5-Night Hanoi Itinerary: Explore Vietnam's Historic Capital and Cultural Gems

Day 1: Arrival & Old Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a classic bowl of Pho at this popular local spot, famed for its authentic Northern Vietnamese beef noodle soup.
VND60000, 1h0m

10:30am

Walk around Hanoi Old Quarter

Explore the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, known for its vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and street vendors. A great way to immerse yourself in local life.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy Hanoi’s famous Bun Cha, a grilled pork and vermicelli dish, which was notably enjoyed by President Obama here.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Take a leisurely walk around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small islet accessible by a red wooden bridge.
VND30000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Coffee break at Cafe Giang

Try the famous Egg Coffee, a unique Hanoi specialty brewed with an egg yolk foam topping, at this iconic cafe.
VND45000, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savour Cha Ca, a grilled fish specialty, at one of Hanoi’s best-known restaurants dedicated to this traditional dish.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 2: History & Culture

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kinh Do Bakery

Grab some fresh Vietnamese pastries and coffee to start your day with local favourite breakfast items.
VND40000, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Explore the final resting place of Vietnam’s iconic leader and the surrounding Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. Entry to the mausoleum requires respectful attire.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Dine at this popular social enterprise restaurant that offers excellent Vietnamese food while supporting disadvantaged youth.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university with peaceful gardens and traditional architecture from the 11th century.
VND30000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam through extensive outdoor and indoor exhibits. The museum closes at 5pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a lively setting that recreates street food markets.
VND100000, 1h30m
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Day 3: French Quarter & Lake

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Note Coffee

Start your morning with speciality coffee surrounded by hundreds of colourful notes left by travellers.
VND50000, 0h45m

9:00am

Walk through the French Quarter

Admire French colonial architecture, visit the Opera House (exterior), and stroll along tree-lined boulevards.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Madame Hien

Taste refined Vietnamese dishes in an elegant French colonial villa with beautiful garden seating available.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Learn about the historical prison known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War.
VND30000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at West Lake (Ho Tay)

Take a boat ride or walk around this large freshwater lake, popular among locals and expats alike.
Boat ride ~ VND100000, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tay Ho Street Food Market

Sample a variety of street food delicacies at this vibrant evening market by West Lake.
VND80000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Markets & Arts

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Old Hanoi Bistro & Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional breakfast with options like sticky rice, congee, or Vietnamese baguette sandwiches.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Dong Xuan Market

Explore Hanoi's largest indoor market offering clothes, souvenirs, fresh produce, and street food snacks.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Thang Ba Duc

Try Bun Thang, a delicate Hanoi noodle soup with chicken, omelette strips, and herbs, popular among locals.
VND70000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural

Walk along one of the world’s longest ceramic murals depicting Vietnam’s culture and history.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Attend a Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance in the early evening; shows start at 3:30pm and 6:30pm daily.
VND100000, 0h50m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Experience another famous Hanoi specialty, Cha Ca, a turmeric fish dish served with dill and noodles.
VND130000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day trip & local crafts

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Fuel up early with a light breakfast to prepare for the day trip.
VND40000, 0h30m

8:00am

Day trip to Bat Trang Pottery Village

Spend the day visiting this traditional village famous for its ceramic and pottery crafts, participate in pottery making workshops, and shop for souvenirs. The village is about 13km from central Hanoi and best visited in the morning and afternoon.
Transport ~ VND200000, Workshop fees ~ VND50000, 6h0m

3:30pm

Return to Hanoi and relax at a local cafe

Rest after your day trip with a refreshing drink at a peaceful local cafe near your accommodation.
VND40000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Fine Dining Restaurant

Enjoy an intimate fine dining experience focusing on refined Vietnamese cuisine in a beautiful setting.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Departure & Leisure

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Try Hanoi’s famous sticky rice with various toppings for a true local breakfast experience before you leave.
VND40000, 0h45m

8:30am

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake & Shopping

Enjoy a final leisurely walk around the lake and nearby shops to pick up last-minute souvenirs and gifts.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Check out and transfer to airport

Prepare for your departure with an airport transfer arranged by your hotel or taxi.
VND300000 approx., 1h0m
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