Hanoi Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days Getting Lost in the City’s Chaos

Hanoi is a beautiful mess: chaotic, vibrant, and endlessly fascinating. I lived in Northern Vietnam for two months, and no matter how many times I walked the same alleyways or got honked at by the same relentless wave of scooters, the city kept surprising me.

This 3 day Hanoi itinerary isn’t just a checklist of landmarks. It’s a lived-in, slightly sweaty, definitely noodle-fueled guide to one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic cities. Whether you’re squeezing this into a longer trip through Vietnam or stopping by for a long weekend, this post will help you see the best of Hanoi without burning out.

You’ll wander through the tangled magic of the Old Quarter, eat your weight in bun cha, and discover how history, communism, and coffee all collide in Vietnam’s capital. There’s culture, chaos, and just enough caffeine to keep you moving.

Prefer slow travel? You can stretch this into four or five days. But if you’re short on time and wondering what to do in Hanoi for 3 days, this guide has you covered.

At the end, you’ll also find optional day trips, practical travel tips and honest food recs!

Is 3 Days Enough to Experience Hanoi?

Yes, 3 days in Hanoi is enough to see the city’s highlights – but just barely. With a well-planned itinerary, you can explore the Old Quarter, visit major cultural landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature, sip egg coffee by the lake, and even squeeze in a local market or street food tour.

That said, Hanoi rewards slow travel. Some of the best moments come from getting lost in its alleyways, lingering in hidden cafés, or watching life unfold from a plastic stool. If you have more time, stay longer but if not, 3 days is a solid introduction to one of Southeast Asia’s most complex and fascinating cities.

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Hanoi Itinerary for 3 Days Overview

Day	Highlights	Neighborhood	Type
1	Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, Train Street	Old Quarter + Dong Da	Culture & Street Life
2	Hoa Lo Prison, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda	Ba Dinh + Tay Ho	History & Reflection
3	Long Bien Market, Old Quarter, Water Puppet Show, Phan Dinh Phung	Mixed	Local Life & Hidden Gems

Day 1: Explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake & Temple of Literature

Start in the Old Quarter

If it’s your first time in Hanoi, prepare for sensory overload. The Old Quarter is where it all begins – scooters on sidewalks, the smell of grilled meat mixing with fish sauce and exhaust, and no obvious way to cross the street. It’s chaos, and it’s kind of amazing.

We stayed here for part of our trip, and I’ll be honest, my first reaction was, “How does anyone live like this?” Then I got hooked. The neighborhood is a maze of narrow alleys where each street sells one specific thing: mirrors, gravestones, plastic flowers. You could walk for five minutes and pass ten motorbikes, four ladies selling jackfruit, and a guy giving haircuts out of a folding chair.

Don’t bother trying to follow a map. Just walk. Let yourself get lost, and keep your eyes open, the best moments are unplanned.

Time: 1–2 hours
Cost: Free

Mid-Morning at Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

From the Old Quarter, head south to Hoan Kiem Lake – Hanoi’s spiritual and physical center. The lake’s name means “Lake of the Returned Sword,” tied to a 15th-century legend where Emperor Le Loi was handed a magical sword by the gods to defeat Chinese invaders, then told to return it to a golden turtle god who lived in the lake.

Visit in the morning, and you’ll find retirees doing tai chi, groups ballroom dancing to Vietnamese pop, and teens taking selfies in áo dài. It’s oddly peaceful, like the city pauses for a breath here.

Ngoc Son Temple sits on a tiny island in the lake, reached by a red wooden bridge. Inside, there’s incense, altars, and a preserved giant turtle that might be part of the legend. It’s not a must-see, but it gives you a sense of the lake’s place in Hanoi’s mythology.

Suggested time: Around 1 hour to stroll around the lake and visit the temple.
Cost: Temple entrance is 30k VND (1.5 USD)

Bun Cha & Egg Coffee Break

After all that walking, it’s time to eat. I can’t stress this enough: don’t leave Hanoi without trying bun cha. It’s smoky grilled pork belly, cold rice noodles, herbs, and a dipping sauce that tastes like fish sauce, vinegar, and magic. I loved Bun Cha Que Tre Binh Chung, it’s not fancy, but the flavors hit.

Then it’s time for Vietnam’s weirdest and most wonderful coffee: egg coffee.

