2-Day City Experience Itinerary in Hanoi

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyền

Start your day with a bowl of authentic Pho at Pho Gia Truyền, a local favourite known for its rich broth and tender beef.
Head south on Hang Duong Street and turn west to find the restaurant.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the city, and enjoy the morning calm.
Walk east for about 10 minutes from the restaurant to reach the lake.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Ngoc Son Temple Tour

Explore the Ngoc Son Temple located on an island in the lake, featuring stunning architecture and a beautiful setting.
Cross the iconic red bridge from the lake's edge to the temple.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy a delicious lunch of Bun Cha, grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, at the famous Bun Cha Huong Lien.
Take a short taxi ride (about 10 minutes) northwest to the restaurant.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to learn about Vietnam's revolutionary leader and pay your respects.
Taxi from the restaurant to the mausoleum, approximately a 10-minute drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the One Pillar Pagoda

Marvel at the unique architecture of the One Pillar Pagoda, built on a single pillar in the middle of a lotus pond.
Walk 5 minutes from the mausoleum to the pagoda.
Free, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam at this impressive museum, showcasing different ethnic groups through exhibits and artefacts.
Take a taxi from the pagoda, roughly a 15-minute ride.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savour the famous Hanoi dish of Cha Ca, which is grilled fish with turmeric, at Cha Ca Thang Long.
A quick taxi ride will get you there in about 15 minutes.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

End your day with a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre, enjoying the unique performance art.
Take a 10-minute taxi to the theatre.
VND 100,000, 1 hour
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Day 2: Historical Adventures

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tranquil Cafe

Start your morning with a refreshing coffee and a bánh mì sandwich at Tranquil Cafe, a calm spot amongst the hustle.
Walk 10 minutes from your hotel or take a short taxi ride.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Take a tour of the historic Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the story of Vietnam's history.
A 10-minute taxi ride will get you to the Citadel.
VND 30,000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Museum of the Revolution

Dive into Vietnam’s revolutionary history at the Museum of the Revolution which displays a plethora of fascinating artefacts.
It’s a 10-minute walk south from the Citadel.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at KOTO

Enjoy a meal at KOTO, a restaurant that trains disadvantaged youth in hospitality, offering delicious Vietnamese dishes.
A quick 5-minute walk from the museum.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Temple of Literature

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, and admire its traditional architecture and serene gardens.
Take a taxi from the restaurant, approximately 10 minutes.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Shopping at Dong Xuan Market

Explore Dong Xuan Market for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and a variety of traditional products.
A short taxi ride (5-10 minutes) will take you to the market.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Hanoi Old Quarter

Wander through the historic streets of the Old Quarter, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and street performances.
Walk from the market; it’s a 15-minute stroll.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Old Firm

For dinner, indulge in traditional Vietnamese cuisine at The Old Firm, known for its homey atmosphere and fresh ingredients.
A 15-minute walk from the Old Quarter will bring you there.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Explore Night Markets

Experience Hanoi’s lively night markets for local street food and crafts before concluding your journey.
Head back to the Old Quarter for the night market’s lively scene, easily accessible by foot.
Free, 1 hour
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