What to do in Hanoi in 4 days: Breathe in the atmosphere

Hanoi is a city where tradition and modern life intertwine with effortless grace. If you have not known where to go and what to do in Hanoi for 4 days, read this article from Tonkin Boutique Hotel & Spa to find out!

Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter: Where history lives & breathes

The Old Quarter is the soul of Hanoi. It is a maze of 36 ancient guild streets where craftsmen once made everything from silver jewelry to silk, herbal medicine, and bamboo goods. The Old Quarter is the best place to understand Hanoi’s personality: energetic, colorful, a little chaotic, but endlessly charming. It’s the heart of street food, local life, and old traditions.

What to do in Hanoi in 4 days: Visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter (Source: baonhandan)

Start your morning with a steaming bowl of Pho, a delicate Hanoi specialty traditionally enjoyed for breakfast. This comforting dish sets the perfect tone for a day of exploration. After finishing your meal, take your time wandering through the Old Quarter’s hidden alleyways, where you will find family-run cafés, sizzling food stalls, and charming little shops selling handmade crafts and local treasures. You can try specialties such as coconut coffee, egg coffee, or Vietnamese iced coffee.

Just a short walk away lies the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, one of Hanoi’s most beloved landmarks. Cross the bright red The Huc Bridge to reach Ngoc Son Temple, a picturesque shrine dedicated to scholars and ancient heroes. The peaceful atmosphere and lakeside scenery make it an ideal spot to rest and take in the beauty of the city after the lively bustle of the Old Quarter.

Ngoc Son Temple (Source: nhipsonghanoi.hanoimoi)

In the evening, treat yourself to a traditional Water Puppet Show, a uniquely Vietnamese art form that has entertained audiences for nearly a thousand years. After the performance, don’t miss the chance to dive back into the Old Quarter’s vibrant night scene, where locals and travelers gather to chat, laugh, and feel the lively Hanoi nightlife. It’s the perfect way to experience Hanoi’s energy, flavors, and warm hospitality.

Day 2: History’s heritage & a taste of everyday life

Day 2 is dedicated to exploring Hanoi’s intellectual and historical heritage, from President Ho Chi Minh’s legacy to ancient education and wartime resilience. These landmarks help tell the story of Vietnam’s identity - who its people are, where they come from, and how the country has persevered through centuries of change.

Begin your day at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where you can visit the Presidential Palace grounds and see the simple yet meaningful Stilt House where President Ho Chi Minh once lived and worked. You can come to the Ho Chi Minh Museum to have a deeper understanding about him. Next, make your way to the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic temple designed to resemble a lotus blooming from the water. For lunch, you can stop by a nearby local restaurant before continuing your journey.

The Ho Chi Minh Museum tells the story of his revolutionary path and life (Source: VinWonders)

In the afternoon, head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070. Its peaceful courtyards, lotus ponds, and ancient stone steles make it one of the city’s most beautiful cultural sites. Then come to Quan Su Pagoda to understand the peaceful rhythms of local Buddhist practice. Visitors can observe daily rituals, admire the graceful architecture, and gain insight into the beliefs that many Vietnamese people carry into their everyday routines. 

In the evening, you should make your way to West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi. The area is peaceful and breezy, making it ideal for a sunset walk. West Lake shrimp fritters is the famous dish associated with this place. For dinner, choose a lakeside restaurant and enjoy a calm, scenic meal to end your day on a perfect note.

Read more: Hanoi West Lake Travel Guide: Top things to do, Attractions & Where to stay

Day 3: Deeper investigation in Hanoi’ history

Hanoi has excellent museums that offer a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s culture and history. Choose based on your interests:

• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, for ethnic groups and traditional houses.
• Vietnam Fine Arts Museum for its sculpture, lacquer art, and painting.
• Hoa Lo Prison Museum to understand about wartime history

After lunch, you can discover Hanoi’s sophisticated side in the French Quarter. You will see grand boulevards, yellow colonial buildings, and the elegant Hanoi Opera House there. It is the perfect place to slow down and admire Hanoi’s architectural heritage. Take time to relax at a stylish café in this district, as the atmosphere is calmer and more refined than the Old Quarter.

The Hanoi Opera House (Source: hanoionline)

Additionally, you can choose to explore the Train Street. It is a thrilling and unique Hanoi experience: watching the train pass just inches from cafés and homes in such a close distance. However, it is  accessible only through certain cafés for safety, and you should be extra careful.

