4 Days in Hanoi Itinerary: The Complete City Guide

Planning a trip to Vietnam’s Capital? Keep reading for our insider’s 4 days in Hanoi itinerary to plan the perfect escape.

The capital of the land of the Dragon- Hanoi, has movement, energy, culture and a certain restlessness you can’t get enough of. It’s a city with hundreds of years of history, culture and food so delicious you probably shouldn’t be surprised if you find yourself eating constantly throughout your stay.

4 days in Hanoi is the perfect amount of time to really explore and get to know this wonderful city and learn about its past and present.

This 4 days Hanoi Vietnam itinerary covers all the well-known sites and the lesser-known ones too from the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to all the small temples, lakes, parks and markets that make this city what it is today.

In 4 days you’ll also have time to visit the picturesque Cat Ba Island on a day trip from Hanoi, Vietnam. Keep reading for the only itinerary for Hanoi that you’ll need!

* This ‘ 4 days in Hanoi itinerary ‘ guide contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.

Where is Hanoi?

Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital located in the north of the country. It sits on the Red River and is 120 km from the coastal city of Hai Phong.

Best Time to Visit Ha noi

Ha noi and Northern Vietnam have four distinct seasons.

The best time to visit is Spring (February-April) and Autumn (October-November).

Due to its subtropical climate, summers in Hanoi are very hot, humid and wet with temperatures often exceeding 35°C/95°F.

Winters can be fairly cool and are generally less wet.

I visited in January and found the weather to be pretty cold and grey after having just come from Southern Vietnam. If you prefer the heat of tropical Asian countries then try to avoid the winter. 

There is definitely a distinct difference between the heat of southern Vietnam and the cold of Northern Vietnam in the winter months.

Getting to Hanoi

From the Airport

To start your 4 days in Hanoi itinerary you’ll need to get in first. From Ha Noi International Airport (Noi Bai) there are three main options for travelling the 30km into the city centre.

You can take a shuttle bus ($2), or a taxi ($13) with travel time taking between 1 and 1.5 hours.

Shuttle bus – Several different shuttle buses depart every 30-45 minutes from just outside the terminal building costing around 40,000VND ($1.80).

Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar all have their own shuttle but make sure you enquire about taking the Jetstar one if you didn’t fly with them.

They make several convenient stops with one being very close to Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter (Jetstar). From the final stop, you can continue your journey by taxi (Grab) or on foot. 

Taxi– Taxis cost 200,000 VND – 350,000 VND ($9 – $15.50) when flagged down outside of the arrivals building. One of the best ways to get a taxi from the airport is using the Grab app. Make sure to download the app before your arrival in Vietnam.

At the airport, you can buy a local SIM card, or get an e-sim through Airalo before your trip and switch it on when you land.

If you’re traveling around South East Asia you can also get a regional SIM through Airalo which means you’ll need just the one SIM for all countries in South East Asia.

Overland

If you’re arriving to Hanoi from elsewhere in Vietnam, it’s best to use Grab to take a taxi from the bus or train station to your hotel.

To book inbound or onward travel from Hanoi, use Bookaway– the best way to book local transport to/from Hanoi online.

How to Get Around Hanoi

In Hanoi, most places of interest to travellers are fairly close to Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter which is where most travellers base themselves.

Due to this, central Hanoi is fairly walkable and I’d definitely take advantage of the short distances to stroll around and get to know the streets when getting from place to place.

If you’re heading somewhere a little further, I’d recommend using Grab, the Uber-equivalent app used in many Asian countries.

It’s cheap, safe and the prices are fixed meaning no funny surprises at your destination.  Xe om (motorbike taxis) are also easy to find in Hanoi with a journey around the city centre costing about 20,000 VND.

For two or more people a metered taxi is often cheaper than a couple of xe om. 

Our 4 Days Hanoi Itinerary

So, what to do in Hanoi for 4 days? There’s plenty to keep you busy. Want the quick Hanoi Itinerary 4 days? Find the quick itinerary version below.

