7 day itinerary for Hanoi

Itinerary

Here's an ideal itinerary for 7 days in Hanoi:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Quarter

• Arrive in Hanoi and check into your hotel
• Take a stroll around the Old Quarter, a bustling area filled with narrow streets, shops, and street food vendors
• Visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, a beautiful temple located on an island in the middle of the lake
• Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Old Quarter

Day 2: Discovering Hanoi's History and Culture

• Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the former leader of Vietnam is laid to rest
• Explore the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which showcases the life and achievements of Ho Chi Minh
• Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university and a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture
• Enjoy a traditional water puppet show in the evening

Day 3: Exploring Hanoi's Surrounding Areas

• Take a day trip to the Perfume Pagoda, a complex of Buddhist temples and shrines located in a scenic area surrounded by mountains and forests
• Enjoy a boat ride along the Yen River and a hike up to the main temple
• Return to Hanoi in the evening and enjoy a dinner of local specialties

Day 4: Visiting Hanoi's Museums and Art Galleries

• Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the country's diverse ethnic groups and their cultures
• Explore the Fine Arts Museum, which houses a collection of Vietnamese art from ancient times to the present day
• Visit the Hanoi Opera House, a beautiful French colonial building that hosts performances by local and international artists

Day 5: Exploring Hanoi's Food Scene

• Take a food tour of Hanoi's street food scene, sampling local specialties like pho, banh mi, and bun cha
• Visit the Dong Xuan Market, a bustling market where you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs
• Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes

Day 6: Relaxing and Shopping

• Spend the day relaxing at one of Hanoi's many parks, such as the West Lake or the Botanical Gardens
• Visit the Hanoi Night Market, a lively market that sells everything from clothing to souvenirs
• Enjoy a massage or spa treatment at one of Hanoi's many spas

Day 7: Departure

• Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight
• If you have time, visit the Long Bien Bridge, a historic bridge that spans the Red River and offers great views of the city
• Say goodbye to Hanoi and plan your next trip to Vietnam!