The Most Incredible 3 Day Hanoi Itinerary for First Timers

Last updated on March 5th, 2025 at 04:38 am

Planning a trip to Vietnam this year? 🇻🇳 Congrats! I don’t care how old you are, a trip to Southeast Asia is always a good idea. And it’s an even better one once you get out of the backpacking phase that we all went through in our 20s. Or was that just me? Well, either way — I’ve got you covered with this ultimate, jam-packed 3-day Hanoi itinerary that’s tailor-made for first-time travelers to this bustling capital.

Now, you’re probably thinking, “How much time do I actually need in Hanoi?”

Here’s the deal: three full days. Yup, that’s it. Just 3️⃣

That’s all you’ll need to hit up the major sights, dive into some authentic cultural experiences, and of course — eat your body weight in mind-blowing street food (because that’s the best part of traveling to any country tbh). In this guide, I’m going to spill all the deets on how to make those three days count.

To help you plan the best 3-day itinerary in Hanoi, make sure to read this entire article. This complete first-timer’s guide to Hanoi includes the best time to visit Hanoi, as well as boutique hotel recommendations for where to stay, my favorite restaurants/places to eat, and all of the best activities and things to do. So let’s get into it ⬇️

Read more on Vietnam 🇻🇳

• The Most Epic 7-Day North Vietnam Itinerary

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3 Day Hanoi Itinerary at a Glance

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam:

• Capella Hanoi, for those seeking a sophisticated stay with a touch of old-world charm located in the heart of Hanoi. This is definitely my #1 recommendation for hotels in Hanoi as I’m obsessed with the art noveau design and opera theme
• La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa, for a boutique hotel with breath-taking views over Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. This is a great hotel for those who are jetlagged and want to go on a stroll at 6am haha aka me.
• The West Hotel & Spa, for a super laid-back, yet still luxurious experience. This incredible 4-star hotel is often less than $50 USD/night! Something you literally can’t find anywhere in the states.

The Best Time to Visit Hanoi during your 3 Day Itinerary

There are two things you really need to be aware of when deciding on the best time to visit Hanoi. The first is the temperature; in its hottest months, the thermometer frequently hits the high 80-100s°F (30-40s°C) which can make anything other than hiding in your air-conditioned hotel room very challenging. The other is rainfall. Hanoi and all of Vietnam experience intense monsoon seasons, which can see rapid and dramatic downpours. You can certainly still visit during these times (and indeed it can be the cheapest time to go), but it’s best to expect to get wet.

Good thing umbrellas in Vietnam are relatively cheap so you’ll still likely be able to protect yourself in case you forget to pack one!

The Best Time to Visit Hanoi (to avoid the worst heat)

Vietnam’s summer season lasts from May to August and is when temperatures generally hit their hottest. Accompanied with sweltering humidity, it can be challenging to venture out in the hottest part of the day. 

Spring from March to April and autumn from September to November offer the most pleasant temperatures for sightseeing, generally hovering around the mid-70s°F which is basically shorts and t-shirt weather without the extreme heat of summer. I visited this past April and the weather was bearable. It was in the high 80s °F to low 90s °F but I was just happy to be far away from the chill of San Francisco.

Winter in Hanoi, lasting from December to February, can get surprisingly chilly, with temperatures sometimes dropping into single figures. Fine for sightseeing in Hanoi, but if you’re looking to cruise nearby Halong Bay, or embark on a moped trip to the Ha Giang Loop, I recommend one of the shoulder seasons instead.

The Best Time to Visit Hanoi (to avoid the monsoons)

Hanoi’s rainy season lasts from May to September, with June through August typically the wettest months. Heavy showers and flooding can make more rural parts of north Vietnam impassable, but this is rarely a problem in Hanoi. Travelers generally prefer visiting during the dry season, from October to April. There is significantly less rainfall during this period, as well as clear skies that are ideal for sightseeing.

Best Places to Visit & Things to Do During Your 3 Day Hanoi Itinerary

So, you’ve settled on when to visit Hanoi, but what are all the things you want to do in Hanoi for 3 days? The answer is A LOT. There’s a lot to do in Hanoi is 3 days! Which is why I’ve put together a list of some of the must-visit attractions and things to do in Hanoi, so you can start getting your stomach ready for pho and your brain ready for some history and culture!

Take a stroll around the lovely Hoan Kiem Lake

This large freshwater lake is located in the heart of Hanoi and is something of a focal point for the city. Also known as the ‘Emerald Lake’ due to its green color, it is located in the city’s Old Quarter and the area surrounding the lake is often filled with entertainers, public Tai Chi sessions and locals and travelers alike mooching around the area.

Many of the city’s best restaurants, shops and bars are in the vicinity, and there is a temple dedicated to General Tran Huang Do, who fought off the Mongols in the 13^th century.

