12 day itinerary for Hanoi

Itinerary

Spending 12 days in Hanoi is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and vibrant life of Vietnam's capital. Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

## Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

• Morning: Arrive in Hanoi. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. Don’t forget to visit Ngoc Son Temple on the lake.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner at a local restaurant. Try Pho or Bun Cha! After dinner, explore the Old Quarter and maybe grab a Vietnamese coffee.

## Day 2: Explore the Old Quarter

• Morning: Join a walking tour of the Old Quarter. Discover the narrow streets, local shops, and street food stalls.
• Afternoon: Visit the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre for a unique cultural experience.
• Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the city. Enjoy the sunset!

## Day 3: Historical Sites

• Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace. Don’t miss the One Pillar Pagoda nearby.
• Afternoon: Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam.
• Evening: Try a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.

## Day 4: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Ninh Binh. Visit Tam Coc for a boat ride through stunning limestone karsts and rice paddies. Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and visit the Bich Dong Pagoda.
• Evening: Return to Hanoi and relax after a day of adventure.

## Day 5: Art and Culture

• Morning: Visit the Fine Arts Museum and explore local galleries.
• Afternoon: Head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Attend a local music performance or a traditional dance show.

## Day 6: Halong Bay

• All ## Day: Take a 2-day, 1-night cruise in Halong Bay. Enjoy kayaking, swimming, and exploring caves. Relax on the deck and soak in the breathtaking views.
• Evening: Dinner on the boat and enjoy the starry night sky.

## Day 7: Halong Bay

• Morning: Continue your cruise, perhaps visit a fishing village or hike to a viewpoint.
• Afternoon: Return to Hanoi and check back into your hotel.
• Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at a local eatery.

## Day 8: Day Trip to Sapa

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Sapa. Explore the terraced rice fields, visit local villages, and meet the ethnic minority groups. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.
• Evening: Return to Hanoi and unwind.

## Day 9: Local Markets and Shopping

• Morning: Visit the Dong Xuan Market for some local shopping and street food tasting.
• Afternoon: Explore the French Quarter and admire the colonial architecture. Stop by the Hanoi Opera House.
• Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner and perhaps a nightcap at a local bar.

## Day 10: Relaxation Day

• Morning: Treat yourself to a spa day. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese massage.
• Afternoon: Visit the Botanical Gardens and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
• Evening: Dinner at a restaurant specializing in Northern Vietnamese cuisine.

## Day 11: More Culture

• Morning: Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum to learn about Vietnam’s history.
• Afternoon: Explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, reflecting on your adventures.

## Day 12: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or a final stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Afternoon: Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure.

Tips:

• Transportation: Use Grab (a ride-hailing app) for easy transportation around the city.
• Currency: Keep some Vietnamese Dong handy for street food and small purchases.
• Weather: Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly, as Hanoi can be quite humid!

Enjoy your trip to Hanoi! It’s a city full of life, history, and delicious food. Safe travels! 🌏✈️