Exploring Hanoi, Vietnam: A 6-Day Hanoi Itinerary Full of Culture, Cuisine and Hidden Gems

The first thing I saw when I woke up on my flight from Mumbai to Hanoi was a beautiful sunrise filtering through cloudy skies. Landed and checked into my hotel, came out and it was pouring like crazy! Hanoi, like much of Vietnam, has some fickle weather and sometimes you have be ready to enjoy the rain in between some incessant heat. I went to Hanoi in the first week of October and instantly fell in love with it.

Fair warning, this itinerary is a little different to the others in my blog. There are some tours in it. I found that in Hanoi, the price for tours for the value they were offering was extremely good, and as I got into it, it was just a fantastic way of meeting some lovely people and also gaining valuable local insights.

In Vietnam’s vibrant capital city, the bustling streets are alive with the sound of motorbikes and street vendors. This itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of Hanoi, from iconic landmarks and hidden gems to mouthwatering budget eateries and picturesque photo spots. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, this blog post is packed with detailed travel tips to ensure you have an unforgettable trip to one of my personal favourite places!

Flights to Vietnam – I flew to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines, and within Vietnam I flew VietJet Airlines. I have to say for long distance flights, Vietnam Airlines is better, but did not have any problems in the shorter routes with Vietjet as I would always reach the airport a little early and book seats with extra legroom at the check in kiosks (For some reason, my online check-in was not being able to add seats with extra legroom at Vietjet’s website). Other travellers I met in Hanoi told me Bamboo Airlines is also good for traveling within Vietnam but I had my tickets booked already with Vietjet from Hanoi to Da Nang, and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh.

Currency: The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Carry cash, as many small vendors do not accept credit cards. If you carry Dollars, Euros or Pounds, cash can easily be exchanged at one of the many outlets in the Old Quarter including the jewellery stores.

Hanoi Itinerary Day 1: Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Morning: Arrival and Hotel Check-In

After arriving at Noi Bai International Airport, take a taxi or airport shuttle to your accommodation. You can get your hotel to arrange one for you, prices are almost similar as getting one from the airport itself. For a centrally located stay, consider booking a room in the Old Quarter. The area is alive and abuzz with eateries and it’s a veritable experience to walk around in.

After check-in, step out and go for a leisurely stroll through the Old Quarter. This is the beating heart of Vietnam’s capital. The Old Quarter dates back over a thousand years, to when Hanoi was known as Th?ng Long, the imperial capital. Originally, each street specialized in a particular trade or craft, and many of them still reflect these ancient traditions in their names, such as Hàng B?c (Silver Street) and Hàng Gai (Silk Street). 

I will be honest, the first thing I did when I stepped out of my hotel was grab a Banh Mi. I had heard a lot about Vietnamese food beforehand, and was eager to try out some things asap, including their famous Egg Coffee. So I went to Cafe Giang, the birthplace of Egg Coffee! (Although I have a food tour link later in the day who take you here as well).

The best way to experience the Old Quarter is by wandering its narrow streets and alleys. Don’t be afraid to get a little lost; you’ll likely discover hidden gems along the way. I started my Hanoi journey walking from the Old Quarter to Hoan Kiem Lake. The lake’s name, meaning “Lake of the Returned Sword,” stems from a local legend about a magical sword. The picturesque Ngoc Son Temple, situated on a small island, is accessible via the charming red Huc Bridge.

Near the Lake is also the picturesque Hanoi Opera House.

Also, if you have time in hand, you can be at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and catch a traditional water puppet show to get a taste of Vietnamese culture.

In the evening, join a food tour. Hanoi is a street food paradise. Why I recommend joining a food tour is because Vietnamese food has certain intricacies when it comes to mixing ingredients, and as a foreigner it might be hard to grasp it at first. I joined this Airbnb tour with Minh . I cannot recommend her enough, I had a bit of a trouble with using chopsticks at first and she was super nice enough to teach me! Overall, a really great local tour which will leave you feeling really full, so come with an empty stomach!