Visit the most colorful cafe at Note Coffee

Vietnam’s coffee culture is second to none, largely down to its long period of French colonial influence. In Hanoi, one of the best places to enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee is at Note Coffee, a somewhat narrow multi-story café located just a short walk from the Old Quarter.

The idea is simple, any guest at the café can write whatever they like down on a post it note and stick it on the walls of the establishment. Handwritten notes from travelers all across the globe, all of whom were once sat where you are right now!

Ps. If you’re thinking this is a tourist trap with rubbish, overpriced coffee, think again – it’s often labeled as one of the best coffee shops in Hanoi! I literally spent HOURS in here reading all the beautiful notes from folks around the world.

Eat your way across the city on a Hanoi food tour

For any foodies looking to get to the heart of Hanoi’s cuisine, a dedicated food tour can make for a great day (or evening) as part of your itinerary. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, a good Hanoi food tour will take you to the city’s best and most vibrant markets, street food stalls and hidden gems in the Old Quarter and beyond. You will get to sample a range of iconic dishes such as pho and banh mi, as well as drinks like egg coffee, all in the best possible establishments!

My dad and I managed to snag some last minute tickets from GetYourGuide and were super pleased with our experience! For only $40 total, we got to see Train Street at night (more on that below) and left super full. I highly recommend booking this tour if you enjoy food and/or are maybe traveling solo and want to meet other folks who enjoy food!

Tuck into an authentic Vietnamese banh mi

Another legacy of French colonialism in Vietnam, the banh mi is something not to be missed. A fresh French baguette is filled with a meat such as pork and crunchy veg, herbs and chilli in a mouth-watering fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisines and cultures.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself consuming several per day, it’s that hard to resist! Street food vendors are easy to find in Hanoi, and there are some specific recommendations to try. Banh Mi 25 in the Old Quarter is one, and Banh Mi Tram is another popular spot with tourists and locals alike.

Pay your respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

If you’ve been following me for awhile, you’ll know that I am a huge history nerd (particularly as it relates to war) which means visiting a history museum is always on my list!

The Vietnam War ended with US forces pulling out, and the country reunified under the Communist Party of Vietnam. Long time revolutionary and wartime leader Ho Chi Minh didn’t live to see this, he passed away in 1969. The leader now lies in state in a purpose-built mausoleum, a must-visit for anyone interested in Vietnam’s wartime history. Not far from the mausoleum, travelers can also visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda, all holding significance for Vietnamese history. 

If you’re looking for more insights, you can also book a half-day tour with a knowledgeable guide that includes a visit to the mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Take a Hanoi ➡️ Halong Bay day trip

Around 100 miles from Hanoi (a drive of 2.5 – 3 hours) is Halong Bay, where lush green limestone islets rise out of the emerald waters, and there are all manner of ancient cave systems and floating markets to explore. Although we opted for 2 Day, 1 Night stay in Halong Bay via Athena Cruises, it is possible to do it in a day trip from Hanoi, as long as you don’t mind an early start!

Ps. Another great day trip option is a visit to Ninh Binh.

Tours are popular and can be booked in most hotels and hostels in the city for a reasonable price. A day trip will typically include a cruise on a large traditional junk boat, lunch and some form of activity, such as kayaking, or cave exploration. And you’ll be back in Hanoi in time for dinner!

If you end up having the time, I definitely recommend an overnight trip. That way you don’t have to rush and you get to witness incredible sunsets like this (pictured above) with the rock formations surrounding you.

Watch a unique water puppet theatre show

A unique art form to Hanoi, water puppetry has been around since the 11^th century, and watching a show is a fun way to spend some time in the city. Puppeteers in traditional dress maneuver their wooden puppets over pools of water, creating a 3D effect with water splashes. Shows typically depict historical Vietnamese myths and legends and are accompanied by traditional music. The Thang Long Theatre is the most popular with visitors, offering shows daily.

Visit the one-of-a-kind Train Street in Old Quarter

Have you ever seen a train zip past just inches from houses? That’s the thrill of Train Street in Hanoi! Nestled in the Old Quarter, this unique spot features a railway track running through the middle of houses, cafes, and shops.

Be sure to check the train schedule (only a few passes a day) and find a safe spot to watch the locomotive roar by. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience you won’t forget! Remember, respect the residents and businesses here – it’s their neighborhood after all.

Take in the spectacular St Joseph’s Cathedral

Dating to 1886, the neo-Gothic St Joseph’s Cathedral is one of Hanoi’s oldest and most famous landmarks, and well worth taking a walk to.

Reminiscent of the Paris’ Notre Dame, it features stained glass windows and stunning architecture. Entrance is restricted to mass, but a walk around the exterior followed by a refreshing drink can make for a great way to spend an hour during your time in the city.

