Hanoi Highlights: A 3 Day Itinerary for Your Visit
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and a city of undeniable charm and personality with its ancient temples, unique architecture, and lively neighborhoods. From the serene waters of Hoan Kiem Lake to the busy streets of the Old Quarter, Hanoi has much to explore and a wide array of culinary delights to discover. With 3 full days, you can immerse yourself in the highlights of Hanoi and explore what its nearby destinations have to offer. Read on to uncover how to make the most of your time with this essential 3-day Hanoi itinerary!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, my blog may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
Hanoi: 3 day itinerary
The first day of the itinerary is entirely walkable if you are up for it, and it can be followed in any order. I did choose to walk between them all. Alternatively, you can use Grab or GoJek for a budget-friendly ride to each of these must-see spots. Click the square in the top right of the map to see all the destinations and the best walking path to cover them all.
Note: With 3 full days, you can choose to split up this first day into two, depending on interest and travel speed.
Day 1: Explore HanoI
First Things First…Coffee Time! What better way to start your day than with a cup of coffee? The answer: there isn’t one.
Head to one of the many unique coffee spots in Hanoi, where you can try the famous Cà phê trứng (egg yolk, condensed milk, sugar, and coffee). Vegan? That’s okay! You can opt for a delicious coconut cream-based coffee instead!
Hanoi Coffee Station (one of my favorites) offers milk alternatives for those who, like me, are lactose intolerant. This way you can still try the egg coffee but make it lactose-free. Some other unique and popular options are The Note Coffee or Tranquil Books and Coffee.
Stop #1: Hoan Kiem Lake
Finished sipping? Head over to Hoan Kiem Lake where you can take a walk around the lake and capture some of the natural beauty in Hanoi. Oftentimes, women dressed in traditional Vietnamese attire are scattered around the lake, having their photos professionally taken, only enhancing the beauty of this area. On cloudier days, the lake hosts beautiful reflections of the nearby trees and temples (see my photo as an example above).
Wander over to the sacred Ngoc Son Temple, which sits on the lake and serves as an emblem of the nation’s history and culture. Cross the 150-year-old red Huc Bridge for a unique perspective of Hanoi. After sunset, the bridge lights up in red, creating a striking view and reflection to capture. The entrance fee to the temple is 50,000 VND.
Nearby, you can watch a famous water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, or explore Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square for some shopping and street food, depending on how much time you have!
Fun Fact: Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Lake of the Returned Sword or Sword Lake, is associated with a legend about Emperor Le Loi. He was gifted a magical sword by a golden turtle for use in combat against the Ming invaders, where he was victorious. He later returned to the lake for a boat ride, where the golden turtle asked him to return the sword. He complied. This story gave the lake its name.
Stop #2: The French Quarter
Next on the itinerary, head towards the French Quarter to find some high-end shopping and quaint buildings. Be sure not to miss Hanoi Opera House where you can again, plan to check out the popular water puppet shows later in the evening. The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is another popular stop if you have more time to spend.
I enjoyed spending an hour or so walking around this area, taking in the unique architecture that is so different from the rest of the city.
Fun Fact: Vietnam was once a French colony, which is why you can see some French influence throughout the city.
Stop #3: Hoa Lo Prison Relic
Hoa Lo Prison Relic is your next stop on your 3-day itinerary, where you can explore some of Vietnam’s history. The Hoa Lo Prison Relic, translating to the fiery furnace, was used by the French for political prisoners and later by the Vietnamese for American prisoners during the Vietnam War. Today, the prison offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of the prisoner’s lives, and it stands as a symbol of Vietnam’s resilient spirit. Even if you are not a museum or history buff, I recommend still taking an hour or so to explore the Hoa Lo Prison Relic. They have several immersive displays that let you experience what it might have been like to be there as a prisoner, original prison cells open to walk in, and other eye-opening and interactive displays to learn more about the history of Vietnam.
Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND for adults | 15,000 VND for children | Audio guides are an additional 30,000 VND.
Hours: Daily 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Stop #4: Old Train Street
Afterward, head over to Old Train Street for a coffee, beer, or a small snack while you wait for the massive train to rumble down the tracks in the middle of the street, nearly squishing you against the wall of your cafe (Okay, it is not as scary as it sounds, but it is a must-see experience and one of my favorite things to do in Hanoi).
