Ultimate 3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Begin your Hanoi adventure at the Hoan Kiem Lake, the city's spiritual and geographical heart, where locals practice tai chi and the iconic red Huc Bridge leads to Ngoc Son Temple.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll north into the Old Quarter, a maze of bustling streets filled with centuries-old shophouses, local markets, and quintessential Hanoi street food stalls.

Old Quarter

Discover Vietnam's unique water puppetry at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a must-see for its traditional music and artistry performed over water.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

For an authentic dinner, savor Hanoi's best bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien, made famous by President Obama’s visit and beloved for its grilled pork and noodles.

Bun Cha Huong Lien

Visit the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay respects to Vietnam’s revered leader and stroll the scenic Ba Dinh Square.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Just behind, explore the peaceful One Pillar Pagoda, a unique Buddhist temple rising from a single stone pillar over a lotus pond.

One Pillar Pagoda

Step back in time at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a tranquil sanctuary dedicated to Confucius and scholars.

Temple of Literature

Recharge at Cafe Giang, home of Hanoi’s legendary egg coffee—a creamy, strong, and sweet local specialty served in a cozy, hidden alley location.

Cafe Giang

Experience a true local favorite with dinner at Cha Ca La Vong, serving their signature turmeric-marinated, sizzling fish dish for over a century.

Cha Ca La Vong

Start your day at the serene West Lake, Hanoi’s largest lake, where you can enjoy lakeside walks, photogenic views, and peaceful pagodas.

West Lake

Nearby, admire the beautiful Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, gracefully set on a small island in West Lake.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Explore Vietnamese contemporary art at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, home to an inspiring collection of traditional and modern masterpieces.

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

End your trip with dinner at the elegant La Verticale, a French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant set in a colonial villa, known for creative tasting menus and rooftop views of the city.

La Verticale