Hanoi is a city steeped in history with a unique blend of East and West influences. From the French colonial architecture to the traditional Vietnamese temples, there is something for everyone in Hanoi. This 10-day itinerary for Hanoi will help you make the most of your time in the city and ensure that you see all the best that Hanoi has to offer!
photo: buian_photos
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the Old Quarter and do some shopping at the local markets. Be sure to try some of the local street food for dinner!
Day 2: Spend the day exploring Hanoi’s many museums, including the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Museum of Ethnology, and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.
Day 3: Take a day trip to Halong Bay where you can enjoy a cruise on a traditional junk boat and explore the limestone caves.
Day 4: Head to Hoa Lo Prison, also known as “Hanoi Hilton”, followed by a visit to one of Hanoi’s Buddhist temples. In the evening, enjoy a performance of traditional water puppetry.
Day 5: Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his stilt house, and One Pillar Pagoda. Then head to the Temple of Literature, which is dedicated to Confucius. Finish up your day with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake.
photo: Hans-Jürgen Weinhardt
Day 6: Rent a bicycle and spend the day biking around West Lake, stopping at Tran Quoc Pagoda and Xuan Dieu Street on the way. In the evening, catch a show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
Day 7: Start your day with a walk-through Dong Xuan Market before taking a cooking class where you’ll learn how to make some traditional Vietnamese dishes. In the afternoon, go on an eco-tour of Bat Trang pottery village.
Day 8: Make your way to Mai Chau Valley where you can go trekking and explore some of the minority villages in the area. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Thai dance performance.
photo: Abbas Jamie
Day 9: Drive out to Duomien National Park for a day of hiking and picnicking by one of the many waterfalls in the park.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in seeing more of Hanoi’s rural side, take a day trip to the Red River Delta where you can see farmers working in rice paddies and visit Thanh Oai ancient village.
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Day 10: Depart from Hanoi today. If you have time before your flight, wander around Hoan Kiem Lake one last time or do some shopping at one of Hanoi’s many markets!
This 10-day itinerary for Hanoi will help you make the most of your time in the city and ensure that you see all the best that Hanoi has to offer! Highlights include exploring the Old Quarter, visiting museums and temples, taking day trips to Halong Bay and Mai Chau Valley, and doing some shopping at local markets. Be sure to try some of the local street food while you’re there – you won’t be disappointed!
Excited to enhance your Hanoi adventure? How about a street art tour to uncover hidden gems and colorful murals, adding an artsy vibe to the lively streets!
Embark on a heartening journey through Hanoi’s vibrant culture and rich history. Delight in the captivating melodies and graceful movements of traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the country’s folklore and traditions. It’s truly a uplifting experience!
I’ve always wanted to visit Hanoi, and this travel guide makes it seem like there’s so much to see and do, I’ll definitely have to plan a 10-day trip there soon! And speaking of trips, did you hear about the guy who stole a calendar? He got 12 months!
That’s quite a story about the guy who stole a calendar! I wonder what he planned to do with it. When you visit Hanoi, be sure to try the egg coffee at one of the cozy cafes. It’s a unique and delicious treat that you won’t want to pass up! 😋
Have you ever been to Hanoi? I’m planning my trip there now and this article has been super helpful!
I’m looking for a 10-day itinerary for Hanoi, too. Any recommendations?
I loved this article! It was so helpful to have all the details in one place. Thanks for writing it!
I loved this trip! The landmarks were amazing and the districts were definitely the best part. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great trip in Vietnam.
This article is a great overview of the 10 day itinerary for Hanoi. I will definitely be using it when I go there next year!
Hanoi is a beautiful city with so much to see. From the French colonial architecture to the traditional Vietnamese temples, there is something for everyone in Hanoi. If you only have 10 days in Vietnam, make sure to spend at least a day trip to Mai Chau Valley to see minority villages and hike in one of Vietnam’s top hiking areas.
I completely agree! I think that Hanoi is a city that has a little bit of everything and it is definitely worth spending at least 10 days there.
I couldn’t have expressed it more accurately. Hanoi genuinely is a city that offers a diverse range of experiences. From its captivating history and culture to its lively street food scene, there’s always something thrilling to see and do. Allocating at least 10 days there allows you to fully engage with the city’s enchantment and discover all its hidden treasures. So go ahead and plan that trip, you won’t be disappointed!
Hanoi is a city steeped in history with a unique blend of East and West influences.
Hanoi is an amazing place and I can’t say that enough. I think this is a great way to introduce someone to the area and allow them to explore but have control over their schedule.
I love this itinerary! It’s perfect for someone looking to get a taste of Vietnam’s most beautiful sights, but who wants to spend most of their time in one place. I’m also a big fan of the way it includes both day trips and overnight stays in different places.
Delighted you adore the itinerary! It’s splendid for exploring Vietnam’s breathtaking beauty. What’s your cherished sight so far?
I love this. I have said that in most cases, you can make a perfect trip in Hanoi in just 10 days and you nailed it. I think I would add one extra day though just to make the most of my last day and leave in the early AM.
Delighted you adored the itinerary! Adding an extra day is a genius move. You could use it to explore the quirky Old Quarter or perhaps take a day trip to the amusing Perfume Pagoda. Happy travels and enjoy that crack-of-dawn departure!
Thanks for the enthusiastic wishes! Don’t forget to explore the Vibrant Quarter and maybe take a day trip to the Enchanting Pagoda. Clever move adding an extra day. The mesmerizing sunrise departures must be awe-inspiring!
Thanks for the tip on adding an extra day to the itinerary. It’s a great idea! Explore the Old Quarter or check out the Perfume Pagoda on that early start. By the way, did you know Hanoi’s Train Street is a must-see hidden gem for visitors?
I love this itinerary! It’s great to see a comprehensive guide that covers all the best spots in Hanoi. Halong Bay is one of the most beautiful places in the world and it’s only a couple hours outside of Hanoi.