Itineraries for Your Trip to Hanoi
2 Days in Hanoi for First Timers
I first visited Hanoi during a 6-month backpacking trip across Southeast Asia. Vietnam was toward the end of my trip, at the point where travel fatigue was beginning to set in, and towns and cities were starting to blur into one. A weekend in the Vietnamese capital was enough to jolt me back to my senses—there’s no ignoring the city’s melting pot of colors, cultures, and cuisines, and it was exactly what I needed to recover my travel mojo. Two days in Hanoi is enough time to take in all the sights and stuff yourself with street food before escaping into Northern Vietnam’s countryside. Here’s how.
Weather tip Pack light, breathable clothing and an umbrella if you’re visiting in summer (June–August) when daily downpours accompany high humidity. One thing tip If you only have time for one thing, make it a classic Vespa tour of Hanoi.
Pack light, breathable clothing and an umbrella if you’re visiting in summer (June–August) when daily downpours accompany high humidity.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a classic Vespa tour of Hanoi.
Many of the must-see attractions in Hanoi are too far to walk between, so hop on the back of a Vespa for a tour of the highlights—and a chance to get your bearings. Zip through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter and Ba Dinh Square, admire views across the Red River from Long Bien Bridge, and stop for coffee right on the tracks of the famous Train Street.
You’ll probably spend most of your time in the atmospheric Old Quarter, so get to know the historic district on a walking tour first. Visit Bach Ma Temple, one of the oldest in the city; stroll the maze-like streets, filled with handicrafts shops, bars, and restaurants; then head to Dong Xuan Market to shop for souvenirs and pick up some tasty street food.
Hanoi’s nightlife goes on into the early hours, especially on the weekends, but before you go bar-hopping along “Beer Street” (Ta Hien), start the evening with a traditional water puppet show. Book tickets for the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and opt for an audio tour to follow along and learn more about Vietnamese culture.
If you want to escape the tourist crowds and get a glimpse of local life, early morning is a great time for a food-tasting tour of Hanoi. Browse the city’s markets when only the locals are up, and sample a variety of street food specialties and tasty breakfast dishes. (My favorite is pho, a noodle soup that locals typically eat for breakfast.) Wash it all down with Vietnam’s famous egg coffee.
If it’s your first time in Hanoi, the capital’s renowned museums will give you a crash course in Vietnamese history. Start by visiting the landmark Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh Museum to learn about Vietnam’s controversial first President (visiting with a guide will help you understand the full context). Continue to Hoa Lo Prison, used during the Vietnam War, then end the afternoon at the Vietnamese Women's Museum.
By this point, you’ve likely clocked several miles of walking and sightseeing, so round out your 2-day Hanoi itinerary with some rest and relaxation. After a traditional Vietnamese massage treatment, enjoy one final foray into Hanoi’s electric nightlife with a visit to the Night Market (Friday–Sunday). It’s the perfect spot to pick up some last-minute souvenirs and enjoy a final serving of your favorite street foods.
