Hanoi Itinerary: 2 to 3 Days
Hanoi is Vietnam's atmospheric capital, best explored on foot around its lakes and the tangle of the Old Quarter. Two days covers the center and the food; a third opens up a Halong Bay or Ninh Binh day trip. Here is a clean plan plus good places to stay near the lake.
| Suggested length | 2 to 3 days |
|---|---|
| Get around | Walkable center plus taxis and ride apps |
| Next stop | Halong Bay, or Ho Chi Minh City by the reunification train or a flight |
Day 1: the Old Quarter and lake
Wander the trade streets of the Old Quarter, circle Hoan Kiem Lake to the red bridge and Ngoc Son temple, and end the evening on a bia hoi corner with a bowl of pho or bun cha.
Day 2: history and coffee
See the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex and the Temple of Literature in the morning, then slow down over egg coffee and the city's cafe culture in the afternoon.
Day 3: Halong Bay or Ninh Binh
Take a full day trip to the limestone karsts of Halong Bay for a cruise, or to Ninh Binh, the dry Halong, for a river boat among the rice fields.
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Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.