historic Hoa Lo Prison, or the infamous “Hanoi Hilton”. Learn stories of Vietnamese tenacity and stand in well-preserved prison cells.
• 4:00 PM – Water Puppet Show: Enjoy a water puppet performance by the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This rare form of art originates from the 11th century and narrates early folklores using colourful water puppets.

Evening: Street Food Adventure (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

• 5:00 PM – Pho Dinner: End your day with a hot bowl of pho at Pho Bat Dan or Pho Thin, two of Hanoi’s most famous pho restaurants.
• 6:00 PM – Night Walk to Hoan Kiem Lake: Take a walk around the lake as the city comes alive. You’ll find yourself sharing the water with the locals, whether they’re dancing or doing pilates or just cooling off.
• 7:00 PM – Explore the Night Market: Return to the Old Quarter Night Market for more shopping and street food. Have some bun cha, nem chua, and a glass of sugarcane juice.
• 8:30 PM – Egg Coffee Nightcap: Finish out the day off with one last egg coffee, maybe at the famous Cafe Dinh that will provide a picturesque view over the bustling streets below.

Hanoi Itinerary: 2 Perfect Days in Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi’s Historic Heart and Lively Streets

Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) – Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake

• 8:00 AM – Hoan Kiem Lake: Begin the day with a relaxing stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, where residents gather to practice tai chi. Cross the Red The Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, a symbol of Hanoian culture.
• 9:00 AM – Old Quarter: Enter the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter, a labyrinth of 36 ancient streets. Stop by Hang Bac (Silver Street), Hang Ma (Paper Street), and Hang Gai (Silk Street).
• 10:00 AM – Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang: This is your chance to try Hanoi’s famous Egg Coffee at the renowned, old-school Cafe Giang, where it was invented.
• 11:00 AM – Dong Xuan Market: Wander around Dong Xuan Market, the largest market in Hanoi, ideal for souvenir shopping and sampling local snacks.
• 12:00 PM – Banh Mi Lunch: Pick up a traditional Banh Mi – a sandwich with pate and/or other meats, filled with fresh herbs and pickled vegetables.

Afternoon (12:30 PM – 5:00 PM) – Cultural Icons and Local Experiences

• 12:30 PM – Train Street: Discover the Train Street, an alley with a railway running amidst it. Take some great photos as the train hurries by, only a couple of inches from the buildings.
• 1:30 PM – Temple of Literature Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university that dates back to 1070, and whose peaceful, meticulously manicured courtyards transcend into an archaic and beautiful architectural setting.
• 3:00 PM – Hoa Lo Prison: Visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, or “Hanoi Hilton," and discover the history of the country during colonial times and war.
• 4:30 PM – Water Puppet Show: Conclude your afternoon with a magical Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, an interesting traditional Vietnamese art form depicting historical legends.
  

Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) – Street Food Adventure

• 6:00 PM – Pho Dinner: Pho Bat Dan or Pho Thin, two of Hanoi’s most popular Pho restaurants will serve you with a hot bowl of Pho.
• 7:00 PM – Night Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake: Get a taste of Hanoi’s nightlife while walking around Hoan Kiem Lake.
• 8:00 PM – Old Quarter Night Market Go souvenir and street food shopping at the lively Old Quarter Night Market: try not to skip bun cha, nem chua or fresh sugarcane juice.

Day 2: French Elegance and Scenic Views

Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) – French Quarter Exploration

• 8:00 AM – French Quarter: Begin your day on foot with a self-guided walking tour of the French Quarter, famous for its broad boulevards and graceful colonial houses.
• 9:00 AM – St. Joseph’s Cathedral: Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral - a French architectural masterpiece in Gothic style Itinerary: 9:00 AM: You will be picked up from hotel by our expert tour guide & private car.
• 10:00 AM – Hoa Lo Prison (Revisit for Deeper Insights): If you didn’t make it there yesterday (see above), check out Hoa Lo Prison, which tells a poignant story of the colonial and revolutionary history of Vietnam.
• 11:00 AM – Vietnam Women’s Museum: Discover the rich cultural heritage and incredible stories of Vietnamese women at the Vietnam Women’s Museum.
  

Afternoon (12:30 PM – 5:00 PM) – West Lake Relaxation

• 12:30 PM – Lunch at a Local Restaurant:  Take the time now to try local fare, like bun thang (Hanoi noodle soup) for a few bucks or so at a local restaurant, cha ca La Vong (grilled fish with turmeric and dill).
• 2:00 PM – West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda: Discover lovely West Lake, Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake then head to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi.
• 3:30 PM – Sunset at West Lake: Take a relaxed walk around around the lake and get stunning sunset shots.
• 4:30 PM – Cafe by the Lake: Unwind with coffee at a lakeside cafe with Vietnamese iced coffee, coconut coffee, and so on.

Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) – Memorable Farewell Dinner

• 6:00 PM – Dinner at French Quarter: Enjoy a tasty dinner from a beautiful French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant where you can sit back & relax in the elegant atmosphere.
• 8:00 PM – Rooftop Bar Experience: Finish your Hanoi foray with a drink on a rooftop bar, with a view of the city’s dazzling evening lights.

Hanoi Itinerary: 3 Unforgettable Days in Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi’s Historic Heart and French Charm

Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) – Discover the Old Quarter

• 8:00 AM – Hoan Kiem Lake: Begin your adventure with a morning stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake as the city comes alive with locals practicing tai chi.
• 8:30 AM – Ngoc Son Temple: Step inside the striking red The Huc Bridge to get to Ngoc Son Temple, a symbol of culture and spirituality.
• 9:00 AM – Explore the Old Quarter: You plunge into the confusing labyrinth of the 36 streets and districts, each named for what it used to sell. Stroll Hang Bac (Silver Street), Hang Ma (Paper Street), Hang Gai (Silk Street).
• 10:30 AM – Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang: Try the infamous Hanoi egg coffee: sylviaHanoi’s notorious Egg Coffee, a rich, frothy treat that you gotta’ taste.
• 11:00 AM – Dong Xuan Market: This place is supposed to be Hanoi’s largest market, with lots of souvenirs, snacks, and feel the Hanoi local atmosphere.

Afternoon (12:30 PM – 5:00 PM) – French Quarter Exploration

• 12:30 PM – St. Joseph’s Cathedral: It’s impossible to overlook the iconic Gothic spires of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a sign of Hanoi’s French colonial past.
• 1:00 PM – Hanoi Opera House: The iconic Hanoi Opera House is a great example of French architecture. Consider taking a guided tour if one is available.
• 2:00 PM – Hoa Lo Prison: Visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, otherwise known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” in a historical lesson on colonial French and revolutionary Vietnamese history.
• 3:30 PM – Vietnam Women’s Museum: Learn about the motivational tales of Vietnamese women, from war heroines to craftswomen.
• 5:00 PM – Street Food Tasting: Taste the best of Hanoi street food such as pho or bun cha for dinner.
  

Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) – Night Stroll Around Hoan Kiem Lake

• 6:00 PM – Night Market: Shop and eat among the bustle of the Old Quarter Night Market.
• 7:30 PM – Water Puppet Show: Discover the rhythms and tides of a unique Vietnamese art form with tickets to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre’s water puppet show.
• 9:00 PM – Rooftop Drinks Relax with a view at a rooftop bar with a splashy view of Hanoi’s skyline at night.

Day 2: Scenic Sights and Cultural Icons

Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) – West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda

• 8:00 AM – West Lake: Take a morning walk around West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi.
• 9:00 AM – Tran Quoc Pagoda: Check out the oldest Buddhist temple in the city built on a small island.
• 10:00 AM – Vietnam Military History Museum: Discover the military history of the country from old wars to recent history.
• 11:30 AM – Lunch at Local Restaurant: Sample cha ca La Vong, Hanoi’s famous grilled fish with turmeric and dill.

Afternoon (12:30 PM – 5:00 PM) – Cultural Immersion

• 12:30 PM – Temple of Literature: Visit the Vietnamese first university: Temple of Literature – a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
• 2:00 PM – Hoa Lo Prison (Revisit if Missed): – Learn more about Vietnam’s past.
• 3:30 PM – Vietnam Fine Arts Museum: Discover a beautiful collection of ancient and contemporary Vietnamese art.
• 5:00 PM – Sunset at West Lake: Have a walk along the beautiful and tranquil West Lake while watching the sunset over the water.

Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) – Culinary Delights and Night Views

• 6:00 PM – Dinner in French Quarter: Treat yourself to dinner with high-end French-Vietnamese fusion.
• 8:00 PM – Night Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake: The city just comes alive with its hustles and bustles when strolling around the streets.
• 9:00 PM – Nightcap at a Rooftop Bar: Finish your day with a bird’s-eye view of Hanoi’s glittering city and get drunk on it..

Day 3: A Day Trip Adventure – Escape to Nature and Culture

Option 1: Ninh Binh – Nature and Scenic Beauty

• 7:30 AM – Departure: A bus or private car will pick you up and take you to Ninh Binh - “Halong Bay on land.”
• 9:30 AM – Trang An Boat Tour: Discover the beautiful karst scenery, caves, and emerald waters.
• 12:00 PM – Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Taste local ingredients including giong on (stinky, goat-like meat) and com chay (crispy, cheese and nut rice).
• 1:30 PM – Mua Caves: Hike to the top for views over the lush valley below.
• 3:00 PM – Tam Coc: Cruise on a tranquil boat across limestone cliffs.
• 5:00 PM – Return to Hanoi.
  

