10 day itinerary for Hanoi

Itinerary

Here's an ideal itinerary for 10 days in Hanoi:

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you can check into your hotel and take some time to rest and freshen up. In the evening, head out to explore the Old Quarter, which is the heart of Hanoi. You can take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit the Ngoc Son Temple, and enjoy some street food.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

Start your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can pay your respects to the father of modern Vietnam. Next, head to the One Pillar Pagoda, which is a unique Buddhist temple built on a single pillar. After that, visit the Temple of Literature, which is Vietnam's first university. In the evening, you can enjoy a traditional water puppet show.

Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

Take a day trip to Halong Bay, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Vietnam. You can take a cruise around the bay, explore the limestone caves, and enjoy a seafood lunch on board.

Day 4: Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Visit Bat Trang Ceramic Village, which is located on the outskirts of Hanoi. Here, you can see how traditional Vietnamese ceramics are made and even try your hand at making your own pottery. In the evening, head back to Hanoi and enjoy some street food in the Old Quarter.

Day 5: Hanoi Street Food Tour

Take a street food tour of Hanoi and sample some of the city's most delicious dishes. You can try pho, banh mi, bun cha, and other local specialties. In the evening, head to the Long Bien Bridge to watch the sunset over the Red River.

Day 6: Hoa Lu and Tam Coc

Take a day trip to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc, which are located in the Ninh Binh province. Hoa Lu was the ancient capital of Vietnam, and you can visit the temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties. Tam Coc is known as the "Halong Bay on land" and is famous for its limestone karst formations and scenic boat rides.

Day 7: Hanoi Cooking Class

Take a cooking class and learn how to make some of Vietnam's most famous dishes. You can visit a local market to buy ingredients and then learn how to cook them under the guidance of a professional chef. In the evening, enjoy the fruits of your labor and feast on your own creations.

Day 8: Ba Vi National Park

Take a day trip to Ba Vi National Park, which is located about 50 kilometers from Hanoi. Here, you can hike through the lush forests, visit the temples and pagodas, and enjoy the stunning views from the mountain peaks.

Day 9: Hanoi Shopping

Spend the day shopping in Hanoi's markets and boutiques. You can visit the Dong Xuan Market, which is the largest market in Hanoi, and the Night Market, which is open on weekends. You can also visit the boutiques in the Old Quarter and buy some souvenirs to take back home.

Day 10: Departure from Hanoi

On your last day in Hanoi, you can take some time to relax and reflect on your trip. You can visit a spa and enjoy a massage or take a leisurely stroll around the city. In the evening, head to the airport for your flight back home.