Hanoi 8-Day Itinerary

Explore Hanoi and its surrounding areas with this suggested 8-day itinerary, covering popular attractions, local cuisine, and leisurely activities: Hanoi City (3-4 Days) Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi and check into your hotel. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoy the scenic views, and visit Ngoc Son Temple. Experience the Thang Long Water Puppet Show to immerse yourself in traditional Vietnamese culture. Wander through the Old Quarter and savor local street food. Day 2: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to learn about the life and legacy of Vietnam's founding father. Explore Ho Chi Minh's Residence to see his living environment. Tour the Temple of Literature to understand Vietnam's traditional culture and education system. Head to Tran Quoc Pagoda and enjoy the beauty of West Lake. Admire the European architectural style of St. Joseph's Cathedral. Day 3: Take a leisurely walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter, exploring various streets and shops. Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum to learn about its historical significance. Experience the unique railway vibe at Hanoi Train Street. Catch a performance at the Hanoi Opera House. Day 4: Discover Vietnam's ethnic diversity at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Learn about the role and contributions of Vietnamese women at the Vietnam Women's Museum. Enjoy panoramic city views from the Lotte Observation Deck. Feel the solemn atmosphere at Ba Dinh Square. Hanoi Surrounding Areas (3-4 Days) Day 5: Travel to Ha Long Bay and take a cruise to admire the natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit attractions like Surprise Cave. Engage in water activities such as kayaking. Day 6: Head to Ninh Binh and explore Tam Coc, known as the "Halong Bay on land," via a small boat ride. Visit Bich Dong Pagoda for a tranquil experience. Enjoy the stunning natural scenery at Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Day 7: Journey to Sapa to experience mountain views and ethnic minority cultures. Opt for hiking or cycling to admire the terraced fields. Visit local markets to immerse yourself in the daily life and culture. Day 8: Return to Hanoi and prepare for your flight home. Spend some time shopping or enjoying local cuisine to wrap up your trip. Additional Tips Cuisine: Hanoi offers a variety of authentic dishes such as pho, bun cha, banh mi, and fried spring rolls—be sure to try them all. Accommodation: Hanoi and its surrounding areas have a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Transportation: In Hanoi, you can use taxis, motorbikes, or Grab rides, or rent a motorbike for self-exploration. For trips to surrounding areas, buses or trains are available. Other: Prepare Vietnamese Dong, and consider bringing some USD or TWD for convenient currency exchange. Hanoi is generally safe, but always keep an eye on your belongings.