Start your day off with a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis in the heart of Hanoi. You can take a short pedalo ride and enjoy the view of Hanoi Opera House and explore the Ngoc Son Temple in the middle of the lake. On the way, grab a Banh Mi Hanoi – a Vietnamese sandwich stuffed with grilled meats, fresh herbs and pickled vegetables, at any street vendors nearby.
No trip to Hanoi is complete without exploring the Old Quarter. Marvel at the eclectic mix of French-colonial architecture and traditional Vietnamese houses, alongside colorful shops selling everything from handicrafts, spices, and silk to street foods. Stop by Hoa Lo Prison to learn about the city's tumultuous history. In the evening, walk to Hanoi Train Street. Here you can witness locals sheltering along the railway, sip egg coffee and wait for the train to pass.
Today, take a short drive to the western outskirts of Hanoi to visit Bat Trang Ceramic Village, famous for producing fine art pottery products such as bowls, vases, dishes and many more. Here, you can see the potters at work, learn how to make your ceramic masterpiece or purchase souvenirs.
In the evening, experience the quintessential art form of Vietnam, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, a unique performance filled with colorful puppets performing on stage with music. This is a great way to wrap up the day and end your trip in Hanoi.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Hanoi Opera House, Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. For those traveling with children, the Quoc Tu Giam Science Museum and Bao Son Paradise Park may be worth adding to your itinerary. If time is limited, prioritize the Old Quarter and Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.