5 Days in Hanoi: Exploring, Eating & Shopping

Explore the captivating culture and cuisine of Hanoi, Vietnam.

22 April 2023

As a tourist in Hanoi, Vietnam, one can expect to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the city by exploring markets, museums, and temples. The city's rich history is reflected in its architecture and landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. Lastly, visitors can indulge in the delicious street food and experience the bustling nightlife in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Hanoi's Charm

  • Check into Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa, a stunning boutique hotel that epitomizes the warmth and hospitality of Hanoi.
  • Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay respects to Vietnam's revered revolutionary leader.
  • Take a leisurely walk in the picturesque West Lake district, with vibrant gardens, serene pagodas, and stunning lake views.
  • Head to the bustling Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets, buzzing markets, and colorful shops selling everything from silk to street food.
  • Catch a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a unique art form that originated in the rice paddies of North Vietnam.
Day 2

Tasting Hanoi's Delights

  • Have breakfast at Pho 10, a humble eatery famous for its authentic pho noodle soup.
  • Explore the aromas and flavors of Dong Xuan Market, the city's largest and oldest indoor market.
  • Try Bun Cha Huong Lien, a famous restaurant that Barack Obama visited during his trip to Vietnam, for some delicious grilled pork with rice noodles.
  • Sip egg coffee, a creamy concoction of coffee, egg yolk, and condensed milk, at Giang Cafe, a hidden gem in the Old Quarter.
  • End the day with some street food, such as bahn mi (Vietnamese baguette) or banh xeo (savory pancake), at the bustling night market on Hang Dao Street.
Day 3

Discovering Hanoi's History

  • Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 11th century.
  • Explore the Vietnamese Women's Museum, a fascinating museum that showcases the role of women in Vietnam's history and culture.
  • Tour the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, dubbed the "Hanoi Hilton" by American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.
  • Stroll around the French Quarter, with its grand boulevards, elegant buildings, and charming cafes, a testament to Hanoi's colonial past.
  • Relax with a massage or spa treatment at Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa.
Day 4

Venturing Beyond Hanoi

  • Take a day trip to the stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features thousands of limestone karsts rising from the emerald waters.
  • Enjoy a scenic boat cruise, kayak ride, or cave exploration to fully experience the beauty of this natural wonder.
  • Have a seafood lunch on board, with Vietnamese specialties like grilled squid, steamed clams, and crispy prawns.
  • Watch the sunset over the bay before heading back to Hanoi.
  • Dine at Bun Bo Nam Bo, a favorite noodle shop among locals, for some delectable beef noodle salad.
Day 5

Shopping in Hanoi

  • Visit the Hang Gai Street, also known as Silk Street, for high-quality silk products such as scarves, dresses, and ties.
  • Browse through the art galleries and vintage shops in the trendy Trang Tien Plaza.
  • Check out the antique shops and second-hand bookstores in the charming Nha Tho Street.
  • Visit the Hanoi Weekend Night Market, a bustling market that sells everything from souvenirs to street food.
  • Indulge in some drinks and live music at the chic rooftop bar of Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Hanoi, Vietnam by plane is to fly into Noi Bai International Airport, located approximately 28 kilometers from the city center. Multiple airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Qantas Airways, and Air Asia operate flights to Hanoi from major cities around the world.

Car

Driving to Hanoi, Vietnam is an option for those who have access to a vehicle, but it may not be the safest or most convenient method. The main entry point from neighboring countries such as China and Laos is the Friendship Pass, which requires drivers to obtain the necessary permits and documentation beforehand.

Train

While it is possible to travel to Hanoi, Vietnam by train, it is not the most efficient method. Trains from neighboring countries such as China and Cambodia may stop at Hanoi Railway Station, but it is still a long and slow journey due to infrastructure limitations.

Boat

While Hanoi, Vietnam does not have a direct port for international travel, it is possible to take a boat from other coastal cities in Vietnam such as Halong Bay or Haiphong. These cities have ports where boats and ferries can transport passengers to Hanoi along the Red River Delta.

Bus

Traveling to Hanoi, Vietnam by bus is possible from neighboring cities and provinces, but it is not the most comfortable or efficient option. Bus stations such as My Dinh Bus Station and Giap Bat Bus Station serve as major hubs for public buses in Hanoi and its surroundings.

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