What To Do In Hanoi 3 Days?
Hanoi. The capital city of Vietnam. The home of one fo the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World. In this post, we will answer all the questions; How many days in Hanoi? 3 days in Hanoi, is it enough? What to do in Hanoi for 3 days? All of this questions will be answered.
So keep reading!
'WOW'
This had been one of the most interesting trip to Vietnam I had so far. I was astounded by the places we went to and I literally uttered the word ‘WOW’. Just watch our ‘What To Do in Hanoi for 3 Days’ vlog below this post! There are a lot of walking but it’s all worth it. I hope you’ll feel the same way once you explore the beauty of Hanoi.
So here’s how we spent 3 days in Hanoi.
Let’s get into it!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 DAY HANOI ITINERARY
How TO GET THERE?
Transfer from Airport — Hotel — AirpoRT
To explore Hanoi in 3 days, first of all we have to deal with our first obstacle.
How do we travel to our hotel?
Upon arriving at the airport, we were picked up by a driver that was arranged by the hotel. At first, we were having difficulty locating our driver but we managed to find him eventually. Most of the drivers with signages are just right outside the entrance. Just read the names carefully.
Alternatively, you can book via Klook for your private transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport from the link below.
Just put it in into your Hanoi Itinerary!
Book your Airport – Hotel – Airport transfer through Klook.
WHERE TO STAY IN HANOI?
Hanoi Hotel Accommodation
Location: Prince II Hotel Hanoi
Address: 42B P. Hàng Giầy, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 10000, Vietnam
This unique hotel is tucked in a corner street in Hanoi’s Old Street Quarter. This hotel gives off that old colonial vibe with its furnishing and interior with a spiral staircase. When it comes to the guest rooms they accommodate from two guests to even a family.
We were traveling in 3s and the room was just right for us – 1 Single bed and 1 Queen size bed. Perfect combination. So this is where we stayed in Hanoi for 3 days.
PROS
- Budget-friendly for family or friends travelers
- Convenient and strategically located near cafes, street food stalls, night markets, and right beside, a massage spa and bubble tea stall. Walking distance as well to some tourist attractions. Eg. Hoan Kiem Lake
- Very friendly staff that’s willing to help you and provide what you need
CONS
- No lift/elevator – If you’re traveling with elderly or huge luggage it might be a struggle to constantly go up and down the spiral staircase. So keep this in mind. But their friendly staff will help you with the luggage – so no problem with that!
- Dusty and a little run-down – It’s kinda obvious that the place is timeless and needs a little upgrade.
Not really. We still enjoyed our time staying at the hotel – mostly because of the friendly staff and accessible to it is.
DAY 1 | AFTERNOON
BANCONG CAFE
Location: Bancong
Address: Số 2 P. Đinh Liệt, Hàng Đào, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Bancong Cafe is one of the popular cafes in the Old Quarters. It’s a 3-storey cafe, popular for its yellow wall and French colonial design. I’m amazed by the colorful and floral exterior of this place.
Once you get inside is even better. It has a classic Western interior.
Put this to your Itinerary in Hanoi!
Bancong Food
*Salty Coffee (MUST TRY):
VND 65k /SGD 4 /USD 3
Chilly Salty Mango Tea
VND 75k /SGD 4 /USD 3
Mango Smoothie
VND 70k /SGD 4 /USD 3
*SGD and USD prices are rough estimation only
*Fried Spring Rolls (MUST TRY)
VND 115k /SGD 7 /USD 5
Salami Pizza
VND 155k /SGD 9 /USD 7
The food was good as well, but what I truly enjoyed was the Fried Spring Rolls and Salty Coffee. The fried spring rolls are so crispy and delicious, especially with their sauce. Now, I’m not much of a coffee lover but one sip of their Salty Coffee is so bizarre that you’ve got to try it. You can taste the hint of saltiness with the bitterness of the coffee.
I love how Vietnam have unique styles with their coffee.
HOAN KIEM LAKE
From Bancong, you can take a leisure walk to Hoan Kiem Lake. One of the popular tourist destinations to relax and unwind by the lake.
There are many benches that you can sit down and chill. There are also stalls that you can buy trinkets or souvenirs. There’s a popular red bridge here that lights up enchantingly at night.
