Discover Vietnam: One to Two Day Itinerary in Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and a city of undeniable charm with 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 lot of cuisine to try. Only have one or two days here? You can get a strong sense of what Hanoi and its surrounding areas have to offer visitors in just 24 to 48 hours. Keep reading to discover how you can experience all the city has to offer with this ultimate 1 to 2 day Hanoi itinerary.
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Hanoi: One to two day itinerary
This entire first day of the itinerary is completely walkable if you are feeling up to it, and can be done in any order. You can always hop on the back of a Grab or GoJek as well for a cheap taxi to each of these must-see places!
Pro Tip: Click on the square in the top right corner of the map to enlarge it and see each destination in Hanoi.
Day 1: Explore HanoI
First Things First…Coffee Time! What better way to start your day than with a cup of coffee? Head to one of 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 enjoy 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.
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 (2 USD).
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. This area is a distinct section of Hanoi and is perfect for taking a stroll, capturing architectural photos, grabbing a bite, or splurging on some shopping. 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.
Fun Fact: Vietnam was once a French colony—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 one or two day itinerary, where you can explore some of Vietnam’s history. 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 prisoners’ lives. Today, the prison stands as a symbol of Vietnam’s resilient spirit.
Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND (1.20 USD) for adults | 15,000 VND (0.60 USD) for children | Audio guides are an additional 30,000 VND (1.20 USD)
Hours: Daily 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Stop #4: Old Train Street
Once finished, head over to Old Train Street for a coffee, beer, or small snack while you await for the massive train to run down the tracks of the street, nearly squishing you against the wall of your cafe (okay it is not as scary as it sounds). This is one of my favorite things to do in Hanoi, and it never seems to get old—it is always just as exhilarating.
To enter the street, head down the street next to this location, and walk along the track until you find a spot of your choosing. There are many cafes to enjoy a coffee, beer, or small snack while you wait for the train to pass by you. I prefer Hanoi 1990s for some coffee and peanuts.
The train times are 8:30, 11:30, 3:30, 7:10, 7:30, and 7:50. (don’t be too 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, head over to The Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Tran Quoc Pagoda, or stop to view the Presidential Palace.
Temple of Literature:
Entrance Fee: 70,000 VND (2.80 USD) for adults | 35,000 VND (1.40 USD) 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 (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 ride.
The Old Quarter of Hanoi originally consisted of 36 streets, each historically known for honing a specific craft. This number has grown today, but the charm and quaint architecture have remained.
Stroll around the chaoticly busy streets here, 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 or have a second day, you can choose to see a water puppet show!
Day Two: Take A Day Trip!
On day two, you have a few options. You can, of course, split up the above itinerary into two days if you prefer a slower pace and want to explore the city more. Otherwise, there are a few day trips you can take advantage of!
Option 1: The Better 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.
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.
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.
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.
Get an eSIM—so you do not get lost navigating your way. I always use Airalo for my eSims.
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.