Besides, if it is Friday or Sunday, you should not miss out on the Hanoi Weekend Night Market. All the vehicles are banned for people to come around, buy local arts, eat foods, or just walk along the street. It would be an amazing encounter to dive in the line of people and explore things you have never before.

Day 4: Hanoi’s Ancient Craft Villages

Hanoi’s surrounding villages preserve traditional craftsmanship that has been passed down for generations. They offer an intimate look into Vietnam’s traditional arts, far from tourist crowds. The journey is perfect for travelers who appreciate heritage, craftsmanship, and local culture. You can choose to visit those places and maybe buy some souvenirs:

• Bat Trang Ceramic Village, for pottery workshops and hands-on ceramic making.
• Duong Lam Ancient Village, to admire old wooden houses and traditional rural life.
• Van Phuc Silk Village, if you have a love for silk weaving demonstrations and beautiful handmade textiles.

Van Phuc Silk House in Ha Dong, Hanoi (Source: nguoihanoi)

After you finish your trip and are back in the Old Quarter, perhaps revisit your favorite food stall or try something new, like Che desserts, Banh cuon, Bun dau, or anything that catches your eye. You can even return to Hoan Kiem Lake for one more peaceful stroll. At night, the city glows with reflections, music, and soft lights, a perfect farewell scene.

Final Tips for a Perfect Hanoi Trip

If you want to enjoy your travel to the fullest, Tonkin Boutique Hotel & Spa has some tips here:

Food and drinks

If you are a first-time visitor, you should have a list of what you want to try, which will make you less confused when you first come to Hanoi. 

• For food: Bun thang, Bun cha, Spring roll (Nem), Banh cuon, Pho, Banh mi, Cha ca La Vong, West Lake shrimp fritters… 
• For drinks and desserts: Egg coffee, Sweet soup (Che), Tao pho, sweet pickled dracontomelon juice, sugarcane juice…
• Tropical fruits:
  • Spring: Mango, pomelo, dragon fruit, pineapple…
  • Summer: Lychee, longan, rambutan, mangosteen, papaya, jackfruit, plum…
  • Autumn: Persimmon, custard apple, guava, passion fruit, star apple...
  • Winter: Jujube, grapefruit, sapodilla...

Xuan Dinh Sapodilla is specialty of Hanoi in winter

Money & safety tips

• Bring cash with you, since many street vendors and small shops do not accept cards. Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND), with the banknotes having many zeros, so double-check amounts carefully. 
• ATMs are widely available. Use reputable banks such as Vietcombank, BIDV, and Techcombank.
• Traffic is busy and unpredictable. Scooters may come from any direction. When crossing the road, walk slowly and steadily so drivers can anticipate your movement.
• Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek for safe transportation. If you rent a motorbike, be aware that traffic can be difficult and police may check documents.
• Hanoi is generally safe, but pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas such as the Old Quarter and night markets, so always keep your bags zipped and in front of you.
• Common scams:
  • Overpriced cyclo (bicycle taxi) rides. Agree on the price before starting.
  • Some vendors might push to sell items; just politely say “Không, cảm ơn” (No, thank you).

Cultural notes

• Avoid stepping on offerings left on sidewalks.
• Hanoi is modern, but modest clothing is valued in temples and pagodas.
  • Cover shoulders and knees when entering religious sites.
  • Remove shoes when entering certain indoor areas of temples.
  • No touching temple statues or religious objects.
  • Be respectful when taking photos. Some temples do not allow flash or photography inside.
• Vietnamese people appreciate polite and calm behavior. 
  • Speaking loudly or showing anger is considered disrespectful. 
  • Smiling is common and seen as friendly.

Where to stay in your 4 days

Tonkin Boutique Hotel & Spa is a perfect stay for your journey in Hanoi

Just a 20-minute walk away from the Old Quarter, Tonkin Boutique Hotel & Spa is a perfect option for your brief stay! The hotel provides comfortable accommodation with modern amenities, soft bedding, and calm, tasteful interiors that create a peaceful space to return to after a day of sightseeing. 

In addition, we have a Vietnamese restaurant for guests who love to experience a complete Vietnam-flavored meal! For those looking to unwind, the bar offers a quiet place to enjoy a drink, whether you prefer a cocktail or a glass of wine at the end of the day. If you want a consultation or a reservation, contact the hotel’s hotline at (+84) 989 406 632. Book your room at Tonkin Boutique Hotel & Spa to enjoy your time in Hanoi to the fullest!