HUC BRIDGE
Location: Huc Bridge
Address: Located at the islet in Hoan Kiem Lake
This is the famous red bridge in Hoan Kiem Lake that connects the city to the temple that’s in the middle of the lake – Ngoc Son Temple. It says at night it will get lit up and the bright colour will magnify at night.
It says it was built in 1865 during the reign of Tu Duc. ‘Huc’ means a place where light can be held, collected, and condensed’. There’s a huge historical significance that this bridge represents throughout the history of Hanoi. It had undergone a couple fo restorations to make it as beautiful as how we see it today.
NGOC SON TEMPLE
Location: Ngoc Son Temple
Address: Located at the islet in Hoan Kiem Lake
At the other end of the Huc Bridge is the popular Ngoc Son Temple. It’s a very popular attraction within the area because of its historical and spiritual significance. This temple has two sections, with the internal devoted to worshipping Tran Hung Dao and Van Xuong De Quan.
So if you’re a devotee this is the place for you, and if you’re a person that wants to sightsee then this is a place for you as well.
DAY 1 | EVENING
HANOI NIGHT MARKET
Location: Hanoi Night Market
Address: Hang Dao Street, Hang Ngang Street, Hang Luoc Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Here it is, what we’re waiting for the popular Hanoi Night Market. You can see a wide variety of items in here from clothes, shoes, and bags to toys. They closed off several streets to give way for the night market stalls. When we were there we asked around what time the weekend night market started and many of the local sellers said it was around 7 p.m. till late.
Better prepare your bartering skills.
DAY 2 | MORNING - AFTERNOON
LA CAPO CAFE
Location: La Capo Cafe
Address: 48 P. Lương Ngọc Quyến, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Before we headed out to our tour for the day. We went out to hunt for breakfast and we found this cafe, right across the street from our hotel – Prince II Hotel. It’s a quaint cafe with a few seats outside by the sidewalk and also inside as well.
Croissant: VND 29k /SGD 2 /USD 1
Tropical Smoothie Bowl: VND 69k /SGD 4 /USD 3
Their food menu seems limited but it’s good enough for a quick breakfast. Their smoothie bowls are quite alot and very filling. So it’s a perfect heavy breakfast for an active day ahead.
Their croissants have different sauces like honey or condense milk etc. Which were pretty good. But keep in mind, the smoothie bowls has 4 slices of bread included.
KLOOK TOUR
Halong Bay Full Day Tour
Klook Tour: [Route 2] Full Day Tour in Halong Bay by Reina Cruise
For our first tour, we will be doing the Halong Bay Full Day Tour. I was excited to do this tour because we will be going to Halong Bay – one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
And I’m telling you right now, it’s going to be worth of your time!
So the tour picked us up from the hotel, where a big bus going to be the vehicle that would drive us 2 hours to Halong Bay Ferry Terminal. But first, there are a few stops besides from your typical toilet breaks. One of them is the Pearl Farm.
BOOK YOUR HALONG BAY TOUR TODAY!
HALONG PEARL (PEARL FARM)
Location: Halong Pearl (Pearl Farm)
Address: Vụng Tùng Sâu Vịnh, Tp. Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh
You will get the chance to learn more about our most precious pearls. This is a Pearl Farm where they teaches tourists and visitors how to nurture and create your lovely pearl jewelries. There are so many things I’ve learned here during our short visit and it’s fascinating to know how pearls came to be.
You can also visit their store where they sells their pearl jewelries that they turn into necklaces, rings, bracelets and many more.
It’s an educational trip indeed.
Ha Long International Cruise Port
Location: Ha Long International Cruise Port
Address: Thương Cảng, Road, Thành phố Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh 200000, Vietnam
To embark on your ferry, this is your first stop. The tour guide will hand you over your ticket and then lead you to the ferry that will bring you around Halong Bay. The process is very systematic and fast. Just follow along the way and later, you’ll find yourself cruising the water of beautiful Halong Bay and it’s towering limestone islands.
LUNCH BY HALONG BAY
Location: Ferry along Halong Bay
Before we start our grand adventure, we had our lovely lunch inside the ferry where the crew would prepare you a delicious meal with fruit snacks. It’s such a lovely experience as you cruise along Halong Bay and watch those towering limestone islands around you.
