Hanoi, Vietnam Trip: 4 Days/3 Nights Model Itinerary — Introducing Recommended Spots
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a historic city with a nostalgic charm and plenty of must-see sights and attractions.
In this article, a Japanese resident of Hanoi introduces a recommended 4-days/3-nights model itinerary.
We explain the sights in detail for each day and share lots of insider tips to make your trip even more enjoyable.
Whether you’re visiting as a tourist or already living in Vietnam, be sure to use this as a reference!
Good to know! Useful Hanoi info
Autumn is the best season to visit Hanoi
The best time for a Hanoi trip is autumn, from October to November.
There’s little rain at this time of year, and the cool, pleasant weather makes sightseeing comfortable.
Hanoi, located in northern Vietnam, has four seasons; among them, autumn is particularly comfortable.
Be careful with currency calculations!
Photo by the author
One thing to watch out for when shopping is calculating the money.
Vietnam’s currency, VND (Vietnamese dong), is known for having many digits, and if you’re not used to it, doing quick calculations can feel difficult.
However, converting VND to Japanese yen is very easy: just drop the last three digits and multiply the remaining number by 6.
For example, in the case of 50,000 VND, 50 × 6 = 300 yen.
Transportation for sightseeing
For getting around on sightseeing, taxis are recommended.
If you install the ride-hailing app “Grab” in advance, getting around during your trip will be convenient and smooth.
City buses also operate, but they can be a bit challenging.
That’s because routes are complex, bus stops are hard to identify, and schedules are irregular.
Safety in Hanoi
Hanoi is considered relatively safe, but there are a few points to keep in mind.
Incidents targeting tourists, such as bag snatching and pickpocketing, do occur.
Avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash, and refrain from walking alone at night. Stay vigilant.
Prices in Hanoi
Prices in Hanoi tend to be lower overall than in Japan.
However, in recent years prices have been rising, especially in urban areas.
Hanoi 4 days 3 nights – Recommended model itinerary
On a 4-day, 3-night trip to Hanoi, you can balance visits to the Old Quarter, Hanoi’s landmarks, and day trips to the suburbs.
Here is a recommended model course to help you fully enjoy sightseeing in Hanoi.
Day 1: After arriving in Hanoi, stroll the Old Quarter and visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral
On the first day, stroll through the retro-feeling “Old Quarter” and visit “St. Joseph’s Cathedral,” an iconic symbol of Hanoi.
Take your time to enjoy Hanoi’s quintessential streetscapes.
Hanoi Old Quarter【Hanoi Old Quarter】
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a place rich in depth and charm.
Each street gathers specialty shops of the same trade—such as basket bags, dried fruit, and stationery—making it easy to shop and perfect for finding souvenirs.
It’s enjoyable even just to look around.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral【St. Joseph’s Cathedral】
St. Joseph’s Cathedral is an iconic symbol of Hanoi.
The interior is adorned with stained glass imported from Italy, creating a mystical atmosphere.
This spot is always bustling with tourists.
Day 2: Hanoi city highlights tour
On day 2, to get to know Hanoi more deeply, let's explore traditional performing arts and historical architecture.
Hanoi is home to many long-standing buildings, offering plenty to see.
Be sure to experience the beauty of Vietnamese culture.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum【Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum】
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of Hanoi's famous tourist spots.
It is known as the resting place of the renowned Vietnamese leader, Ho Chi Minh.
If you visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, it's best to go first thing in the morning.
This is because visiting hours are limited to the morning, and it is always crowded with not only tourists but also many locals.
|
Address
|
1 Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
|
|
Opening hours
|
April to October：7:30 a.m.～10:30 a.m.
November to March：8:00 a.m.～11:00 a.m.
|
|
Closed
|
Mondays and Fridays
|
|
Admission
|
25,000VND (about 150 yen)
|
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long【Imperial Citadel of Thang Long】
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel was inscribed in 2010 as Vietnam's sixth World Heritage site.