This drink was at the top of my must-try list. It dates back to the 1940s, when milk was scarce and a local bartender whipped egg yolks with sugar as a creamy substitute. It sounds strange, but trust me – it’s like liquid tiramisu. Thick, frothy, and just sweet enough.

Suggested time: 1.5 hours
Cost: Bun cha ≈ 50k; Egg coffee ≈ 35k

Visit the Temple of Literature

This was one of my favorite stops in Hanoi partly because it was actually quiet. Built in 1070, the Temple of Literature was Vietnam’s first national university. The layout is symmetrical, elegant, and surrounded by banyan trees and stone tablets carved with the names of scholars.

It’s where Vietnamese students go to pray before exams. No matter how many tourists are around, there’s a stillness here.

Don’t expect detailed exhibitions, but it’s a beautiful place to walk around and get a feel for Vietnam’s intellectual heritage. Also, a nice breather from the intensity of the Old Quarter.

Suggested time: About 1 hour to explore the courtyards and dive into the history.
Cost: 70k VND (≈ $2.75)

Hanoi Train Street at Dusk

If the timing lines up, head to Train Street in the late afternoon. This narrow alley has cafés set up right along an active railway track. When the train comes through – horns blaring, inches from your face – everyone scrambles back with a mix of fear and glee.

It’s kind of touristy now, and access is limited to those sitting inside cafés, but the thrill is still real. Just don’t go alone or wander too close: Follow local guidance and grab a drink at one of the official spots.📍 Check the Train Street guide for exact times and how to do it safely.

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

Evening: Beer Street & Street Food

End the night the way locals and backpackers do: on a plastic stool at Bia Hoi Junction, nursing a 50-cent draft beer under buzzing neon signs. The atmosphere is half street party, half traffic jam, and 100% Hanoi.Pair your beer with whatever street food catches your eye – banh mi, grilled skewers, fried spring rolls – and soak in the mess of it all. It’s loud, slightly overwhelming, but completely unforgettable.

Day 2: Visit Hoa Lo Prison, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & West Lake

Today, you’ll dig deeper into Hanoi’s political history and find moments of quiet in its most peaceful neighborhoods. It’s a mix of heavy stories, French architecture, lakeside calm, and local favorites.

Morning: Start at Hoa Lo Prison Museum (aka “The Hanoi Hilton”)

This is one of the most intense and confronting places you’ll visit in Hanoi. Hoa Lo was first built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries and later used by the North Vietnamese to imprison American POWs during the war.

The part that stuck with me the most: the women’s quarters. Narrow concrete cells with barely any ventilation, tiny windows, and restraints still on display. There are documents and photos explaining exactly how prisoners were treated, including the specific methods used to punish and break women. It’s graphic, but important.

The museum is compact but impactful. It doesn’t rely on shock value. It lets the history speak for itself.

Suggested time: A couple of hours with the audio guide.
Cost: 50k VND (2 USD) for entrance, 100k VND (4 USD) for audio guide (100% recommended)
Tip: Avoid bringing a backpack or camera gear, especially during busy hours. There’s little to no storage space.

Late Morning: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

After Hoa Lo, head to Ba Dinh Square for one of the most politically significant sites in Vietnam. This is where Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body is kept – a decision that goes directly against his personal wish to be cremated.

We didn’t go inside the mausoleum itself – it closes early, and the security process is intense (you can’t bring in cameras, tripods, or bags). But walking around the complex is still worthwhile.

The grounds are vast and well-kept, with guards stationed throughout. You’ll see:

• Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, where he lived a simple life despite leading a nation.
• The Presidential Palace, an elegant French colonial building you can’t enter but can admire from outside.
• One Pillar Pagoda, a symbolic wooden temple built atop a single stone pillar over water – small, but loaded with national meaning.

Suggested time: Around 1 hour if you skip the mausoleum itself.
Entrance: Free
Opening hours:
– April–Oct: 7:30 AM–10:30 AM
– Nov–Mar: 8:00 AM–11:00 AM
– Closed Mondays & Fridays
Tip: Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees). No bags or cameras inside.

Afternoon: St. Joseph’s Cathedral & Banh Mi Stop

On your way back toward the Old Quarter, stop by St. Joseph’s Cathedral. It’s one of the city’s most striking buildings – a Gothic cathedral with stained-glass windows and a stone façade that feels straight out of Europe, except it’s surrounded by tangled wires and motorbikes.

