Two-Day Itinerary for Hanoi

• Day 1: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, which houses the embalmed body of Vietnam's beloved leader. Learn about his life and contributions to the country at the Museum and Stilt House. Stroll around One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple. In the afternoon, discover the Vietnamese Women's Museum, featuring artefacts from art, history and traditional clothing. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake to see modern Hanoi's architecture and enjoy picturesque surroundings.
• Day 2: Start your day early with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university founded in 1076. Take a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter, where each street is dedicated to a different craft or product. See vibrant Vietnamese street life and pick up beautiful souvenirs to take back home. In the evening, head to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, a unique art form that originated in North Vietnam. Marvel at the lively, colorful and playful ancient tales performed on-stage.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex (2-3 hours, free)
• Vietnamese Women's Museum (1-2 hours, 30,000 VND)
• Temple of Literature (1-2 hours, 30,000 VND)
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (1 hour, 100,000 VND)
• Total Estimated Costs: 160,000 VND (US$7)

Transportation

Travellers can explore Hanoi through walking or using a taxi. Taxis are easily hailed on the streets of Hanoi, with a typical cost of VND 10,000/km ($0.5/km). Buses around the city typically cost 7,000 VND (~ $0.3). Motorbike rentals are also popular, with prices ranging from VND 60,000 ($2.5) to VND 150,000 ($7) per day depending on the bike's quality used.

Useful Tips

If you have an extra day, consider going to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh. Food lovers should try Hanoi's famous dishes such as Pho, Bun Cha and Egg Coffee. Beware of scams such as cyclo tours forcing to spend high amounts of money, put a filter on your motorbike if you have rented one, and carry the exact change when paying for a taxi or bus.