If you do explore on your own, must-try dishes include:

• Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang: Egg coffee was a result of milk shortages in Vietnam during the French colonial period. In 1946, Mr. Giang used egg yolks as a substitute, creating a creamy and rich coffee that has become iconic in Hanoi. Some prefer to stir the frothy egg mixture into the coffee for a uniform taste, while others like to sip through the layers, experiencing the contrast between the creamy top and the strong coffee beneath.
• Banh Mi: A delicious Vietnamese baguette sandwich. The foundation of banh mi is a light, crispy baguette, a legacy of French colonial influence in Vietnam. Try it at Banh Mi 25. Banh mi comes with a variety of fillings, so choose according to your preference. Classic combinations like pate and cold cuts, grilled pork, or roast chicken are popular choices. Enjoy your banh mi with a Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) or a refreshing iced tea (tra da) for a complete meal.
• Bun Cha: Grilled pork served with noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce. Bun cha is typically served with the grilled pork in a bowl of dipping sauce, alongside a plate of noodles and herbs. You need to assemble your own bites by dipping the noodles and herbs into the sauce. You can mix the components as you prefer to balance the flavors. Bun cha is often enjoyed with nem cua be (crispy crab spring rolls) for an additional crunchy texture.
• Pho: Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, available at places like Pho Bat Dan or Pho Thin. Typically, pho bo (beef pho) includes slices of beef, brisket, or meatballs. Pho ga (chicken pho) features tender slices of chicken. Fresh herbs (like cilantro and Thai basil), bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili slices are served on the side. Hoisin sauce, sriracha, and fish sauce are common condiments. Use chopsticks to eat the noodles and meat, and a spoon for the broth. Slurping is perfectly acceptable and part of the experience.

Day 2: Day Trip to Halong Bay

Many tour operators offer day trips to Halong Bay from Hanoi. I picked a tour from my hotel itself. Ensure the tour includes round-trip transportation, a cruise on Halong Bay, lunch, and any activities like kayaking or visiting caves. Day trips usually start early, around 7:30 to 8:00 AM, to maximize your time in Halong Bay. Pickup is often available from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours each way, depending on traffic and road conditions. Most tours include a rest stop midway.

I did my Halong Bay tour early because there were chances of rain the entire week, and I wanted to see if I needed to do it again later. Enroute to Halong Bay, the rain was pouring down, but it broke into a light drizzle and only poured occasionally while there. Carry a poncho or umbrella if you visit during shoulder seasons. An image from the rooftop of our cruise of another cruise near us as the rain poured down. Although the places we went to were extremely crowded, it was still a worthwhile experience for the price. I had some good food on the cruise, and met some great people along the way.

There is quite a lot of walking involved, especially if you go inside the caves and the top of the island for a view. Also bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim or kayak. Alternatively, some people go to the less crowded Lanh Ha Bay, or stay over at Halong Bay for a day to experience sunrise and less crowds.

Once you are back from Halong Bay, freshen up and head to the Old Quarter’s beer street, Ta Hien Street. Busy at all times of the night, it is extremely crowded but worth the hype. Great beers, food and a lot of revelry into the night. Enjoy a glass of Bia Hoi (fresh beer) at one of the many open-air bars and eateries.

Day 3: Tran Quac Pagoda, St Joseph’s Cathedral, St Joseph’s Cathedral and Train Street

In the morning, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, and enjoy the scenic views. Situated on a small island connected to the eastern shore of West Lake, about 3-4 kilometers from Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It opens daily at 7.30 am. When I reached Tran Quoc, it was relatively empty but as I came out there were some tourist buses and tours already on their way in, so if you want to see this serene pagoda in peace, get there early 🙂 It’s worth it! There is no fee to go in. The pagoda is a blend of traditional Vietnamese and Buddhist architecture, featuring an 11-story stupa, statues of Buddha, and various altars and shrines.

From Tran Quoc, head to Quan Thanh Temple, a Taoist temple dedicated to Tran Vu, a principal deity in Taoism. It houses a large bronze statue of Tran Vu, intricate wood carvings, and beautiful courtyards.