You don’t need to go inside unless there’s a service on. The real joy is just sitting in a nearby café or grabbing a banh mi and people-watching.

Suggested time: 30 – 60 minutes
Food tip: Grab lunch from Banh Mi Mama, just around the corner. Crunchy baguettes, balanced flavors, no fuss.

Late Afternoon: West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda

Next, head north to West Lake (Ho Tay)—Hanoi’s largest lake and the opposite of everything you’ve experienced in the Old Quarter. Quiet, breezy, and wide open. This is where you exhale.

Stop at Cong Caphe on the lake’s edge for coconut coffee, then walk to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi built over 1,500 years ago. It sits on a tiny peninsula and feels like a proper escape, especially if you make it around golden hour. The light reflects off the water and makes everything feel soft and still.

Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours
Entrance: FreeTip: Combine your visit with a long walk along the lake’s edge, or just find a shady bench to sit for a while.

Evening (Optional): Rooftop Drinks in Tay Ho

If you’re still up for it, Tay Ho has some excellent rooftop bars. I liked Sky on 9 – laid-back, breezy, with great sunset views and a less touristy crowd. It’s a nice way to decompress after a day full of history and walking.

Day 3: Morning Markets, Lakeside Cafés & Quiet Corners

After two packed days of temples, history, and chaos, Day 3 is about slowing down and savoring the city. You’ll start early at a local market, recharge at a hidden café, and end with a water puppet show or a walking food tour, your pick.

Early Morning: Long Bien Market (for the Chaos Addicts)

If you’re an early riser (or still jetlagged), this is one of the most local things you can do in Hanoi. Long Bien Market is a wholesale market under the rusted steel bones of Long Bien Bridge. No tourists. No smoothie bowls. Just the real deal.

Vendors shout over crates of dragonfruit. Butchers toss pig carcasses across motorbike seats. It’s chaotic and completely unsanitised—but fascinating.

You’re not here to buy anything. Just walk through. Observe. And maybe take a few candid photos if you’re feeling bold (and respectful).

Suggested time: 30–45 minutes
Cost: Free
Tip: Go around 6:00–7:00 AM for peak action. Be mindful—this is a working market, not a tourist attraction.

Mid-Morning: Coffee at Tranquil Books or Egg Coffee Round Two

After the sensory overload, you’ve earned a break. Head to Tranquil Books & Coffee—my favorite spot to hide out with a cold brew. It’s quiet, filled with actual locals (and laptops), and tucked away from the traffic.

Still craving egg coffee? Go back to Café Giang. No shame. I did it too. If you’re near West Lake, try Caphe Cong—their coconut coffee is rich, slightly sweet, and full of caffeine. Perfect pick-me-up before a gentle afternoon.

Suggested time: 1 hour

Late Morning: Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (Optional)

If you’ve got energy, walk over to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,000 years of political history.

It’s a mix of archaeological ruins, colonial military bunkers, and ancient gates. Less crowded than other sites, and a nice break from the tourist circuit.

Suggested time: 1 hour
Entrance: 30k VND (≈ $1.25)

Early Afternoon: Wander Phan Dinh Phung Street

This is the prettiest street in Hanoi, hands down. Wide, tree-lined, clean, and calm. It’s filled with French colonial villas that now house government offices and embassies.

There’s nothing to “do” here. Just walk. Watch. Breathe. You’ll appreciate the contrast after the maze of the Old Quarter.

Suggested time: 30 minutes
Tip: Grab an iced trà đá (tea) from a street vendor and sit somewhere shady.

Evening: Water Puppet Show or Hanoi Food Tour

End your time in Hanoi with a cultural experience – your call:

Option 1: Thang Long Water Puppet Show

Yes, it’s touristy. But also uniquely Vietnamese. The puppets glide over water, telling folk tales with live traditional music and lots of splashing. It’s short, fun, and very Hanoi.

• Show length: 50 minutes
• Cost: 100k–250k VND depending on seat
• Tip: Book in advance during peak season
  

Option 2: Street Food Tour

If you’ve still got stomach space, a guided food tour is the best way to squeeze in those final dishes you might’ve missed—like banh cuon, pho cuon, or fried spring rolls from tucked-away joints. Look for tours with small group sizes and local guides who actually eat with you.

What & Where to Eat in Hanoi

Vietnamese food is reason enough to visit Hanoi. Here’s a quick-hit guide to the best local dishes—and exactly where to eat them.

Pho

The iconic Vietnamese noodle soup. Rich broth, tender beef, fresh herbs. You’ll find it on every corner, but not all bowls are equal.

• Pho Bo Yen – Deep, rich broth. The first pho I had in Hanoi, and I went back twice.
• Phở như lụa – Another great spot for a comforting, well-balanced bowl.
• Skip: Pho 10 – famous, but underwhelming and touristy.

Bun Cha

A Hanoi classic: grilled pork, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce. Usually eaten at lunch.

• Bun Cha Que Tre Binh Chung – Local favorite. Proper smoky pork and vibrant herbs.
• Skip: Bun Cha Obama – more about the name than the food.

Banh Mi

The Vietnamese sandwich. Crusty baguette, meats or egg, pickled veg, sauces.

• Banh Mi Mama – Best flavor and crunch combo I had.
• Banh Mi 25 – Famous and solid, but more polished than punchy.

Cha Ca

Grilled fish served with dill, turmeric, and noodles. A must-try in Hanoi.

• Cha Ca Thang Long  – One of the best meals I had in Vietnam. Flavor bomb.

Coffee in Hanoi

Vietnam does coffee differently—creatively. Skip the plain black and dive into these unique cups.

• Egg Coffee: Café Giang – The original. Thick, creamy, sweet, and surprisingly addictive.
• Coconut Coffee: Caphe Cong – Icy, creamy, perfect on a hot day.
• Quiet Café: Tranquil Books & Coffee – Great for digital nomads. Chill and tucked away.

Where to Drink in Hanoi

• Local Experience: Bia Hoi Junction – Plastic stools, 50-cent beer, nonstop chaos. Go early to snag a seat.
• Sunset Spot: Sky On 9 Rooftop Bar – Relaxed rooftop in Tay Ho. Great cocktails, golden hour views.
• Hidden Cocktail Bar: The Old Well – Quiet, moody, and refined. A calm break from Hanoi’s noise.

Day Trips Worth Taking from Hanoi

If you’re spending more than a few days in Hanoi or want a break from the scooters and street chaos, these trips are worth your time.

Ninh Binh

Just two hours from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is all limestone peaks, rice paddies, and slow-moving boats. It’s the kind of place that actually feels peaceful especially if you stay overnight.

• Must-do: Trang An boat tour (less touristy than Tam Coc), and the hike up Mua Caves for panoramic views.
• Pro tip: Most day tours arrive midday, when it’s hot and crowded. If you can, spend a night and enjoy the early morning calm.
• Read my full guide to Ninh Binh for tips on routes, accommodations, and avoiding crowds.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most photographed spots, and it lives up to the hype—if you pick the right cruise.

I personally chose to skip Ha Long Bay after some deep research. It’s beautiful, but the logistics didn’t appeal to me. Still, it’s a solid option if you’ve never been.

Worth it if: You want a classic bucket-list experience and don’t mind the tourist circuit.

Skip it if: You prefer more independent travel or don’t have time for at least an overnight trip.

Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi

Getting Around: Use Grab (Vietnam’s Uber) for scooters and cars. It’s affordable, safe, and avoids the haggling game.

Cash: Carry Vietnamese Dong in small bills. Many local spots don’t accept cards, especially street food stalls.

SIM Cards & Data: Get a local SIM at the airport or convenience store. Viettel and Mobifone have the best coverage.

Opening Hours Are Weird: Some places (like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum) close by 10:30 AM. Always check before heading out.

Dress Modestly for Temples: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting pagodas or mausoleums. It’s expected, even in the heat.

Walk Smart: Sidewalks are often parking lots or open kitchens. Don’t expect a smooth stroll, embrace the chaos.

Final Thoughts: Leaving Hanoi

You might not fall in love with Hanoi at first sight—but it’ll get under your skin. One minute you’re dodging scooters, the next you’re sipping egg coffee by a quiet lake. That’s the charm. It’s loud, layered, and impossible to forget.

Three days is just enough to scratch the surface. You’ll leave with tired feet, a full belly, and probably a list of things you missed—which just means you’ll have to come back.

Frequently Asked Questions