Explore Vietnam: 4-day Itinerary in Hanoi

Thursday, December 12: Discover the Old Quarter

Start your trip by exploring the charming Old Quarter of Hanoi in the morning. Take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets filled with shops, markets, and historic buildings. Don't miss a visit to the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, which offers picturesque views and a serene atmosphere. For lunch, indulge in delicious local street food at the famous Dong Xuan Market. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's oldest university. In the evening, experience Hanoi's vibrant nightlife at the local bia hoi (fresh beer) corner, where you can socialize with locals over a glass of refreshing beer.

  • Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Dong Xuan Market: Estimated cost: VND 50,000 ($2), 1 hour
  • Temple of Literature: Estimated cost: VND 30,000 ($1.3), 1-2 hours
  • Bia Hoi corner: Estimated cost: VND 10,000-20,000 ($0.5-$0.9) per glass, 1-2 hours
Friday, December 13: Explore Cultural and Historical Sites

Embark on a journey to discover the rich history and culture of Hanoi. Start your morning by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can pay homage to the beloved Vietnamese leader. Adjacent to the mausoleum is the serene Presidential Palace and the stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived. Afterward, explore the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique Buddhist temple known for its distinctive architecture. For lunch, savor traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Cha Ca La Vong restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country's diverse ethnic groups. Wrap up the day by enjoying a traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Presidential Palace and stilt house: Estimated cost: VND 40,000 ($1.7), 1 hour
  • One Pillar Pagoda: Free, 30 minutes
  • Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Estimated cost: VND 40,000 ($1.7), 1-2 hours
  • Water Puppet Show: Estimated cost: VND 100,000-200,000 ($4.3-$8.6), 1 hour
Saturday, December 14: Experience the Authentic Hanoi

On this day, immerse yourself in the authentic local life of Hanoi. Start your morning with a visit to Long Bien Bridge, an iconic symbol of the city's history. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the bridge and capture panoramic views of the Red River. For brunch, try the famous egg coffee at Cafe Giang. In the afternoon, venture to the outskirts of Hanoi and explore the traditional craft villages of Bat Trang, famous for its ceramics, and Van Phuc, renowned for its silk production. Return to the city in the evening and indulge in a delicious dinner of Bun Cha, a traditional Hanoi dish. Wrap up the day with a visit to the lively Ta Hien Beer Street, where you can mingle with locals and tourists alike.

  • Long Bien Bridge: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Cafe Giang: Estimated cost: VND 40,000 ($1.7) per cup, 1 hour
  • Bat Trang Ceramic Village: Estimated cost: VND 50,000 ($2), 2 hours
  • Van Phuc Silk Village: Estimated cost: VND 50,000 ($2), 2 hours
  • Ta Hien Beer Street: Estimated cost: VND 50,000-100,000 ($2.2-$4.3) per drink, 1-2 hours
Sunday, December 15: Venture to Halong Bay

On your last day, embark on an unforgettable day trip to the breathtaking Halong Bay. Start your morning with a scenic drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay, where you'll board a traditional junk boat. Spend the day cruising through the emerald waters, marveling at the limestone karsts and islands that dot the bay. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch onboard and take part in activities like kayaking or swimming. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Thien Cung Cave, also known as the Heavenly Palace Cave. Return to Hanoi in the evening, reflecting on the natural beauty you've witnessed.

  • Halong Bay day trip: Estimated cost: VND 1,000,000-2,000,000 ($43-$86) per person, 8-10 hours
  • Thien Cung Cave: Free, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

In addition to the main tourist attractions, there are hidden gems and local favorites in Hanoi worth exploring. Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful French Quarter to admire the colonial architecture and visit boutique shops and art galleries. For a taste of authentic street food, head to the bustling Hang Be Market or the vibrant street food stalls of Ba Trieu Street. You can also immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a traditional Vietnamese music performance at the Hanoi Opera House or exploring the Quang Ba Flower Market in the early morning. These off the beaten path attractions and experiences will give you a deeper insight into the vibrant soul of Hanoi.

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