Discover Hanoi in 6 days

1. Day 1: Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter
   Located in Hoan Kiem District, Old Quarter is the center of Hanoi's culture and trade for over a thousand years. Stroll through the labyrinthine streets lined with narrow houses, shop for souvenirs in the markets, or try delicious street food in the area's many street vendors.
   Estimated time and distance from the airport: 45 minutes (22.5 km).
2. Day 2: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ngoc Son Temple
   The Ho Chi Minh Complex is a group of museums and gardens where you can learn about the life of Vietnam's revered leader, Ho Chi Minh. Afterward, head to the nearby Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake.
   Estimated time and distance from Day 1's last location: 11 minutes (1.3 km).
3. Day 3: Learn about Vietnamese art and history at the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts and the Hoa Lo Prison Museum
   The Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts has a vast collection of Vietnamese art from ancient to contemporary times, while the Hoa Lo Prison Museum displays exhibits related to the history of the French colonial period and the Vietnam War.
   Estimated time and distance from Day 2's last location: 27 minutes (8.2 km).
4. Day 4: Explore the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and Tran Quoc Pagoda
   The Thang Long Imperial Citadel served as the capital of Vietnam for eight centuries, from the 11th to the 19th centuries. Next, visit the nearby Tran Quoc Pagoda, Vietnam's oldest Buddhist temple, situated on a peaceful island in the West Lake.
   Estimated time and distance from Day 3's last location: 25 minutes (5.3 km).
5. Day 5: Day trip to the Perfume Pagoda
   Get out of the city and take a day trip to the Perfume Pagoda, a complex of Buddhist temples and shrines built into the limestone cliffs of Huong Tich Mountain. Take a boat ride to the site and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
   Estimated time and distance from Day 4's last location: 2 hours (60 km).
6. Day 6: Enjoy the Vietnamese countryside at the Bat Trang Ceramic Village and Van Phuc Silk Village
   Visit the Bat Trang Ceramic Village to shop for unique pottery items and observe the craftspeople at work. Then, head to Van Phuc Silk Village, a traditional craft village known for its high-quality silk products.
   Estimated time and distance from Day 5's last location: 1 hour and 13 minutes (14.6 km).

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ho Chi Minh Complex (2 hours, free)
• Ngoc Son Temple (1 hour, 30,000 VND)
• Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts (2 hours, 40,000 VND)
• Hoa Lo Prison Museum (1.5 hours, 30,000 VND)
• Thang Long Imperial Citadel (2 hours, 30,000 VND)
• Tran Quoc Pagoda (1 hour, free)
• Perfume Pagoda (6 hours, 1,150,000 VND)
• Bat Trang Ceramic Village (2 hours, free)
• Van Phuc Silk Village (2 hours, free)

Total Estimated Costs: 1,280,000 VND

Useful Tips

People with more time can visit other attractions in Hanoi like the Temple of Literature, the Hoan Kiem Lake Turtle Tower, or the One Pillar Pagoda. Those with less time can skip the Perfume Pagoda day trip or shorten the time spent at each place. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as most of the places require a lot of walking.