The Perfect Hanoi Itinerary (2022) Travel Guide for Vietnam’s Capital
Vietnam’s capital could also be recognized greater than something for its chaotic and motorbike-filled streets however I’ve to say that Hanoi stays to be certainly one of my favourite Southeast Asian capitals. There is one thing concerning the metropolis that at all times places it in the back of my thoughts as a vacation spot I’d need to go to once more. It stands out as the wonderful meals or the fascinating historical past or just the pulsating and distinctively Vietnamese vitality. Whatever it’s, every go to to Hanoi at all times leaves me with new finds and eating places that I received’t hesitate recommending to mates.
For these trying to go to, I’ve provide you with this urged Hanoi itinerary. Depending on whether or not you propose to go to Ha Long Bay and Tam Coc, this itinerary is one thing you’ll be able to execute in as little as 2 days if you happen to’re coming right here just for the weekend or as much as 4 days if you happen to intend to make it a brief getaway.
the pulsating vitality of hanoi
General Tip: In Hanoi, a typical rip-off happens with some taxi drivers on the airport the place they declare the resort you booked has closed. This is a trick to get you to remain in one other resort the place they’ll get fee. To keep away from this, you’ll be able to ask your resort to pre-book your transport or you’ll be able to guide one your self right here.
Heading to Central Vietnam? Check out this urged itinerary for Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang
Day 1 – Old Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake
hoan kiem lake
Start the day early and get your bearings on the Lake of the Returned Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), the focus the place touristic actions in Hanoi are involved. How the lake happened is the stuff of legends. In the morning, you can see locals doing tai-chi on the park encircling the lake. There is a pagoda in the midst of the lake – an typically photographed construction – in addition to the Ngoc Son Temple within the northern aspect which you’ll cross over to by way of a pink bridge. Opening hours: 8:00 to 18:00, day by day / Admission: 30,000 dong (grownup)
French Quarter
french quarter of hanoi
Afterwards, head east in direction of the French Quarter. You will discover this space of Hanoi calmer, with loads of small parks, charming turn-of-the-century inns in addition to buildings courting from the French interval such because the put up workplace. The neoclassical Hanoi Opera House particularly, is a high-quality instance of the French affect. The constructing was modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris.
Old Quarter
hanoi previous quarter
By early afternoon, the cramped streets of the Old Quarter begins to buzz with life and that’s a good time to move there to see how native commerce is completed. The space affords a beguiling mixture of shops housed in previous shophouses. The streets are named in response to the forms of retailers discovered there – there’s a road for jewellery (Hang Bac); a road for footwear (Hang Dau) and so forth. You can simply spend the whole afternoon right here, which isn’t a foul concept. Bach Ma Temple, mentioned to be the oldest in Hanoi, is positioned right here. For low-cost souvenirs, head to Dong Xuan Market. Make certain to cease by Cha Ca La Vong (day by day 11AM to 2PM, 5PM to 9:30PM) for lunch. If buying just isn’t your factor, you’ll be able to take a look at some actually native experiences similar to conical hat making, calligraphy, pottery and even espresso appreciation with Backstreet Academy. For foodies, you’ll be able to go on a 3-hour meals tour of the Old Quarter the place you get to go to numerous eateries specializing in numerous dishes.
In the late afternoon, you’ll be able to head out of the Old Quarter and head southwest to see the imposing St. Joseph’s Cathedral with its neo-gothic façade.
Day 2 – Monumental Hanoi
Imperial Citadel
hanoi citadel
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (day by day besides Monday, 8AM to 5PM) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the general public. There isn’t a lot to see right here today so I’d solely price it as an elective cease. But if you happen to ever resolve to make a go to, attempt to mix it with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum because it’s throughout the identical space.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
ho chi minh mausoleum
Try to beat the queues and enterprise to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum within the morning (weekdays are higher). It’s free to enter. Do be aware that the venue is closed on Mondays and Fridays. Opening hours: 7:30 to 10:30 / Admission: Free
Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda
presidential palace of hanoi
From right here, it’s a brief stroll to the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House in addition to the One-Pillar Pagoda. The latter’s exceptionally small measurement makes it probably the most iconic vacationer points of interest in Vietnam. As there’s a good variety of vacationer points of interest throughout the space, it’s typically crowded right here so attempt to keep away from the weekend and public holidays if potential. Opening hours: 8:00 to 17:00, day by day
Lunch at Quan An Ngon
It can be noon by the point you end, simply in time to take a cab experience to Quan An Ngon for lunch. The venue takes you on a fast culinary tour of Vietnam. While it’s potential to order from the menu, there are stalls that help you have a peek at numerous dishes earlier than you order.
