Comprehensive 2-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Explore Vietnam's Vibrant Capital

Day 1: Historical and Cultural Highlights

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese Pho, a fragrant noodle soup that's a Hanoi breakfast staple. Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su is open from 6 AM and is famous for its rich broth and fresh ingredients.
VND40000, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Explore the final resting place of Vietnam’s revered leader Ho Chi Minh, open daily from 8 AM to 11 AM except Mondays and Fridays. This site provides deep insight into Vietnamese history and culture.
Free, 1h

10:30am

One Pillar Pagoda

Located near the mausoleum, this unique Buddhist temple built on a single stone pillar is an iconic symbol of Hanoi, perfect for quick photo opportunities and cultural appreciation.
Free, 0h30m

11:15am

Walk around the Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first national university dating back to 1070, an impressive complex dedicated to Confucius. Open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily, it’s a serene and educational stop.
VND30000, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi dish of turmeric fish with dill and noodles, offered at this historic restaurant in the Old Quarter open from 11 AM.
VND150000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Take a leisurely walk through the bustling streets filled with street vendors, traditional crafts, and French colonial architecture. It’s a great spot for shopping and photography.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere around the lake with sunset views and a visit to the small, picturesque temple on the lake island, open till 5 PM.
VND30000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and herbs, at this popular local eatery open until 9 PM.
VND60000, 1h

8:00pm

Watch a Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, a must-see cultural performance with shows at 7 PM and 8 PM daily.
VND100000, 1h
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Day 2: Lakes and French Architecture

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try the famous Vietnamese egg coffee at Cafe Giang, a popular breakfast spot open from 7 AM. Their egg coffee is creamy and unique, a Hanoi specialty.
VND50000, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups through extensive exhibits and outdoor displays. The museum is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
VND40000, 2h

11:30am

Walk around West Lake (Tay Ho)

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi with scenic views, temples, and cafes along the shore.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Taste a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful colonial setting, open from 10 AM to 10 PM.
VND120000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Explore the 'Hanoi Hilton' prison with exhibits on Vietnam's colonial past and the Vietnam War. The museum is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily.
VND30000, 1h

3:30pm

Explore French Quarter architecture

Walk through the tree-lined boulevards around the Opera House and St. Joseph's Cathedral, admiring elegant French colonial buildings.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Coffee break at The Note Coffee

Relax with a cup of Vietnamese drip coffee surrounded by walls decorated with colorful sticky notes left by visitors. Open till 9 PM.
VND40000, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Green Tangerine

Dine in an elegant colonial villa serving exquisite French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine, open from 6 PM to 10 PM. Advance booking recommended.
VND300000, 1h30m
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