This is a very important site for learning about the history of Vietnam's ancient dynasties.
You can see remains of long-standing structures such as palaces, temples, and city walls.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre【Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre】
Water puppetry is a traditional puppet show that originated in northern Vietnam and is performed on a water surface as the stage.
The puppets' comical movements will draw you in.
Having continued for over 1,000 years, these performances faithfully recreate scenes of the past and have a very long history.
Day 3: A trip to the suburbs of Hanoi
Since you came to Hanoi, why not take a short trip to visit the World Heritage sites in the suburbs?
Here, we introduce two destinations you can visit on a day trip.
Ha Long Bay cruise【Ha Long Bay】
The first is a Ha Long Bay cruise.
Ha Long Bay, in Quang Ninh Province in northern Vietnam, is a world-famous scenic area with dreamlike landscapes.
It is also a World Heritage Site, and its breathtaking views are well worth seeing.
As one of Vietnam’s signature destinations, we highly recommend a cruise experience here.
It’s about 4 hours by car from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
Ninh Binh sightseeing【Ninh Binh】
The second is sightseeing in Ninh Binh.
Known as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” it’s a popular destination famed for its spectacular scenery.
Highlights abound, including the Trang An Landscape Complex, a registered World Heritage Site.
Ninh Binh is about 2 hours by car from Hanoi.
Day 4: On the last day, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and buy souvenirs
It’s finally the last day.
Since you’ll be flying home today, plan a relaxed schedule.
Enjoy the scenery and pick up some more souvenirs…
Hoan Kiem Lake【Hoan Kiem Lake】
Hoan Kiem Lake is a large lake right next to the Old Quarter, a relaxing spot you can enjoy from morning till night.
You can stroll around the lake or sit on a bench and take in the view… there are many ways to enjoy it.
On weekends, the area becomes pedestrian-only, attracting many visitors including tourists, families, and couples, making it even livelier.
Dong Xuan Market【Dong Xuan Market 】
Photo by the author
Photo by the author
If you want to buy souvenirs but don’t have time, be sure to visit Dong Xuan Market.
This is the largest market in central Hanoi, bustling with shoppers all day and full of energy.
With a wide variety of clothing, shoes, sundries, toys, dried fruits, nuts, and more, the selection is so rich you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Hang Da Market【Hang Da Market】
Photo by the author
Photo by the author
Hang Da Market is located underground and is known as a “treasure trove of bargains.”
The atmosphere retains the feel of an old-fashioned market.
The market’s specialty is Bát Tràng ceramics. You can buy them at reasonable prices without going all the way to the Bát Tràng village in the suburbs.
Collective Memory 【Collective Memory】
Photo by the author
Photo by the author
Collective Memory is the perfect shop for choosing tasteful, distinctly Vietnamese souvenirs.
Run by a Vietnamese owner couple, this select shop carries items they discovered while traveling across Vietnam.
Everything is delightful—just browsing is exciting.
Em Hanoi【Em Hanoi】
Source: Facebook
Em Hanoi is a stylish and popular shop in Ba Dinh District that carries a wide range of gifts.
Curated by a Japanese owner with great taste, it offers a rich selection of trending items and cosmetics in Vietnam.
From sundries and tableware to accessories, clothing, and original products, it has a broad lineup and is a favorite gift shop among both tourists and residents.
Must-try foods on your Hanoi trip
Hanoi is full of delicious Vietnamese dishes.
Enjoy them between sightseeing or to wrap up your day.
Understanding Hanoi’s hygiene conditions and dining accordingly will make your travel memories even richer.
Hanoi’s hygiene conditions
Hanoi’s hygiene conditions are not necessarily good.
To fully enjoy sightseeing and local cuisine, it’s important to be mindful of hygiene.
1. Food
Vietnam’s hot and humid climate makes food poisoning more likely.
Avoid raw foods when possible and make sure dishes are thoroughly cooked.