To enter Old Train Street, head down this street, and walk along the track until you find a cafe of your choosing. I prefer Hanoi 1990s for some coffee and peanuts. If this access point is closed for any reason, continue walking along the main road until you find another access point.
The train times are as follows: 8:30, 11:30, 3:30, 7:10, 7:30, and 7:50 (Don’t be late!)
Pro Tip: Please always follow locals’ instructions here for your safety. They do this for a living and they are the experts.
After you have captured some epic photos and videos, you can head over to The Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Tran Quoc Pagoda, or stop to view the Presidential Palace. I decided to admire most of these areas from the outside versus paying to head in. A girl can only absorb so much history and information before it starts spilling out of her brain…
Temple of Literature:
Entrance Fee: 70,000 VND for adults | 35,000 for Vietnamese students | Free for children under 15 years old
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum: The Vietnamese revolutionary leader and President Ho Chi Minh lay to rest here.
Entrance Fee: 25,000 VND or a little over $1 USD
Operating Hours: Saturday - Thursday (Closed Fridays)
April 1 - October 31: 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | November 1 - March 31: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Pro Tip: Following all security guard rules and regulations while visiting. Flag raising and lowering ceremonies occur nearby in Ba Dinh Square from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Stop #5: The Old Quarter
Your final stops on day one of your itinerary will be to enjoy dinner, explore, and shop in the Old Quarter. The walk back to this area takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Depending on the time and your energy level, you can always call a Grab or Gojek for a thrilling ride through Hanoi’s chaotic traffic. For the adrenaline seekers, this is a must-try for your Hanoi itinerary if you want a front-row view of Vietnamese driving life.
The Old Quarter of Hanoi originally consisted of 36 streets, each historically known for a specific craft. While the number of streets has grown, the charm and quaint architecture have remained.
Stroll around the chaotically busy streets and pop into the night market! Vietnam is known for its night markets and clothing, so it is the perfect place to buy new wardrobe items. The market is open 6.00 PM – 12.00 AM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Pro Tip: Many locals consider the Old Quarter the “real” Hanoi.
Reminder: If you are not leaving too early the following day for a day trip, you can choose to see a water puppet show!
Day 2-3: Take A Day Trip!
On days two and three, you have a few options.
Option 1: As mentioned previously, you can choose to split up the first day into two for slower travel, and choose a day trip for your third day! Of course, you can spend all 3 days in Hanoi— it simply depends on your travel goals and desires. I spent over two weeks in Hanoi while working and volunteering at a dog shelter. The city offers a wide variety of bars, restaurants, cafes, and more to explore should you choose to focus your time within its borders.
Option 2: If you prefer not to split the first day up, you can choose 2 of the one-day trips to add to your itinerary.
Option 3: Again, for those who prefer to keep the first day as is, you can choose an overnight tour for your second two days.
Day Trip & Overnight Options:
OPTION 1: My Favorite Option: NINH BINH
Ninh Binh is Vietnam’s best-kept secret and the perfect place for a day trip. This charming city, located on the Red River Delta, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Trang An Landscape Complex. Ninh Binh offers a day filled with picturesque moments, from riding a bicycle through limestone karsts to floating in a small wooden boat along its waterways.
Ninh Binh is one of my absolute favorite places, not just in Vietnam but in all of Southeast Asia. It is truly unmissable. Many people refer to Ninh Binh as the Halong Bay on land, but in my opinion, this gem is even better. You can do a full one-day tour here and capture most of its highlights. If you have more time, I would choose one of the other day/overnight tours, and instead add a few days here onto your itinerary after your 3 days in Hanoi.
Best Time to Visit: November - April
I went in January for my birthday— the weather was perfect for outdoor activities. It was much warmer than Hanoi at the time.
How Far from Hanoi: 94 km
How to Get There:
Bus / Shared Van: $4-10 (USD) and takes around 2 hours. 12GoAsia has the best options for booking, as always!
Train: A little over 2 hours and costs around $12 (USD).
Motorbike: Always an option, but with the other options being so cheap and easy, especially for naps, why bother?
A Day Tour: A guided day tour can be a great option to optimize time and avoid the stress of trying to navigate your way there and back.
Things to Do: Bike rides, boat rides, temples and pagodas
You can find more information on exploring Ninh Binh here!
THE BEST GUIDED TOUR OPTIONS!