Here are the samples of Lunch Menu they have:
- Steamed Prawns
- Stir-fried Squid with Celery
- Stir-fried Chicken with Onion
- Halong Seafood
- Spring Rolls
- Omelette
- Fried Fish with Tomato Sauce
- Stir-fried Veggies
- Steamed Clams
- Steamed Rice
- Fruits
- Candies
- Fruits
- Biscuits
- A Glass of Wine or Cup of Tea
HANG LUON
Location: Hang Luon
This is an underground cave. There are two ways that you can enjoy Hang Luon as a visitor.
- Kayak as a pair or solo
- Ride a join-in boat with a local touring you around
If you’re an adventurous one, then you will enjoy taking a kayak and explore it yourself. Upon entering the cave, you may come across a strong pungent smell and this may come from the bats’ urine or from the water. Once you’ve crossed the other side of the cave, you will be amazed by the beautiful towering limestone surrounding you. There are also monkeys by the edge of the cliffs, watching you. So watch our for those!
Just a heads up, beware of your surroundings. There can be many kayaks at one time or at one place. Also, you’re not the only ones here. There are bigger boats that are carrying many passengers that’s going around the water. So just be smart and row with care.
Sung Sot Cave
Location: Sung Sot Cave
This is the most amazing cave I’ve ever been one. I think you will be amazed by how majestic and huge this cave is. I was blown away.
So upon reaching the island, the ferry has only 2-3 minutes to disembark visitors onto the island before they have to move out of the platform. It’s quite fast and if you have health problems, that makes it difficult for you to hike or walk for a long time. Then it’s better to stay on the ferry because once you left the boat, you can’t go back anymore. You have to finish the whole trail out of the cave.
At the foot of the stairs up to the cave, you have to take 100 steps until you reach the entrance of the cave system.
My initial worry about this cave (because I didn’t do any googling before coming here) is that it’s a very small cave. And with the amount of people going in… I might get claustrophobic.
However, I was proven wrong!
This place is huge! It’s so surreal.
I’m not joking. There are no words to explain how I felt when I first laid my eyes on this masterpiece. You just have to see this for yourself.
Ti Top Island
Location: Ti Top Island
This is a more laid back destination we had and our last stop for our Halong Bay Tour. On this island you can do several things, for example:
- Take a dip in the water
- Play sports eg. Soccer, Beach volleyball
- Chill and have a snack or drinks
- Hike to the top and catch a birds-eye view of the island –> We did this!
The hike to the top was a little tiring although it’s a cemented cobblestones. It’s a little uneven and narrow. You have to make way for the people going down. There’s a rope that you can hold on to firmly as you pull yourself up.
They have a resting place – half way point – where you can take a snap of this photo and see the magnificent view of the water. As you continue to go up, there’s a pavilion on top and you will have a 360 degree view of the entire island.
Amazing view. It’s definitely worth the hike.
SUNSET PARTY
Location: Sunset Party (Cruising back on land)
Another thing that’s fun about this tour is that on your way back on land. There’s an activity that they called ‘Sunset Party’ where they blasted music and share some snacks and drinks.
Even our tour guide turned into a rapper by the evening. Lol.
It was a lovely day to end our tour. Most especially, as you cruising down the Halong Bay and the sun is setting right before your eyes.
BLUE RECOMMENDS
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
I highly recommend this tour if you want to experience Halong Bay. Their tour guide is highly knowledgable and entertaining (even raps for you. lol). The places you visits are amazing and you will remember it vividly.
Of course, this is based on my own experience. You have to be there to believe it.
BOOK YOUR HALONG BAY TOUR TODAY!
DAY 2 | EVENING
TAKE TACO
Location: Take Taco
Address:65 P. Cầu Gỗ, street, 24 Nha tho, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
And to end our long and tiring day, we went to Take Taco where we enjoyed a scrumptious Vietnamese meal. This really hits the spot after touring around Halong Bay.
