2-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration in Hanoi, Vietnam

Day 1: Old Quarter Walking Tour

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with authentic Vietnamese Pho at Pho Bat Dan, a famous local spot known for its flavorful broth and fresh ingredients.
VND50000, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Take a relaxing walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, the historical heart of Hanoi, and visit Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island in the lake, open from 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Enjoy a cultural performance showcasing traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, with shows typically at 11am and 3pm; book tickets in advance for the 11am show.
VND100000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Experience Hanoi’s signature dish, Cha Ca (grilled fish with dill), at this renowned restaurant open from 11am to 2:30pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore the Old Quarter

Walk through the vibrant maze of streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to experience local life, shopping for souvenirs, and observing French colonial architecture.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Coffee break at Cafe Giang

Try the famous Egg Coffee, a Hanoi specialty, in a cozy setting at Cafe Giang, which is open until 9pm.
VND40000, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Ta

Savor Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles and herbs, at one of the best bun cha restaurants in Hanoi, open from 10am to 9pm.
VND120000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Historic Landmarks and French Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Enjoy a fresh and healthy breakfast with specialty coffee at Kafeville, a modern cafe open from 7am.
VND70000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, open 8am to 5pm with a small entrance fee.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through the French Quarter

Stroll the tree-lined boulevards and admire the well-preserved colonial buildings including the Hanoi Opera House and Sofitel Metropole Hotel.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Badiane

Dine French-Vietnamese fusion dishes in an elegant setting at La Badiane, open from 11:30am to 2pm for lunch.
VND350000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Learn about Vietnamese history and French colonialism at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, open 8am to 5pm with a moderate entrance fee.
VND30000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at West Lake

Spend late afternoon by West Lake with options to rent a pedal boat or enjoy lakeside cafes.
Free / optional rentals about VND100000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Hanoi Restaurant

Conclude your Hanoi experience with traditional Vietnamese dishes at Home Hanoi Restaurant featuring a cozy atmosphere, open until 10pm.
VND200000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability