LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

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TWO DAYS IN HANOI: HOW TO SPEND 48 HOURS IN THE VIBRANT VIETNAMESE CITY.

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Hanoi, the alluring capital of Vietnam, is a city that seamlessly merges the ancient with the contemporary. Its picturesque ancient quarters, tranquil lakes, and lively markets make Hanoi a fascinating destination to explore. This two-day itinerary is designed to showcase the very best of Hanoi, from its historical landmarks to its culinary delights.

Is Hanoi worth visiting?

Hanoi is worth visiting when you travel to Vietnam, if you want to experience he capital of the country first hand. It is a city of many layers, from the old to the new. At once it is a friendly and welcoming city, whilst also offering the chaos and vibrancy that you would expect in Vietnam. The nightlife is fun and there is plenty to do during the day, including exploring the scenic lakes.

If we had to choose between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi for a longer stay, we would probably pick HCMC (find out more about HCMC here). We found it a little more cosmopolitan than Hanoi, but Hanoi does have it’s own unique charm too. And, if you have time to explore the whole, then why not visit both?

You can find our detailed comparison between the two cities here.

Hanoi is also an excellent jumping off point to visit Sapa (to the North of Vietnam) for trekking, or of course the famous Ha Long Bay.

Is two days in Hanoi enough?

Two days is a short time to see Vietnam’s large capital city, but if you plan your activities carefully, it can be plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and see the main sites. Of course, if you do have longer there is plenty to fill your time for a few extra days. In total, we spent around one week in Hanoi and enjoyed our time there.

Two days in Hanoi itinerary

If you have only two days in Hanoi, here is an itinerary to help you see the best bits in 48 hours.

DAY ONE OF TWO DAYS IN HANOI

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Start your day with a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, perched on a small island, accessible via the iconic red bridge. Embrace the tranquility of this historical site.

Coffee Culture: Immerse yourself in Hanoi’s coffee culture. Head to one of the charming local coffee shops, such as Cong Caphe or Giang Café, and savor a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee or the local favorite, ca phe sua da.

Bun Cha Lunch: Delight your taste buds with a classic Vietnamese dish, bun cha. Head to Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously visited by former President Barack Obama. Experience the flavors of grilled pork patties, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter: Dive into the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Explore the narrow lanes filled with vibrant shops, street vendors, and historic architecture. Don’t miss the chance to shop for local crafts and souvenirs.

St Joseph Cathedral: St Joseph’s Cathedral in the Old Quarter is a beautiful building, at night, it is lit up and a beautiful place to visit. Especially if you visit Vietnam around Christmas time.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: Experience the unique art of water puppetry at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This traditional form of entertainment narrates folk tales and legends, providing a delightful cultural experience.

Night Market Adventure:Venture into the local street food scene. Visit the bustling Dong Xuan Night Market for a variety of local dishes, including banh mi, pho, and various Vietnamese snacks.

DAY TWO OF TWO DAYS IN HANOI

Vietnamese Breakfast: Sample a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at a local eatery. Try pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), or xoi xeo (sticky rice with mung beans and fried onions).

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Begin your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a solemn tribute to the founding father of modern Vietnam. Explore the surrounding Ba Dinh Square and nearby One Pillar Pagoda.

Temple of Literature: Immerse yourself in Vietnamese history at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. Explore the well-preserved courtyards, pavilions, and stelae honoring scholars.

Vietnamese Women’s Museum: Gain insights into the role of women in Vietnamese culture at the Vietnamese Women’s Museum. Engage with exhibits showcasing their contributions throughout history.

Hanoi Street Food by Night: Conclude your Hanoi adventure with a street food tour. Explore the city’s culinary treasures, from bun thang (noodle soup with chicken and pork) to cha ca (grilled fish with herbs).

Head to a roof top bar: Hanoi has some amazing bars, head to Northern Soul for beautiful skyline views. Alternatively, The Terminal is a super cosy bar near to the train line in Hanoi – it has a wonderful exclusive speakeasy feel.

Three Days in Hanoi

If you have an extra day in Hanoi to explore, here are a few ideas for more activities to do.

1/ Spa Day in Hanoi – The city offers a range of luxurious spas where you can unwind with traditional Vietnamese massages, herbal treatments, and calming ambiance. Consider places like the Orient Spa Hanoi for a rejuvenating experience. Let the skilled therapists transport you to a realm of serenity, preparing you for the adventures ahead.

2/ Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – his UNESCO World Heritage Site encapsulates centuries of political and cultural significance. Explore ancient gates, palaces, and archaeological relics that offer a glimpse into the imperial past of Hanoi. Don’t miss the Hanoi Flag Tower and the well-preserved Hanoi Citadel, each telling a story of the city’s resilience.

