Perfect 4-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine & History Explored

Day 1: Old Quarter Stroll

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a traditional bowl of Pho at Pho Bat Dan, famous among locals for its rich broth and fresh ingredients.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy a peaceful morning stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, the historic heart of Hanoi, and don’t miss the iconic Turtle Tower.
Free, 1h

10:45am

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Dive into the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, famous for its narrow lanes, street vendors, and traditional shops selling silk, crafts, and street food.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Delight in Cha Ca (grilled turmeric fish), a Hanoi speciality, at the renowned Cha Ca La Vong restaurant, open 11am - 2:30pm.
VND150000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Admire the neo-Gothic architecture of this 19th-century cathedral and the quiet atmosphere inside.
Free, 30m

4:00pm

Coffee Break at Cafe Giang

Try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee, a creamy and unique local specialty, at Cafe Giang.
VND40000, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Bun Cha, a grilled pork and noodle dish made famous internationally, served here from 10am to 8pm.
VND70000, 1h
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Day 2: Cultural Heritage

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast with international and Vietnamese options in a peaceful setting open from 7am.
VND80000, 1h

9:00am

Temple of Literature Visit

Visit Vietnam’s first national university built in 1070, renowned for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.
VND30000, 1.5h

11:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Explore the mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh lies in state along with the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. Note: Mausoleum is open 8am-11am; closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Savour a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese street food served in a charming garden atmosphere, open 10am-10pm.
VND120000, 1h

2:30pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through exhibits and traditional houses. The museum is open daily from 8am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at West Lake

Enjoy a tranquil walk by the largest lake in Hanoi, popular for cafes and sunset views.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Vong Grill

Try local grilled specialties and seafood near West Lake, open until 9:30pm.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 3: Scenic Day Trip

Hoa Lu & Tam Coc, Vietnam on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Start early with breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café before the day trip.
Included or VND50000, 30m

8:00am

Depart to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Travel 90km south of Hanoi to the former capital of Vietnam, known for its ancient temples and historical significance.
Transport cost varies, 1.5h

10:00am

Explore Hoa Lu Temples

Visit the temples dedicated to kings Dinh and Le, beautifully preserved and steeped in history.
VND100000, 1h

11:30am

Boat Trip in Tam Coc

Take a peaceful 2-hour boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, passing stunning karst landscapes and rice fields.
VND150000, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Tam Coc Restaurant

Enjoy fresh river fish and other local dishes at a restaurant near the river, open till late afternoon.
VND120000, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi for a restful evening.
Transport cost varies, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Old Quarter’s Duong’s Restaurant

Relax with contemporary Vietnamese cuisine at this acclaimed restaurant, open for dinner from 6pm.
VND180000, 1h
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Day 4: Cultural Finale

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Note Coffee

Start your day with a great coffee experience and light breakfast surrounded by hundreds of sticky notes from visitors.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

Explore traditional and contemporary Vietnamese art in this well-curated museum, open from 8am to 5pm except Mondays.
VND40000, 1.5h

11:30am

Explore West Lake Pagodas

Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, located on West Lake.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Delight in authentic Northern Vietnamese home-style dishes in a cosy setting, open 10am-9pm.
VND130000, 1h

3:00pm

Water Puppet Theatre Show

Experience this unique traditional Vietnamese art form at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, shows daily at 3:00pm and 4:30pm.
VND100000, 1h

5:00pm

Stroll Around Ly Thai To Park

Relax in this lovely park near Hoan Kiem Lake to wind down your trip.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Green Tangerine

Enjoy French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a colonial villa, perfect for your last evening in Hanoi. Open till 10pm.
VND300000, 1.5h
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