What to do in Hanoi for 3 days: A perfect itinerary for first-timers

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You should spend three days taking in the history and culture of Hanoi (Source: Collected)

If you are planning for Hanoi travel, you may wonder what to do in Hanoi for 3 days. With a mix of tradition and modernity, Hanoi is a must-visit destination for any traveler. This three-day itinerary will ensure that you make the most of your time in this fascinating city.

1. What to do in Hanoi for 3 days?

1.1. A 3-day Hanoi itinerary: Day 1

If you are wondering what to do in Hanoi for 3 days, a great place to start is Hanoi Old Quarter. Here, you can delve into the city’s cultural heritage, savor its street food, and discover the maze-like alleys. 

Meals:

• Breakfast: Try the iconic “Pho” on Bat Dan Street or savor “Mi van than” on Hang Chieu Street. 
• Lunch: Indulge in the famous “Bun cha” on Hang Quat Street or “Bun dau mam tom” on Hang Khay Street.
• Dinner: You can either go to Ma May Street or Ta Hien Street for dinner or sample the mouth-watering “Cha ca La Vong” on Cha Ca Street.

Discover Hanoi Old Quarter in 3 days with a street food tour (Source: Collected)

Sightseeing:

• In the morning 

Begin your morning in Hanoi Old Quarter by strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Afterward, admire the stunning neo-gothic architecture at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Finish the morning with a delicious treat at Trang Tien Ice Cream Shop, with various ice creams at affordable prices.

• In the afternoon

Continue your exploration with Phung Hung Mural Street, then take a short walk to the Old City Gate and Ma May Ancient House to admire their architectural beauty and cultural significance. 

Visit Bach Ma Temple, one of Hanoi’s oldest and most revered temples, to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Finally, head to Dong Xuan Market to soak up the local hustle and bustle and do some shopping.

Hoan Kiem Lake is a must-visit landmark for those wondering what to see in Hanoi in 3 days (Source: Collected)

• In the evening

For a memorable evening in Hanoi, visit Hang Buom Street, known for its vibrant nightlife and street food. Then, head to Ta Hien Street, to enjoy the lively atmosphere and tasty local dishes. Alternatively, enjoy a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater to learn more about Hanoi’s unique culture and traditions.

1.2. Day 2

Embark on a peaceful day 2 of your Hanoi trip by exploring the beautiful West Lake, home to the oldest pagodas in the city.

Meals:

• Breakfast: Around West Lake, try the local street food like “Chao nieu” on Thuy Khue Street or “Banh da ca ro dong” on Vo Chi Cong Street.
• Lunch: You can find various local eateries serving traditional Vietnamese dishes for lunch, such as “Bun cha” or “Com tam” on Doi Can Street.
• Dinner: Come to one of the many seafood restaurants in the area, such as Cutisun Restaurant, Al Fresco’s Xuan Dieu, or Meat Plus Ho Tay.

The street food in Hanoi is a must-try for anyone interested in what to do in Hanoi in 3 days (Source: Collected)

Sightseeing: 

• In the morning: 

Start your day with a tranquil visit to Phu Tay Ho and Tran Quoc Pagoda at West Lake to experience the holiness and culture of Hanoi.

• In the afternoon:

Head to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Besides, you can explore Ho Chi Minh Museum and the Presidential Palace, then Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. End the afternoon by visiting One Pillar Pagoda.

• In the evening: 

Visit some of Hanoi coffee shops to enjoy coffee while overlooking the beautiful West Lake.

The iconic One Pillar Pagoda is a famous attraction that should be included in any 3-day itinerary in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

1.3. What to see in Hanoi in 3 days? Day 3

Meals:

• Breakfast: Try Banh mi Hanoi at any street stall.
• Lunch: Enjoy “Pho” at Pho Thin on Lo Duc Street or sticky rice at Xoi Yen on Nguyen Huu Huan Street. 
• Dinner: Visit Vincom Mega Mall Times City for a wide range of dining options, ranging from traditional Vietnamese dishes to Thai, Japanese, and Korean flavors.

Sightseeing:

• In the morning:

Begin your day by exploring the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and checking out Hanoi Flag Tower. Next, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, before heading to Hoa Lo Prison, a former colonial-era prison. 

• In the afternoon & evening: 

For the afternoon and evening, you can visit Quan Su Pagoda, followed by Vietnamese Women’s Museum and Hanoi Opera House.

Then, it is recommended to visit VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium for entertainment and relaxation. Vinpearl Aquarium brings you a mesmerizing marine world with many sea specimens, along with exciting activities such as penguin feeding shows or mermaid shows. Meanwhile, VinKE is an indoor playground designed for kids, with various job simulation games that will help your children develop mentally and physically.

Indulge yourself at VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium

>>> Book tickets for VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to have fun with your friends or family!

2. Frequently asked questions about exploring Hanoi in 3 days

2.1. When is the best time to visit Hanoi?

The best time to visit Hanoi is from August to November or from March to April, when the weather is mild and pleasant.

2.2. How to get around Hanoi?

The best way to get around Hanoi is by taxi or ride-hailing services such as Grab. Additionally, visitors can explore the city by bus or by renting a motorbike. Walking or taking a cyclo ride is also a great option to experience the vibrant streets and alleys of the Old Quarter.

Besides Hanoi, tourists should not miss out on many alluring destinations of Vietnam, like Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, etc.

Nha Trang is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters (Source: Collected)

To conveniently explore these destinations, it is recommended to stay at Vinpearl. Vinpearl is a leading hospitality brand in Vietnam with hotels, resorts, and entertainment sites at prime locations. With top-notch facilities and all-inclusive amenities, tourists will surely have a fantastic vacation staying at Vinpearl.

Enjoy your holiday at Vinpearl

For even more entertainment, it is recommended that you visit the world-class system of VinWonders. VinWonders offers a variety of recreational attractions, including a theme park, amusement parks, water parks, aquariums, safaris, games, shows, and countless other fun activities. All of them will promisingly bring you lots of unforgettable moments.

The thrilling games at VinWonders

>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Nam Hoi An to enjoy a flawless stay!

>>> Book tickets for VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Nam Hoi An for even more thrilling experiences!

If you are wondering what to do in Hanoi for 3 days, this itinerary provides a great guide for your adventure. From visiting the city’s cultural and historical landmarks to exploring its vibrant streets and indulging in its delicious food, you will surely experience the best of what Hanoi has to offer.