Hanoi 4 Day Itinerary • itinerary post & photos by Jeanie A
I spent 4 days exploring Hanoi and northern Vietnam – here’s my 4 day Hanoi itinerary and what I recommend for your own trip.
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If you’re planning a trip to Hanoi, prepare for organized chaos, unforgettable food, and some of the most cinematic landscapes. This 4 day itinerary in Hanoi includes culture, food, and bucket list day trips. However if you decide to take my suggestion for the Halong Bay visit for a 2 Day, 1 Night cruise, then this itinerary effectively becomes a 5 Day itinerary.
Note that this itinerary is jam-packed with activities to see as much as you can in a short amount of time. So of course, feel free to tailor this itinerary to fit your own interests, pace, and/or schedule.
Recommended Hanoi Tours & Activities
Book unforgettable experiences and check out the below recommended Hanoi tours, activities and attractions that are mentioned throughout this post:
In Hanoi, I stayed at the La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa, which is centrally located and within walking distance to Hanoi Old Quarter where you’ll find tons of shopping and eating options. Book your stay by clicking here, or check availability for your dates below and click “Search”:
HANOI 4 DAY ITINERARY
The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this Hanoi itinerary. The points are color-coordinated as:
Day 1 Points of Interest → DARK RED
Day 2 Points of Interest → ORANGE
Day 3 Points of Interest → YELLOW
Day 4 Points of Interest → DARK BLUE
HOW TO USE THE ABOVE HANOI MAP:
Action
Description
Click a Colored Point of Interest
Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest
Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right
Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account
On Larger Map view, click the STAR ☆ under “Hanoi, Vietnam“
Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account to access anytime on Computer* or on Phone App**
*On Computer: In your Google Maps, Click “Saved” on left bar → Click “Maps” → Click “Hanoi, Vietnam“
**On Phone App: In your Google Maps app, Click “You” on bottom bar → Scroll to bottom → Click “Maps” → Click “Hanoi, Vietnam“
Day 4-5: Halong Bay – Day Trip or Overnight Cruise
Option 1: Day Trip
Option 2: 2D/1N Overnight Cruise
Day 1: Explore Old Quarter & Iconic Bun Cha
On the first day of your 4 day itinerary, start it by exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter. You’ll walk through vibrant streets, cafe hop, explore a temple, and visit a sky bar.
Cafe Hopping in Hanoi
Start your morning by experiencing Hanoi’s elite cafe culture by hopping between cafes and getting some delicious coffees and teas to give you energy for the day! You can visit:
The Note Coffee
Famous for its colorful walls covered in handwritten notes. It does get crowded here so you might have to wait a bit for a table to free up. It’s especially hard to get a spot by the open-air windows for a view overlooking the lake. And yes, you are able to write your own note and stick it anywhere in the cafe!
Always Cafe
Always Cafe: A Harry Potter-themed cafe near the lake. All drinks and food items are a nod to the famous wizarding world. It is a bit small, but this wall also sort of a hidden gem that it didn’t take long to be seated!
Hidden Gem Cafe Hanoi:
A beautiful cafe with colorful and quirky decorations
Hanoi Coffee Culture
Another cafe with a unique vibe, some cute decor and a must-try egg coffee! They also have demonstrations on how to make your own egg coffee.
Train Street Cafes (any)
Train Street has a ton of cafes you can choose from. SO you really can’t go wrong with any. Pick one and get a drink while you wait for the train to buzz by. Note that Train Street periodically closes down due to safety issues, so be sure to do a bit of research to see if it’s been recently open which may indicate it being open during your visit. (Also this itinerary does visit Train Street on Day 2 but added it to this “cafe list” anyways lol)
My Favorite Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is strong and unique, but I have to say that my favorite Vietnamese coffee that I discovered was the Salt Coffee!! I had it for the very first time in Hanoi, and I continued to order it everywhere I went. It is that delicious!!! So yes, do order and try an egg coffee but also do not skip other drinks because you might just find your new favorite coffee drink (like I did)!
Explore Old Quarter
If you’re cafe hopping, then you inevitably also exploring Old Quarter. But if you’re not cafe hopping, do still explore this historic quarter! Here you can get lost in the streets, go shopping for all kinds of things, like silk, souvenirs, leather goods, homeware, shoes, luggages (heh especially necessary if you plan to spree). All while experiencing the culture with chaotic street crossings, lively alleys, and vibrant storefronts. This is also a great place to shop for small gifts and practice a little friendly bargaining.
Ngoc Son Temple & Hoan Kiem Lake Walk
End your time in the Old Quarter area at Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
You’ll get to cross the iconic red bridge and take your time wandering the peaceful temple grounds. Afterwards, why not walk the perimeter of the lake?
Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama Bun Cha)
Then head down south a bit and eat at Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously known as “Obama Bun Cha” after Barack Obama dined here with Anthony Bourdain. Order the classic bun cha, which consiste of grilled pork patties and slices served in a savory broth with rice noodles and fresh herbs. Even if you’re not a fan of Obama or Bourdain, bun cha is flavorful and one of Hanoi’s must-try dishes.
Rooftop Bar Views
End the night with skyline views at one of Hanoi’s rooftop bars:
Skyline Hanoi
The Summit Lounge
Terraco Sky Bar
Lux SkyBar
Upper Cloud Sky Bar
May De Ville Lakeside Rooftop Bar
Lighthouse Sky Bar
Moonlight Sky Bar
Upper Haven Sky Bar
Le Ciel Bar
SOL SKY BAR
I love a good view from a bird’s eye view, and there’s plenty of rooftops bars for you to enjoy.