Next up, head to St Joseph’s Cathedral. I call St Joseph’s the Church with distressed colours because of its fascinating facade colour. Designed in the neo-Gothic style, reminiscent of Notre-Dame de Paris, it has twin bell towers, large stained glass windows, and an intricate interior. Once you are done exploring the inside, there are quite a few cafes and restaurants near the area for a hearty brunch.

I went to The Loading Cafe and had a Coffee with Lime which literally gave me a brain freeze but it was so good, especially as Hanoi gets so humid and hot quickly. The Loading Cafe is hidden in plain sight, it has three floors and all of them are usually packed. You would just pass it by because it has no signs, but look for the google maps location and head straight up this beautiful old home pictured below.

Walk around the area and back to the Old Quarter if you are staying there. You will see many buildings remnant of the French style of architecture on the way. Grab a coffee at the insta worthy Note Coffee. See the Hanoi Heritage Home (Type in Google Maps for exact location). It’s an old style home which shows you how life was earlier in Hanoi, and it also offers a bit of respite from the heat outside. In a restaurant near here, I had Chim Cut Chien Gom (Fried Quails). The locals were a bit wary thinking it wouldn’t be for my palette but it was really delicious. If you love experimenting with your food, this one is for you!

Explore Long Bien Bridge. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this historic bridge offers great photo opportunities, especially at sunset.

Next head to Train Street. The street is notable because it has train tracks running through it, with houses and shops located incredibly close to the tracks. Trains pass through this narrow corridor a couple of times a day. The exact timing can vary, so it’s advisable to check with locals or nearby cafes for the schedule. Several cafes along Train Street offer viewpoints where visitors can sit and watch the trains pass by. It’s a popular spot for taking photos and videos. It is advisable to have a prior booking so you don’t miss your slot.

After train street head back to the Old Quarter and have dinner at Don Duck (I was walking around the Old Quarter and saw the Michelin recommendation on them) for Roasted Duck. Not too expensive, great food! If it’s the weekend visit the night market, a weekend market that stretches from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market. Here, you can shop for souvenirs, enjoy street performances, and savor local snacks. Pictured below is the Roasted duck at Don Duck.

Day 4: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is just a 2 hour drive from Hanoi. Book a guided tour or rent a motorbike for an adventure over land. Arrive at your chosen destination (Trang An, Tam Coc, Bai Dinh, or Hoa Lu).

After a day of exploration, return to Hanoi.

Day 5: Hanoi’s Old Markets and Beer with Thahn!

I spent the next morning with a tour of Hanoi’s old markets with Thahn. Thahn is a photographer and a local who showed me a side of Hanoi I would have never seen on my own. He took me to some markets which showed how Hanoi woke up as a city, and how locals delve through their daily lives. I had such a great time with him I booked a Beer Tour with him in the evening and that was fantastic as well. The Beer Tour he took me too was in a different district to the Old Quarter, and had some lip smacking food as well! If you are not into photography or don’t want to see local markets, consider his highly rated beer tour.

A couple of images from the morning photo walk below 🙂

Day 6: A tour of Vietnam’s craft villages, including Quang Phu Cau!

As a photographer, I had to reschedule my most awaited day in Hanoi to the last day in town to escape the rains. This tour was why I had initially picked Hanoi to start off my Vietnam Tour. I came across Momentlives on Tripadvisor and the craft villages fascinated me. However, the incessant rains on the day of my travel meant I couldn’t do the tour on the day I had initially planned to. Mike was kind enough to reschedule to my last day in Hanoi, and thankfully the weather gods responded with the sun shining some beautiful light on a day I shall remember forever!

Travel Tips for Hanoi

1. Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Hanoi is from October to April when the weather is cooler and more comfortable. Although this is rainy season in other parts of the country, like Hoi An.
2. Getting Around: Use a combination of walking, taxis, and rideshare apps like Grab. Renting a bicycle or motorbike is also an option.
3. Money Matters: Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.
4. Safety: I found Hanoi to be generally safe, but as with all cities with tourists, be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Use a hotel safe for any valuables.

Hanoi is a city that captures the heart of every traveler with its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. This 5-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of must-see landmarks, hidden gems, and local experiences, ensuring a memorable visit to Vietnam’s charming capital. Happy travels!