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What to do in Hanoi for 5 days: Suggestions for an unforgettable trip

02/12/2025

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What to do in Hanoi for 5 days? Explore a variety of fantastic activities, captivating attractions, and the distinctive cuisine of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.

1. What to do in Hanoi for 5 days? The first itinerary
2. What to do in Hanoi for 5 days? The second itinerary

Embark on a journey to explore the vibrant and ancient charm of Hanoi (Source: Collected)

What to do in Hanoi for 5 days? This is a question often asked by travelers regarding Hanoi travel. During your 5 days here, you can immerse yourself in a range of captivating activities such as visiting famous landmarks, enjoying the local cuisine, and exploring the traditional culture.

1. What to do in Hanoi for 5 days? The first itinerary

Here are some suggestions regarding what to do in Hanoi for 5 days:

1.1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh Complex – Hoan Kiem Lake – Water Puppet Show

Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex: This complex has many attractions for you to explore, such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House
Visit Hoan Kiem Lake to admire the beauty of Ngoc Son Temple, Turtle Tower and indulge in a delicious egg coffee at a nearby cafe
Enjoy water puppet shows, a traditional folk art, at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Hanoi

Indulge in mesmerizing water puppet shows and delve into the traditional cultural values of Hanoi (Source: Collected)

1.2. 5 days in Hanoi? Day 2: Temple of Literature – Hoa Lo Prison – Long Bien Bridge – West Lake

Visit famous cultural landmarks in Hanoi, such as: Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, and Long Bien Bridge
Experience Hanoi’s culinary scene with unique dishes such as bun dau mam tom, pho, and more
Engage in outdoor activities such as boating on West Lake, explore beautiful streets, visit charming cafes with romantic views

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1.3. Day 3: VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium – Hanoi Old Quarter

Visit VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium: At VinKE, children can explore a career-orientation space and participate in exciting job-simulation games. At Vinpearl Aquarium, visitors can explore a miniature underwater world with thousands of marine creatures and vibrant living ecosystems.
Explore Hanoi Old Quarter: This is an unmissable destination with unique cultural heritage present on each street. Some Old Quarter streets that you should visit include Ta Hien Street, Hang Ma Street, etc.

Immerse yourself in unforgettable moments of entertainment at VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium

Book VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium tickets now

1.4. Day 4: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Sung Sot Cave – Luon Cave – Titop Island

What to do in Hanoi for 5 days? Travelers can combine exploring Hanoi with nearby famous tourist destinations such as Halong Bay.

Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with countless islands of various shapes and sizes
Explore Bo Hon Island with its Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave, then move on to Ti Top Island

1.5. Day 5 of your 5-day Hanoi itinerary: Halong – Quang Ninh Museum – back to Hanoi

Enjoy and explore the beauty of Halong Bay
Visit Quang Ninh Museum, an iconic architectural work in Halong Bay
Travel from Quang Ninh back to Hanoi

Explore a natural wonder of the world – Halong Bay (Source: Collected)

2. What to do in Hanoi for 5 days? The second itinerary

2.1. Day 1: Hanoi City Tour

Arrive in Hanoi, have lunch, and take a rest
Visit some famous tourist attractions in Hanoi such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, a Buddhist temple that was recognized as a national relic
Explore the nearby Bat Trang Pottery Village

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2.2. Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Trang An Eco-tourism Complex

Travelers can combine visiting Hanoi with exploring the beauty of Ninh Binh.

Travel to Ninh Binh, visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, and have lunch there
Explore Trang An Eco-tourism Complex, a place where limestone cliffs, valleys, and meandering rivers create a mystical landscape
Enjoy some local specialties such as burnt rice, mountain goat meat, etc.

Marvel at the majestic beauty of Ninh Binh’s wonders (Source: Collected)

2.3. Day 3: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay – Yen Tu Landscape Complex – back to Hanoi

Have breakfast in Ninh Binh
Travel to Quang Ninh, check in at the hotel, and have lunch
Admire the beauty of Halong Bay with its countless islands of various shapes and sizes
Visit Yen Tu Landscape Complex, the ancestral land of the Truc Lam Zen sect
Have dinner in Quang Ninh before returning to Hanoi

Explore the sacred land of Yen Tu and immerse yourself in its spiritual ambiance (Source: Collected)

2.4. Day 4: Hanoi – Sapa – Ham Rong Mountain

Have breakfast in Hanoi
Travel to Sapa, check in at the hotel, and enjoy lunch
Visit Ham Rong Mountain tourist area, featuring the Orchid Garden, Heaven Gate, Cloud Yard, and ethnic music performances
Interact with the local ethnic people and take memorable photos
Explore tourist attractions in Sapa such as the Stone Church
Indulge in grilled specialties accompanied by the famous San Lung wine
Spend the night at the hotel

Read more: Hanoi day trips: 15 best places inside and outside Hanoi

2.5. Day 5: Sapa – Mount Fansipan – back to Hanoi

Enjoy breakfast in Sapa
Make your way to the Fansipan cable car station to begin the journey to conquer Mount Fansipan
Continue to conquer 600 stone steps to reach the summit of Fansipan at an altitude of 3,143 meters, considered as the roof of Indochina
After successfully conquering the summit of Fansipan, enjoy lunch, return to the hotel for rest, check out, and return to Hanoi

Experience the golden season in Sapa, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of golden rice terraces (Source: Collected)

Above are some suggestions regarding what to do in Hanoi for 5 days. Hanoi, the vibrant capital city of Vietnam, offers a plethora of activities and attractions to keep you engaged during your 5-day trip. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the city by exploring its iconic landmarks and delicious specialties. Additionally, you can also combine this 5-day trip with exploring famous nearby tourist destinations, such as Ninh Binh, Quang Ninh, Sapa, and more.

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