1. Day 1: Immersing in Hanoi's History And Local Flavors

Day one introduces you to Hanoi's soul through its most beloved traditions. You'll start where every local begins their day with authentic “pho”, then explore sacred spaces that have witnessed centuries of Vietnamese history. These experiences offer the perfect introduction to a city where every street corner tells a story.

1.1. Savoring Pho Hanoi at Pho Ly Quoc Su Or Pho Thin

Pho Ly Quoc Su

• Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: VND 65,000 - VND 150,000 (USD 2.5 - USD 5.7)

Pho Thin

• Address: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: VND 60,000 - VND 80,000 (USD 2.3 - USD 3)

Starting your morning like generations of Hanoians have done brings you closer to understanding this city's rhythm. Pho Ly Quoc Su serves authentic Northern-style pho, characterized by its clear, aromatic broth that has been simmered for hours with beef bones and subtle spices. The tender rice noodles pair perfectly with paper-thin slices of beef that cook gently in the hot broth.

What sets Hanoi pho apart is its refined simplicity. The dish comes with just fresh herbs, lime, and chili on the side, letting the pure flavors shine through. Pho Thin creates a unique twist with their stir-fried beef preparation, where skilled cooks sear the meat with onions before adding it to your bowl, creating deeper, smokier flavors that many locals prefer. For a deeper look at this beloved pho place, check out our blog Pho Thin.

The charm of Hanoi pho lies in its pure, delicate simplicity (Source: Pexels)

1.2. Exploring Hoan Kiem Lake And Ngoc Son Temple

Hoan Kiem Lake

• Address: Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Ngoc Son Temple

• Address: Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM from Mondays to Thursdays, 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM from Fridays to Sundays
• Entrance fee: VND 30,000 (USD 1.2) for adults and children over 1.2 meters tall; free for children under 1.2 meters tall

Hoan Kiem Lake sits at the beating heart of Hanoi, where tai chi practitioners move gracefully as the city awakens. This legendary lake carries deep spiritual significance for locals who believe it's home to a golden turtle deity. The peaceful waters reflect centuries of history while serving as a natural gathering place for families, couples, and friends.

You can cross the iconic red Huc Bridge to reach Ngoc Son Temple, which was built in the 19th century on a small island. The temple honors General Tran Hung Dao, a national hero who defeated Mongol invasions, along with deities of literature and medicine. Inside this sacred space, intricate wood carvings and traditional architecture create a serene sanctuary. The preserved body of a giant turtle found in the lake adds an element of mystery that connects visitors to local legends about the lake's divine guardian.

Hoan Kiem Lake offers a peaceful escape in the heart of Hanoi, where locals and tourists come to relax (Source: Pexels)

Ngoc Son Temple welcomes visitors to explore its sacred halls via the iconic red bridge over Hoan Kiem Lake (Source: Pexels)

1.3. Strolling through The Old Quarter And Book Street

Hanoi's Old Quarter

• Address: Bounded by Hang Dau, Phung Hung, Hang Bong, and Tran Quang Khai Streets
• Opening hours: Best visited in the morning or late afternoon
• Entrance fee: Free

Hanoi Book Street (Dinh Le Street)

• Address: French Quarter, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Entrance fee: Free

Hanoi's Old Quarter transports you back through centuries with its maze of narrow streets, each originally dedicated to a specific craft or trade. The colonial-era buildings lean inward, creating intimate corridors where motorbikes weave between street vendors and tiny plastic stools serve as dining rooms.

Every corner reveals something unexpected, with a hidden temple, a bustling wet market, or a craftsperson continuing traditions passed down through generations. You can learn more about navigating this historic area in our detailed Old Quarter guide.

If you prefer a quieter contrast within the Old Quarter's energy, Book Street (Dinh Le Street) offers the perfect escape. This tranquil street invites you to slow down and appreciate a different pace of life. Here, local students and intellectuals browse Vietnamese literature and translated classics while sipping iced coffee under shady trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere where time seems to pause.

Hanoi Old Quarter is a must-visit destination when spending 3 days in Hanoi (Source: Pexels)

1.4. Sipping Egg Coffee at Café Giang Or The Note Coffee

Café Giang

• Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: VND 35,000 - VND 150,000 (USD 1.3 - USD 5.7)

The Note Coffee

• Address: 64 Luong Van Can Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 10:30 PM from Mondays to Fridays; 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays
• Price range: VND 35,000 - VND 65,000 (USD 1.3 - USD 2.5)

If you're curious about drinks that tell a story, visit Café Giang to experience egg coffee, a unique beverage created by bartender Nguyen Van Giang in the 1940s. He cleverly whisked egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk, creating a rich, velvety foam that perfectly complemented bold Vietnamese robusta coffee.

