Hanoi
By Evi Goossens, a travel storyteller, certified tour guide, and photographer from The Netherlands. Updated November 2024
Reading time: 8 min
How to spend two days in Hanoi
Hanoi is often your first or last stop in Vietnam. If this is your starting point in Vietnam, it can be quite overwhelming. Hanoi is a chaotic city; the streets are narrow, traffic is insanely busy, and it's a different culture altogether. While Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City are often considered busy cities, Hanoi takes it up a notch. Give yourself some time to acclimatize after a day of travel, and start your sightseeing tour the next day. After a good night's sleep, you'll see the city in a whole new light and appreciate the beauty amidst the chaos.
How many days to spend here: 2-3 days
How to get there: International flight or bus from NInh Binh, Ha Long Bay, or any other place in Vietnam
How to get around: Walk or Grab taxi (Grab taxi is very cheap so this is the best option)
What not to miss: The Water Puppet Theater
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| TABLE OF CONTENTS
How many days should you stay in Hanoi
Day 1: Walking through the city
Day 2: Temple day
Where to stay/eat/shop/go out
The recommended length of stay in Hanoi, Vietnam may vary depending on personal preferences. However, it is generally advised to stay for a maximum of two full days. By then, you would have had the chance to explore and experience most of what the city has to offer and can move on to a less crowded place. In case you have limited time, you can still see the highlights of Hanoi in just one day.
How many days should you stay in Hanoi?
At the lake, there's a beautiful red bridge leading to a small piece of land with a temple on it. Here, you must dress respectfully, covering your shoulders. If you're wearing a tank top, they have large blouses available for you to wear over your clothing. Exposed legs are generally acceptable in this temple. In the temple, you can see many signs that reflect the legend of the old lake. In the temple, you can see many signs that reflect the legend of the old lake. Take a stroll around and enjoy the tranquility of this bustling city.
TIP: Price temple 40 000 dong (€1,50)
Dress respectfully at the temple
Day 1: Walking through the city
Stop 1: Hoan Kiem Lake
After a good night's sleep, rise early in the morning. Grab a delicious breakfast at the hostel or one of the charming cafes on the way to the first stop, Hoan Kiem Lake. Hoan Kiem Lake is a large lake in the middle of the city. Legend has it that the lake is associated with the mythical story of Emperor Lê Lợi in the 15th century. According to the legend, the Emperor was presented with a magical sword by the gods to help him fight against the Chinese Ming Dynasty invaders. After the victory, as Emperor Lê Lợi was boating on the lake, a large turtle emerged from the water and reclaimed the sword, returning it to the gods. Hence, the lake's name translates to "Lake of the Returned Sword."
Stop 2: Hanoi Opera House & St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Once you're done at Hoan Kiem Lake, you can make a detour to visit some French colonial buildings. Vietnam was a colony of France until 1954, and you can still see buildings from that era, such as the Hanoi Opera House or St. Joseph's Cathedral. It's about a half-hour walk from the lake to visit these two landmarks on foot. Walking allows you to get a better sense of the city. While these buildings are interesting to see, you can certainly skip them if you're short on time in Hanoi.
Stop 3: Try Egg coffee in the Note cafe
Something that should not be missed on your trip through Vietnam is egg coffee. It may sound strange, but it's super delicious! Egg coffee originated during the French colonial period when fresh milk products were scarce. The Vietnamese found another way to make coffee and started looking for an alternative. And what do you think? Eggs!
Together with egg and condensed milk, they came up with the idea to make coffee this way. It's a rich and frothy drink with a unique flavor. Besides being super innovative, it also holds cultural significance. It shows that there are always creative solutions to create something delicious.
In addition to trying delicious egg coffee at the Note café, there's also space to relax after your walk. Throughout the entire building, there are small post-it notes everywhere. On the walls, on the window, and even on the ceiling! Enjoy your well-deserved egg coffee, let your feet rest after the walk, and take the time to stick a fun post-it note in one of the charming spots!
Stop 4: Why you should SKIP Train Street
Everyone says you shouldn't miss this spot when you're in Hanoi, but let me be honest with you. I found it to be a real tourist trap, and I'll tell you why.
Of course, my friends and I wanted to visit Train Street. It's featured in every travel guide, so it's a must-see in Vietnam. We walked there from Note Cafe. Along the way, we encountered a railway crossing that we wanted to pass through to reach the cafes you see in photos and videos of Train Street. However, a police officer was stationed there, prohibiting entry. A local approached us offering to give us a tour for a hefty price. We decided to keep walking.
Then, we reached another crossing where the same situation unfolded. However, this local said we could pass through her house to reach the street. Despite seeing many tourists walking on the tracks from the crossing, we were not allowed through. Apparently, the only way was through this woman's house. We agreed, bought some drinks from her kitchen, and sat on her terrace overlooking the tracks.
We were sitting there when the police came again, everyone (at every cafe or terras) had to rush inside. But to stay inside, you had to buy something to drink. Everything, from the police blocking us to the locals, seemed part of the act. The goal was to rush tourists to Train Street, make them buy drinks there, and then clear them out quickly once the train passed. It was all a big charade.
Honestly, I found the spot to be overrated. A train slowly passing by and all the theatrics surrounding it made it much less enjoyable. So, I would say don't waste your time and definitely not your money here!
