4-Day Hanoi Adventure 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 complex is dedicated to Confucius and scholars. It's a serene place filled with beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.

Next, head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME) to learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. The museum offers fascinating exhibits and outdoor displays. For lunch, try some local delicacies at Bún Chả Hương Liên, famous for its grilled pork patties served with noodles.

In the evening, catch a performance at the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This traditional art form dates back to the 11th century and features puppets performing on water accompanied by live music. Afterward, enjoy dinner at Essence Restaurant, known for its elegant ambiance and delectable Vietnamese cuisine.

Start your day with a visit to the Vietnam National Museum of History. This museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts that trace Vietnam's history from prehistoric times to modern days.

After exploring the museum, head over to the nearby Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the 'Hanoi Hilton.' This historic site offers insights into Vietnam's struggle for independence and its use during the American War. For lunch, dine at Green Tangerine, set in a charming colonial villa offering French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine.

Spend your evening exploring Hanoi's bustling night market in Dong Xuan Market area (Dong Xuan Market). It's an excellent place for shopping souvenirs and tasting street food. For dinner, visit Chả Cá Thăng Long for their famous grilled fish dish.

Begin your day with a peaceful stroll around West Lake (Ho Tay). You can rent bicycles or simply walk along its scenic pathways while enjoying views of pagodas and temples along its shores.

Visit the beautiful Tran Quoc Pagoda (Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc)), located on an island in West Lake. It's one of Hanoi's oldest pagodas dating back over 1,500 years! Have lunch at nearby restaurant Home Hanoi Restaurant which offers traditional Vietnamese dishes in an elegant setting.

Conclude your day by visiting St Joseph’s Cathedral (St Joseph’s Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon)), an impressive neo-Gothic church built by French colonists in 1886. Enjoy dinner at Red Bean Trendy Restaurant, known for its modern twist on classic Vietnamese flavors.

Start your final day with a visit to the Presidential Palace. This grand French colonial building was once the residence of the Governor-General of Indochina and is now used for official receptions. The surrounding gardens are also worth exploring.

After visiting the Presidential Palace, head over to the Vietnam Military History Museum. This museum provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnam's military history, with exhibits ranging from ancient wars to modern conflicts. For lunch, enjoy a meal at Grandma's Restaurant, which offers traditional Vietnamese dishes in a cozy setting.

Conclude your trip with a relaxing evening at the Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake). Take a leisurely walk around the lake and visit the iconic Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple) located on an island in the lake. For dinner, dine at La Badiane restaurant, known for its exquisite French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine.