Hanoi in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and the country's second largest city, behind only Ho Chi Minh City, but it's also a multicultural epicentre that combines Chinese, French and Southeast Asian influences. If you're planning a short stay here, it's best to plan an itinerary based on proximity to attractions, otherwise you'll find it impossible to discover its architectural and cultural richness.

Some of the best things to do in Hanoi in a 3-day tour include visiting the Old Quarter, touring the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, walking through the Dong Xuan Market, visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, attending a water puppet show, discovering the city's pagodas and taking in the panoramic views from the observation deck of a skyscraper.

Hanoi, with its frenetic pace, can be overwhelming for visitors, so for the first day I suggest a tour of the city's central circuit, including the Old Quarter as well as some of the main attractions that are a must on any tour of this destination.

Walk around Old Quarter, Hanoi's most traditional quarter

Old Quarter is Hanoi's kilometre zero, an ancient labyrinth where you can step into a history book, with each alley telling its own anecdotes. This neighbourhood, with its narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque colonial architecture, has been the heart of the Vietnamese capital for over a thousand years, having been founded in the 11th century and witnessed how Hanoi grew from a small village to the bustling city it is today.

A walk through this site will take you past the commercial houses with narrow facades and sloping roofs where trade guilds and artisans brought this urban labyrinth to life. You' ll also find a myriad of hawker stalls offering local delicacies such as pho and bun cha, making it the focal point of Hanoi's food tours.

The Old Quarter, however, is not only a showcase of Hanoi's rich history, but also a testament to the vitality and resilience of the Vietnamese people. Despite the changes and challenges over the years, this neighbourhood has retained its unique essence, so a stroll through its streets will transport you back to everyday Vietnamese life, where bustling streets, hidden temples and backyards take centre stage.

The Old Quarter can be reached by buses on lines 13, 33, 41, 55A, and 146 and on Hanoi's hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses which include stops in the area.

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and see the Ngoc Son Pagoda

The next step of the tour will take you to Hoam Kiem Lake, located about five streets away from the Old Quarter, so the best alternative is to take a 10-minute walk. Here you' ll find an oasis of calm amidst the urban chaos and a city landmark surrounded by trees and ornate bridges.

At the heart of the lake, connected by a traditional red bridge, stands the Ngoc Son Pagoda. This architectural gem, built on an artificial island, captivates with its elegance and spirituality. The temple is a tribute to the scholarship and courage that Buddhism promotes and includes ancient statues and colourful decorations.

From the pagoda's terrace you can also enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the city, which creates a visually stunning landscape with its labyrinthine streets. It is also one of the best places to take pictures in Hanoi.

Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum

After touring the tranquil Hoam Kiem Lake, I suggest you visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum in Hanoi, which will allow you to discover a shocking chapter of Vietnamese history. This former prison, which dates back to the French colonial era, has been converted into a moving museum that recounts the experiences of the prisoners who passed through its cells.

During your visit you can explore the rooms and exhibits that reveal the darker aspects of the prison, as well as the resilience and determination of those who suffered in its confines. In addition, among the exhibits you can discover the subhuman living conditions faced by political prisoners, as they lived in cramped cells and were tortured.

The history of Hoa Loa Prison dates back to the 19th century, when French colonisers built it to incarcerate political prisoners and revolutionaries. During the Vietnam War, the prison was also used to detain captured American pilots.

From Hoam Kiem you can reach the prison by bus on lines 24, 36, 42 and 44 or on Hanoi's hop on-hop off buses.

Be amazed by Hanoi's inter-city train tour

If you want to see one of the most famous sites in Hanoi, which is usually included in the best tours of the city, you can't miss the intercity train tracks, which runs through the heart of the Vietnamese capital and is part of the local life. Passing through bustling markets and picturesque neighbourhoods, this train respects the original layout, which was laid out in the early 20th century, and was later integrated into the urban fabric of Hanoi, becoming a daily sight.

The intercity train tracks run between narrow streets and hawker stalls. From the chaotic Long Bien market to the picturesque cityscapes that unfold along the route, the train offers an unparalleled insight into local daily life. The experience of watching the train pass by from the bridges that span the tracks has become iconic, allowing you to capture the dynamic and energetic essence of the Vietnamese capital.

