Your Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Hanoi
Wander through the historic Old Quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, where centuries of Chinese and French influences meet tranquil lakes and a thriving street food scene.
Hanoi is served by Noi Bai International Airport; it’s often paired with Ho Chi Minh City or a Halong Bay cruise. October–April is cooler and drier; summer is hot and humid. The Old Quarter is best explored on foot; use ride apps or taxis for longer trips. Book Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay cruises, the water puppet theatre, and popular restaurants in advance. Allow time for the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, temples, and phở and bún chả spots. Hanoi is the usual starting point for Sapa and Halong—plan at least a couple of days in the city itself.
Discover the best landmarks, where to eat, and where to stay in Hanoi.
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
Spring
28°C / 21°C
Warm, humid, and drizzly
Summer
33°C / 26°C
Very hot, sticky, and rainy
Fall
29°C / 22°C
Pleasant, sunny, and much drier
Winter
21°C / 15°C
Cool and often cloudy/misty
Day 1
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh's body is on display in this mausoleum & historic site.
Morning activity: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Bun Cha Huong Lien
Acclaimed eatery serving traditional noodles & grilled meat plates in a calm, no-frills space.
Lunch nearby: Bun Cha Huong Lien.
Temple of Literature
Confucian temple with landscaped courtyards, numerous altars & shrines & an imposing front gate.
Afternoon sightseeing: Temple of Literature.
Cha Ca Thang Long
Dinner in the area: Cha Ca Thang Long.
Thang Long Water Puppet
Performing-arts venue presenting theatrical water puppetry shows with accompanying music.
Evening experience: Thang Long Water Puppet.
Day 2
Ha Long Bay Cruise
Morning activity: Ha Long Bay Cruise.
Seafood Boat Dinner
Lunch nearby: Seafood Boat Dinner.
Ti Top Island
Small, scenic island with a small crescent-shaped beach that surrounds the foot of the mountain.
Afternoon sightseeing: Ti Top Island.
Sung Sot Cave Tour
Tours are offered of this popular, sizable cave with walkways & colored lighting.
Dinner in the area: Sung Sot Cave Tour.
Ta Hien Beer Street
Evening experience: Ta Hien Beer Street.
Day 3
Hanoi Old Quarter
Historic trading district with a night market, narrow lanes, food hawkers & hotchpotch tube houses.
Morning activity: Hanoi Old Quarter.
Pho Gia Truyen
Lunch nearby: Pho Gia Truyen.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Lake featuring a temple on a small island reached via a wooden bridge & a tower on another island.
Afternoon sightseeing: Hoan Kiem Lake.
Cau Go Restaurant
Dinner in the area: Cau Go Restaurant.
Cafe Giang
Evening experience: Cafe Giang.