Hanoi Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days Getting Lost in the City’s Chaos
Hanoi is a city that’s both chaotic and vibrant—crammed with scooters, bursting with street vendors, and layered with history at every turn. After spending two months living in Northern Vietnam, soaking in every detail at a slow pace, I’ve put together this Hanoi itinerary to help you experience the best of it in just three days. I’m all about slow travel, but I get it, sometimes time isn’t on your side.
From ancient temples and pagodas to French colonial buildings and remnants of war, Hanoi is a beautiful mess of old and new. The city’s streets are alive with culture, yet its young population brings an unexpected energy. Let’s dive in.
Is 3 Days Enough to Experience Hanoi?
Spending 3 days in Hanoi is definitely enough to capture the essence of the city, but let’s be real—Hanoi is a place you could lose yourself in for weeks. I should know, because I spent 5.
Even though this itinerary crams in the highlights, there’s a lot to be said for taking it slow and letting the chaos of the city pull you in. A lot of Hanoi’s charm isn’t just in the landmarks but in getting lost, wandering the streets, and discovering your own little corners.
While it’s possible to see the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and a museum or two with a 3-day itinerary, you’d miss the overall vibe that makes Hanoi unlike anywhere else in Vietnam.
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
I learned the hard way that Hanoi’s weather can be wildly unpredictable. I arrived thinking I had cleverly avoided most of the monsoon season by showing up in September. Nope. Typhoon Yagi had other plans.
Luckily, I returned again in November, the skies had cleared, and the weather was absolutely perfect. So if you can, aim for late autumn—it’s a sweet spot where the humidity has backed off, and the temperatures are still bearable.
Hanoi’s summers, on the other hand, are no joke. Between June and August, it’s extremely hot and with most activities being outdoors and walkable, you’ll find yourself hiding out in air-conditioned cafés more than sightseeing.
Winter (November to April) is much more manageable, but do keep in mind that January to March can get surprisingly chilly, so pack accordingly!
How to Get Around Hanoi
Getting around Hanoi is part of the adventure—and sometimes the chaos. A lot of the Old Quarter and areas around Hoan Kiem Lake are walkable.
If you want to venture slightly further away, Grab is your best friend. Grab is the Asian version of Uber and I spent most of my time hopping on Grab bikes, and trust me, they’re way more convenient than cars for navigating through the gridlock. Plus, they’re dirt cheap—about $1-2 per ride, depending on the distance.
Renting a motorbike is also an option if you want to feel like a local, but personally, I find the responsibility of parking and navigating just too much effort—especially if you’re only in town for a few days.
About This Itinerary
I think everyone has a different travel pace. This Hanoi itinerary lists out the highlights that can be comfortably squeezed into 3 days, but if you’re like me and enjoy moving a bit slower, feel free to pick and choose at your own pace.
Most of the attractions, especially in the Old Quarter, are close to each other, so you can spend less time in transit and more time exploring. Toward the end, I’ve included my favorite places to eat—just make sure to check the map below for easy navigation!
Explore the Old Quarter
If you’re in Hanoi for more than a day, you’ll find yourself in the Old Quarter without even trying. It’s the city’s beating heart—chaotic, lively, and full of surprises. The narrow streets are lined with colonial buildings spilling over with plants, while motorbikes weave through the endless flow of street vendors, locals, and tourists.
One day, I found myself on an entire street dedicated to lace—just lace. That’s the Old Quarter for you. It’s the kind of place where you can wander for hours and still stumble upon something new.
Set aside some time to walk around aimlessly. Forget the maps and the checklist of must-sees. Just let the streets take you wherever they want.
Suggested time: At least an hour, though I guarantee you’ll come back for more.
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
A short walk from Old Quarter is the Hoan Kiem Lake. It offers a nice break from Hanoi’s constant buzz. A morning walk around the lake is a must if you want to see the city’s more peaceful side. Early in the day, you’ll catch locals—mostly elderly men and women—practicing tai chi, stretching, or even dancing in groups. It’s a slice of everyday life that’s both calming and heartwarming.
Ngoc Son Temple, sitting in the middle of the lake, is easy to spot with its iconic red bridge. Originally dedicated to a famous Chinese general, it has since been transformed into a temple dedicated to Buddha. I liked visiting the temples early, right when they opened, to avoid the crowds and catch a glimpse of locals offering their prayers before work.
Suggested time: Around 1 hour to stroll around the lake and visit the temple.
Cost: Temple entrance is 30k VND (1.5 USD)
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature, is one of Hanoi’s most stunning and historically significant spots. It’s probably also the most instagrammable spot in the city, after train street. Built in 1070, it’s Vietnam’s first university, and it’s been a place of learning for over 700 years. Even today, students still come here to pray for academic success, and it’s a popular spot for graduation photos. The Buddhist temple is made up of several courtyards and lush gardens, all steeped in centuries of Confucian history.
