Hanoi Highlights and Cuisine 5-Day Itinerary Itinerary

Start with a serene morning walk around the Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) and visit the Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple). For breakfast, grab a bite at Banh Mi 25, known for serving some of the best Banh Mi sandwiches in Hanoi.

Spend your afternoon wandering through the maze-like streets of the Hanoi Old Quarter, where you can shop for souvenirs and experience the bustling local life. For lunch, Quan An Ngon offers a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting. Later, visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam), dedicated to Confucius and the site of Vietnam's first university.

For dinner, experience the local flavors at Cha Ca Thang Long, specializing in the famous Cha Ca dish. End your evening with a leisurely stroll across the historic Long Bien Bridge (Cau Long Bien), which offers a picturesque view of the Red River and Hanoi's cityscape at night.

Kick off the morning with breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen, where you can savor a bowl of Pho, Vietnam's world-renowned noodle soup. Post breakfast, delve into the country's past at the Vietnam Military History Museum and the nearby One-Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot), a historic Buddhist temple.

For lunch, head to Nha Hang Ngon for a delightful selection of street food-style dishes in a comfortable setting. Afterward, visit the Vietnam National Museum of History to learn more about Vietnam's history. Then, explore the bustling Dong Xuan Market, the largest market in Hanoi, perfect for an afternoon of shopping and snacking.

Dine at Home Vietnamese Restaurant, which offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu of traditional Vietnamese dishes. To conclude the day, take a peaceful evening walk around West Lake (Ho Tay), the largest lake in Hanoi, and enjoy the tranquil ambiance.

Begin with breakfast at the popular KOTO Van Mieu Training Restaurant, which serves as a training ground for disadvantaged youth. Then, visit the spiritual Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc), the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, located on a small island near West Lake.

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, offering a buffet with a wide array of Vietnamese dishes. Spend your afternoon at the serene Van Phuc Silk Village, where you can witness the silk-making process and purchase high-quality silk products.

For dinner, choose the elegant Green Tangerine for French-Vietnamese cuisine in a colonial setting. Cap off the night with a visit to the St Joseph’s Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon), an architectural marvel and a center of Catholicism in Hanoi, especially beautiful when lit up at night.

Start your final day with breakfast at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant, which offers a stunning view of Hoan Kiem Lake. Afterward, visit the Presidential Palace and the adjacent Ho Chi Minh Museum (Bao Tang Ho Chi Minh), dedicated to the life of the Vietnamese leader.

Savor lunch at Lotte Center Hanoi Food Court, which provides a variety of dining options and a fantastic view of the city. Post lunch, explore the spiritual Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong), a vast complex of Buddhist temples and shrines built into the limestone Huong Tich mountains.

Enjoy your final evening with a sumptuous dinner at Madame Hien, which is housed in a colonial villa and offers a selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes. Conclude your Hanoi journey with a leisurely walk around the neighborhood, soaking in the vibrant street life and reflecting on your memorable experiences.