TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT HANOI IN A YEAR?
Hanoi is visitable year round, but to enjoy the best Hanoi has to offer, the below times are when you should arrive to have the best experiences:
- Fall (September to November): Fall season in Hanoi is famous for its cool and clean weather. Average temperature is around 25 Celsius. In this time, the leaves begin to turn yellow, red creating dreamily and breathtaking views. This is also the time when the milkwood tree (Hanoi signature tree) begins to blossom bringing with it a pleasant aroma.
- Spring (February to April): Warm weather in spring, with the average temperature around 20-25 Celsius. This is the time when trees budding, and flowers blooming bringing a lively and hopeful atmosphere.
- Winter (December to January of next year): It is quite cold in Hanoi during winter, temperature can go below 10 Celsius. However, if you are not bothered by the cold and want to experience Lunar New Year in Vietnam, this time is not a bad choice to visit.
You should carefully consider if you want to visit Hanoi during summer (May to August). Summer in Hanoi is very hot, the temperature can go as high as 35-40 Celsius. During these times, it is better if you visit a cooler or coastal city like Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc…
2. HANOI 3 DAYS ITINERARY: WHERE TO GO? WHAT TO DO?
Hanoi is an ideal destination for tourists interested in discovering the culture, history and cuisine of Vietnam. If you have a chance to spend 3 days in Hanoi, the following travel plan is perfect for you.
2.1. DAY 1 IN HANOI
Old quarters, Dong Xuan market, Hoan Kiem lake, Ta Hien street are some famous places in Hanoi that TrustVisa wants you to go to and explore during your first day in Hanoi.
2.1.1. THE MORNING OF THE FIRST DAY - EXPLORE THE OLD QUARTERS
Start your journey with a fresh coffee in Hanoi old quarters. Vietnamese coffee is famous for its rich aroma, strong taste that charms numerous drinkers. During winter or spring a freshly made milk coffee is perfect to start the day. If you arrive in Hanoi during summer or fall, you should choose ice coffee, white coffee or coconut extract coffee instead. When enjoying your coffee, you can also eat a small cake or Banh mi to enhance the flavor. With a cup of coffee and a cake, you should have enough energy to start your discovery of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
Old quarters are full of narrow streets, rows of houses side by side and a bustling, busy atmosphere will bring you the energy of time long pass. Here each street is named after a specific traditional trade or crafts. Hang Bac street is specified in silverware and silver jewellery, Hang Ma street is for decorative items, Hang Dao is for silk and fabric. Walking around these streets and you will find a unique cultural beauty and a lively atmosphere specific to Hanoi.
Next, you can spend some time in Dong Xuan market – one of the biggest and oldest markets in Hanoi. Lie somewhere in the middle of old quarters, Dong Xuan market is a bustling shopping center, where you can find whatever you want, from clothes, shoes, household items to different kinds of foods and other local delicacies. You can also enjoy different foods right in the middle of the road like bún chả, phở, bánh cuốn. Immerse yourself in the busy market, the non stop flow of people, buy some unique souvenirs and enjoy local foods. This place will give you many memories.
2.1.2. AFTERNOON OF THE FIRST DAY - WALK AROUND HOAN KIEM LAKE
In the afternoon, you can spend some time walking around Hoan Kiem Lake (Guom Lake) – the heart of Hanoi. From But Tower, you will travel alongside the riverbank covered by trees and stop at the bright red The Huc bridge, leading into Ngoc Son shrine in the middle of the lake. This is an extremely important historical site, dedicated to worshipping King Tran Hung Dao or Tran Quoc Tuan – a national hero leading Vietnam to victory against the mighty Mongol empire.
Moving along, you will see Rua tower – an ancient structure in the middle of the lake. This is a symbol of Hanoi, a part of the old legend of king Le Loi and the mystical blade that was given to him. Spend some time sitting at a nearby stone bench and relaxing, observing the tower and its image reflecting on the water, and enjoy the slower lifestyle of the city.
The area surrounding the lake is also a concentrated place with many architectural and historical significant sites such as Hanoi Grand Theater, Walking streets – where plenty of cultural, artful activities occur.
2.1.3. NIGHT OF THE FIRST DAY - LOSE YOURSELF IN TA HIEN STREET
Ta Hien Street is a famous place for all tourists when arriving in Hanoi. It is a place that simply does not sleep, where the youth of Hanoi flock to each night after a hard working day. If you want to experience Hanoi’s nightlife atmosphere and immerse yourself with the natives, you need to visit Ta Hien street.
Here you can enjoy cold beers (4% alcohol) and enjoy Vietnam’s unique drinking style and atmosphere. The cheering and counting before each drink also increases your excitement.
2.2. DAY 2 IN HANOI
On your second day of your 3 day tour of Hanoi, you can continue to discover many tourist attractions and enjoy the local delicacies.
2.2.1. MORNING OF THE 2ND DAY - TIME TO VISIT HANOI FAMOUS CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANT SITES
On the morning of the 2nd day in Hanoi, you should visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Where Ho Chi Minh, a great leader of Vietnam slumber. Here you can queue up to visit the Mausoleum and other areas after such as: Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh old stilt house, fish pond, Ho Chi Minh museum etc…
Your next destination is Thang Long Imperial Citadel – a world renowned, UNESCO certified cultural and historical site. It used to be the political center of Vietnam through many different monarch dynasties. When stepping foot into the Citadel, you can witness plenty of ancient historical structures from different dynasties like the Ly, Tran, Le… Ancient artifacts discovered through excavation such as ceramics, decorative items, ancient tools… will bring you a closer look into Vietnam historical and cultural development through the ages.
