8 Days in Hanoi Vietnam Adventure Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam). This ancient temple is dedicated to Confucius and was Vietnam's first national university. It's a serene spot that offers a peaceful start to your day.

For lunch, head over to Duong's Restaurant & Cooking Class. Not only can you enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine here, but you can also participate in a cooking class if you're interested in learning how to make some traditional dishes yourself.

In the evening, catch a performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This traditional art form dates back to the 11th century and offers a unique cultural experience. Afterward, enjoy dinner at one of Hanoi's fine dining establishments or explore more street food options.

Visit the Vietnam National Museum of History this morning. The museum showcases artifacts from various periods of Vietnamese history and provides an excellent overview of the country's rich cultural heritage.

For lunch today, dine at Home Hanoi Restaurant, known for its elegant setting and delicious Vietnamese dishes. Afterward, take some time to relax at your hotel or explore nearby shops.

Spend your evening exploring Dong Xuan Market, one of Hanoi's largest markets. Here you can find everything from clothing to electronics and sample some local snacks as well. For dinner, try out one of the market's food stalls or head back into town for more dining options.

Start your day with a visit to West Lake (Ho Tay). This large freshwater lake offers beautiful views and is surrounded by temples and pagodas that you can explore.

Enjoy lunch at Green Tangerine, which offers French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a charming colonial-era building near Hoan Kiem Lake.

In the evening, take a stroll around Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake). The lake is beautifully lit up at night and provides a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. For dinner tonight, choose from one of Hanoi's many excellent restaurants or cafes nearby.

Begin your day with a visit to the Presidential Palace. This grand colonial building, painted in a striking yellow, was constructed by the French and now serves as a government office. The surrounding gardens are also worth exploring.

For lunch, head to Home Hanoi Restaurant, which offers a delightful blend of traditional Vietnamese and contemporary cuisine in an elegant setting. Afterward, visit the One-Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot), an iconic Buddhist temple known for its unique architecture.

In the evening, explore the Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon). This beautiful French colonial building hosts various performances ranging from classical music to traditional Vietnamese opera. For dinner, dine at one of the nearby upscale restaurants.

Start your day with a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME). This museum offers fascinating insights into the diverse cultures and ethnic groups that make up Vietnam.

For lunch, enjoy a meal at Duong's Restaurant & Cooking Class, where you can savor authentic Vietnamese dishes. Afterward, head to the Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the 'Hanoi Hilton,' which provides a sobering look at Vietnam's history during wartime.

Spend your evening at the Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple), located on Hoan Kiem Lake. The temple is beautifully illuminated at night and offers a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. For dinner, try one of Hanoi's many lakeside restaurants.

Visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum this morning. The museum highlights the contributions of women in Vietnamese society through various exhibits and displays.

For lunch, dine at Green Tangerine, which offers French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a charming colonial-era building near Hoan Kiem Lake. Afterward, take some time to relax or explore nearby shops.

In the evening, take a stroll across the historic Long Bien Bridge (Cau Long Bien). The bridge offers stunning views of Hanoi's skyline and is particularly beautiful at sunset. For dinner tonight, choose from one of Hanoi's many excellent restaurants or cafes nearby.

Start your final day with a visit to the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc), located on West Lake. This ancient pagoda is one of Hanoi's most picturesque sites.

Enjoy lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien, famous for its delicious Bun Cha dish. Afterward, explore more of West Lake or visit any remaining attractions on your wishlist.

Conclude your trip with an evening walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and perhaps catch another performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre if you missed it earlier in your trip. For dinner tonight, choose from one of Hanoi's many excellent dining options before heading back to your hotel.