Day 2: Incense Village, Train Street & Nightlife
On the second day of your 4 day itinerary in Hanoi, visit the Incense village, train street, and go on a food tour in a fun way!
Quang Phu Cau Incense Village Tour
Start your morning with a half-day tour to Quang Phu Cau Incense Village. This is where those viral photos of bright red incense bundles come from. But other than that, you can also see and learn how locals make the incense and also get a chance to make your own!
It’s about an hour from Hanoi and makes for a unique cultural experience and is a must-visit in my opinion 🙂 You can book the same tour I went on, which includes transportation, a guide, and train street by clicking here, or click on the widget below:
The next stop is Hanoi Train Street. And yes the train really does pass inches from cafes and homes along the railway. It’s pretty surreal and one of Hanoi’s most iconic experiences. There are tons of cafes that line the railway, and staff members will lead you to a good seat to witness the train passing through.
As mentioned, train street closes periodically due to safety issues and rules being broken primarily by foreign tourists. When you visit, always listen to the locals and stay as close as possible to the wall, don’t cross or walk the railway when a train is approaching, and just simply be respectful! That way, the train street can be open for all to enjoy in a safe and respectful manner.
The safest way to visit the Train Street is to book with a tour to ensure entry and to know the most up-to-date access rules and train times.
You can book the same tour I went on, which includes transportation, a guide, and the Incense Village by clicking here, or click on the widget below:
After Train Street grab some lunch and take a short break before your evening activities. We Ate at a chicken pho restaurant, which was delicious!! and stopped by some shops on the way back to the hotel where we rested and freshened up.
After the much needed break, we headed out for a guided street food tour. Many tours include a cycle (three-wheeled bicycle taxi) ride through the Old Quarter. It’s a fun way to see the city and be immersed in Old Quarter’s busy streets. On the food tour expect to try new and familiar foods such as: pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls, and desserts.
Book the same tour I went on by clicking here or click on “Book Now” in the widget below:
Nightlife
If you’re up it, why not experience nightlife on the streets of Old Quarter! Check out Beer Street where you will find tons of people enjoying the night with some drinks.
Or go check out another rooftop bar that you werent’ able to check out the first night:
Skyline Hanoi
The Summit Lounge
Terraco Sky Bar
Lux SkyBar
Upper Cloud Sky Bar
May De Ville Lakeside Rooftop Bar
Lighthouse Sky Bar
Moonlight Sky Bar
Upper Haven Sky Bar
Le Ciel Bar
SOL SKY BAR
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Thank you!-Jeanie
Day 3: Ninh Binh Day Trip
On your third day of your 4 day itinerary, take a day trip to Ninh Binh. It’s a must visit!!
Ninh Binh Day Tour from Hanoi
Take a full-day tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, which is about 2 hours away.
This region is known for dramatic limestone mountains, rice paddies, and river boat rides. Most tours include a climb up Hang Mua for incredible panoramic views, a boat ride through Tam Coc, and a visit to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. The day is a bit long but it’s scenic, peaceful, and absolutely worth it.
Okay no trip to northern Vietnam is complete without visiting the famous Ha Long Bay. It’s scenic, beautiful, and is another must-visit!! So on your last day of you 4 day itinerary, consider these two options to experience Ha Long Bay from Hanoi:
Option 1: Day Trip (Veryyy Long Day)
Going on a day trip from Hanoi is possible and definitely doable but it will be a verryyy looong day. We’re talking 12-14 hours long. But if you’re short on time and want a taste of Ha Long Bay, then this is a good option.
What a Day tour includes:
2.5-2.5 hour transfer each way
4-6 hours of cruising
Kayaking and cave visit
Option 2: 2D/1N Overnight Cruise (What I Did & I Highly Recommend)
I opted to do the 2 day, 1 night cruise with Elite of the Seas, and it was the best experience!! I highly recommend staying overnight if your schedule allows it.
You can either leave your luggage at your Hanoi hotel in the hotel’s Luggage Storage, or you can just not check-out your room and leave your luggage in the room. This does mean paying for the hotel night even though you aren’t sleeping there for that night, but it does allow you to return from the overnight cruise with your hotel room available for you.
Anyways, this is what the 2 Day/1 Night overnight cruise got us:
2.5-3.5 hour transfer each way in a comfortable van
The pace is more relaxed
All meals on the boat
Sunset and sunrise views on the water
impeccable service on a luxury boat
an infinity pool
activities included kayaking, swimming cave visit, cooking class, and tai chi
This was definitely the highlight of my entire northern Vietnam experience and I would do it again and again.
Of course, if you opt to do the 2 Day/1 Night Ha Long Bay cruise from Hanoi, then your 4 day itinerary effectively becomes a 5 day itinerary.
Hanoi is vibrant, chaotic, flavorful, and full of so much character! This 4 day Hanoi itinerary balances city exploration with two of Northern Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes: Ninh Binh and Halong Bay. I hope this post has help you plan your Hanoi trip.
Have you visited Hanoi? How was your experience – Let me know in the comments below!
Jeanie has traveled to over 50 countries and has a love for new experiences, visiting iconic attractions, and finding breathtaking views. Hoping to help plan unforgettable adventures, Jeanie aims to inspire others to visit new places through her travel stories and photography.
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