You can end your tour of the morning of the 2nd day in Hanoi by stopping at Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám. This historical and cultural site consist of many different structures such as Văn Miếu (worshipping Confusius), Quốc Tử Giám (Vietnam 1st university), Giám garden (with many different species of plants), Văn lake (where artists and scholars gather to judge and review each other works). With many unique structures, a calm and natural atmosphere Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám attract ten of thousands of tourists each year.
2.2.2. AFTERNOON OF YOUR 2ND DAY: ENJOY LOCAL DELICACIES
Hanoi has many different tasty and attractive food: beef phở, bún riêu (rice vermicelli with different kind of minced meat like crab of fish), bánh cuốn (rice batter with minced pork, mushroom and minced shallots), bún chả (rice noodle with grilled pork and sauce), bánh xèo (sizzling, crispy pancake with pork, shrimp filling)… Enjoy everything you want and don’t even worry about the prices, food in Hanoi are cheap, with just $2 you can have a delicious bowl of phở.
After eating, you can try to relax in one of many famous coffee places like Giảng Coffee (famous for egg coffee) or Cộng Cafe (beloved for the unique coconut coffee)…
2.2.3. THE EVENING OF DAY 2: WATER PUPPET SHOW
In the evening of your 2nd day, try to enjoy some unique art form of Vietnam like a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. This is a traditional art form of Vietnam and a unique show will bring you many memorable experiences.
2.3. YOUR 3RD DAY IN HANOI
What can you do on your 3rd day in Hanoi? Below are some suggestions for you:
2.3.1. MORNING OF YOUR 3RD DAY - CONTINUE TO VISIT HISTORICAL, CULTURAL SIGNIFICANT DESTINATIONS
You can always start your 3rd day by enjoying some coffee at a small coffee shop right next to the train tracks around Phung Huong station. This is where you can take many prize worthy pictures with beautiful and harmonious sceneries of train running through old houses.
Your next stop is Hoa Lo Prison, built by French colonizers to imprison Vietnam’s freedom fighters. Here you can witness historical relics and documents of the lives of the people imprisoned here and the amount of suffering they have suffered in this place.
Vietnamese Women Museum is also a destination you should not miss. This is where thousands of relics, pictures and other rare and precious documents are displayed, celebrating the achievements of the fairer sex in Vietnam’s history. It is separated into 3 main categories: Women in family activities, women contribution in Vietnam’s history and women fashion throughout the ages. From traditional clothes, everyday items to stories about the bravery of some heroes during the wars. All to celebrate the bravery, resilience and the undying spirit of Vietnam’s women.
2.3.2. AFTERNOON OF YOUR 3RD DAY - WALK AROUND TAY LAKE
Spend your afternoon around Tây Lake – the biggest freshwater lake in Hanoi. This place is not just a tourist attraction with a calm view but also an area packed with cultural destinations. You can rent a bicycle to cycle around the lake, enjoy the cool, fresh air and view the scenery. Many destinations such as Quán Thánh Shrine, Trấn Quốc Temple are also worth your time if you can visit them.
Don’t forget to enjoy the delicious street food around this area: Tây lake Shrimp cake, Tràng Tiền ice cream are all famous food for local.
2.3.3. EVENING OF YOUR 3RD DAY - VIEW HANOI FROM A SKYBAR
You can end your trip in Hanoi in a Skybar – where you can enjoy delicious cocktails while watching Hanoi nightlife from above. Moonlight, Sky Bar, Top of Hanoi, Lighthouse Sky Bar… are some of the most famous bars because of their breathtaking views. Here you can enjoy the music, the dynamic atmosphere and create some memorable experiences with your friends.
3. CAUTIONS WHEN YOU ARE IN HANOI
To travel around without hassle, and have a safe, memorable and enjoyable trip follow these instructions:
- Prepare all required documents: You need a passport, visa (make sure they are still valid). If you have problems in getting a Visa, don’t forget to contact TrustVisa for support.
- Check the weather: Hanoi has 4 distinctive weather seasons, therefore please check the weather before you go out to prepare for unforeseen weather problems.
- Transportation vehicle: Hanoi has an extension bus system which you can use to travel around to save some money. Beside that, you can always rent a bike or order a taxi, you should download some popular apps to use this option like Grab, Be, Xanh SM to avoid being scammed.
- Where you want to go: Put down a detailed list of where you want to visit. Don’t forget to check the operating time to avoid arriving outside of working hours.
- Try out local delicacies: Don’t miss out on some traditional Vietnamese foods.
- Wear appropriate clothing when going to temples, pagodas: wear polite and discrete clothing.
- Protect your belongings: Be mindful of your phone, wallet and other accessories when travelling in a crowded area.
- Remember to bargain: If you are buying at a flea market, please remember to bargain to get better prices. But in shopping centers, big stores, the prices are usually set and can’t be changed.
- Learn some basic Vietnamese sentences: To make your trip easier, learn some basic Vietnamese sentences. It would make the people of Vietnam even more friendly toward you.
After 3 days in Hanoi, we hope you have a memorable trip and countless experiences. From ancient relics to crowded streets, Hanoi has many more to offer you when you return. Hanoi has over 1000 years of cultural and historical development to offer returning tourist and you will discover even more when you return.