OPTION 2: HALONG BAY, LAN HA BAY, OR CAT BA ISLAND
Halong Bay is a picturesque emerald bay with limestone mountains, evoking the quintessential image of a trip to Vietnam. However, over the years it has become extremely overcrowded, overtouristy, and sadly, a bit dirty. If you are like me and want a less touristy experience, then heading to Lan Ha Bay is for you! It has the same emerald waters and limestone mountains for you to take in.
You can choose a full one-day tour here or opt for an overnight boat tour of the bay and surrounding areas.
Best Time to Visit: September - May
How Far from Hanoi: 172 km +
How to Get There:
Shared Van: This is the best option, in my opinion. It will take around 3 hours and 30 minutes and is around $5.
Motorbike: 2.5 hours minimum, but you need to be a confident driver, and navigation can be difficult if you do not have good phone service. The cost to rent a motorbike varies but is around 150,000-300,000 VND (4.30 - 13 USD) for the smallest bike to a larger one.
Bus: You can book a $8.00 (USD) ticket on 12GoAsia, which will take 2.5 to 3 hours (sometimes longer). There is also a cheaper public bus, but I have never done this myself.
Taxi: Private taxis and Grabs or Gojeks are also an option, but can be more expensive.
A Day Tour: A guided day tour can be a great option to optimize time and avoid the stress of navigating there and back.
Things to Do: Cruises (day and overnight)
Another great alternative if you have more time is Cat Ba Island. It can get crowded, but my boyfriend did this a few years back and he does not stop raving about it.
THE BEST GUIDED TOUR OPTIONS!
OPTION 3: SaPa
Sapa is a hilly town filled with rice terraces, immersing you in a green paradise. Some popular activities here include trekking, staying with local families, and climbing mountains. These experiences provide a serene cultural escape from the sometimes hectic city of Hanoi. Below is some key information to help you plan your visit to this beautiful Vietnamese town.
Best Time to Visit:
September-November for the most lush rice terraces
April-May for the best weather
June-August is hot and will have a chance for showers
How Far from Hanoi: around 370 km
How to Get There:
Overnight Train: This is an 8-hour train ride from Hanoi Train Station - Lao Cai, with an additional 1 hour to 1.5 hours via road to Sapa. Costs for train tickets vary from 300 VND - 800 VND. To see more specific pricing head to 12GoAsia or Vietnam Railways Website.
Be sure to also pre-book the second portion of your trip from Lao Cai to Sapa to avoid overpaying for a taxi. There is also a cheap public bus (look for the red and yellow bus, #1 to get there, #2 for the return trip) that will take you into Sapa for around 40,000 - 90,000 VND. Tickets can be found here.
Bus or Shared Van: A 5-6 hour ride, depending on the number of stops. The van costs around 300-400 VND. Taxis are also available but are much more expensive (upwards of 4,000 VND last time I checked). To see more specific pricing head to 12GoAsia.
Guided Tours: A guided tour is also an option to take the stress out of getting there. Tours have a wide range of pricing depending on number of days, type of accommodation, etc. You can see some examples of guided tours below!
Things to Do: Trekking, relaxing, summiting, markets, local homestays, etc.
THE BEST GUIDED TOUR OPTIONS!
OPTION 4: Ha Giang Loop
The Ha Giang Loop is one of the most scenic rides in Vietnam, featuring winding roads and towering mountains. From what I have heard, pictures cannot fully capture the breathtaking views (eye roll as my FOMO sinks in). Nearly all of my friends have driven around the Ha Giang Loop and it is one of their favorite things they did while there. Unfortunately, I skipped this trip and deeply regret it lol… But I will be checking it off of my list when I am back in 2025!
Although I have not experienced the Ha Giang Loop yet, I have gathered some valuable insights and great information for you below, based on experiences from my closest friends. I will update this entirely once I have gone!
Best Time to Visit: Outside of the rainy season, I have heard Spring and Autumn are ideal.
How Far from Hanoi: far…nearly 300 km. This trip is a minimum of two days. Some people even opt for 3-4 days to complete it.
How to Get There:
Bus or Shared Van: The best option is not surprisingly, on 12GoAsia, taking around 6.5-8 hours. Prices are around $8-20 (USD).
Private Taxi: 4.5 hours but can cost over $100.
Guided Tour: Given the limited time, I recommend opting for a guided tour from Hanoi to make the trip easier and to make the most of your time.
Things to Do: Ride on a motorbike through the winding roads of Ha Giang to capture some views that are unmatched elsewhere!
