5 Days of Hanoi Wonders Itinerary

Begin your second day with a visit to the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam's first national university. The temple complex is serene and beautifully landscaped, making it an ideal spot for a morning visit. Afterward, stop by Cafe Dinh for breakfast and try their famous egg coffee.

In the afternoon, explore the fascinating exhibits at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME). This museum provides an in-depth look at Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups through artifacts, photographs, and traditional houses displayed in its extensive grounds. For lunch, head to Chim Sao, which offers authentic Vietnamese dishes in a cozy setting.

Spend your evening experiencing traditional Vietnamese culture at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. The water puppet show is unique to Vietnam and provides entertainment for all ages with its colorful puppets and live music. Before heading to the show, enjoy dinner at Nha Hang Ngon, known for its wide variety of Vietnamese street food served in an elegant setting.

Kick off your third day with a visit to the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc), located on a small island in West Lake. This ancient pagoda is one of Hanoi's oldest Buddhist temples and offers beautiful views of the lake. Afterward, have breakfast at Anh Hoa Bakery, where you can enjoy fresh pastries and coffee.

In the afternoon, dive into local culture by visiting the bustling Dong Xuan Market. This market is one of Hanoi's largest and offers everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. It's a great place to experience local life and pick up some unique items. For lunch, try out some local delicacies at one of the market stalls or head over to Bun Cha Huong Lien, famous for its bun cha dish.

Conclude your day with an exploration of Hanoi's Old Quarter by taking part in Hanoi Street Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter. This tour will guide you through narrow streets filled with history while sampling delicious street food along the way. Finish off with dinner at one of Old Quarter’s renowned eateries like Cau Go Restaurant, offering panoramic views over Hoan Kiem Lake.

Start your fourth day with a visit to the Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong). This beautiful complex of Buddhist temples is located in the mountains and requires a scenic boat ride followed by a hike or cable car ride to reach. The journey itself is an adventure, offering stunning views of the countryside. For breakfast, pack some snacks or grab something light at Cafe Pho Co before heading out.

After returning from the Perfume Pagoda, head to the Van Phuc Silk Village. This traditional village is famous for its high-quality silk products. You can watch artisans at work and even purchase some beautiful silk items as souvenirs. For lunch, enjoy a meal at La Verticale, which offers a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant setting.

In the evening, unwind with a leisurely walk around Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake). This iconic lake is especially beautiful at night when it’s illuminated by lights. You can also visit the nearby Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple) located on an island in the lake. End your day with dinner at Green Tangerine, known for its French-Vietnamese fusion dishes served in a charming colonial-era villa.

Begin your final day with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the 'Hanoi Hilton.' This historical site offers a sobering look into Vietnam's past and provides valuable insights into its history. Afterward, have breakfast at Maison de Tet Decor, which offers delicious Western-style breakfasts in a cozy setting.

In the afternoon, explore more of Hanoi's rich history by visiting the Vietnam National Museum of History. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts that trace Vietnam's history from prehistoric times to modern days. For lunch, head over to Madame Hien, where you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful courtyard setting.

Conclude your trip with an immersive experience by joining Hanoi 5 Local Dishes Cooking Class with Meal & Market Visit. This activity will not only teach you how to cook authentic Vietnamese dishes but also take you on a market tour to source fresh ingredients. End your evening with dinner at one of Hanoi’s top-rated restaurants like La Badiane, known for its exquisite French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine.