Hanoi is vibrant and bright, and the people are incredibly welcoming.
Roaming the streets is a scenic adventure with glowing lanterns in the sky, artwork, and beautiful greenery.
This Post
- included map
- where to stay
- Full day Itinerary
- transportation tips
- places to eat
- Must-do activities and tips!
Currency
1.00 US Dollar = ₫24,025.964 Vietnamese Dong
1.00 British Pound = ₫30,172.6 Vietnamese Dong
To receive up-to-date conversion rates when traveling, download the XE Converter app ↗
Vietnam is a very affordable country to travel to, especially compared to the US or Europe.
Budget:
You can easily get by on a budget of $30-50 per day, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, and activities!
So don’t hold back.
When you’re saving for your travels keep in mind that the cost of dinner at a restaurant from home can easily translate into a 5-course meal somewhere else!
The Itinerary
Transportation
Taxis aren’t regulated by the government in Vietnam, use the Grab App instead.
Grab is used all over Southeast Asia and is the most trusted transportation AND food delivery service!
It works similarly to Uber and Lyft but instead of a car, you’ll be riding on the back of a motorbike!
Okay, there ARE cars available… but take the bike!
Motorbikes are the norm and it’s a thrilling way to venture through the city, plus you’ll arrive sooner.
The drivers are required to:
get a background check
wear the Grab uniform
and carry a Grab identification card.
Make sure the driver’s name and appearance match the driver in the app.
Hotel- Hai San Lau Cua
Hai San Lau Cua Hotel is a great option.
It’s luxury at a cheap price and the views from the private rooftop bar are GORGEOUS.
That’s right, you don’t even have to leave the hotel to get a great view of the city.
And if you are looking to explore more of the nightlife, it’s in the center of town with many activities in Hanoi right at your feet.
Dong Xuan Market
Not sure how to get Data internationally? Check out the 7 Top Essentials you NEED when traveling abroad↗
Dong Xuan Market is located in Old Town, the LARGEST market in Hanoi.
It has a total of 3 floors and over 10,000 vendors.
You can seriously find everything here from souvenirs, food, household products, electronics, clothing, accessories, and so much more. I was here for hours.
Tips:
Be ready to bargain!
It’s okay to feel a bit uneasy about bargaining, but here it’s expected!
You can find great deals here but often items are marked up due to the bargaining culture.
Offer a lower price than the one they are asking and if they give in, you can accept it or try and go lower.
Just be polite and kindly reject the offer if you aren’t interested.
Remember, tourism is huge here and this is a lot of people’s full-time job, so be courteous 🙂
Watch out for pickpocketing. Pickpocketing is common but be extra cautious in the market.
It’s the same rush you get in a big city. You’ll get sucked in by big-name dupes such as Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, suddenly look away and not even realize your personal items are nowhere to be found.
Hoan Kiem Lake- Huc Bridge
Huc Bridge, or the “Red Bridge” is located in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake.
This bridge was originally made out of Bamboo in 1865 but has been rebuilt from wood several times since.
Its vibrant colors make for the most breathtaking photos.
Try to get here in the morning for your best shot at a solo photo. The walk is quite peaceful and leads you to the Ngoc Son Temple!
Legend:
The Golden Turtle and The Sword is a tale to commemorate the bravery of Emperor Le Thai in his defeat against the Chinese.
As legend has it, Emperor Le Thai To found a sword in the waters of the Chu River and used that magical sword in his revolt against Ming China, which occupied Vietnam.
After he fought off the Chinese, he went back to those waters and a golden turtle collected this sword to return to the “Dragon King” and disappeared back into what is now named Lake Hoan Kiem, never to be seen again.
Above, you can see Thap Ruá or “Turtle Tower” in the center of Lake Hoan Kiem.
Built-in 1886 to honor the legendary tortoise and the gift given by the “Dragon King”.
Ngoc Son Temple
The Ngoc Son Temple is another beautiful landmark located in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake.
This temple was built in the 19th century to commemorate Tran Hung Dao, the greatest military commander of the Tran Dynasty.
It is divided by courtyards scattered with shrines and religious artifacts.