Option 2: Bat Trang Pottery Village – Hands-on Cultural Experience

• 8:00 AM – Arrival: Discover Bat Trang Pottery Village, which is well-known for its unique and traditional ceramics.
• 9:00 AM – Pottery Workshop: Step into the shoes of local artists and make your own pottery.
• 11:00 AM – Pottery Market: Pick up some stunning handmade ceramics to take back with you.
• 12:00 PM – Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Feast on a Vietnamese meal at a local eatery.
• 2:00 PM – Return to Hanoi.
  

Option 3: Quang Phu Cau Incense Village – Colorful Culture

• 8:00 AM – Departure: Head to Quang Phu Cau, a village famous for its vibrant red incense sticks.
• 9:30 AM – Photography Experience: The picturesque incense drying under the sun could be an amazing shot.
• 11:00 AM – Local Village Tour: An introduction to the making of traditional incense.
• 12:00 PM – Lunch with Locals: Feast on a village-prepared lunch.
• 2:00 PM – Return to Hanoi.

Hanoi, Halong, Sapa Itinerary: 4-5 Perfect Days in Northern Vietnam

Day 1: Discover Hanoi’s Historic Charm

Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) – Old Quarter and French Quarter

• 8:00 AM – Hoan Kiem Lake: Begin the day with a serene stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals practice tai chi.
• 8:30 AM – Ngoc Son Temple: Walk the red The Huc Bridge to visit the cultural and religious site, Ngoc Son Temple.
• 9:00 AM – Explore the Old Quarter: Immerse yourself in the vibrant labyrinth of 36 streets, each bearing the name of the original trade. Read, explore local life, shop for souvenirs, and taste a warm mug of Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang.
• 11:00 AM – Dong Xuan Market: Find local souvenirs, street snacks and one of a kind Vietnamese speciality items.
  

Afternoon (12:30 PM – 5:00 PM) – French Colonial Elegance

• 12:30 PM – St. Joseph’s Cathedral: Gaze upon the architectural marvel that is St.Joseph’s Cathedral, located in the French Quarter.
• 1:00 PM – Hanoi Opera House: Head over to the breath-taking Hanoi Opera House, representing the French colonial architectural period.
• 2:00 PM – Hoa Lo Prison: Take a tour of the famous Hoa Lo Prison, aka the “Hanoi Hilton” and find out about Vietnam’s colonial and revolutionary past.
• 3:30 PM – Temple of Literature: Enter Vietnam’s first university, a peaceful haven of old courtyards and Confucian tradition.
• 5:00 PM – Street Food Exploration: Have a bowl of pho at Pho Bat Dan or Pho Thin, two of Hanoi’s most iconic pho eateries.
  

Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) – Water Puppet Show and Night Walk

• 6:00 PM – Water Puppet Show: Enjoy the mystical Water Puppet Show at the Thang Long Theatre, which is a typical art of Vietnam.
• 8:00 PM – Night Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake: Explore the Hanoi vibe at night and walk around the lake, and go for the last coffee up on a rooftop café.

Day 2: Majestic Halong Bay – A Day of Adventure

Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM) – Travel to Halong Bay

• 7:00 AM – Departure from Hanoi: You’ll travel 2.5 hours to Halong Bay.
• 10:00 AM – Board Your Cruise: You will board the cruise to start discovering the ‘’emerald water and thousands of islands.
• 11:30 AM – Kayaking and Swimming: Kayak through the maze of islets, time to swim in the bay.
  

Afternoon (12:30 PM – 5:00 PM) – Halong Bay Exploration

• 12:30 PM – Seafood Lunch on Board: Enjoy the fresh seafood on board while cruising into the magnificent landscapes.
• 2:00 PM – Visit Sung Sot Cave: Visit the amazing Surprise Cave (Sung Sot Cave), where you can enter into its huge chambers and view the many peculiar rock formations.
• 4:00 PM – Titop Island: Hike to the top for a stunning 360-degree view of Halong Bay or enjoy a swim at its small sandy beach.
• 5:00 PM – Sunset on the Cruise: Witness the sunset above the bay with a delicate glass of wine.

Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) – Onboard Dining and Relaxation

• 6:30 PM – Dinner on Board: Have dinner (BBQ and Vietnamese food). 
• 8:00 PM – Night Activities: Squid fishing, doing shots, dancing, or try your luck at watching a movie in the restaurant.

Day 3: Scenic Sapa – Mountain Views and Ethnic Culture

Morning (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM) – Travel to Sapa

• 6:00 AM – Departure: Catch an early morning limousine bus or drive in a private car from Hanoi to Sapa (5.5 hours).
• 11:30 AM – Arrival in Sapa: Check in to your hotel and refresh.
  