Meanwhile, the Note Coffee provides a different atmosphere with its walls covered in colorful sticky notes left by visitors from around the world. Their egg coffee maintains the same traditional preparation, while the creative setting creates perfect moments for photos and memories.

Egg coffee delights visitors with its creamy egg topping blended into strong Vietnamese coffee (Source: Pixabay)

1.5. Watching The Thang Long Water Puppet Show

Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

• Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Show times:
  • From Mondays to Saturdays: 1:45 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:10 PM, 5:20 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:15 PM
  • On Sundays: 9:30 AM, 1:45 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:10 PM, 5:20 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:15 PM
• Ticket price: VND 100,000 (USD 3.8) for standard tickets; VND 150,000 (USD 5.8) for economy tickets; VND 200,000 (USD 7.7) for VIP tickets

Visitors can end their first day with the magic of Vietnam’s most captivating cultural performance. Water puppetry dates back to the 11th century as a uniquely Vietnamese performance that takes place on a water stage where wooden puppets seem to dance across the surface. Skilled puppeteers hidden behind screens manipulate the figures with long bamboo rods while live traditional music creates an atmospheric soundtrack.

The stories blend folklore, history, and daily rural life, featuring legendary heroes, playful dragons, and scenes of rice farming that have entertained Vietnamese audiences for nearly a thousand years. You can discover the rich history behind this art form in our blog Water puppet shows.

The Thang Long Water Puppet Show entertains audiences with traditional stories performed on a water stage (Source: Canva)

2. Day 2: Experiencing Cultural Landmarks And Street Energy

Day two takes you deeper into Vietnam's revolutionary history and vibrant street culture. You'll visit the nation's most important monuments and experience the energy that makes Hanoi's streets legendary among travelers.

2.1. Trying Bun Cha at A Local Restaurant

Bun Cha Huong Lien

• Address: 24 Le Van Huu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Price range: VND 60,000 - VND 170,000 (USD 2.3 - USD 6.5)

Beginning your second day with "bun cha" connects you to a dish that gained international fame when President Obama enjoyed it with Anthony Bourdain during his Hanoi visit. This beloved lunch dish features succulent pork patties and strips grilled over charcoal, served in a sweet-and-sour fish sauce broth alongside fresh rice noodles and aromatic herbs.

You'll find two distinct styles: "bun cha chan" (mixed), where everything combines in one bowl, and "bun cha cham" (dipped), where you dip the noodles and herbs into the flavorful broth. Our blog Bun cha will introduce you to the story behind this iconic dish.

Bun Cha satisfies food lovers with its flavorful grilled pork, rice noodles, and fresh herbs (Source: Canva)

2.2. Visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum And One Pillar Pagoda

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

• Address: 1 Hung Vuong Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
• Opening hours from April 1 to October 31: 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM (from Tuesdays to Thursdays); 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM (Saturdays and Sundays)
• Opening hours from November 1 to March 31: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM (from Tuesday to Thursday); 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Saturdays and Sundays)
• Entrance fee: Free
• Dress code: Conservative attire required

One Pillar Pagoda

• Address: Chua Mot Cot Street, Doi Can Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Entrance fee: VND 25,000 (USD 0.9)

The solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum stands as Vietnam's most important national monument, where the preserved body of the country's beloved revolutionary leader rests in a crystal chamber. Visitors maintain respectful silence while filing past, witnessing the deep reverence Vietnamese people hold for "Uncle Ho".

While you're there, don't miss the nearby Ho Chi Minh Museum to explore more about his remarkable life and legacy.

Just steps away, there’s also One Pillar Pagoda offering a striking architectural contrast with its lotus-inspired design emerging from a tranquil pond. Built in 1049, this delicate wooden structure represents one of Vietnam's most iconic temples, symbolizing a lotus flower blooming from water. The pagoda's unique single-pillar foundation creates an almost magical effect, especially when reflected in the surrounding pool.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum invites visitors to pay tribute to the nation’s founding leader in a solemn setting (Source: Pexels)

The One Pillar Pagoda symbolizes purity and peace with its unique lotus-shaped design on a single column (Source: Pexels)

2.3. Discovering The Temple of Literature

Temple of Literature

• Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Entrance fee: VND 70,000 (USD 0.9)

Vietnam's first university, the Temple of Literature, represents the country's dedication to education and Confucian values spanning nearly a thousand years. Built in 1070, this peaceful complex honors Vietnam's finest scholars through stone tablets bearing the names of doctoral graduates from royal examinations. Walking through the temple's five courtyards feels like stepping into an ancient center of learning where intellectual pursuit was the highest virtue.

The beautifully preserved architecture showcases traditional Vietnamese design with its curved roofs, ornate gates, and carefully maintained gardens. Oftentimes, students still come here to pray for academic success, particularly before important exams, carrying on traditions that connect modern Vietnam to its scholarly heritage.