Enjoy a creamy Hanoi egg coffee

Created in the 1940s during a milk shortage, today egg coffee is extremely popular not just in Hanoi, but throughout Vietnam. Vietnamese coffee is blended with a rich and creamy egg yolk mixture, creating a new take on the world’s most popular drink – think liquid tiramisu.

Head to the unassuming Café Giang, birthplace of egg coffee, to enjoy a warming cup, or delve into one of the hundreds of independent cafes in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and beyond.

Book an authentic Vietnamese cooking class

Another great tour option for those looking to experience authentic Hanoi is to book a cooking class. Typically, this will involve heading to a local market to purchase ingredients with your guide, and then making your way to a communal kitchen where you and the rest of the group will enjoy a step-by-step tutorial to creating some iconic Vietnamese dishes, such as spring rolls and sticky rice. And yes, you will get to eat your creations for lunch. As always, I highly recommend booking via GetYourGuide for the best service and a knowledgeable guide/teacher.

Explore the historical Temple of Literature

Escape Hanoi’s buzz and enter a sanctuary of scholarship at the Temple of Literature. Founded in 1070, it’s Vietnam’s oldest university, boasting stunning architecture and tranquil gardens.

Wander courtyards lined with ancient stelae (stone tablets) and admire the ornate pavilions dedicated to Confucius and Vietnamese scholars. Spot local students seeking good luck by rubbing the heads of the stone turtles – a local tradition!

This serene escape offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s deep respect for education and its rich cultural heritage.

Best Hotels & Places to Stay During Your 3 Day Hanoi Itinerary

I’ve also put together a short list of recommended accommodation options in Hanoi. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the fifth, these are my recommendations on the best boutique hotels in Hanoi!

Capella Hanoi

Capella Hanoi: Housed in a grand building on a boulevard along Hoan Kiem Lake, the award-winning Capella Hanoi is one of the best 5-star hotels in the city.

The elegant lounge is reminiscent of old-world Europe, and each of the 47 rooms and suites oozes opulence. Rooms feature French balconies, themed styling, and beautiful furnishings.

The onsite restaurant, Capella Hanoi, is the only Michelin-star restaurant in the whole of Vietnam.

La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa

La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa: This boutique offering in the Old Quarter features a breath-taking sky bar with 360-degree views over Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Serving a selection of wines, beers and exquisite cocktails, it offers an inviting ambience after a day of exploring.

All the rooms at La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa are equipped with air-conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi, and a range of mouth-watering local and international dishes are served at The Rhythms Restaurant.

Salute Premium Hotel & Spa

Salute Premium Hotel & Spa: Rooms at the contemporary Salute Premium Hotel & Spa feature floor to ceiling windows, modern furnishings and amenities including air-conditioning, tea & coffee making facilities, chic hardwood floors and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can enjoy massages, traditional Vietnamese baths, and a range of other treatments at the spa, and dining is at the hotel restaurant, offering a buffet breakfast and a la carte fusion menu for lunch and dinner.

The West Hotel & Spa

The West Hotel & Spa: Featuring many of the amenities and services expected of a more glamorous hotel, The West Hotel & Spa is a great option for those travelers to Hanoi looking to keep their costs down.

There’s an onsite spa and restaurant serving Asian and European classic dishes. Rooms feature ensuite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, flat-screen TV, wood-panelled flooring and air-conditioning.

Where to Eat: Best Restaurants during your 3 Day Hanoi Itinerary

Besides the affordability, one of the best parts about Vietnam (and Asia in general) is the food. I could easily write an entire blog post on food in Vietnam alone (I guess I know what my next post will be) but have narrowed things down to my favorites below. It’s no surprise that Hanoi is home to an excellent food scene and a wealth of fantastic dining options!

Bún chả Hương Liên

In 2016, then-US president Barack Obama at a meal in Bún chả Hương Liên with TV chef Anthony Bourdain. The table they sat at is now encased in glass and the restaurant itself has become a popular spot for tourists in the city. And this isn’t just a tourist trap – you wouldn’t know it was anything special from the outside, prices are very low, and the food is excellent. The Obama Combo includes fresh bun cha, a crab spring roll and a local beer for less than $4.

Xới Cơm

Authentic North Vietnamese cuisine is served at this small, restaurant, where the vintage interior is as impressive as the food itself. With just 14 tables, and styled on traditional Hanoi houses of the 1980s, it’s a step back in time. The menu is refreshed on a daily basis and uses only the freshest local ingredients. Prices are affordable and the restaurant has been named consistently in the Michelin Guide as one of the best in the city.

La Terrasse Du Metropole

For an extravagant meal, head to La Terrasse Du Metropole, housed in the exclusive Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel. Inspired by Parisien bistros, the menu is filled with classic French dishes such as steak-frites, coq au vin and oysters. Located in the French Quarter, it boasts an enviable and easily accessible location.