If you plan on visiting, I’d recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds. The mornings are quieter, and you’ll have a better chance to appreciate the beauty of the place without getting jostled by selfie sticks.
Suggested time: About 1 hour to explore the courtyards and dive into the history.
Cost: 70k VND (2 USD)
Hanoi Train Street
I debated going to Train Street, thinking it might just be another overhyped spot. But honestly, when the train rushes by just inches from your café seat, it’s hard not to be impressed. The train comes freakishly close, and the whole experience is oddly thrilling.
The train schedule changes a lot, so it’s worth contacting one of the café owner in advance to check the train times, especially if you’re short on time. I only saw it at night, but I imagine it’s just as exciting during the day—and probably better for photos.
If you want more details on how to visit, I’ve got a full guide on Train Street that covers everything. It’s definitely an experience worth squeezing into your itinerary.
Suggested time: The train itself passes in seconds, but plan to sit, have a drink, and soak in the atmosphere for 30-45 minutes.
Cost: Whatever you pay for your drinks there
Hoa Lo Prison Relic
I’m not typically one for museums, but there’s something about war history that always pulls me in. Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” is one of those places that will hit you harder than you expect. It’s not just a museum—it’s a reminder of how deeply Vietnam’s history is rooted in struggle and survival.
The audio guide is a must—it walks you through the prison’s history, from the French colonial period when it housed Vietnamese revolutionaries, to its role as a prison for American soldiers during the Vietnam War. The stories are harrowing, and the atmosphere is heavy, but if you’re curious about Vietnam’s complex past, this visit is a real eye-opener.
Suggested time: A couple of hours with the audio guide.
Cost: 50k VND (2 USD) for entrance, 100k VND (4 USD) for auidio guide
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known as “Uncle Ho,” was the leader who secured Vietnam’s independence and is revered as the father of the nation. Even though his final wish was to be cremated, his body was embalmed and enshrined for generations to visit and pay respects.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of those iconic landmarks that everyone seems to visit when they’re in Hanoi. However, my experience was mixed. We didn’t actually see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, which I later found out wasn’t even his wish—he wanted to be buried. So now, I’m not sure how I feel about that part of the experience. If you’re tight on time, I’d say skip the mausoleum unless you really want to see it.
As for the rest of the complex, there’s the One Pillar Pagoda, which, honestly, is underwhelming. It’s right next to the mausoleum, so if you’re already there, it’s a quick stop, but it’s not something I’d go out of my way for. Oh, and leave your tripod at home—I lost mine here after being asked to leave it at the gate.
Suggested time: Around 1 hour if you skip the mausoleum itself.
Cost: Free
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
St. Joseph’s Cathedral is an interesting sight in Hanoi, mostly because it feels so out of place. After spending so much time traveling through Europe, I’ve seen my fair share of grand cathedrals, so I wasn’t particularly blown away by this one. But it’s a remnant of French colonialism, and you’ll probably cross it while wandering the Old Quarter anyway.
It’s located near some great places to eat, so if you’re in the area, grab a Bahn Mi from Bahn Mi Mama (trust me, it’s the best in Hanoi) and enjoy the view of the cathedral from one of the nearby cafés. The contrast between the Gothic-style architecture and the bustling streets of Hanoi is pretty striking.
Suggested time: 30 minutes to an hour, depending on whether you’re stopping for a snack.
West Lake (Ho Tay) & Tran Quoc Pagoda
If you need a break from Hanoi’s buzzing streets, West Lake offers a different side of the city. The large, open space and surrounding cafés make it a great place to slow down and enjoy a coffee while watching the world go by. The lake is huge, so you can choose to walk a portion of it or just sit by the water and people-watch.
Tran Quoc Pagoda, which sits on a small island in the lake, is Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, dating back over 1,500 years. It’s especially photogenic at sunset when the light reflects off the water, casting a glow on the pagoda’s tower. Though it won’t take long to explore, it’s a perfect spot to take in the history and beauty of Hanoi without the crowds.
Tay Ho is home to lost of expats, and you can see how much more developed it is than old quarter.
Suggested time: Spend about 2 hours walking by the lake and visiting the pagoda.
Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre
I skipped this when I was in Hanoi, thinking it might be too touristy. In hindsight, though, it’s one of those cultural experiences that could’ve been really fun and unique. The water puppet theatre is a traditional art form that brings Vietnamese folklore to life through puppets performing on water. It’s a great way to wrap up a day of sightseeing, and from what I’ve heard, it’s a lighthearted and immersive way to learn a bit more about Vietnamese culture.
Suggested time: About 1 hour for the show.