The Temple of Literature honors Vietnam’s scholarly traditions as the site of the country’s first university (Source: Canva)

2.4. Touring the City with The Double-Decker Bus

Double-Decker Bus

• Address: 3 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Entrance fee:
  • VND 196,000 (USD 7.5) for a 2-hour ride;
  • VND 300,000 (USD 11.5) for a 4-hour ride;
  • VND 450,000 (USD 17.2) for a 24-hour ride;
  • VND 650,000 (USD 24.9) for a 48-hour ride

Here, you'll see Hanoi from a fresh perspective aboard the open-top double-decker bus that offers wide views of the city's architectural evolution. The upper deck provides clear photo opportunities as you pass French colonial buildings, Soviet-era monuments, and gleaming modern skyscrapers that tell the story of Hanoi's complex history.

The audio commentary in English reveals fascinating details about landmarks, neighborhoods, and local life that you might miss while walking. The route connects major attractions efficiently, making it perfect for getting your bearings while enjoying the breeze and elevated city views that few visitors experience.

The double-decker bus offers a fun and scenic way to explore Hanoi’s major attractions from above (Source: Pexels)

2.5. Exploring Train Street And St. Joseph's Cathedral

Train Street

• Address: 3 Tran Phu Street, Hang Bong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: Train times are approximately 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:30 PM, 7:45 PM
• Entrance fee: Free

St. Joseph's Cathedral

• Address: 1 Nha Tho Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM; 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Entrance fee: Free

Train Street represents Hanoi's ability to blend daily life with extraordinary experiences. Tiny cafés line the active railway tracks where locals and visitors sip coffee just inches from passing trains. Don't leave without seeing Hanoi Train Street as it’s truly one of the top things to do in Old Quarter Hanoi.

After experiencing the thrill of Train Street, you can take a short walk to St. Joseph's Cathedral. This neo-Gothic cathedral anchors the scene with its twin towers inspired by Notre Dame de Paris. Built during French colonial rule, the cathedral serves as both a spiritual center for Hanoi's Catholic community and an architectural landmark that demonstrates the city's diverse cultural influences.

Train Street thrills visitors with the unique experience of sipping coffee just inches from passing trains (Source: Pexels)

St. Joseph’s Cathedral impresses with its neo-Gothic architecture and peaceful atmosphere in the Old Quarter (Source: Canva)

2.6. Dining on Cha Ca La Vong Hanoi

Cha Ca La Vong Hanoi

• Address: 14 Cha Ca Street, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM; 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Entrance fee: VND 350,000 (USD 13.4) per serving

There’s no better way to wrap up the day than enjoying "cha ca la vong" at the legendary Cha Ca La Vong restaurant. Servers bring turmeric-marinated fish sizzling on portable burners directly to your table, where you cook the fish yourself with fresh dill and spring onions.

The turmeric creates an aromatic golden sauce that represents one of Vietnam's most unique flavor combinations. The dish originated in this restaurant over a century ago and has become so associated with the street that it was renamed Cha Ca Street in its honor.

Cha Ca La Vong serves up Hanoi’s iconic turmeric fish dish in a sizzling, herb-filled skillet (Source: Canva)

3. Day 3: Embracing Traditional Life And Hanoi by Night

Your final day balances peaceful morning activities with vibrant evening experiences. You'll discover Hanoi's quieter side around West Lake before diving into the famous nightlife that makes the capital legendary among travelers.

3.1. Cycling Around West Lake And Visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda

West Lake

• Address: Tay Ho District, Hanoi
• Best cycling hours: 5:00 AM - 7:00 AM or 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Bike rental: VND 30,000 (USD 1.2) - VND 50,000 (USD 1.9) for 3 hours

Tran Quoc Pagoda

• Address: Thanh Nien Street, Yen Phu Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM; 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
• Entrance fee: Free

West Lake offers a peaceful escape from Hanoi's bustling streets with its 17-kilometer shoreline dotted with pagodas, cafés, and luxury hotels. Renting a bicycle lets you explore at your own pace while joining locals who use the lakeside path for morning exercise and evening relaxation. The ride reveals a different side of Hanoi where modern residential developments blend with traditional architecture.

Meanwhile, Tran Quoc Pagoda stands as Hanoi's oldest Buddhist temple, founded in the 6th century on a small peninsula extending into West Lake. Its distinctive 11-story lotus tower creates stunning reflections in the lake, especially during golden hour when the structure seems to glow against the water. Inside, ancient Buddha statues and intricate wood carvings preserve artistic techniques passed down through fourteen centuries of Buddhist tradition. Discover more about this historic temple in our blog Tran Quoc Pagoda.

