5-Day Adventure in Old Quarter Hanoi Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to the serene Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam). This ancient temple is dedicated to Confucius and serves as Vietnam's first national university. It’s an ideal spot for those interested in history and architecture. Enjoy breakfast at Kafeville, known for its excellent coffee and pastries.

Take part in the fascinating tour: Hanoi: Small-Group Street Food Walking Tour. This tour will guide you through hidden gems of Hanoi’s street food scene, offering an authentic taste of local cuisine. For lunch, stop by one of the recommended spots during the tour.

Visit the stunning Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon) in the evening. This French colonial building hosts various performances that reflect Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Have dinner at La Badiane, an elegant restaurant offering fusion cuisine that blends French and Vietnamese flavors.

Start your day with a peaceful stroll around Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake). The lake is a tranquil spot perfect for morning walks and people-watching. Enjoy breakfast at The Note Coffee, famous for its charming decor and delicious beverages.

Embark on an exciting tour: Hanoi: Bike Tour Through Hidden Gems and Banana Island. This bike tour will take you through lesser-known parts of Hanoi, including Banana Island, offering unique perspectives on local life. For lunch, try out some local eateries recommended by your guide during the tour.

Conclude your day with a visit to the historic Long Bien Bridge (Cau Long Bien), designed by Gustave Eiffel. The bridge offers stunning views of Red River, especially during sunset. Have dinner at Green Tangerine, located in a charming colonial villa serving exquisite French-Vietnamese cuisine.

Begin your day with a visit to the One-Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot). This unique pagoda, built in the shape of a lotus blossom, is one of Vietnam's most iconic temples. It’s an excellent spot for photography and learning about Vietnamese Buddhism. Enjoy breakfast at Eden Coffee, which offers a great view of the city and delicious coffee.

Next, explore the Vietnam National Museum of History. This museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts that trace Vietnam's history from prehistoric times to the present. For lunch, head to Quan An Ngon, a popular restaurant known for its wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes.

In the evening, take a trip to the Van Phuc Silk Village. Located just outside Hanoi, this village is famous for its high-quality silk products. You can see how silk is made and shop for beautiful silk garments and accessories. Return to Hanoi for dinner at Madame Hien, which offers an elegant dining experience with a menu featuring classic Vietnamese cuisine.

Start your final day with a visit to the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc). This ancient Buddhist temple is located on West Lake and is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. Enjoy breakfast at The Hanoi Social Club, known for its cozy atmosphere and healthy breakfast options.

Join the tour: Hanoi: Water Puppet Show Tickets. The water puppet show is a traditional Vietnamese art form that dates back to the 11th century. It’s an entertaining way to learn about Vietnamese culture and folklore. For lunch, try out some local dishes at Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously visited by President Obama.

Conclude your trip with a relaxing evening walk around West Lake (Ho Tay), enjoying the scenic views and peaceful ambiance. Have your farewell dinner at Cau Go Restaurant, which offers stunning views of Hoan Kiem Lake along with delicious Vietnamese cuisine.