Hanoi 3 Days Itinerary
Welcome to Hanoi, where history, culture, and vibrant street life come together in a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences! If you’re planning a 3-day adventure in this charming capital, you’re in for a treat. Hanoi's blend of ancient temples, bustling markets, and scenic lakes offers something for every traveler, and guess what? You don’t need to hire a tour operator to enjoy it all. Navigating Hanoi’s streets is simpler than trying to find the end of a Vietnamese spring roll (spoiler: you probably won't!).
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a detailed itinerary that covers must-see attractions, practical tips, and a few insider secrets to make your trip as smooth as silk (or as smooth as Hanoi’s famous coffee). From the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to stunning city views from the Lotte Observation Deck, you’ll discover how to experience Hanoi like a local, all while keeping your travel plans fuss-free. So pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready for a city adventure that’s both easy to navigate and full of delights!
3 days in Hanoi itinerary
Now, here is the best itinerary for your 3 days in Hanoi. Whether you are backpacker, students, or a very rich businessman, we believe you can do this trip as eating a cake without any tour operator.
Day 1: Dive into Hanoi’s Historic Heart
Morning:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Start your day early at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It's a significant site where you can pay respects to Vietnam’s beloved leader. Note that the mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, so plan accordingly.
- One Pillar Pagoda: Just a short walk from the mausoleum, this historic pagoda is worth a visit. It’s a symbol of Hanoi and offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Lunch:
- Bún Chả Hương Liên: This spot is famous for its bun cha, a delicious Vietnamese dish featuring grilled pork. Expect to spend around $5 per person.
Afternoon:
- Hanoi Old Quarter: Wander through the Old Quarter’s narrow streets and vibrant markets. It's a great place to shop for souvenirs and experience local life.
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral: Located in the Old Quarter, this neo-Gothic cathedral is perfect for a quick visit and some photos.
- Notes: This photogenic spot is where teenagers, young gals come during weekend. Chance for single boys!
Evening:
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Take a leisurely stroll around the lake. Visit the Ngoc Son Temple located on an island in the lake.
- Water Puppet Show: Book tickets in advance for the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. The show provides an entertaining look at Vietnamese folklore.
Day 2: Cultural and Historical Highlights
Morning:
- Temple of Literature: Visit this ancient temple, which was Vietnam’s first university. It’s a serene spot offering insight into Vietnam’s Confucian past.
Lunch:
- Cha Ca La Vong: For a different taste, try cha ca, a Hanoi specialty featuring grilled fish. Meals here typically cost around $10-$15 per person.
Afternoon:
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Spend a few hours exploring this museum to learn about the diverse ethnic groups in Vietnam. It’s educational and engaging.
Evening:
- Lotte Observation Deck or Skyline Lounge: For a panoramic view of Hanoi, head to one of these spots. It’s a great way to end the day with a meal or drink and view the city from above.
Day 3: Scenic Spots and Relaxation
Morning:
- West Lake (Ho Tay): Start your day at West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi. Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest temples in Vietnam, and enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake.
Lunch:
- Serein Restaurant & Lounge: Enjoy a mix of local and international dishes with a great view of the lake. Expect to spend around $15-$20 per person.
Afternoon:
- Vietnam Fine Arts Museum: This museum showcases traditional and modern Vietnamese art. It’s a quiet spot to appreciate Vietnam’s artistic heritage.
- Hoa Lo Prison: Known as the Hanoi Hilton, this historical site provides a sobering look at Vietnam’s history.
Evening:
- Hang Be Market: Explore this market for souvenirs and local street food. It’s a lively area and a good place to soak in Hanoi’s atmosphere.
Budget Tips for 3 days in Hanoi:
- Accommodation: 3 star hotel: dont pay more than $20. Use Agoda! 5 star hotel: book with travel agency, they have contractual price. You are a teacher ? Dorm Bed = $4-$5.
- Food: Street food is budget-friendly ($2-$5 per meal). Dining in mid-range restaurants costs around $10-$20 per meal.
- Transportation: Use taxis or ride-sharing apps for convenience. Renting a motorbike can be a cost-effective option if you're comfortable with local traffic.
