2-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to Hanoi

Embark on a 48-hour journey uncovering the hidden gems of Hanoi, guided by the suggestions of the Daily Telegraph.

Explore Hanoi for First-Timers in 2 Days

Hanoi, a city with shaded, tree-lined streets, bustling narrow alleys, and a blend of French-style historic areas, narrates numerous historical tales through its ancient temples. The modern rhythm seamlessly intertwines with the ancient mystique of the millennium-old capital.

Day 1

9:00 AM: Upon landing at Noi Bai Airport, visitors must patiently wait for an hour for airport procedures and another hour in a taxi. Currently, the city has constructed a high-speed road directly connecting the airport to the city center, potentially shortening travel time.

11 AM: If you have the means, opt for a reservation at Sofitel Legend Metropole, the most dazzling hotel in Hanoi. Experience gracious hospitality combined with the elegant beauty of a European heritage.

Lunchtime: Leave the hotel and head to explore Trang Tien Street, the main artery of the French Quarter. Situated between the Opera House to the east and Hoan Kiem Lake to the west, Trang Tien Street boasts Parisian-style buildings, beneath which you'll find bookstores, galleries, and charming cafes. Don't miss out on the popular Trang Tien ice cream parlor—it's always bustling.

The Ngoc Son Temple, perched on an islet in the heart of Hoan Kiem Lake, is a must-visit landmark for many tourists. The striking red The Huc Bridge spans across the lake to the Turtle Tower, creating a vibrant focal point for the city's characteristic scenery.

2 PM: The second most photographed location is Hanoi's St. Joseph's Cathedral, located at 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District.

In front of St. Joseph's Cathedral, there are bustling cafes and lemon tea stalls. You'll also find a variety of eateries and bars to choose from. Take a stroll around the cathedral area to discover a pho restaurant and savor this iconic Vietnamese dish.

A trip to the capital without trying pho is like not understanding anything about Hanoi. Hanoi-style pho is known for its clear broth, minimal noodles, and garnishes of fresh green onions and sliced lime—a bowl of pho that leaves a lasting impression.

3 PM: Hoa Lo Prison – ranked among the top 5 most chilling sites in Southeast Asia, is a place you shouldn't miss when exploring Hanoi.

Constructed in 1886, it served as a detention facility for anti-colonial Vietnamese activists under French rule. It also housed American prisoners during the Vietnam War, including U.S. Senator John McCain, shot down during the historic 'Operation Linebacker II' in 1972.

4 PM: Take a break before heading to the heart of the city – the UNESCO-recognized Old Quarter. This 'maze' dating back to the 13th century was a bustling trading hub for various goods like herbs, flowers, jewelry, silk, bamboo, hats, leather, and bronze.

Today, it's a vibrant mix of hair salons, massage parlors, galleries, shops, budget hotels, travel agencies, currency exchange spots, and street vendors.

7 PM: The Old Quarter comes alive in the evening when sidewalks are adorned with tables and chairs from night vendors. Visit City View Cafe at 1 Dinh Tien Hoang Street for a panoramic view as the streets light up, or stroll down any street for a fresh beer and diverse street food offerings.

Day 2

8 AM: Skip the hotel's fancy breakfast and instead, venture outside. Grab a local baguette, find a street-side spot, and enjoy it with a traditional Vietnamese drip coffee while observing the vibrant street life.

9 AM: Head west from Trang Tien to the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts at 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc – a repository of folk art with themes of communism, patriotism, and the struggle of our people.

Lunchtime: Pass through Le Nin Park to the Vietnam Military History Museum at 28A Dien Bien Phu. Outside the museum, you'll find displayed tanks that played crucial roles in our nation's battles, B-52 bombers, and Russian jet fighters. Inside, three large halls vividly depict the people's struggle over 1000 years against Chinese colonialism, French imperialism, and the American empire.

2 PM: Take a short walk eastward, approximately 10 minutes, and you'll reach Ba Dinh Square, one of the largest green spaces in Hanoi. In 1945, here, President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

In 1969, after his passing, the people of Vietnam built the Ba Dinh Mausoleum to preserve his remains. Visiting the mausoleum, the poignant image of President Ho Chi Minh will evoke deep emotions within you.

Afterward, visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum, where you can see the red vintage bicycle that Uncle Ho used to pedal 1,782 km from Hanoi to Saigon at the age of 60.

5 PM: From Ba Dinh Square, a 20-minute stroll will lead you to West Lake – the largest lake in Hanoi. Surrounding the lake are gardens, restaurants, amusement areas from the Soviet era, and even million-dollar villas on the West Lake Peninsula.

Tran Quoc Pagoda, Vietnam's oldest, built in the 6th century, lies to the east of West Lake. To the south is the 800-year-old Quan Thanh Temple – home to a 4-ton Buddha statue, one of the most exemplary works of bronze casting.

7 PM: Indulge in Hanoi's most renowned cha ca dish. With only one item on the menu, this fragrant fried fish served with vermicelli, fresh herbs, and shrimp paste is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Concluding your 2-day tour, make sure to grab souvenirs deeply infused with the essence of Hanoi, such as the famous Hang Duong preserved apricots, authentic West Lake lotus tea, or a package of horizontally wrapped young rice wrapped in lotus leaves if you happen to visit Hanoi in the autumn.

Source: Ngoisao.net

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour