Hanoi travel guide
The Perfect 3-Day Hanoi Itinerary
Two days covers Hanoi’s essentials: the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake on day one, the Ho Chi Minh complex and Temple of Literature on day two. A third day adds West Lake, the ethnology museum or the start of a Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh side trip.
Your 3 days in Hanoi, day by day
Day 1 — Old Quarter & the Lake
Morning: Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn, Ngoc Son Temple, then pho breakfast on Bat Dan
Afternoon: Wander the 36 trade streets; Dong Xuan market; water-puppet theatre tickets
Evening: Egg coffee at Cafe Giang, bia hoi corner at dusk, night market (weekends)
Day 2 — The Historic Axis
Morning: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex (go early), One Pillar Pagoda
Afternoon: Temple of Literature, then the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Evening: Thang Long water-puppet show, bun cha dinner, Train Street café
Day 3 — West Lake & Beyond
Morning: Tran Quoc Pagoda and West Lake promenade by bicycle
Afternoon: Long Bien Bridge walk and a coffee-roastery stop in Tay Ho
Evening: Cha ca dinner on Cha Ca street; jazz at a French Quarter bar
Travelling longer? Pair this itinerary with our Hanoi neighbourhood guide. And check the best month to visit Hanoi.
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Hanoi 3 day itinerary — FAQs
Is 2 days enough for Hanoi?
Two days covers Hanoi’s essentials: the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake on day one, the Ho Chi Minh complex and Temple of Literature on day two. A third day adds West Lake, the ethnology museum or the start of a Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh side trip.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.