Hanoi Adventure - 5 Days Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam's first national university. This ancient temple is dedicated to Confucius and scholars. It's a peaceful place filled with history and beautiful architecture.

Next, head to the Vietnam National Museum of History to delve deeper into Vietnamese history from prehistoric times through various dynasties. For lunch, savor some exquisite dishes at Duong's Restaurant & Cooking Class, where you can also learn how to cook Vietnamese cuisine.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This unique art form dates back centuries and offers an entertaining glimpse into Vietnamese culture. Afterward, have dinner at Red Bean Central Restaurant, known for its modern take on traditional Vietnamese flavors.

Start your day with a serene walk around West Lake (Ho Tay), Hanoi's largest freshwater lake. The lake is surrounded by gardens and temples offering picturesque views.

Visit the historic Long Bien Bridge (Cau Long Bien), designed by Gustave Eiffel. It's an iconic symbol of Hanoi's resilience during wartime. For lunch, head over to The Hanoi Social Club for some delicious international cuisine in a cozy setting.

Spend your evening exploring more of Hanoi's artistic side by visiting galleries or simply strolling around West Lake area again as it lights up beautifully at night. Enjoy dinner at Essence Restaurant, which offers an elegant dining experience with authentic Vietnamese dishes.

Begin your day with a visit to the impressive Presidential Palace. This grand building showcases French colonial architecture and has beautiful gardens surrounding it.

Next up is the somber yet fascinating Hoa Lo Prison, also known as 'Hanoi Hilton'. It provides deep insights into Vietnam's history during French colonization and American War periods. Have lunch at Home Hanoi Restaurant, known for its homely atmosphere and delicious local dishes.

Conclude your day by visiting the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc) located on West Lake’s eastern shore; it's one of oldest pagodas in Vietnam dating back over 1 millennium! For dinner tonight try out highly-rated restaurant called  Grandma's Restaurant serving traditional northern Vietnamese cuisine.

Start your final day in Hanoi with a visit to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum. This museum offers a fascinating insight into the lives and contributions of Vietnamese women throughout history. It's an enriching experience that highlights the cultural and historical significance of women in Vietnam.

After the museum, head over to Dong Xuan Market, one of the largest markets in Hanoi. Here, you can shop for souvenirs, local products, and enjoy some street food. For lunch, indulge in some authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Cha Ca Thang Long, famous for its turmeric fish dish.

In the evening, take a relaxing stroll around Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake). The lake is beautifully lit up at night and offers a peaceful atmosphere. For your final dinner in Hanoi, dine at Sen Tay Ho (West Lake Lotus) Buffet Restaurant, which offers an extensive buffet with a variety of Vietnamese dishes.