Day One– Old Quarter Walk / Hang Gai Silk Street/ St. Joseph’s Cathedral / Train Street / Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple / Water Puppet Show
Day Two– Da Binh Square & Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum / One Pillar Pagoda / Presidential Palace Historical Site / Hoa Lo Prison /Night Market (only on weekends)
Day Three – Thăng Long Imperial Citadel / Vietnam Military History Museum / Temple of Literature/ Phùng Hưng Mural Street / Go Shopping at Dong Xuan Market
Day Four- Cat Ba Island Day Trip / Ha Long Bay / Ninh Bin

For a 3 days Hanoi itinerary, you can skip the last day of the itinerary- the day trip outside the city and just stick to the first 3 days in Hanoi.

Hanoi Itinerary for 4 Days

Day One

Explore the Old Quarter

The highlight of any Hanoi trip itinerary is definitely the Old Quarter and the little streets and alleyways that compose it.

Start your first day in the city exploring the Old Quarter and all its little corners to get your bearings.

You’ll notice the fast pace of the city, the noise, traffic and bikes as well as all the shops selling everything you could possibly imagine from silk dresses to metal bird cages.

There are so many sellers on the streets balancing fruit over their bicycles and the carts selling ice-cold drinks and coffee.

These old streets are full of magical temples to explore as well as cafes, restaurants and gift shops all competing for your attention. One of the best things to do in Hanoi is just to walk around them and go where your eye takes you.

Hanoi Old Town is closed to traffic on the weekends making it much more pleasurable to walk around. If you are visiting on the weekend make sure to leave exploring the Old Quarter for then.

If you don’t want to explore the Old Quarter alone, and prefer to have a knowledgeable guide with you, then you can also opt for a Hanoi city tour itinerary. Check out this highly-rated Hanoi Old Quarter & Red River Delta Cycling Tour instead.

Hang Gai Silk Street

Once you’ve had a bit of a wander, head over to Hang Gai, Hanoi’s old silk street where you’ll find a large variety of shops selling nothing but silk.

The silk industry played a big part in the culture and economic development of Vietnam and it was even used as a type of currency throughout history.

Hang Gai is the place to go for silk shopping and even if you’re not interested in buying, it’s still a lovely glimpse into the culture.

Many stores offer quality tailoring where you can have a T-shirt or suit tailor-made at a very reasonable price.

Alternatively choose items like shirts, trousers, pyjamas, scarves, sarongs, tablecloths, napkins and wall hangings from their inventory, all of which make great souvenirs or gifts to take home. 

As it can take some time for tailor-made items to be made, make sure to head to Silk Street on your first day.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Next, head south to St. Joseph’s Church, a Roman Catholic Cathedral that might seem a little out of place here in the middle of Hanoi Vietnam.

This Cathedral was built in the 19th Century by the French colonial government and does remind you of a mini-version of Notre Dame.

If a mass isn’t being conducted inside, you’ll be able to walk around and have a look at the adornments inside which include French-made stained glass windows and a rib vaulted ceiling just like those found on Gothic Cathedrals in Europe. 

Train Street

In the afternoon head over to Train Street, the Instagram famous location, where, twice a day (3pm and 7pm) a train passes by nerve-wrackingly close to residents’ houses and stores.

Train Street did close in 2019 due to safety concerns but as of January 2023- it’s now open and operational again.

There are also a number of cafes that still flank the train line, and it’s a great idea to head in and grab a typical Vietnamese coffee as you wait for a train to pass. 

Hoan Kiem Lake

Next head to Hoan Kiem Lake for a late afternoon walk around Hanoi’s most famous lake. While you’re here make sure to explore the streets around the lake and Ngoc Son Temple, the beautiful temple located in the middle of the lake.

You’ll have probably already seen the lake by now or even walked or run around it. The lake looks beautiful both on a clear, sunny day but also on a grey and foggy afternoon.

Cross the red bridge onto the little island on the lake and explore Ngoc Son temple and the little shrines and pagodas found here. The views of the lake are lovely from here and it’s a really peaceful place to walk around and even meditate in. 

If you’re a runner then Hoan Kiem Lake is also a great place to go for a run in the evening or early morning with the locals who are also out exercising. 

Water Puppet Show

Another thing Hanoi is famous for is the water puppet show, a colourful and unique display of this traditional art form which dates back to the 11th Century. This is a must-do on your 4 days in Hanoi itinerary!

Water puppetry originated from the rice fields of Vietnam where villagers would stand knee-deep in the flooded rice paddies moving puppets across the water.