Cost: Varied starting from 250k (10 USD)
Walk Down the “Prettiest Street” in Hanoi
If you’re craving a peaceful walk away from the typical tourist spots, head to Pha Dinh Phung street, often called the prettiest street in Hanoi. This street is lined with huge, ancient trees and remnants of French colonial architecture, giving it a distinctly European feel. It’s a great place to take a leisurely walk and admire the mansions left over from the French occupation.
Suggested time: 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your pace.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most historically significant places in Hanoi. Dating back to the 7th century, the citadel served as the center of governance for various Vietnamese dynasties over 700 years. The site itself is a mix of ancient ruins and artifacts, providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich history.
It’s not a huge place, so you can explore it at a relaxed pace while taking in the layers of history that shaped the country. If you’re a history buff or enjoy ancient architecture, this is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
Suggested time: About 1 to 1.5 hours to explore.
Food in Hanoi – What and Where to Eat
It’s breaking my heart writing this while I’m not in Vietnam, eating bun cha or sipping on egg coffee.
Vietnamese food is one of my favourite cusines and Hanoi is a food lover’s paradise – I have a long list of recommendations but here are my absolute favourites. And be sure to check the map below—I’ve marked all these spots so you can save them to your Google Maps for easy access.
Pho and Bun Cha
You can’t talk about Hanoi without mentioning two iconic dishes: pho and bun cha. Pho is the classic noodle soup that’s become a worldwide favorite, but trust me, it’s on another level in Hanoi. The broth is rich, and every spoonful feels like a warm hug. My personal favorite? Pho Bo Yen—it was the first pho I had in Hanoi, and I had to go back for more before I left. Also, don’t miss Phở như lụa for another amazing bowl.
As for bun cha, it’s a lunchtime staple. Grilled pork served with rice noodles, herbs, and a dipping sauce. I highly recommend Bun Cha Que Tre Binh Chung for a local experience.
I would honestly say skip the more popular Pho 10 and Bun Cha Obama, they are definitely tourist traps!
Other Local Foods to Try: Banh Mi and Cha Ca
Banh mi might be one of Vietnam’s most famous exports, but I’ll admit—it’s not my favorite compared to all the soup dishes. Still, there are some standout spots. Banh Mi 25 is famous for a reason, but I personally loved Banh Mi Mama for its crunchy baguettes and perfect blend of flavors. It’s a great grab-and-go option when you’re exploring.
Now, Cha Ca Thang Long is a whole other story. This grilled fish dish blew me away—it’s fresh, fragrant, and easily one of the best meals I had in my two months in Vietnam. It’s the kind of meal you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve left.
Coffee
Vietnam is the second-largest exporter of coffee in the world, but honestly, I wasn’t too impressed with their plain black coffee. Maybe that’s why they’ve gotten so creative with it! Egg coffee, coconut coffee, salt coffee—the options are endless. I know egg coffee sounds weird (trust me, I hesitated too), but Café Giang, where it originated, serves one of the best. It’s creamy, frothy, and way better than it sounds. And yes, I had a lot of it—probably explains the extra weight I’ve been carrying since Hanoi.
The history of this delicious egg coffee goes back to the 1940s when milk was scarce, and a clever bartender used egg yolks as a replacement. It’s now a Hanoi staple, and you can find it all over the city, but Café Giang still reigns supreme.
Some of my other favourite coffee shops are Caphe Cong for coconut coffee and Tranquil Books Coffee for digital nomads that want a quiet place to work.
Where to Drink in Hanoi
If you’re looking for a real slice of Hanoi life, head to Bia Hoi Junction (Beer Street). Grab a plastic stool, order a 50-cent glass of Bia Hoi—a light, refreshing beer—and watch the chaotic charm of the Old Quarter unfold around you. There’s nothing fancy here, just cold beer and street-side seating. Head there early in the evening to grab a good spot before it gets packed.
For a more relaxed vibe, head to a rooftop bar in Tay Ho and enjoy sunset views over West Lake. It’s the perfect way to escape the city buzz and soak in a quieter side of Hanoi. Sky On 9 Rooftop Bar is one of my favorites for its chill atmosphere and unbeatable sunset views—grab a cocktail and just relax.
If you’re after something a bit more refined, there are hidden cocktail bars in the Old Quarter worth checking out. The Old Well is a perfect spot to escape the crowds and sip on a carefully crafted cocktail. It’s a much-needed retreat after a day of exploring the city.
Where to Stay in Hanoi
Finding the perfect place to stay in Hanoi really depends on what vibe you’re after. Whether you’re looking to be in the thick of the Old Quarter’s chaos or prefer the laid-back lakeside charm of Tay Ho, there’s something for every traveler and budget. Here are some of my favorite spots—save them to your Google Maps for easy access!
Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is where all the action happens. It has bustling markets, chaotic, and full of life. If it’s your first time in Hanoi, this is the spot to be. You’ll be surrounded by history, street food stalls, and local markets. Here’s where I’d recommend staying:
- Luxury: La Siesta Premium Hang Be – The perfect mix of luxury and local vibes. It’s smack in the middle of the Old Quarter, just a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. The rooms are stunning, and there’s a rooftop bar where you can relax with a cocktail after a day of exploring.
- Mid-Range: Hanoi Secret Garden – This place is perfect if you want comfort without breaking the bank. The rooms are cozy, and they’ve got a rooftop terrace with amazing views of the city. Honestly, the location can’t be beaten—you’ll be right in the heart of the Old Quarter.
- Budget: Golden Time Hostel – If you’re a backpacker or just looking to keep it low-cost, this is great.
West Lake (Tay Ho District)
If you prefer a slower pace and need a break from the hustle of the city, Tay Ho is the perfect escape. It’s quieter, more chilled out, and filled with expats. It’s also the perfect place to stay if you’re in Hanoi for longer.
Day Trips and Adventures Beyond Hanoi
Ninh Binh
If you’ve seen any photos of those stunning limestone cliffs rising out of the water, that’s Tam Coc or Trang An in Ninh Binh. It’s only a couple of hours from Hanoi, and honestly, you could squeeze it into a day trip… but I wouldn’t recommend it. The buses from Hanoi arrive around midday, and by then, the peace and quiet are overrun by crowds. You really want to spend at least one night here to get the full experience, especially if you plan to take in the boat rides or hike up Mua Caves for that killer view.
I’ve got a full travel guide to Ninh Binh that’s packed with tips on how to make the most of your time in this beautiful spot.
Ha Long Bay – The Ultimate Cruise Destination
Ah, Ha Long Bay—the spot everyone talks about when planning their trip to Vietnam. I’m going to be honest, I didn’t go. After doing a lot of research, I decided to skip it. But, it’s one of those places that’s super popular for a reason, and if you’ve never been, it’s definitely worth considering. Picture emerald waters, towering limestone islands, and the option of cruising around them on a boat.
Most people opt for an overnight cruise to really soak it all in—kayaking, swimming, and just drifting along with the bay’s famous scenery.
Essential Travel Tips
Street Safety: Crossing the streets in Hanoi can be chaotic, but the trick is to walk slowly and steadily—let the motorbikes weave around you, and you’ll blend in like a local.
Carry Cash: Many smaller vendors, especially in the Old Quarter, don’t accept cards, so it’s best to keep some cash handy for food, drinks, and small purchases.
SIM Card or eSIM: Grab a local SIM card or eSIM upon arrival for cheap and reliable internet, making it easy to navigate, book rides, and stay connected.
Temple Etiquette: When visiting temples, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees, and remember to remove your shoes before entering. If you plan to visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, make sure you also have knees and shoulders covered.
Visa Requirements: Check your visa requirements in advance, as Vietnam offers e-visas for many nationalities, making the process smooth and easy.
Wrapping Up Your Hanoi Adventure
So, is three days enough to experience Hanoi, Vietnam? Absolutely—but you’ll probably find yourself wishing you had more time. Between wandering through the Old Quarter, grabbing a bowl of pho, and watching life unfold around Hoan Kiem Lake, the city has a way of pulling you in. Whether you’re rushing to fit it all in or prefer taking it slow, this itinerary has you covered.
Ready for more adventures in Vietnam? Don’t stop here—check out my other posts on Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay to discover even more of what this incredible country has to offer. Trust me, there’s plenty to explore beyond the streets of Hanoi.
Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I’ll earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. But don’t worry, I only recommend stuff I actually use or would use.
Is It Worth Visiting Da Nang if I Only Have 3 Days to Explore Hanoi?
Although three days in Hanoi will offer a rich cultural experience, it’s worth considering a day trip to Da Nang if you have time. With beautiful beaches, stunning mountains, and ancient pagodas, there are plenty of things to do in da nang that complement the vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days in Hanoi is enough?
How many days in Hanoi is enough? I’d say four days is ideal to capture the city’s essence. However, with a solid 3-day Hanoi itinerary, you can explore the Old Quarter, key landmarks, and sample plenty of street food without feeling rushed.
Is Hanoi friendly to Americans?
Yes, Hanoi is generally friendly to Americans. The city’s younger generation, in particular, is very welcoming to foreigners, and there’s a curiosity about Western cultures. While remnants of war history remain, interactions with locals are typically warm and positive.
Is it safe to walk around Hanoi at night?
Yes, it’s generally safe to walk around Hanoi at night, especially in areas like the Old Quarter. The streets stay lively into the evening, but as with any city, it’s always good to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid poorly lit areas.