Popular Day Trips from Hanoi

Okay, so you’re in Hanoi and you’re loving the hustle and bustle, but maybe you’re already tired of the city chaos and almost getting run over by a motorcycle. Given Hanoi’s location, there’s quite a few popular day trips you can take from the city’s capital!

For all the details on these day trips, be sure to check out my blog post on the 7-day epic North Vietnam itinerary!

Day Trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

Just about 60 miles (95 km) south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh takes roughly 2 hours by private transport or a little longer if you go by shared transport. Known as “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is famous for its stunning karst landscapes, and you can’t miss the boat ride through the Tam Coc caves, surrounded by lush rice paddies and towering limestone mountains. Another must-see is the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where you can soak in history and explore temples dedicated to the first two dynasties of Vietnam. It’s an easy escape into nature and history that gives you both beauty and culture in one go.

Day Trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi

If you’re looking for an unforgettable day trip from Hanoi, a Halong Bay cruise is a must. I obviously recommend spending a couple nights here but I know this is a short 3 day itinerary. But if you have longer, you definitely should stay and a book an overnight cruise.

Located about 105 miles (170 km) east of the city, Halong bay can be reached in about 3-4 hours by private transport, but the easiest and most relaxing way to experience it is by booking a day cruise or tour. A boat tour through the emerald waters is the highlight, where you’ll be surrounded by towering limestone islands and have the chance to explore caves and floating villages.

Day Trip to Cuc Phuong National Park From Hanoi

Cuc Phuong National Park is a nature lover’s paradise, offering dense jungles, tranquil streams, and the chance to hike through Vietnam’s oldest national park. Home to rare species like the endangered Delacour’s langur (pictured above), which you can visit at the primate rescue center, it’s a peaceful retreat for those into wildlife and biodiversity.

The park is located about 80 miles (130 km) south of Hanoi, roughly 2.5 hours by private transport or 3 hours with a fully guided tour and/or shared transport — just far enough to escape the city hustle without missing out on adventure.

Hanoi, Vietnam FAQ

To help make planning easier, here are some commonly asked questions for first time visitors to Hanoi, Vietnam 🇻🇳

Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?

If you’re traveling from the US (which I think most of my readers are), the answer is YES! Don’t be stupid like me and wait until last minute. And then end up having to pay $100 to expedite it because the Vietnamese government website is useless.

If you’re planning well in advance, you should be fine getting a visa through the official Vietnam Government website. Just keep in mind that this might take weeks.

And if you’re like me who plans everything somewhat last minute, then you might need to pay a 3rd party service to rush your visa. I totally thought this was going to be a scam but it was fine. I guess money talks. Soooo yeah, whatever route you end up taking, just know that you DO NEED A VISA FOR VIETNAM.

What currency is used in Hanoi?

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND). You’ll see a lot of zeros on the bills—like, 100,000 VND is only around $4 USD, so get ready to feel like a millionaire. Cash is king for street food and small shops, but credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and bigger restaurants.

Pro tip: always check your bills carefully since the 20,000 VND and 500,000 VND notes look annoyingly similar.

Is Hanoi safe for tourists?

Yep! Just like most places in Southeast Asia, Hanoi is generally safe. The biggest “danger” is probably a motorbike whizzing past when you least expect it. Pickpocketing can still happen in crowded spots though, so keep your valuables secure.

Other than that, locals are friendly, and crime rates are low.

How do I get around Hanoi?

Walking works great in the Old Quarter (if you can handle the chaotic sidewalks). Grab is the go-to ride-hailing app for cheap motorbike or car rides. Taxis are also fine, but stick to reputable companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun to avoid getting overcharged.

I downloaded Grab while I was there and used it a few times to get to/from the Old Quarter so highly recommend using Grab!

What’s the tipping culture like?

Tipping isn’t expected, but it’s always appreciated. Round up your bill at restaurants, leave a little something for your Grab driver, and tip your tour guide if they did a great job.

3-Days in Hanoi: Final Thoughts

The best 3-day Hanoi itinerary is one that involves discovering the best that the Vietnamese capital has to offer, eating fantastic food and staying in an excellent hotel that meets your individual tastes and budget.

Although three days is enough time in the city to see most of the main attractions, don’t be surprised if you find yourself staying longer. Whether it’s uncovering Vietnam War history, paying your respects at the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh or strolling through Hanoi’s lush green spaces and around its lakes, this city is one that is sure to delight you during your travels.

Did you get a chance to visit Hanoi? Let me know about your trip in the comments below!

Visiting other parts of Asia?

Check out my other travel guides on Vietnam here.

Visiting other parts of Asia?

Check out my other travel guides on Asia here.

Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?

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