3-Day Hanoi Adventure: Culture, Cuisine & History in Vietnam's Capital

Day 1: Old Quarter Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan

Start your day with authentic Vietnamese pho, a must-try traditional noodle soup, at this famous local spot in the Old Quarter. It's open from 6:00am and perfectly energizes you for a day of sightseeing.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Walking Tour of Hanoi Old Quarter

Explore narrow streets filled with French colonial architecture, street vendors, and local markets. This area is the bustling heart of Hanoi and offers plenty of photographic and cultural experiences.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, an iconic scenic spot, and visit Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island, a peaceful cultural site at the lake’s center, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Bun Cha, a flavorful dish of grilled pork with noodles, known worldwide after President Obama dined here. The restaurant opens at 10:00am and serves until 9:00pm.
VND80000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show lasting about 50 minutes. Shows run from 3:00pm and 5:00pm, so catch the 3:00pm show for an immersive cultural experience.
VND100000, 1h0m

4:30pm

Coffee Break at Cafe Giang

Try the famous Vietnamese egg coffee at this historic cafe, open until 9:00pm, offering a unique taste and cozy ambiance.
VND40000, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor Cha Ca, a signature Hanoi grilled fish dish, at one of the best restaurants in the Old Quarter, open from 10:30am to 10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historical Insights

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Taste sticky rice with various toppings at Xoi Yen, a popular breakfast spot open from 6:30am, perfect for an authentic local start to your day.
VND40000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Explore the resting place of Vietnam’s founder and several historical buildings including the Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda. The Mausoleum is open from 8:00am to 11:00am but closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover the first university of Vietnam, dedicated to Confucius and scholars, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm. It offers beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.
VND30000, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Dine on a variety of classic Vietnamese dishes in a garden setting. The restaurant is popular and open from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through extensive exhibits and outdoor displays; open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at West Lake

Enjoy the largest lake in Hanoi, ideal for a relaxing walk or a bike ride, surrounded by cafes and temples.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Green Tangerine

Relish French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a charming colonial villa, open until 10:00pm with quality dining ambiance.
VND300000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Culture & Markets

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Dinh

Enjoy robust Vietnamese drip coffee and traditional breakfast dishes like banh mi or pho, open from 7:00am to 9:30am.
VND40000, 1h0m

8:45am

Visit Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural

View the world's largest ceramic mosaic mural that stretches for 4 kilometers along the Red River dike, showcasing vibrant local culture and art. Open all day, free entry.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Shopping and Exploring at Dong Xuan Market

Browse Hanoi’s largest indoor market for souvenirs, clothes, and local handicrafts. The market opens at 6:00am and closes at 6:00pm.
Free to enter, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Try the famous grilled fish specialty Cha Ca La Vong in a historic local eatery open for lunch service.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

Explore Vietnamese art history and contemporary works; the museum is open from 8:30am to 5:00pm, closed on Mondays.
VND40000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax and Tea at Tranquil Books & Coffee

Enjoy a quiet break at this cozy and artsy tea house, ideal for some rest and reflection in the afternoon.
VND40000, 0h45m

5:00pm

Evening Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy the lake lit up at night with locals gathering for walks and street performances, a perfect way to end your Hanoi trip.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Duong's Restaurant & Cooking Class

Experience traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist in a polished setting, open until 10:00pm. Consider joining a cooking class for a hands-on experience.
VND250000, 1h30m
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