Even though puppetry can now be seen all over the world, it originated from North Vietnam so seeing a show at the renowned Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is a must.

Most of the shows tell stories based on Vietnamese folk tales about the rice harvest in a humorous way. Tickets to the theatre sell out pretty quickly so it’s wise to book your Water Puppet Show Tickets online before your visit.

It’s also a good idea to pay a little more to sit towards the front of the theatre as the puppets are fairly small. It’s a fun evening out and a great way to end your Hanoi itinerary 4 days. 

Day Two

Da Binh Sqaure and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Start day two of your 4 days Hanoi itinerary with a bit of Vietnamese culture and history by heading to Da Binh Square- the site where President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence in 1945.

Ho Chi Minh was a revered Communist revolutionary and leader who had a significant role in 20th-century Vietnamese history and politics.

At the mausoleum, you’ll be able to see his embalmed body peacefully at rest. To visit the mausoleum you’ll have to leave all your belongings at the designated area so make sure you only take the essentials with you that morning.

Try to also visit early as the mausoleum can get very crowded with especially keen groups of Vietnamese. Note that it is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

One Pillar Pagoda

Located just next to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is one of the most iconic temples in Vietnam, the One Pillar Pagoda.

This might just be the smallest temple you’ll ever see with the wooden structure standing upon just one thick stone pillar.

It dates back to the 11th Century and while there isn’t much to explore, you can climb the stone staircase around the back and peer inside at the small shrine devoted to Avalokitesvara Boddhisatva inside the pagoda.

Again, make sure to come here early in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds.

Presidential Palace Historical Site

Behind the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you find a vast green space called the Presidential Palace Historical Site.

Here, you’ll be able to see quite a few interesting buildings scattered around including a French Colonial Mansion from the 1900s and the house where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked.

You’ll be able to explore the beautiful, traditional, two-story wooden house where he lived, as well as a pond and various other government buildings. Don’t miss his rather cool classic car collection too.

If you have a bit more time and energy I’d recommend exploring these parks and green areas a little more- it’s a delightful little oasis in the middle of the bustling city. 

Hoa Lo Prison

After a long and leisurely lunch head over to Hoa Lo Prison.

While this isn’t going to be the most uplifting experience on this Hanoi itinerary -in fact, it’s rather grim- the prison tells an important story of what happened in Vietnam during the last centuries.

The prison was originally used by the French Colonists and later by North Vietnam for American prisoners of the Vietnam War. As you enter you’ll see the words Maison Centrale above the gate- the original French name designated for long-term sentences or dangerous prisoners.

Inside you’ll learn about the brutal and inhumane treatment of prisoners here with life-size reconstructions of where prisoners sat all day long shackled at the feet under French rule and later how the North Vietnamese treated POW.

The experience is saddening but it’s an insightful place to visit if you’d like to know more about the history of Vietnam or perhaps it’s more barbaric side. 

Night Market

If you’re in Hanoi over the weekend, which I highly recommend, spend this evening wandering the streets of the night market in the centre of the Old Quarter.

You’ll be able to find an array of modern and traditional street food, souvenirs, local decor items, clothes and accessories at really great prices.

One of the best things to do is simply wander around, grab a street-side table and enjoy a cold drink while watching the locals go about their evening.

Day Three

Thăng Long Imperial Citadel

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a complex of historic imperial buildings dating back to the 11th Century.

Unfortunately, much of it was destroyed throughout history, especially during the 19th Century. You can still, however, see the Hanoi Flag Tower, the North Gate entrance, the rather destroyed Kính Thiên Palace and the D67 Tunnel and House, a secret excavation tunnel carved out by the People’s Army of Vietnam during the war.

While not much is left compared to what would have existed in the past, it’s still a great place to walk around, explore and dream about how it would have looked like long ago. 

Vietnam Military History Museum

Just off Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, you’ll find the Vietnam Military History Museum. Visiting the Vietnam Military History Museum in Hanoi is an immersive journey into the heart of Vietnam’s rich and tumultuous past.

The museum is housed in a grand, historic French colonial building, where inside you’ll see exhibits on the Vietnam War and an outdoor display of military hardware.

The exhibits on the Vietnam War, provide a poignant glimpse into the hardships endured by the Vietnamese people during this protracted conflict.

The museum’s extensive collection includes a wide array of artefacts, from tanks and aircraft to personal items belonging to soldiers, all of which serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom.

The outdoor display of military hardware, including iconic Soviet-era tanks, artillery pieces and several aircraft serves as a testament to Vietnam’s military fortitude over the centuries.

Temple of Literature

Not far from the Military History Museum is the gorgeous Temple of Literature. If you’re a bookworm, this one is definitely for you, yet even still this is one of the most beautiful little temples in Hanoi Vietnam.

This ancient complex, founded in 1070, is a living testament to the country’s reverence for knowledge and scholarship. The Temple pays homage to Confucius and honors Vietnam’s scholars and intellectuals, making it a symbol of the nation’s deep-rooted respect for learning.

The architecture, with its intricate details and traditional design, exudes a sense of timeless elegance.

Strolling through its well-preserved courtyards and serene gardens, you’ll no doubt be enveloped by an atmosphere of tranquillity and peace.

Phùng Hưng Mural Street

Coming back into the Old Quarter, follow the train line over to Phùng Hung Mural Street, a long stretch of murals depicting local Vietnamese life and memories.

The murals are painted on the wall that encompasses the train tracks, each one within its own arch under the tracks.

Local artists have depicted Vietnamese history or local Hanoi memories and scenes from daily life rather skillfully all along this beautiful street which attracts both local and foreign visitors.

The murals provide excellent glimpses into the past and what life was like during the last century and beyond and can teach us a lot about Vietnamese life and culture during this time.

Dong Xuan Market 

No Hanoi itinerary is complete without a bit of shopping so if you haven’t yet got your shopping fix then head to Dong Xuan Market, this afternoon.

Not only does this vibrant market allow you to buy pretty much everything under the sun for very little it’s also a great insight into local life and culture.

Many local people come to this market daily to buy fresh produce and other items they need so it’s a unique opportunity to experience life through their eyes.

It’s also a great place to discover some new local fruits and vegetables, much of it you can buy and eat back at your hotel.

Day Four

Make the most of 4 days in Hanoi with a day trip excursion into the surrounding area. 4 days in Hanoi is actually the perfect amount of time for seeing both the city and also making the most of some amazing sights nearby.

There are many different day trips from Hanoi including the famed Ha Long Bay and its more peaceful alternative Cat Ba Island. You can also explore Ninh Binh and Mua Cave on a day trip from Hanoi.

These trips are possible to do on your own in a day but transportation to some places can be quite tricky and can take a lot of time. For this reason, if you are heading to Cat Ba Island, Ninh Binh or Halong Bay just for the day, it’s best to do a tour to get the most out of your time.

Ha Long Bay

I personally wouldn’t recommend heading to Ha Long Bay for just one day from Hanoi, but I know many do, especially if you only have a few days to explore Northern Vietnam.

The best way to visit Ha Long Bay in a day from Hanoi is to go on an organised tour as this will save you a lot of time when it comes to booking transportation and boats in the bay.

Check the below for the best Ha Long Bay Day Tours from Hanoi:

Hanoi: 1-Day Ha Long Bay Cruise w/ Titop Island & Luon Cave

1-Day Halong 5-Star Cruise w/Jacuzzi & Limousine

Halong Bay Deluxe Full-Day Trip by Boat

Halong Bay In Just One Day with Ti Top Island

Halong 5 Star Day Cruise: Buffet Lunch, Wine& Fruit

Cat Ba Island ( 2 Days)

Cat Ba Island is a large island that sits in Lan Ha Bay, the bay adjacent to Ha Long Bay. It’s a stunning little island with plenty to do, including the gorgeous Cat Ba National Park.

One of the most popular activities is a Lan Ha Bay cruise which will take you past giant limestone piles, floating villages and unique landscapes.

Lan Ha Bay is a brilliant alternative to Ha Long Bay as it’s much less popular so it tends not to be so full of boats, however, it has been gaining popularity over the years.

Looking at the map, Cat Ba Island does look fairly far from Hanoi and it can be a hassle to get to on your own due to the amount of transportation involved in getting there. The best way to do Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi is by booking organised transport or taking a tour.

If you want to make your own itinerary on Cat Ba Island, you can book transportation to Cat Ba here. Opt for the 7.30 a.m. departure time. The journey takes 3.5 hours.

