Day 1: Old Quarter
Take a walk through the charming 36 streets of the Old Quarter, lined with French-colonial style buildings housing shops and local vendors. Stop at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre for a traditional water puppet show. Visit the Temple of Literature, the first Vietnamese university, and a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. End the day with a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and watch the sunset.
Day 2: French Quarter and Surrounds
Begin the day in Ba Dinh Square and visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the founding father of modern Vietnam lies in state. Explore the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique historical and religious monument. Spend the afternoon at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, famous for its extensive collection of ethnic groups throughout Vietnam. In the evening, enjoy street food at Tong Duy Tan Night Market.
Time and Cost Estimates
36 Streets of Old Quarter (2-3 hours, Free)
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (1 hour, 150,000 VND)
Temple of Literature (1-2 hours, 30,000 VND)
Hoan Kiem Lake (1-2 hours, Free)
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (1 hour, Free)
One Pillar Pagoda (30 minutes, Free)
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (2-3 hours, 40,000 VND)
Tong Duy Tan Night Market (2-3 hours, 200,000 VND)
Total Estimated Costs: 420,000 VND
Transportation
Getting around Hanoi can be done on foot, by bike or motorbike, by taxi or Grab, or by bus. Taxis and Grab provide a convenient option for air-conditioned transport, but always ensure drivers use the meter. The local bus system can provide an affordable option with an extensive network. Average taxi fares cost around 10,000 VND per kilometer and the bus fares start at 7,000 VND for a single journey. Travel times can vary depending on the mode of transportation and the time of day.
Useful Tips
With limited time, consider taking a guided tour to maximize your time efficiently. Alternatively, you could skip the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to save time. If you have more time, you can explore the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural and the Vietnam Women's Museum. Be sure to sample the street food and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.
Airports
Hanoi's airport is Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), located approximately 25 km from the city center. From there, you can reach the city center by shuttle bus, taxi, or Grab. The shuttle bus costs around 40,000 VND for a single journey, and the taxi or Grab can cost around 300,000 - 400,000 VND depending on traffic.