3/ Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – This museum showcases the traditions, rituals, and daily lives of the country’s various ethnic groups. Wander through captivating exhibitions, outdoor displays, and architectural replicas. Gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s cultural mosaic and appreciate the unique heritage that defines this nation.

4/ Dong Xuan Market – This vast market is a treasure trove of goods, from fresh produce and spices to textiles and souvenirs. Navigate through the narrow aisles, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and hone your bargaining skills. Indulge in local street food or grab some traditional Vietnamese coffee to keep your energy high.

5/ Take a cycling tour – if you’ve walked everywhere there is to go in Hanoi, why not take a cycling tour and see the city from a different perspective? This will take you to all the main sites, including the Red River.

Four Days in Hanoi

If you spend four days in Hanoi, you may want to consider taking a day trip out of the city and heading to Ha Long Bay. You can easily take a tour just for the day. Cruise out of the city and into the bay to enjoy some kayaking.

Check out this tour to Ha Long Bay on Get Your Guide Here.

What’s the nightlife like in Hanoi?

Hanoi has great nightlife. There’s something for everyone – whether you want a subtle and romantic night out, or something more wild. At the wilder end of the spectrum, the aptly named Beer Street in the Old Quarter is the best place to visit. Local beer flows and there’s street food aplenty to accompany it.

For foodies, night markets are a great way to spend a night out in Hanoi and they are open late into the evening. You can find out about night markets in Hanoi here. For couples looking for more sophisticated bars, you can find out about our top 5 bars for couples – think rooftops and fancy cocktails.

If you’re travelling to Hanoi to party, you can find out more here about the best places to go.

Where to stay in Hanoi

It’s best to stay near to the Old Quarter in Hanoi, especially if you are only in Hanoi for two days. Here are a few options:

BUDGET: HANOI GOLDEN MOON HOTEL

Located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hanoi Golden Moon Hotel offers budget-friendly accommodations with a strategic location. The hotel provides clean and comfortable rooms, ensuring a pleasant stay for budget-conscious travelers. Guests can easily explore nearby attractions, markets, and street food stalls. The friendly staff is known for their hospitality, making this hotel a great value for those looking to experience Hanoi on a budget.

MID RANGE: ELIANA RUBY HOTEL

Situated near Hoan Kiem Lake, Eliana Ruby Hotel, offers a blend of modern comforts and traditional charm. With tastefully decorated rooms and a range of amenities, this mid-range option provides a comfortable retreat in a central location. Guests can easily explore Hanoi’s iconic attractions, shopping streets, and cultural sites. The hotel’s attentive staff and well-appointed rooms make it an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between affordability and quality.

LUXURY: APRICOT HOTEL

For those seeking a luxurious stay in the heart of Hanoi, Apricot Hotel is an exquisite choice. Located near Hoan Kiem Lake, this five-star hotel boasts elegant rooms, upscale dining options, and top-facilities. The blend of French colonial architecture and Vietnamese aesthetics creates a sophisticated ambiance. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the rooftop bar and pool or indulge in fine dining at the hotel’s restaurants. Apricot Hotel offers a lavish experience for travelers looking for the epitome of luxury in Hanoi.

Getting around Hanoi

Hanoi offers various transportation options for getting around the city. Here are some common ways to navigate Hanoi:

Walking

Hanoi’s Old Quarter and many of its attractions are best explored on foot. Walking allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant street life, discover hidden alleys, and take in the city’s unique charm. However, walking around is not for the faint hearted. It can feel chaotic at times, and there aren’t many pavements. Keep your wits about you.

Taxis

For longer journeys, getting from the airport or from one side of the city to another, taxis are a great option. It’s best to agree to a fixed fare or ensure that the meter is running.

Cycle Rickshaw

You’ll see these everywhere in Hanoi. They can be a leisurely way to explore the city. Personally, we didn’t opt for a rickshaw as we felt a bit strange about the idea of someone peddling us around, but they are used by tourists.

Grab

Grab, Southeast Asia’s popular ride-hailing service, operates in Hanoi. You can use the Grab app to book a car or motorbike taxi. It’s very popular in Hanoi and arguably one of the easiest ways to get around – plus, fares are sorted through the app too.

Where else to visit in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a fabulous country to explore, if it’s your first time visiting you will no doubt want to visit the length and breadth. You can find our guide to where to visit in Vietnam for the first time here.

Written by Emma

Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.

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Most of our planning is done using other blogs, but you can’t beat a guide book at the bottom of your case. Find them here on Amazon.to get the travelling started!

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