Cycling around West Lake allows travelers to enjoy fresh air, lakeside temples, and quiet neighborhoods (Source: Canva)

Tran Quoc Pagoda stands as Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, gracefully set on a small island in West Lake (Source: Pexels)

3.2. Learning History at Hoa Lo Prison Museum

• Address: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Entrance fee: VND 40,000 (USD 1.5) for adults, VND 20,000 (USD 0.8) for children aged 6 to 16, free for children under 6

The former Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton" by American prisoners during the Vietnam War, now serves as a powerful museum documenting different chapters of Vietnamese history. Originally built by French colonizers to imprison Vietnamese revolutionaries, the preserved cells and exhibits reveal the harsh conditions endured by independence fighters who later became national heroes.

The Hoa Lo Prison museum presents multiple perspectives on this complex historical site, including the experiences of American pilots shot down during the war. Walking through the cramped cells and seeing the leg restraints used on prisoners provides sobering insights into the human cost of colonization and conflict that shaped modern Vietnam.

Hoa Lo Prison reveals powerful stories from Vietnam’s history through its haunting exhibits and preserved cells (Source: Di tích Nhà tù Hỏa Lò - Hoa Lo Prison Relic)

3.3. Grabbing A Banh Mi at Popular Local Shops

Banh Mi Pho Hue

• Address: 118 Hue Street, Bui Thi Xuan Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Price range: VND 20,000 - VND 500,000 (USD 0.8 - USD 19.1)
• Best-selling dish: Grilled pork “banh mi”

Banh Mi 25

• Address: 25 Hang Ca Street, Hang Bo Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM on Thursdays; 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM on all other days
• Price range: VND 35,000 - VND 75,000 (USD 1.3 - USD 2.8)
• Best-selling dish: Mixed banh mi

Vietnam's famous banh mi represents the perfect fusion of French colonial influence and Vietnamese flavors in a crispy baguette. Near West Lake, several family-run shops have perfected this portable meal with their own signature combinations of grilled meats, pâté, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili sauce. Each bite delivers contrasting textures and flavors that make banh mi one of the world's great sandwiches.

The best shops use fresh baguettes baked multiple times daily and prepare their fillings with care. They serve marinated pork that's grilled to caramelized perfection, house-made pâté, and tangy pickled carrots and daikon that add essential crunch and acidity to balance the rich meats. For different tastes, explore other must-try banh mi places around Hanoi in our blog about Hanoi Banh mi.

Banh mi blends crispy French bread with savory Vietnamese fillings for the perfect on-the-go snack (Source: Pexels)

3.4. Shopping for Traditional Souvenirs at Dong Xuan Market

• Address: Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Entrance fee: Free

Dong Xuan Market buzzes with authentic Vietnamese commerce across three floors of vendors selling everything from silk scarves and conical hats to traditional handicrafts and street food. This covered market has operated since French colonial times, making it Hanoi's oldest and largest traditional market where locals still shop for daily necessities alongside tourists hunting for souvenirs.

The ground floor specializes in textiles and clothing, perfect for finding embroidered ao dai fabric or hand-woven scarves. Upstairs, vendors offer lacquerware, wooden sculptures, and ceramic pieces that showcase Vietnamese craftsmanship. Don't miss trying local snacks like "nem chua" (fermented pork rolls) and "che" (sweet soup desserts) from the food stalls that have served the same recipes for decades.

Dong Xuan Market bustles with stalls selling clothes, food, and souvenirs in Hanoi’s largest indoor market (Source: Canva)

3.5. Enjoying Hanoi's Nightlife at Ta Hien Beer Street

• Address: Ta Hien & Luong Ngoc Quyen Streets intersection, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
• Entrance fee: VND 15,000 - VND 20,000 (USD 0.6 - USD 0.8) per beer

Finishing your Hanoi adventure at Ta Hien Beer Street reveals where the real magic happens after sunset. This pedestrian-only stretch transforms into an outdoor party where locals and travelers share ice-cold Bia Hoi (fresh beer) and grilled street food. The atmosphere embodies Hanoi's social spirit, where strangers become friends over shared tables while motorbikes weave through the crowds.

The street food here reaches legendary status with vendors grilling everything from "nem nuong" (grilled pork sausages) to fresh seafood right on the sidewalk. Cold beer costs less than a dollar, while the energy and friendship create memories that capture why so many travelers fall in love with Vietnamese hospitality.

Ta Hien Beer Street comes alive at night with cold drinks, street food, and the buzz of both locals and tourists (Source: Canva)

If you’ve ever wondered what to do in Hanoi for 3 days, the itinerary shared above proves that the magic lies in both iconic sights and simple everyday moments shared with locals. From sharing pho with locals at dawn to celebrating with strangers over beer at midnight, you've experienced the genuine warmth and cultural richness that make Vietnam's capital so special.

For more travel inspiration and helpful planning tools, visit Vietnam Airlines’ Travel Guide to discover your next Vietnamese adventure.