THE BEST GUIDED TOUR OPTIONS!
Some Other Options For Your 3 Day Itinerary!
Try your skills at a Vietnamese based cooking class!
Taste test some delicious Vietnamese food on a locally guided food tour or, if you are vegan, the vegan food tour.
Swim in the beautiful cascading falls at Ban Gioc Waterfalls.
Find a local organization to volunteer with. I chose to volunteer with a local dog and cat shelter.
General Information: Hanoi
Where to Stay:
The Old Quarter is easily the best area to stay in Hanoi. However, be mindful of loud bars and clubs on some streets in this area, as they can be very noisy. I stayed at the Joye Hotel (I do not recommend it), and it was super loud until 3 or 4 AM. Previously, I was a flight attendant— I could sleep through most noises and sleep disturbances, but this noise was impossible even for me. I recommend reading the reviews before booking to ensure this does not happen to you.
Other good areas to stay are in the French Quarter, the Hoan Kiem Lake area, or the Ba Dinh area if you are okay with being a little further out. Many expats live in Ba Dinh.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel or Hanoi Boutique House
Best Low-Budget: TrangTrang Boutique Hotel
Best Mid-Budget: Flora Centre Hotel & Spa, Grande Collection Hotel & Spa, or Babylon Premium Hotel & Spa
High-End: Scent Premium Hotel or Meritel Hanoi
Best Luxury: The Oriental Jade Hotel or Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Best Time to Visit:
November - April during the dry season. Expect colder temperatures since you will be in Northern Vietnam. I was there from December through January and wore long trousers and a sweatshirt or jacket.
How to Get There:
Plane: You can fly internationally into Hanoi (HAN).
Bus / Shared Van: This is a great option if you are in one of Vietnam’s neighboring countries—Cambodia or Laos. Or, if you are already in Vietnam, you can take one of the sleeper buses for as cheap as USD 12. 12GoAsia has the best options for booking!
Train: You can grab train tickets or see routes on 12GoAsia or the Vietnam Railways Website.
Motorbike: This is always an option if you are already in Vietnam, but with the other options being so cheap and easy— why bother?
How to Get Around:
Walking: I walked nearly the entire time I was in Hanoi. Crossing the road can be challenging with the chaotic traffic, but I promise you will get used to it. It is a little like the video game Frogger (IYKYK). Cross with locals until you get comfortable going on your own.
Gojek or Grab: These are great, budget-friendly rideshare taxis with locals who know the way of the road. Think similar to Uber or Lyft. You can choose different types of car taxis or hop on the back of a motorbike for the cheapest option. I took a few of these coming back from the shelter where I volunteered— my adrenaline was definitely running high. But keep in mind that locals are driving; they grew up on these roads and know what they are doing (well for the most part).
Other Taxis, Carriages, Cyclos, Etc: I have never chosen this option, but I assume it is similar to Thailand and will be more expensive.
Public Transit: I believe there are buses, but with the back of a motorbike being so inexpensive, I never took the time to figure them out.
Be Ballsy and Rent a Scooter: I recommend being a cautious and confident driver if you plan to rent a scooter in Hanoi. (You will understand what I mean once you arrive). Scooter rental prices here vary greatly depending on season, bike type, length of rental, and location in Hanoi, ranging from 150,000 VND to 300,000 VND ($5 USD-12 USD).
How Many Days Do I Need?:
If you are exploring Hanoi without day trips to places like Sa Pa or Ninh Binh, you can do it all in 1-2 days. The city is an ideal place to work, so I ended up staying for two weeks and was very satisfied. Be sure to add extra days for each day trip or overnight excursion you plan from Hanoi.
Is it Safe?
Yes, most definitely. I traveled most of Hanoi alone until my boyfriend arrived ten days later. Many backpackers and digital nomads pass through here, so you will meet plenty of people. As always, follow common travel safety practices:
Always check vaccination requirements and travel advisories, and practice food and water cleanliness/safety. Do not drink tap water in Southeast Asia.
Be aware of travel scams and know how much things should cost.
Secure valuables.
BE CAREFUL DRIVING.
Emergency Contact Numbers: Fire: 114 | Police: 113 | Ambulance: 115
Never travel without the right insurance in case of any sickness, injuries, or theft. Safety Wing is by far the best travel insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Vegan Food Options:
Pro Tip: Most places offer tofu in tomato sauce and fresh spring rolls, so you should be able to find something wherever you go.
