The Best Hanoi 5 Day Itinerary
This Hanoi 5 day itinerary provides detailed recommendations on where to stay and things to do in Hanoi each day. Those looking for a 3-day itinerary can also use this post as a reference.
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Without further ado, let’s begin!
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How Many Days Do You Need in Hanoi?
Hanoi offers a diverse range of experiences, from historical and cultural attractions to delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife. The length of your stay in Hanoi depends on your interests and travel style.
3-5 days in Hanoi are good for a comprehensive exploration.
This duration allows you to visit the city’s top attractions, including the Old Quarter, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the Hoa Lo Prison. You can also explore the vibrant street food scene and Hanoi train street, and enjoy a traditional water puppet show.
If you’re looking for a more in-depth experience, 7 days are ideal. With more time, you can delve deeper into Hanoi’s culture by visiting museums, art galleries, and even take a day trip to nearby attractions like Bat Trang Pottery Village or Duong Lam Ancient Village.
If you’re looking for a shorter visit, you can still experience the highlights of Hanoi in 2 days. Focus on exploring the Old Quarter, trying local food, and enjoying the city’s atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Hanoi
For first-timers, I suggest a stay in Hanoi Old Quarter, where you can find dozens of tasty local food spots dotted around cool city landmarks within walking distance, i.e. Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market, etc.
Some recommended hotels with good services and locations are:
- Golden Silk Boutique Hotel
- Kingdom Hotel Hanoi
- Hanoi Little Town Hotel
- Queen Cafe Hotel & Pub
- Hanoi Backpackers Hostel & Rooftop Bar
Hanoi 5-day Itinerary
Keep reading to find detailed recommendations on the best things to see and do, as well as where to eat during your 5 days in Hanoi.
Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter and Food Tour
Welcome to Hanoi! Woo-hooo! You’ve landed at Noi Bai Airport – one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia.
Did you get overwhelmed seeing hundreds of taxi drivers waving at you? (Since I did!). I recommend booking airport pickup in advance to avoid scammers and have a fuss-free journey.
From here, enjoy your 1-hour journey to the city center and get your mind ready to be blown away by the fun, crazy, chaotic Hanoi.
First, warm up your adventure with a stroll around the Old Quarter, with a thousand motorbikes peeping around you. Walk to the Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple and enjoy the unique water puppet show at Thang Long Puppet Theater nearby.
Then sit down for filling, scrumptious local dishes, including Pho, Bun Cha Ha Noi, egg coffee, and more in an exciting Hanoi food tour. Learn about the dish background and interesting stories on Hanoi food culture!
Pho and Fresh Spring Roll – an excellent combo
End your day with a visit to the unique Hanoi Train Street, where you can capture a snapshot of a passing train just one meter away!
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Spend this whole day visiting Hanoi landmarks, such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Literature temples, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Hoa Lo Prison.
Insider tips from Phoebe and Besties:
- Wake up early to experience the daily flag-raising ceremony at 6:00 AM in Ba Dinh Square.
- Wait in line to enter the mausoleum and it can take one to two hours. No bags, water, or photography are permitted inside.
- Don’t miss out on the picturesque Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, located just meters away from the Mausoleum.
- For ticket purchases, only Vietnamese currency is accepted.
After a full day of learning about history and culture, conclude it with a unique and entertaining water puppet show at Thang Long Puppet Theater.
You can purchase tickets at the theater’s counters, but make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay
At 7:30 am, embark on a three-hour journey to the breathtaking Ha Long Bay.
This day, you’ll enjoy cruising around the emerald bay, hiking to the peak of an island for a stunning panoramic view, exploring the largest cave in the bay, and freely kayaking through limestone mountains.
Usually, there are two main ways to explore Ha Long Bay: an overnight cruise or a day trip.
Most people opt for a Ha Long Bay day trip and return to Hanoi in the evening.
This option is highly recommended, as it’s less expensive. You can experience the same itinerary without needing to check out of your hotel in Hanoi.