Temple of Literature
temple of literature
From Quan an Ngon, it’s round a ten minute stroll to the Temple of Literature. The unfold of Confucianism in Vietnam is probably by no means extra obvious than right here. During imperial instances, solely probably the most gifted students have been in a position to research right here and the venue affords a great peek of life within the imperial period. The sprawling advanced is full of courtyards, pavilions and ponds and showcases the extent of Chinese affect in Vietnam. Opening hours: 8:00 to 17:00, day by day / Admission: 30,000 dong (grownup)
Shopping and Cafes at Tay Ho
Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the stylish district of Tay Ho, one of many up and coming neighborhoods of Hanoi full of loads of native designer boutiques, a few of the metropolis’s finest worldwide eating places in addition to hipster cafes. Nha Chung Street is full of loads of nice cafes and one to strive off a small lane from Nha Chung (Au Trieu) is Oriberry. Otherwise for an important view of the lake, Summit Lounge – the rooftop bar of the Pan Pacific Hanoi – is the place to go.
Sky High Views at Sky Lotte Observation Deck
For a chicken’s eye view over Hanoi, you’ll be able to head to Lotte Center for the Sky Lotte Observation Deck. At 65 flooring up, you’ll be able to spot a few of the metropolis’s landmarks from the viewing gallery. A spotlight right here is the Skywalk the place guests get to stroll on the ground is made from glass. Best time to go to is round 5 to 6PM – it’s an important place to catch the sundown. You can get discounted tickets right here.
Day 3 – Ha Long Bay & Other Excursions
Ha Long Bay (Day Trip or Overnight Option)
ha lengthy bay
Most individuals who go to Hanoi additionally make their approach to Ha Long Bay. For reserving of those excursions, you’ll be able to take a look at Vietnam excursions which affords numerous excursions from Hanoi. While going to Ha Long Bay is virtually a “yes” for many, the principle choice you’d possible be going through is whether or not it’s best to keep in a single day in Ha Long Bay or simply make it a day journey?
An in a single day keep in Ha Long Bay will certainly allow you to go to extra spots and you may climb the jagged peaks of a few of the islands as effectively on an extended cruise to get a chicken’s eye view of the bay (for instance, in Titop Island). This is one thing you wouldn’t be capable to do on a day journey although if you’re actually missing in time, there’s little different selection.
If you resolve to go for a day journey, you’ll be able to anticipate just a few hours’ cruise alongside the bay, a seafood lunch, a while for kayaking and exploring a cave referred to as Thien Cung Cave. You can guide the Ha Long Bay day tour right here.
If you resolve to go for an in a single day cruise, you’ll be able to anticipate the identical highlights from the day tour plus round 2 extra caves, a pleasant view level from Titop Island, a further dinner and breakfast plus a possible cooking class.
Tam Coc / Hoa Lu
If you may have already been to Hanoi earlier than and are on the lookout for a unique day journey choice, a journey by means of the river valleys of Tam Coc / Hoa Lu can be worthwhile. The panorama is lush and the expertise is sort of enjoyable as you experience a small bamboo boat down the river surrounded by limestone rock formations.
Travel Tips for Hanoi
- In this age of uncertainty, you would possibly want to get journey insurance coverage. If you reside in Singapore, take a look at Starr Travelead, one of many most cost-effective journey insurance coverage. They have a promotion that comes with S$10 money rebate that helps to offset the insurance coverage value. For these residing elsewhere, Worldnomads is reliable with its many inclusions for claims.
- Do be aware that Hanoi has a pronounced winter season from November to February. A jacket would come in useful. If you go to throughout these months, there’s a chance you won’t even see any sunshine. On the opposite hand, July and August is a really humid time in Hanoi. Even if it simply says 30 to 32 levels celsius within the thermometer, you’ll sweat buckets.
- You pays in USD in lots of locations together with retailers, eating places and different tourist-oriented institutions. This doesn’t apply to the small eateries or groceries.
- For those that consistently should be on-line, you should buy native sim playing cards upon arrival on the airport.
Where to Stay in Hanoi
I’ve been to Hanoi twice and a resort I can personally suggest is the La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel which conveniently overlooks Hoan Kiem Lake. Rooms are extremely smooth and I discovered the clouds painted on the room’s ceilings to be fairly enjoyable. For a barely cheaper choice, you’ll be able to take a look at La Mejor Hotel positioned within the Old Quarter. Alternatively, you need to use this aggregator HERE to match for the perfect costs for inns in Hanoi with only one look.
Getting Around: GRAB is an affordable, secure and dependable approach to get from level to level inside Hanoi. Most journeys between the varied metropolis points of interest shouldn’t value greater than $5.
Entry Requirements: Certain nationalities might require a visa to enter Vietnam. It’s higher to test beforehand. For visa providers, you’ll be able to strive Vietnam Visa.
