Hanoi itinerary 4 days: A detailed guide for each day’s schedule

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Immerse yourself in the captivating essence of this enchanting city through a Hanoi itinerary 4 days (Source: Collected)

Are you short on time but still eager to explore Hanoi? With this well-structured Hanoi itinerary 4 days, you will get to delve into the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking sights of this capital city. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a nature lover, it ensures to make your Hanoi travel adventure truly unforgettable.

1. Hanoi itinerary for 4 days: Day 1

1.1. Morning: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – One Pillar Pagoda – West Lake

• A perfect way to start day 1 in Hanoi is to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Located in the center of Ba Dinh Square, this mausoleum is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, offering a glimpse into Vietnamese history and culture. 
• The mausoleum is part of a larger complex, which also presents other notable landmarks including Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House and the Presidential Palace.

• Nearby, One Pillar Pagoda is famous for its distinctive architecture.
• Visitors can also check out West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda, which are ideal for those who want to temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an unmissable attraction in any Hanoi 4 days 3 nights itinerary (Source: Collected)

1.2. Afternoon: The Temple of Literature – Hoan Kiem Lake 

• Known as the first university in Vietnam, the Temple of Literature is a must-visit on any Hanoi tour. Here, you can walk through the temple’s courtyards and view a collection of stone tablets featuring the names of successful scholars throughout history.

• Hoan Kiem Lake is also an ideal destination in the Hanoi 4 day itinerary for both locals and tourists who enjoy strolling around the lake and watching street performances. 
• Around the lake, there are various architecturally and historically significant structures, such as The Huc Bridge, Turtle Tower, or Ngoc Son Temple. 

1.3. Evening: Hanoi Water Puppet Show – Hanoi Old Quarter

• Hanoi Old Quarter will be the last stop on day 1. Here, you can explore many architectural works, bustling streets, and lively night markets. A walking tour around the Old Quarter is a unique way to experience the culture of the capital as well as Hanoi street food.
• And while you are in the Old Quarter, you can pay a visit to a water puppet theater to enjoy a Hanoi water puppet show. Water puppetry is a traditional art form of Vietnam that often depicts life in the countryside, accompanied by live music and singing.

Remember to check out the Old Quarter on your Hanoi itinerary 4 days (Source: Collected)

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2. Day 2 of the 4-day itinerary in Hanoi

2.1. Morning: Thang Long Imperial Citadel – Hanoi Flag Tower

• Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a remarkable cultural site recognized worldwide. With over 1,300 years of history, this place is home to many relics and artifacts which reflect its historical longevity. 
• After exploring the citadel, pay a visit to the nearby Hanoi Flag Tower – another historical landmark located in the heart of the city.

2.2. Afternoon: Long Bien Bridge – Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on West Lake

• Continue your excursion to Long Bien Bridge – a witness of the city’s heroic history. This bridge serves as a symbol of the resilience and national pride of Vietnamese people. 

• If you have enough time, consider coming to the nearby West Lake and giving stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) a try. This is an outdoor activity that should not be missed on your Hanoi itinerary 4 days.

West Lake has many worthwhile activities for your Hanoi itinerary 4 days (Source: Collected)

2.3. Evening: Night market Hanoi – Ta Hien Street

At night, tourists can fully immerse themselves in the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Hanoi by exploring the Night Market Hanoi and Ta Hien Street. These bustling areas present an overwhelming array of entertainment options, ensuring that visitors can indulge in shopping, dining, and discovering the local culture.

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3. Day 3 of the Hanoi itinerary 4 days

3.1. Morning: The Museum of Ethnology – VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium Times City

The Museum of Ethnology boasts an extensive collection of costumes, textiles, and weapons around the world. It also houses a library that holds rare books and documents related to ethnology. Here, tourists can have an insight into the different cultures and traditions of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Another highlight of the 4 day itinerary Hanoi on day 3 is VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, both situated in Vincom Mega Mall Times City. 

• Vinpearl Aquarium, which is home to over 30,000 marine creatures, is one of the biggest aquariums in Vietnam, offering a miniature ocean world in the heart of the capital.
• On the other hand, Vinke is an excellent play-and-learn area for children, where they can discover their interests by transforming into experts in various professions.

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3.2. Afternoon: Bat Trang Pottery Village

For the whole afternoon, you can take a trip to Bat Trang Pottery Village – a village renowned for its traditional porcelain and pottery. Boasting a rich history spanning over seven centuries, this site should definitely be on your bucket list of the Hanoi itinerary 4 days.

3.3. Evening: Hoa Lo Prison 

Hoa Lo Prison is a place where Vietnamese revolutionary fighters were detained against the colonial regime. Now, it serves as a distinguished historical site and hosts a vast collection of artifacts and documents. 

You can come to Hoa Lo in daytime, but the real charm of this site comes at night, specifically from 7 pm to 9 pm. This is when you can take a guided tour around the prison, with live narrations and special effects in place.

Learn more about Vietnamese history in your Hanoi itinerary 4 days with Hoa Lo Prison (Source: Collected)

4. What to do in Hanoi for 4 days? Day 4

4.1. Morning: Hanoi to Ninh Binh – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Mua Caves

After spending your first three days exploring the city, you might want to escape from the hustle and bustle to see something a little different. This is why our Hanoi itinerary 4 days takes you to Ninh Binh on the final day of your Hanoi trip.

• One of the must-visit attractions that cannot be overlooked in Ninh Binh is Bai Dinh Pagoda, a temple complex that holds many Asian and Vietnamese records. 
• If you seek a photo-taking spot in Ninh Binh, come to Mua Caves. Besides appreciating the scenery here, you can also capture many breathtaking photos to bring home as mementos.

4.2. Afternoon: Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is considered one of the most scenic natural attractions in Vietnam. Covering around 12,000 hectares, here, visitors can take a boat ride along Trang An River to explore the area and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Trang An is worth the final spot in the 4 day Hanoi itinerary (Source: Collected)

4.3. Evening: Ninh Binh to Hanoi

Conclude your Hanoi itinerary 4 days by returning to the capital city. If you still have some time left, you can freely discover the city at your own pace.

Hanoi seems to be a place that blends the old and new, making it more attractive than ever. If you are wondering what to do in Hanoi for 4 days, hopefully, our Hanoi itinerary 4 days can be a flawless guide for you to experience the beauty of this fascinating city and its surrounding areas.