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Hanoi Trip Planner
Old Quarter chaos, lakeside calm, and the gateway to Halong Bay.
Free to start — no account needed.
- Best time
- October–April; October–November and March are mildest
- Ideal length
- 3–4 days
- Currency
- Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Language
- Vietnamese
Hanoi is Vietnam at its most atmospheric — a thousand-year-old capital of scooter-filled lanes, lakeside temples, and faded French architecture, with some of the country's best street food. A good Hanoi itinerary pairs the sensory rush of the Old Quarter with the city's calmer historic sights, and builds in a Halong Bay cruise, which is the region's headline experience.
Top things to do in Hanoi
Old Quarter
36 ancient streets each named for their trade — a scooter-filled maze of shops and food stalls.
Hoan Kiem Lake
The city's tranquil heart, with the red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Temple of Literature
The revolutionary leader's tomb and Vietnam's first university.
Street food & egg coffee
Pho, bun cha, and Hanoi's famous egg coffee at a hidden café.
Sample Hanoi itinerary
Day 1 · Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, a street-food tour, and the weekend night market.
Day 2 · History
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and a Train Street coffee stop.
Day 3 · Halong Bay
A full-day or overnight cruise among the limestone karsts, about 2.5 hours away.
Hanoi travel tips
- ✓Cross the street slowly and steadily — traffic flows around you, so don't stop or bolt.
- ✓Book a reputable Halong Bay cruise; it's the region's highlight and worth an overnight.
- ✓Carry small dong notes and agree fares before Grab bike or taxi rides.
- ✓Egg coffee and bun cha are Hanoi specialties — seek out the busy local spots.
Hanoi trip planning FAQ
How many days do you need in Hanoi?
Three to four days covers the Old Quarter, the historic sights, and a Halong Bay cruise.
When is the best time to visit Hanoi?
October to April is dry and cooler; avoid the hot, wet summer months of May to September.
Can you visit Halong Bay from Hanoi?
Yes — it's about 2.5 hours away and best done as an overnight cruise, though full-day trips exist.