Carrying sanitizing wipes can provide peace of mind.
2. Water
As water purification is still developing in Vietnam, do not drink tap water.
When you need water, buy bottled mineral water at convenience stores or supermarkets.
3. Toilets
Some places still have unsanitary restrooms.
Clean restrooms are available at luxury hotels, restaurants, and large shopping centers.
Since toilet paper may not be provided, it’s helpful to carry pocket tissues.
Also, do not flush toilet paper; dispose of it in the nearby bin as is customary.
Classic local dishes in Hanoi
Pho: Pho Thin【Pho Thin】
Photo by the author
Pho Thin is an ultra-famous, long-established spot in Hanoi where you can enjoy traditional flavors.
The menu is beef pho only. Its piping-hot, rich, umami-packed broth coats the pho well, delivering a deep, distinctive flavor.
This place is always in the guidebooks and bustles with tourists and locals from early morning.
In Japan, there are also branches in Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
Bún chả: Bun Cha Dac Kim【Bun Cha Dac Kim】
Photo by the author
Bún chả is a Hanoi specialty.
Charcoal-grilled pork belly and patties are served in a sweet-and-sour fish-sauce-based dipping broth; you dip rice noodles called bún into it to eat.
Enjoying a steaming bowl of bún chả in a local-feel setting is a great way to savor Hanoi’s traditional flavors.
Banh mi: Banh Mi 25【Banh Mi 25】
Source: Official Facebook
When it comes to popular banh mi spots, Banh Mi 25, opened in 2014, tops the list.
The menu is extensive enough to leave you wondering what to choose.
The chicken and pork banh mi are especially well-reviewed and are popular orders.
Popular stylish spots in Hanoi
Vietnamese cuisine: Quan An Ngon【Quan An Ngon】
Source: Official Facebook
When you want to enjoy a variety of Vietnamese dishes, this restaurant is recommended.
Every dish is reputed to be very delicious, and the place is always bustling with many people.
The Vietnamese-style savory pancake “Bánh xèo” is a popular menu item.
Western cuisine: Pizza 4P’s
Source: Official Facebook
Pizza 4P’s is a super-famous restaurant in Vietnam run by Japanese owners; reservations are essential.
It’s a popular Italian restaurant with locations in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
The piping-hot pizzas baked in a large oven are exquisite, and the pastas and cheeses are also recommended.
Recently, it has gained even more attention after opening in Tokyo.
We also recommend spending a relaxing time at a cafe
Egg coffee: Cafe Giang
Source: Official Facebook
Coffee is one of Vietnam’s specialties.
At cafes, the variety of coffee is so extensive that you may have trouble deciding what to order.
In such cases, we recommend trying Vietnam’s specialty “egg coffee,” which contains egg in the coffee.
Cafe Giang is known for its famous egg coffee.
Be sure to stop by between shopping and sightseeing.
Yogurt coffee: Cong Cafe
Photo by the author
Next, a recommended coffee drink in Vietnam is "yogurt coffee."
Cộng Cà Phê is well known for its delicious yogurt coffee, and many customers relax while enjoying this coffee.
The flavor blends yogurt and coffee—it's on the sweet side yet light and refreshing.
Chè: Chè Bốn Mùa【Che 4 Mua】
Source: Facebook
A famous and traditional Vietnamese dessert is chè【Che】.
Chè is a dessert made by combining many ingredients such as beans, tapioca, agar jelly, fruit, and coconut milk, offering a great variety.
Cold chè is perfect for hot weather, with a light, refreshing sweetness.
There are warm versions too, so you can enjoy it according to the season and your preference.
At this very popular shop, be sure to find your favorite chè.
Summary
Hanoi has many places to enjoy!
In addition to numerous sightseeing spots, there are plenty of places for shopping and food, making it a city recommended for those who want to fully enjoy their trip.
Come visit Hanoi, where you can enjoy various experiences while interacting with warm, smiling Vietnamese people.
