Start your day by checking in at your hotel in Hanoi. You can find the best hotel and flight prices here.
Begin your day with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque and peaceful oasis in the heart of Hanoi. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake and admire the charming scenery. Don't forget to check out the iconic red Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island in the lake.
Cost: Free admission, approximately 1 hour.
Next, head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university dating back to the 11th century. Explore the beautiful temple complex, admire the traditional Vietnamese architecture, and learn about the country's rich educational history.
Cost: VND 30,000 (approximately $1.30), approximately 1-2 hours.
Indulge in a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously known as the restaurant where former U.S. President Barack Obama and the late Anthony Bourdain enjoyed a meal together. Try their signature dish, bun cha, which consists of grilled pork, noodles, and fresh herbs.
Cost: VND 80,000-120,000 (approximately $3.50-$5.20), approximately 1 hour.
After lunch, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monumental marble structure where the preserved body of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, rests. Take a guided tour through the mausoleum and learn about the life and legacy of this iconic figure.
Cost: Free admission, approximately 1 hour.
Explore the vibrant and bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Get lost in its narrow alleyways filled with shops, markets, street food stalls, and historical buildings. Immerse yourself in the local culture, observe the chaotic traffic, and discover hidden gems along the way.
Cost: Free, approximately 2-3 hours.
When in Hanoi, don't miss the chance to visit the hidden gems and discover local favorites. Explore the atmospheric Train Street, where trains pass through a residential street just inches away from houses. Enjoy a traditional egg coffee at one of the city's quaint cafes or indulge in street food delicacies like banh mi and pho at local food stalls.
Take a cyclo ride through the French Quarter to admire the colonial architecture or visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country's diverse ethnic groups. Lastly, if time permits, catch a water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form that combines puppetry, music, and storytelling.
These hidden gems and local favorites will provide you with an authentic and memorable experience of Hanoi.