2-Day Ultimate Hanoi, Vietnam Exploration: Culture, Cuisine & Heritage

Day 1: Historical & Cultural Immersion

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your morning indulging in authentic Hanoi-style Pho at Pho Gia Truyen, a beloved eatery known for its rich and flavorful broth. It's a perfect introduction to Vietnamese cuisine.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, famous for its historic architecture, street vendors, and unique shops selling local crafts and souvenirs. Don't miss the lively atmosphere along Ta Hien street.
Free, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor the iconic Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and herbs, at Bun Cha Huong Lien, the restaurant famed internationally after President Obama’s visit. Open 10am to 9pm.
VND70000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and cross the red wooden Huc Bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple, a peaceful site situated on a small island. The area is great for photos and local culture.
VND30000, 1h

3:00pm

Water Puppet Theatre

Attend a traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet show at Thang Long Theatre (shows at 3pm and 5pm), which tells stories of rural Vietnam through unique puppet performances over water.
VND100000, 1h

5:00pm

Coffee break at Cafe Giang

Try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee at Cafe Giang, a small, charming café known for this creamy, sweet local specialty.
VND40000, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Experience Cha Ca, a unique Hanoi dish of turmeric-seasoned fish with dill and noodles, at the renowned Cha Ca Thang Long restaurant. Open until 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Heritage & Lake District

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Enjoy traditional sticky rice (Xoi) with toppings at Xoi Yen, a popular local breakfast spot known for flavorful and affordable dishes.
VND40000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the embalmed body of Vietnam’s former leader is preserved. Also visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, and the One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Open 8am-11am (closed Monday and Friday).
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Van Mieu

Dine at KOTO, a social enterprise restaurant serving Vietnamese dishes supporting disadvantaged youth. Located near the Temple of Literature, open 11am to 9pm.
VND120000, 1h

1:30pm

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070, renowned for its classic Vietnamese architecture and tranquil gardens. Open daily 8am-5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda

Walk along Hanoi’s largest lake, visiting the beautiful and ancient Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city set on a small island.
VND25000, 1h30m

5:30pm

Sunset drink at Maison de Tet Decor

Visit this riverside café for a relaxing sunset drink and a charming ambiance by West Lake before dinner.
VND60000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

End your Hanoi trip with dinner at Quan An Ngon, offering a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a delightful setting. Open 9am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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