What to do in Hanoi in 3 days: A traveling guideline for tourists

Hanoi has so much to offer, from its rich history and vibrant culture to its warm people and delicious cuisine. If you’re unsure how to spend three days in Hanoi, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip!

Day 1: Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Beginning your morning with a bowl of Bun thang in the Old Quarter offers you a subtle yet flavorful start to the day. After breakfast, walk toward Hoan Kiem Lake and feel the serene and cold atmosphere. You can cross the iconic red bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple, a small but meaningful site dedicated to national heroes and the teachings of Confucian teachings. From the lake, continue exploring the Old Quarter, where each street showcases a craft tradition and the lively urban energy that defines Hanoi.

The crowded and energetic Old Quarter (Source: thanglong.chinhphu)

For lunch, enjoy a portion of Bun cha, the iconic Vietnamese dish that contains grilled pork patties and slices with fresh herbs and vermicelli noodles. In the afternoon, take a stroll to the nearby prominent French-colonial landmark built in the late 19th century: the St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Its quiet courtyard provides a moment of calm in the center of the city. 

If you are looking for a bit of excitement, head to Train Street, a narrow residential lane where a railway track runs directly between people’s homes and cafés. Take some time to observe local life, enjoy a drink, and watch the train pass through. It’s a thrilling and uniquely memorable experience, capturing the distinctive character of Hanoi.

Train Street (Source: Baolaodong)

For your first dinner in the city, try Cha ca La Vong, a celebrated dish of turmeric-marinated fish cooked with dill and spring onions, then paired with rice noodles and roasted peanuts. Afterwards, you can go to Ta Hien Street, have a beer and a light snack while soaking in the vibrant Hanoi nightlife. If it is a weekend, take a stroll around the Hanoi Night Market in the heart of the Old Quarter to sightsee, shop for souvenirs, and immerse yourself in the city’s lively community vibe.

Read more: Discover the Best of Hanoi Nightlife: Where to Go and What to Do

Day 2: Ba Dinh District - Temple of Literature - West Lake

Enjoy a breakfast of beef or chicken pho, letting the rich broth warm your stomach. Then head to the Ba Dinh District, home to several of Vietnam’s most important historical sites. Begin with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then take time to explore the surrounding complex, including the Presidential Palace grounds, the Stilt House, and peaceful garden pathways. Nearby stands the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic temple famous for its lotus-inspired design and profound Buddhist symbolism.

You can head back to the Old Quarter for lunch or eat in a traditional Vietnamese restaurant in the surrounding area. After lunch, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university dating back to 1070. Its series of courtyards, old trees, and turtle steles honor generations of scholars and the Confucian ideals that once guided education. 

The Temple of Literature (Source: ditichlichsu-vanhoahanoi)

Later, make your way to West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi. You can admire the lakeside setting and ancient architecture in Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s oldest spiritual sites. For one whose country did not practice Buddhism, that would definitely be a brand-new encounter. 

For dinner, try Mien tron, glass noodles served with crispy eel or combined with chicken, pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs. The mixed version presents a gentle yet flavorful harmony of sauces and textures, while the soup version is savory and warming with delicious broth. After dinner, West Lake offers many quiet and stylish cafés for you to sit back, relax, and savor a coconut coffee or the famous egg coffee while enjoying the scenic views.

Day 3: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology/Bat Trang Ceramic Village - Dong Xuan Market

Start your final day with a traditional breakfast at Xoi yen, where sticky rice is topped with mung beans, fried shallots, chicken, pâté, or other savory toppings. Once energized, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, an excellent introduction to the country’s 54 ethnic groups. The museum combines indoor exhibits with outdoor traditional houses, offering insights into architecture, beliefs, costumes, and cultural practices. 

Xoi yen (Source: Facebook Chuyen cua Ha Noi)

Alternatively, if you prefer a hands-on cultural experience, take a short trip to Bat Trang Ceramic Village, where for centuries artisans have produced pottery by hand. Visitors can watch craftsmen work or try shaping and decorating ceramics themselves. For lunch, choose between Bun rieu - a light and tangy crab-and-tomato noodle soup, or Banh cuon, delicate steamed rice rolls served with fish sauce and herbs. 

In the afternoon, you can go explore Dong Xuan Market, the city’s largest indoor market. You will see many stalls with vendors selling fabrics, snacks, souvenirs, and daily essentials, where you might come across something that you like. However, some salesmen can push you to buy goods, which you could politely refuse by saying “Khong, cam on” (No, thank you).

Dong Xuan Market (Source: congly)

For your final dinner, enjoy Bun bo Nam Bo, a dry noodle dish featuring tender beef, herbs, fried shallots, peanuts, and a sweet-sour sauce that gives it a refreshing balance. Another option is a local hotpot restaurant, where fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and meats are cooked right at the table - a warm and satisfying way to conclude your time in Hanoi. After dinner, spend your last evening taking a gentle walk through the Old Quarter or relaxing in a quiet café to reflect on your three days of exploring the city.

Tips for a fulfilling trip to Hanoi for 3 days

For people who intend to give Hanoi a visit, Tonkin Boutique Hotel & Spa has some advice that can help make your travel more enjoyable.

• Getting around: Walk whenever possible to truly experience local life. For longer distances, you can use personal vehicles or taxi/ride-hailing apps. Personal motorbikes or cars are more flexible, but finding parking spots might be a little troublesome. Taxis and ride-hailing services cost more, but the drivers will take you wherever you want.
• Cash and cards: Carry some Vietnamese dong, as many small shops and street food stalls accept only cash.
• Crossing the street: In Vietnam, vehicles go in the right path of the street. Move slowly and steadily, maybe raise your hand to the traffic as a sign, and they will naturally flow around you.
• Take your time: Hanoi’s charm is in the details. Pause to sip egg coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake, stroll along quiet alleys, or watch life unfold in the Old Quarter. Small moments like these often become the most memorable.

The creamy sweet egg coffee is worth the try (Source: Cafe Giang)

• Local etiquette: Spiritual places are sacred destinations, so you should wear modest clothes when visiting these. Politely remove shoes and avoid taking pictures if you are asked to do so. A friendly attitude and smile will always be welcomed more than most.

In case you have not known where to start, we offer the tours to show you the real Hanoi, both in the center and in the countryside. If you need more information, please contact us at (+84) 989 409 412 for tour consultation!

Where to stay in Hanoi for 3 days

For short stays, it is best to stay in the city center, like at the Tonkin Boutique Hotel & Spa, where you can easily walk or take short rides to major attractions. Located at 62 Chau Long Str., Ba Dinh Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam, it only takes about 20 minutes to walk from the hotel to the Old Quarter. 

Nestled in the heart of the city, this boutique gem offers elegant rooms with modern comfort, creating a serene retreat after a day of exploring. Each room is thoughtfully designed, ensuring guests feel pampered with plush bedding, calming decor, and amenities that cater to both leisure and business travelers.

Choose Tonkin Boutique Hotel & Spa as your stay 

The experience doesn’t stop at your room. The Gạo Ta restaurant invites guests to continue their culinary journey with traditional Vietnamese dishes, prepared with fresh, local ingredients in the hands of skillful chefs. You can enjoy authentic flavors without leaving the comfort of the hotel. Meanwhile, the hotel’s bar provides a relaxed setting to sip cocktails or unwind with a glass of wine, perfect for reflecting on your day’s adventures in Hanoi.

Whether you’re visiting for a short getaway or an extended stay, Tonkin Boutique Hotel & Spa offers the ideal combination of comfort, elegance, and convenience. Connect with us through the hotline (+84) 989 406 632 and savor every moment in Hanoi!