Top 5 Things to Include in Your Hanoi, Vietnam Itinerary
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 diverse range of cuisine to sample. Experience all that Hanoi has to offer with this guide to the five essential stops to include in your itinerary.
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Hanoi, Vietnam Itinerary: 5 Essential Stops
#1: Watch the Train Pass on Old Train Street
Old Train Street is a long, narrow alleyway with train tracks running down its center, bordered by residential buildings and small businesses. The train runs down this quaint street multiple times per day, giving you an exhilarating chance to experience it up close and personal. This is one of my favorite things to do in Hanoi—it never seems to lose its spark.
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 as follows: 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.
#2: Wander Around Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene lake in the heart of Hanoi, is the perfect place to wander around and capture some of the natural beauty of 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.
Explore the sacred Ngoc Son Temple on the lake, a symbol 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.
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.
#3: Explore the Old Quarter
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. Take some time to stroll around the bustling Old Quarter streets and be sure to 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.
#4: Explore Vietnam’s History at Hoa Prison Relic
Hoa Prison Relic
Hanoi Opera House
The Hoa 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 stands as a symbol of Vietnam’s resilient spirit.
Pro Tip: If you have extra time on your hands, The Temple of Literature and Hanoi Opera House sits near the Hoa Prison Relic. Want more history? Head to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, where the Vietnamese revolutionary leader and President Ho Chi Minh rests.
Hoa Prison Relic:
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.
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:
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.
#5: Eat ALL of the Food
Vietnam’s food is undeniably delicious with so many diverse options for you to try for such a small price. One of my favorite spots was Katze Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant, a small restaurant nearly hidden up a set of stairs behind the sign. (Look for signs to find your way up).
The friendly staff will bring over a large bowl of white rice, greens, nuoc cham (a dipping sauce), tofu in tomato sauce, and canh (a soup). All of these dishes are included in your meal. You can take as much or as little as you want. The staff is warm and welcoming and will ask if you know how to eat each item, kindly showing you if you do not, (I did not). The food was incredible and for such an inexpensive price!
You can also 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).
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.
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.