Alternatively, if your budget allows, you can choose an overnight cruise. This means you’ll spend the night on a shared boat with all-inclusive services and enjoy Halong Bay at night.
Stunning sunset on Ha Long Bay
Some luxurious cruises even offer a jacuzzi and live music. If you don’t mind paying a premium for the room, it’s an absolutely fantastic experience.
Overnight in Hanoi or Ha Long Bay
Day 4: Ninh Binh – Overnight in Ninh Binh
Check out of your hotel in Hanoi and head to Ninh Binh.
You’ll have a full day to explore this peaceful and serene land. Some activities you can enjoy on this Ninh Binh trip include:
- Take a serene boat tour in the Trang An complex or Tam Coc.
- Immerse yourself in history with a visit to the royal temples in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
- Hike to the top of Mua Cave to behold the breathtaking view of Tam Coc.
- Wander around the picturesque Bich Dong Pagoda.
- Go bird watching in the Thung Nham Bird Valley.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
The picturesque Bich Dong Pagoda
Day 5: Relax and Fly out
After four exhilarating days of exploration, culinary adventures, and cultural immersion in Ninh Binh, it’s time to take it easy on the fifth day.
You can either sleep in and relax, or get up and seize the day by exploring further. Grab a bike and cycle around the town, or find a cozy coffee shop to order a cup of Vietnamese egg coffee.
Jot down your travel experiences in your journal or edit your photos. Enjoy a leisurely morning to recharge and take in the local atmosphere before bidding farewell to Ninh Binh.
Hanoi 5 day Itinerary – Plan B
If you prefer not to spend the night in Ninh Binh, you can return to Hanoi after your tour. The return journey will take approximately three hours.
You can spend your last day in Hanoi shopping or exploring some unique cafes, such as Giao Mua, Loading T, and The Note Coffee. If you’re an art enthusiast, the HLC Starry Sky Art Museum offers an entirely different experience.
After Hanoi, Where to Go Next?
Vietnam offers a wealth of fascinating destinations in each of its regions. In the far North, don’t miss the Ha Giang Loop, Sapa, and Cao Bang.
Moving to the Central region, you’ll find Pu Luong, Phong Nha, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang, each with its own unique attractions.
These destinations offer a diverse range of landscapes, from rice terraces and tribal stilt houses to magnificent jungle caves, royal palaces, vibrant beach cities, and charming lantern-lit towns.
South Vietnam welcomes you with the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and the warm-hearted people of the Mekong Delta. Don’t miss the Cu Chi tunnels, a unique witness to the bloody yet glorious period of the Vietnam War.
Planning a trip to Vietnam can seem overwhelming, but our Vietnam two-week itinerary will take the weight off your shoulders. It features the best things to see and do, along with helpful travel tips for each destination.
Phoebe and Besties also offers the best group and private tours to all top attractions in Vietnam. Check out our tours to learn more!
Explore Hanoi with Phoebe and Besties!
This 5-day Hanoi itinerary takes you to all the must-visit destinations in the Hanoi city center and nearby gems like Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. Hopefully, you’ll find some inspiration for your trip to Vietnam.
Let us know if you have any questions. Visit our blogs for more insightful Vietnam travel tips!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money should I budget for a five-day trip to Hanoi?
Your budget will depend on your spending preferences. On average, with mid-range accommodation, food, tours, and shopping, you can expect to spend around $70-$120 per day. So, for a 5-day trip, your total budget would be between $350 and $600. If you choose luxurious travel, of course, it will cost more.
Where are the best things to do in Hanoi for first timers?
Join a Hanoi food tour or cooking class. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Hoa Lo Prison. Watch a water puppet show. Check out the Hanoi Train Street. Take a trip to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. Try local dishes like Pho, Bun Cha, and Egg Coffee.
Is Hanoi worth exploring?
Absolutely! Hanoi is an extraordinary city that is worth visiting for its rich culture, history, cuisine, and friendly locals. It is also conveniently located near Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh, two places with breathtaking landscapes.