It is from the elevated bridges, such as the Long Bien Bridge, that you can watch the train slowly move forward as street vendors raise their tablecloths to clear the way. Also, the best place to watch the train pass by from the height of the tracks is at 224 Le Duan Street. The train passes by there every day at 3.30pm and 7.30pm.

From Hoa Lo Prison you can get to Le Duan Street on bus lines 30, 40, 43, 52A and 52B.

End your first day in the city with dinner at Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market, located in the Old Quarter, is known to be one of the largest and oldest markets in the city, and while initially renowned for its varied clothing and textile stalls, this place transforms after dark, revealing a gastronomic side that will allow you to discover the local cuisine and also end your first day in the city with an authentic experience.

While the market has its roots in fashion, many travellers find that the real gem of Dong Xuan lies in its culinary offerings. From delicious noodle dishes to traditional snacks such as banh mi, the street stalls allow you to savour authentic local cuisine in a traditional setting. Buses 1, 3, 8, 9 and 11 will take you to this place from Le Duan Street.

The diversity of options at the food stalls in Dong Xuan Market will allow you to find dishes to suit all tastes. In addition, the dining experience in this cultural enclave will give you the opportunity to interact with the locals, sample authentic Vietnamese delicacies and capture the unique energy of Hanoi's nightlife.

After having toured the heart of Hanoi on the first day, for the second day I suggest a cultural tour that includes a visit to one of the most famous mausoleums in the world, a picturesque pagoda and a traditional Vietnamese show.

Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum

Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi will not only allow you to soak up Vietnamese history, but also pay tribute to one of the country's most influential leaders. This Soviet-inspired memorial, built to house the remains of President Ho Chi Minh, has become an iconic and revered site in the Vietnamese capital.

The mausoleum's history dates back to the 1970s, when construction began to house the revolutionary leader's remains. Since then, the mausoleum has been a place of pilgrimage for Vietnamese and visitors from all over the world. A visit to the mausoleum is a solemn and respectful experience, where you will have the opportunity to pay homage to Ho Chi Minh, who played a crucial role in Vietnam's struggle for independence.

Despite the mausoleum's sober purpose, it is one of the most visited sites in Hanoi. The constant influx of visitors reflects the historical and cultural importance of Ho Chi Minh in Vietnamese national identity. In addition to viewing the mausoleum itself, visitors can also explore the surrounding gardens and other nearby sites, such as the Ho Chi Minh House and the One Pillar Pagoda, which is just a few streets away.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum can be reached by buses 14, 18, 23, 143 and 146, or by the city's hop-on-hop-off buses, as all services include stops in this area. If you opt for the historical and cultural sightseeing jeep tours, you will also be able to see this site during the itinerary.

Tour Chua Mua Cot, the famous one-pillar pagoda

A few streets away from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, also within the Hanoi Botanical Garden, you can visit Chua Mua Cot, the famous one-pillar pagoda, a construction that will give you an insight into the historical and spiritual richness of the Vietnamese capital. This iconic structure is considered an architectural marvel that rises above the waters of a pond.

The history of this pagoda dates back to the 11th century, when it was built by Emperor Ly Thai Tong as an act of gratitude after he dreamed of fatherhood. The uniqueness of this site lies in its design, in which a single stone column supports the entire structure, appearing to float above the pond.

Surrounded by centuries-old trees and carefully landscaped gardens that match the style of the building, the pagoda offers a serene and tranquil setting away from the bustling Old Quarter.

Discover the shows at the Water Puppet Theatre

One of the best ways to end your second day in Hanoi is to attend a water puppet show at a theatre located near the Old Quarter. This tradition, one of Vietnam's most popular and captivating, refers to an ancient art that combines the skill of puppeteers with the movement of water, creating a performance that has captivated audiences for centuries and is often included in the itineraries of the best tours in Hanoi.

The history of water puppet theatre is not documented, but it is believed to have begun in the Middle Ages in the flooded rice paddies of the Red River delta, eventually becoming a form of entertainment appreciated by the royal court, despite having sprung up in the streets of what was then a small village. Thus, these performances are not only an artistic manifestation, but also a window into Vietnamese culture and mythology.