- Tour operator: No need. You can easily travel Hanoi on your own with a lot cheaper cost. Vietnam Mystica Tours trusts you!!! Just.. try to read the instruction notification table in each destination you arrive…. as much as you can
Safety Tips for Traveling in Hanoi
Be Cautious with Traffic:
- Crossing the Street: Traffic in Hanoi can be chaotic. Always use crosswalks when available and cross slowly, making eye contact with drivers. Vehicles in Hanoi often don’t stop for pedestrians.
- Motorbike Safety: If you rent a motorbike, wear a helmet and follow local traffic rules. Traffic can be dense and unpredictable.
Keep Valuables Secure:
- Pickpocketing: Be vigilant in crowded areas, markets, and tourist spots. Use a money belt or a secure bag and keep your valuables close.
- Hotel Safe: Use hotel safes to store important documents and valuables.
Watch Your Belongings:
- Bag Snatching: Be cautious of bag snatching, especially when using taxis or riding motorbikes. Keep bags tightly secured and avoid displaying expensive items.
Avoid Unlicensed Taxis:
- Use Reputable Services: Use reputable ride-sharing apps like Grab or pre-book taxis from well-known companies to avoid scams. Ensure the taxi’s meter is running.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Safely:
- Food and Water: Drink bottled water and eat at well-established eateries to avoid foodborne illnesses. Avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Tap Water: Avoid drinking tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
Respect Local Customs and Laws:
- Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees.
- Behavior: Hanoian is quite friendly, they are also bit westernized. Be yourself.. but not too much
Emergency Contacts:
- Local Authorities: Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers. In Hanoi, dial 113 for police, 114 for fire, and 115 for medical emergencies.
- Embassy Information: Know the location and contact details of your country’s embassy or consulate in Hanoi in case of serious issues.
Stay Aware of Scams:
- Common Scams: Be wary of overly friendly strangers who offer unsolicited help or suggest overly expensive tours. Always verify prices and terms before committing to any service.
Avoid illegal actions:
- Vietnam is still a socialism country. Our law is quite strict. There are many smokes like weeds or tobaco can be legal in other countries, but not here. Gambling is also a criminal
By keeping these safety tips in mind, you can enjoy a secure and pleasant visit to Hanoi.
List of Must-See Attractions in Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Address: 2 Hung Vuong, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Significance: Historical site dedicated to Vietnam’s founding leader, Ho Chi Minh.
One Pillar Pagoda
Address: Chùa Một Cột, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Significance: Iconic Buddhist temple and symbol of Hanoi’s cultural heritage.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Address: 40 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Significance: Neo-Gothic cathedral and one of Hanoi’s most prominent landmarks.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Address: Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Significance: Central lake offering a peaceful retreat and home to Ngoc Son Temple.
Ngoc Son Temple
Address: Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Significance: Historic temple located on an island in Hoan Kiem Lake.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Address: 57B Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Significance: Venue for traditional Vietnamese water puppet performances.
Temple of Literature
Address: 58 Quốc Tử Giám, Dong Da, Hanoi
Significance: Vietnam’s first university and a key site for Confucian learning.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Address: Nguyễn Văn Huyên, Cầu Giấy, Hanoi
Significance: Museum showcasing the diverse cultures and ethnic groups of Vietnam.
Lotte Observation Deck
Address: 54 Liễu Giai, Cống Vị, Hanoi
Significance: High viewpoint offering panoramic views of Hanoi.
Skyline Lounge
Address: 6th Floor, 19 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Significance: Rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
West Lake (Ho Tay)
Address: Tây Hồ, Hanoi
Significance: Large lake providing a scenic spot for relaxation and cultural sites.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Address: Thanh Niên, Tây Hồ, Hanoi
Significance: Oldest pagoda in Hanoi with historical and spiritual significance.
Vietnam Fine Arts Museum
Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Significance: Museum featuring traditional and contemporary Vietnamese art.
Hoa Lo Prison
Address: 1 Hoa Lo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Significance: Historical site formerly used as a prison, offering insights into Vietnam’s history.
Hang Be Market
Address: Hàng Bè, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Significance: Lively market ideal for shopping and sampling local street food.
Author: CEO Tanbang