Due to the journey time, it is advised to stay overnight however as the 7-hour round trip doesn’t leave much room for exploring. The next day you can book yourself onto this Lan Ha Bay Day Cruise, kayaking, Snorkling from Cat Ba Island to see the best of the Bay.

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, located in northern Vietnam, just south of Hanoi, is a mesmerizing destination known for its stunning karst landscapes, rice paddies, and winding rivers.

Often referred to as “Halong Bay on Land,” it offers boat tours through limestone caves and temples nestled amid the natural beauty. Ninh Binh is a serene escape from bustling cities, which makes it an excellent way to spend your last day in Hanoi.

You could travel to Ninh Binh by bus or private transfer in the morning, but again, if you only have a day, a day tour would be better.

The best Ninh Bin tour without a doubt is this Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave Via Boat & Bike.

Alternatively, this From Hanoi: Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Mua Caves Full-Day Trip is another very similar option.

Where to Stay in Hanoi

The best place to base yourself during your 4 day Hanoi itinerary is in the Old Quarter or around Hoan Kiem Lake where most of the sights, markets and points of interest are located.

In general, accommodation in Hanoi is great value for money and it’s a great place to really splurge on luxurious accommodation.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi- There’s nothing quite like this infamous, palace-like, 5-star option in the middle of Hanoi. This hotel makes you feel like absolute royalty, with finely decorated rooms, free-standing tubs in the bathroom, a beautiful garden to enjoy and some of the best views of Hoan Kiem Lake.

There’s also a large outdoor pool, spa and gym to help you stay healthy throughout your trip.  This hotel pulls out all the stops in terms of both service and facilities. Book your stay here.

La Passion Hanoi Hotel & Spa – Beautiful, Old world Vietnamese decor, brilliant service and pure luxury all for a very good price tag outside the high season. Book here.

The Oriental Jade Hotel – Beautiful modern hotel right opposite St Joseph’s Cathedral. Lovely old-world-meets-modern decor, rooftop pool and sky bar to relax in after a long day of exploring. Book the best rates here.

Grand Mercure Hanoi – A lavish property that really embodies the delicate Vietnamese style of decor. Service here is incredible and the rooms are bright, spacious and well-decorated. Book the best rates here.

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake– Located outside of the Old Quarter, right on the shores of West Lake, rooms have stunning views of the tranquil lake, great decor and fantastic service throughout. You can also book this one with IHG points. Book your stay here.

Where to Eat & Drink in Hanoi

Vietnam has an extremely rich culture which also extends to the food.

The food in Hanoi and Vietnam for that matter is absolutely delicious and everywhere you turn you’ll find steaming bowls of pho, crunchy banh mi, flavoursome bun cha and coconut coffees.

Hanoi it’s also super plant-based and health-friendly. Many of the vegan restaurants are a little out of the way but there are still plenty of vegetarian and vegan options around the Old Quarter.

You definitely won’t run out of places to eat during your 4 day Hanoi itinerary.

Pho Bat Dan – Known as the best pho in Hanoi, you’ll soon spot this place thanks to its queue of locals outside the front door. There’s nothing else to order but the beef pho. Just make sure to get here early to avoid the rush. Address: 40 Bat Dan street, Hoan Kiem district.

Pho Thin – Another top pho spot that you’ll need to try at least once. Address: 13 Lo Duc street, Hai Ba Trung District

Hoang’s Restaurant – One of the best restaurants in the city specializing in local Vietnamese food and vegan options. Address: 56 P. Hàng Buồm

Bún Chả Đắc Kim – Some of the best bun cha in Hanoi. Address: 1 Hang Manh, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem,

Backstage – Contemporary, upscale Vietnamese food at Capella Hanoi. Address: 11 Le Phung Hieu, Hoan Kiem

Bahn Mi 25 – Everything you want from a bahn mi, soft yet crunchy baguette, fresh veggies and smoky, tender pork. Address: 25 P. Hàng Cá, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm

The Note Coffee– A famous cafe full of post-it notes, where you can write your own and stick it up on the wall. Located right by Hoan Kiem Lake.

Uncover more fun activities and tours to do in the city during your 4 days in Hanoi itinerary:

Do you have any questions and comments about this Hanoi 4 days itinerary? Leave them below!

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