• 12:00 PM – Lunch: Enjoy a local Vietnamese lunch at a Sapa restaurant.
  

Afternoon (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM) – Muong Hoa Valley and Cat Cat Village

• 1:00 PM – Muong Hoa Valley: Discover beautiful Muong Hoa Valley, where you’ll visit some of the most luxurious terraced rice fields in the world.
• 2:30 PM – Cat Cat Village: Explore Cat Cat Village, a traditional H’Mong village replete with vibrant handicrafts and beautiful waterfalls.
• 4:30 PM – Silver Waterfall: Take nice, low-angle pictures of the Silver Waterfall( a great natural picture spot)
  

Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) – Sapa Night Market

• 6:00 PM – Dinner: Experiment with local specialities like thang co (H’Mong stew) and grilled pork skewers.
• 7:30 PM – Sapa Night Market: Enjoy the bustling night market, pick up some souvenirs or local handicrafts.
• 8:30 PM – Relax at Your Hotel: Take a hot bubbling herbal bath or receive a massage to wind down from the day’s excitement.

Day 4: Ethnic Culture and Panoramic Views in Sapa

Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) – Fansipan Mountain

• 8:00 AM – Cable Car to Fansipan: Take the world’s longest three-rope cable car to the top of Fansipan Mountain, also called the “Roof of Indochina”.
• 9:00 AM – Panoramic Views: Enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains from the top.
• 11:00 AM – Return to Sapa: Coming back to Sapa town, have lunch.
  

Afternoon (12:30 PM – 5:00 PM) – Ta Van Village

• 12:30 PM – Ta Van Village: Go to visit the stunning village of Giay of Ta Van. Take a guided walk along with lush rice terraces and traditional stilt houses.
• 3:00 PM – Local Homestay Experience (Optional): Learn typical ethnic culture with a hort homestay amongst your day, and experience local custom.
• 5:00 PM – Return to Sapa Town: Time for souvenir shopping and chilling at a romantic coffee shop.

Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) – Farewell Sapa

• 6:00 PM – Dinner: Savor a final meal of local dishes.
  
• 8:00 PM – Return to Hanoi: Return to Hanoi on the luxury bus or train, and at the end of this lovely trip.

Day 5: Relax in Hanoi – Last Moments and Departure

Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) – Last Exploration

• 8:00 AM – Breakfast at Hoan Kiem Lake: Give yourself one last morning coffee and enjoy breakfast lakeside.
• 9:00 AM – Shopping in the Old Quarter: Grab souvenirs for silk, handicrafts, and tea.
• 11:00 AM – Spa Experience: Indulge in a tranquil Vietnamese massage.

Afternoon (12:30 PM – 4:00 PM) – Departure

• 12:30 PM – Lunch: Eat one more of your favorite Vietnamese meals.
• 2:00 PM – Last Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake: Take that last stroll with your camera.
• 4:00 PM – Departure: Drive to the airport with memories to last a lifetime.

Conclusion

So, how many days in Hanoi is right for you? And whether you have just a Hanoi itinerary 2 days in your mind, or you are planning a three days in Hanoi or more extensive Vietnam itineraries, the city won’t disappoint its visitors. We’ve rounded up some of the most fascinating attractions in its Old Quarter and beyond! Whether you’re wandering through the heaving labyrinth of Hanoi’s Old Quarter or sitting by the peaceful lakes of its West Lake, the city is full of endless charm. Ready to explore? Now is the time to start your adventure!

FAQ

Can you do Hanoi in 3 days?

Absolutely! Three days in Hanoi is ideal for taking in the city’s top sights, such as the lively Old Quarter, the peaceful West Lake, the centuries-old Temple of Literature, and a day trip to either Ninh Binh or Bat Trang Pottery Village. For a more comprehensive itinerary, see our three days in Hanoi itinerary.

Is 2 full days in Hanoi enough?

Yes, you can see the highlights of two full days in Hanoi, including Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and the French Quarter, as well as attractions like Hoa Lo Prison or the Vietnam Women’s Museum. Check out our Hanoi itinerary 2 days itinerary for a great plan.

Is it better to start in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?

It comes down to how you prefer to travel. If history, culture, and cooler temperatures are your thing, begin in Hanoi Tours. Start hectic and modern, with hopping nightlife, in Ho Chi Minh City (still called Saigon by most locals). These are unparalleled experiences in both cities.

Is 3 days enough for Vietnam?

For a brief introduction to visiting Vietnam, three days is just enough time to visit one region, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Halong Bay. But for a more meaningful experience we suggest 7-10 days to cover more ground.