You can spend anywhere from 20 minutes to over 2 hours here, there is so much to explore including a library, bell tower, and garden right on the lake!
I highly recommend carving out some time to soak up the serenity and reflect on the history by the water, take a moment to really learn about where you are!
Indira Gandhi Park- Ly Thai To Monument
Take a stroll in Indira Gandhi Park and in the center, you will be greeted by former emperor Ly Thai Tho (1009 to 1225) founder of the Ly dynasty that ruled for over 200 years.
This monument is a symbol of the strength and resilience the Vietnamese embodied as they reclaimed their independence from the Chinese.
The park is beautiful and very well maintained.
You’ll find gardens with handcrafted bushes, the most colorful flowers, a children’s park, and endless places to stop and have a picnic.
The Old Quarter
Time to jump into the action!
Honestly, you don’t need much of an itinerary here, it’s the perfect place to just wander and take it all in.
These colorful streets are lined with hanging lanterns, street-food vendors, and old French colonial architecture.
The Old Quarter is the oldest and most populated area of Hanoi.
It’s divided into 36 streets, each of which is named after a different trade or profession and is a hint for what you can find!
For example, Hang Bac Street is the street of silversmiths, a great place to look for jewelry, home decor, and souvenirs!
Here are some more examples.
- Hang Bac (Silver Street)
- Hang Gai (Silk Street)
- Hang Ma (Hat Street)
- Hang Dau (Wooden clog Street)
- Hang Non (Flute Street)
- Hang Cot (Basket Street)
- Hang Tre (Bamboo Street)
Cathedral of St. Joseph
The St. Joseph Cathedral is a beautiful example of the Gothic French influence Vietnam had in the 19th century.
It’s the center of all catholic activity and remains a significant landmark for Hanoi.
Though Vietnam is considered Atheist by the government.
It’s a melting pot for religions such as Catholicism, Hoahaoism, and “Tam Giao”, which literally means “three religions” and refers to a combination of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
Because of this, you’ll find multitudes of spiritual outlets such as temples, pagodas, churches and shrines.
Note Cafe
The Note Cafe is the Pont des Arts of Vietnam. Instead of leaving a locket to symbolize everlasting love, pop in here to read notes from strangers all around the world.
The perfect place to discover all the travelers that have passed through Hanoi, enjoy endless stories, and make your own mark on the city.
I highly recommend getting a cup of Cà phê trứng (Egg Coffee).
It’s a delicious and unique beverage made from strong Vietnamese coffee, egg yolks, and condensed milk.
Despite how this may sound. IT’S SO GOOD. It’s strong but sweet and the egg yolk makes it incredibly creamy.
Heres the recipe if you’d like to try it at home!
Ingredients:
- 2 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon water
- 4 tablespoons strong Vietnamese coffee
Train Street
Arguably the most popular street in Hanoi, and I think you can see why.
This tight-knit street is visited by a train that stands about 2 feet from the walls of local businesses and restaurants.
You’ve never seen anything like it and to feel the rumbles of this massive train up close, it’s incredible to experience!
If you like the views from the last 2 photos, pop into Coffee 76 on the second floor!
It’s a great little shop that has cocktails, happy hour, and delicious food!
If you want pictures or videos of the train passing, I HIGHLY recommend going to the second floor, it makes for a way better view!
Expected Train Times:
- Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM, 7:45 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 8:30 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 6:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
There is no guarantee the train will run at these times, things happen.
But it is a general schedule that is good to follow!
Quan Que Restaurant
This is such a cute place to end the night!
Expect to be seated on the floor and surrounded by mesmerizing lanterns hanging above.
Now, they do have tables with traditional chairs but sitting on the floor made for such a wholesome meal.
I recommend the Bò nướng ống tre (Beef in bamboo tube) the beef is tender and flavored with spices from Northern ỏ Gia Lai.
It was so damn good and remains one of my most memorable meals in Hanoi!
This is another opportunity to make your mark in Hanoi, the walls are covered with signatures from top to bottom.
An amazing visual for all the travelers who came before you!
I hope you enjoyed it!
Happy Exploring Xx