Stop 5: The Water Puppet Theater
This was one of my highlights in Hanoi, the water puppet show.
Before heading here, you can buy tickets at the beginning of your day or just before. Different shows are held each day, so it's good to check the schedule. The theater is close to Note Cafe, so if you're around, you can also check the show times there. While there are schedules online, they may vary from year to year, so it's better to drop by to be sure!
The water puppet show is a traditional art form originating from villages in northern Vietnam. Puppets dance above the water's surface using long sticks and ropes. Behind the screen, performers manipulate the sticks and ropes to the live music in the theater. The characters on the water often depict traditional Vietnamese stories related to the country's history or mythology. Even though everything is in Vietnamese and you may not understand much, it's truly an impressive experience. It's remarkable how they present the performances, and with the live music, you'll be fully immersed!
TIP: Price Theater 150 000 dong (€5,83)
Stop 6: Beerstreet
End your first day at Hanoi's Beer Street! This long street filled with pubs, eateries, and fun is the perfect spot for a great evening. Stop by a local spot for some delicious food and then kick off your pub crawl. Many people are outside trying to attract tourists inside, so negotiate the price – they usually go a bit lower. The same goes for the food. If there's no price on the menu, be sure to ask before ordering!
Day 2: Temple day
On day two, you'll visit many temples and monuments. At these places, there are no blouses or sarongs available for borrowing. Therefore, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered, or else you won't be allowed entry.
Stop 1: Temple of Literature
Ready for day 2 in Hanoi? Yesterday, you did a lot of walking because everything was quite close together. You can do the same today, but it will take a bit longer. That's why I recommend taking a Grab taxi. This taxi will take you to your destination for just a few euros. It's convenient and also very safe. Don't worry, it won't break the bank.
Grab a nice breakfast at your hostel or on the way because the first stop is the Temple of Literature. Built in 1070 by the Ly dynasty, it is the oldest university in Vietnam! It was an important institution where scholars and high-ranking figures of the country received education. The temple served as a university for over 700 years. Students were taught literature, philosophy, and administration here.
As you may have noticed, Hanoi is never really quiet. There's always the sound of honking, people, or scooters somewhere. When you step into this temple, it feels like you've escaped the hustle and bustle of the city. Although this temple is located in the heart of Hanoi, it feels like a peaceful place to immerse yourself in history and culture.
Make sure you arrive on time as it quickly gets crowded with tourists and schoolchildren on field trips.
TIP: Price temple 30 000 dong (€1,17)
Dress respectfully at the temple
Stop 2: Tran Quoc Pagoda
From the Temple of Literature, you'll take another Grab to Tran Quoc Pagoda. Entrance to this small island on the water is free! The pagoda is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Vietnam. It was originally built in the 6th century by the Ly Nam De dynasty along the Red River, but it was later relocated to its current location on the West Lake.
TIP: Entrance is free
Stop 3: Mausoleum
This was one of my highlights in Hanoi, the water puppet show.
Before heading here, you can buy tickets at the beginning of your day or just before. Different shows are held each day, so it's good to check the schedule. The theater is close to Note Cafe, so if you're around, you can also check the show times there. While there are schedules online, they may vary from year to year, so it's better to drop by to be sure!
The water puppet show is a traditional art form originating from villages in northern Vietnam. Puppets dance above the water's surface using long sticks and ropes. Behind the screen, performers manipulate the sticks and ropes to the live music in the theater. The characters on the water often depict traditional Vietnamese stories related to the country's history or mythology. Even though everything is in Vietnamese and you may not understand much, it's truly an impressive experience. It's remarkable how they present the performances, and with the live music, you'll be fully immersed!
TIP: Price Theater 25 000 dong (€0,90)
Where to stay
Old Quarter: This is a great location to stay! The neighborhood is known for its narrow streets, ancient architecture, local markets, and vibrant atmosphere. It is in walking distance to Hoan Kiem Lake, the Note Cafe, or the Water Puppet Theater. There are both local food options and more luxurious dining options available for you to enjoy here.
It's close to attractions; you can walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, the Note Cafe, or the water puppet theater. Finally, you're also near the lively nightlife area, namely Beer Street. Even if you're not particularly seeking parties, this is still a fantastic neighborhood to stay in because everything is close by. Plus, it's known for its narrow streets, ancient architecture, local markets, and vibrant atmosphere.
Book your hostel: https://www.hostelworld.com
In Hanoi, as well as throughout Vietnam, the most enjoyable dining experiences come from eating locally. It might take some getting used to, but most roadside eateries have small stools where you can sit, the typical Vietnam experience Here you'll find many tourists and locals alike. Take a good look around to see where people are sitting, both locals and tourists. You don't want to end up somewhere empty, as the chances of the food being not quite right are higher. Order small dishes, such as Vietnamese spring rolls or a delicious noodle soup, and enjoy!
Where to eat
In Hanoi, you can buy a lot of fake branding for lessmoney. So, for example, fake Nikes or North Face. Throughout the city, you'll find small shops selling this kind of stuff. Negotiate hard on the price because often a lot of money can be taken off!
Where to shop
As mentioned earlier, the area around Beer Street is the place to be. Here you'll find various pubs, clubs, bars—you name it! Order a tasty Vietnamese beer or maybe even a beer tower! Anything goes here!