The performances often include folk stories, scenes of rural life and mythical figures, all accompanied by live traditional music. The theatre has evolved to integrate modern elements such as lighting and amplified sound, but retains the essence of tradition, with skilled puppeteers bringing their characters to life on a watery stage.

From Chua Mua Cot you can reach the theatre on buses 14, 22A, 23, 34 and 146.

For the third and last day of your itinerary I propose a tour that combines the tradition of the Vietnamese capital with the modernity that characterises the city as a global financial centre. In this way, you will not only discover the country's first university, but also one of the tallest buildings in Vietnam and admire the city's skyline from its observation deck.

Tour the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university

The Temple of Literature is a historical site because it is home to the country's first university. Founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, this building, also known as Van Mieu, was designed as a centre of learning dedicated to honouring Confucius and the scholars of the time, so the temple has played a pivotal role in Vietnam's educational and cultural history for over a millennium.

The architecture of the Temple of Literature reflects the influence of traditional Vietnamese aesthetics, with fine details and symbolic elements that enhance the beauty of the structure. Touring its various sections, such as the Pavilion of Constancy, will give you an insight into the history and educational philosophy that have shaped Vietnam's cultural identity.

Located next to the train station that will take you to visit Sa Pa from Hanoi, the site can be reached by buses on lines 2 and 41.

Take in the sweeping views of the city from Lotte Center Hanoi

After visiting one of the oldest buildings in Hanoi, you can visit one of the most modern. The Lotte Center Hanoi skyscraper, which opened in 2014 and stands 267 metres tall, is one of the best places in the city to take in the sweeping views. From the observation deck of this structure you can discover a unique perspective that fuses modernity with the rich history of the Vietnamese capital.

Strategically located in Hanoi's financial and commercial district, Lotte Center offers views ranging from ancient temples and pagodas to modern markets and skyscrapers. From its observation deck, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city and also see the Red River, where Hanoi's best cruise ships take you to Halong Bay from the Vientiane capital.

Lotte Center Hanoi's avant-garde architecture is combined with luxury amenities, shopping and entertainment spaces, making it a multi-faceted destination for locals and tourists alike. The tower also stands as a testament to Vietnam's rapid economic development, providing a fascinating contrast to the traditional architecture that characterises the city.

From the Temple of Literature you can reach Lotte Center Hanoi by bus lines 25, 32, 34, 38, 142 and 159.

Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

Situated on the shores of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, with its roots dating back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De. Over the centuries, this pagoda, which is considered the spiritual centre of Vietnam, has been rebuilt and renovated, becoming a symbol of the local Buddhist tradition. From Lotte Center Hanoi you can reach it by bus lines 32, 34, 38, 50 and 142.

The history of Tran Quoc Pagoda is intertwined with the evolution of spirituality in the region. Originally built on the banks of the Red River, the pagoda was moved to its present location during the 17th century. This move was part of a series of changes aimed at preserving the pagoda and its spiritual significance, making it a place of peace and contemplation away from what were considered to be the vices of modernity.

Tran Quoc's architecture reflects the fusion of styles over the centuries, ranging from Ly dynasty elements to Indian architectural influences. Often included in the itineraries of the best tours of Hanoi, explore the gardens, stone bridges and ornate towers that capture the essence of Buddhist philosophy in every detail.

Discover Hanoi's nightlife in the Hang Buom district.

The end of your tour of Hanoi should be in the Hang Buom district. Here you can find bars, pubs, restaurants and nightclubs offering live music and DJs. The area is also famous for its beer bars, where locals and tourists gather to enjoy craft beverages and share the epicentre of the Vietnamese capital's social life.

Hang Buom is also a culinary hotspot, with street stalls offering Vietnamese delicacies such as pho and bánh xèo. This is why the district is also a popular place for food tours in Hanoi.

Activities in Hang Buom include night walks to explore the city's illuminated architecture, as well as the opportunity to take part in traditional Vietnamese games that some locals organise in the streets.