If you’re interested, here are what we eat:
- Beef Noodle Soups – VND 75k / SGD 4 / USD 3
- Deep Fried Ha Noi Spring Rolls – VND 75k / SGD 4/ USD 3
- Bua Cha HN – VND 85k / SGD 5 / USD 3
- Mango Smoothie – VND 65k / SGD 4 / USD 3
- Avocado Smoothie – VND 65k / SGD 4 / USD 3
DAY 3 | MORNING
CAFE HOPPING
HIDDEN GEM CAFE & PUB
Location: Hidden Gem Cafe & Pub
Address: 1 Hàng Mắm, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
This little hidden gem is tucked behind an alleyway and then walk up the stairs where you will find murals and recycle interior decorations. It’s such a fascinating concept.
This place is so full of colours and beautifully made. We went early in the morning and the place just opened. It’s a perfect timing to take loads of photos while it’s still empty.
Their walls are decorated by amazing murals that you can’t help but kept taking pictures with it. Their furnitures are so colourful and vibrant. While some are made out of scrapes and containers.
It’s a very well sought out project in doing this.
I even saw an old shoes as a plant base. Amazing.
We had our first meal here and here are what we ordered.
- Fried Spring Rolls – VND 49k / SGD 3 / USD 2
- Chocolate Smoothie – VND 50k / SGD 3 / USD 2
- Banana Chocolate Smoothie – VND 50k / SGD 3 / USD 2
- Mango Smoothie – VND 50k / SGD 3 / USD 2
ALWAYS CAFE (HARRY POTTER THEME)
Location: Always Cafe (Harry Potter Theme Cafe)
Address: 8B P. Hàng Tre, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Our next cafe stop is just right across the street! I came to notice that the logo looks familiar and I realised it’s a Harry Potter Themed Cafe.
How cool is that!
This will be my 2nd time to be in one. I love Harry Potter and their potion drinks and decorations. The first one I’ve been to was in Phuket, Thailand.
They offer a variety of things here from selling merchandises – trinkets and t-shirts – down to boardgames.
You will enjoy this cafe with your family and friends with your endless photoshoots and lovely meals.
Their walls are heavily decorated with HP murals and newspaper cuttings from the Daily Prophet. At the back of the cafe is where you will find banners of the different houses in Hogwarts. Also some HP replicas that you can enjoy to take pictures with.
Oh here are what we ordered:
- Fried with Cheese – VND 35k / SGD 2 / USD 1
- Butter Beer – VND 45k / SGD 3 / USD 2
TUNG'S KITCHEN
Location: Tung’s Kitchen
Address: 2 P. Hàng Bông, |, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
After roaming around the streets of Hanoi for cafe. We finally landed at Tung’s Kitchen for some decent heavy meal for lunch. Tung’s Kitchen is quite popular for its cooking classes. So if you’re interested in learning how to cook Vietnamese food, you can sign up at their website.
It was empty when we get there and that’s great because we’re in a rush to get our food fast before we go for our next tour. The meal and presentation of each dish tip-top. *chef’s kiss*
Here are what we ordered:
- Caramelized Pork & Quail Egg – VND 159k / SGD 9 / USD 7
- Beef Noodle Soup – VND 109k / SGD 6 / USD 4
- Southern Style Dried Noodle – VND 129k / SGD 7 / USD 5
- Pineapple Juice – VND 55k / SGD 3 / USD 2
- Passion Fruit Juice – VND 55k / SGD 3 / USD 2
- Watermelon Juice – VND 55k / SGD 3 / USD 2
- Bottled Water – VND 20k / SGD 1 / USD 1
KLOOK TOUR
HANOI MOTOBIKE TOUR
Klook Tour: Hanoi Instagram Private Tour by Motorbike or Car
For our second tour, we will be doing Hanoi Instagram Private Tour. This is going to be interesting and exciting because you get to ride a motorbike and go around Hanoi.
Better slot this in for your itinerary in Hanoi!
This is the best way to do it most especially with a perfect weather.
LONG BIEN BRIDGE
Location: Long Bien Bridge
This bridge was built to deliver goods from one end to another. Unfortunately, during the war it was bombed and had undergone reconstructions as to what we see today. Underneath the bridge is the Red River – the biggest river in Hanoi. Where many locals to enjoy their afternoon to chill and relax to escape the summer heat.
HANOI CERAMIC MOSAIC MURAL
Location: Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural
Another fascinating thing that I saw while we’re riding is the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural. I was amazed by it since my first day that I arrived. Little did I know that this mural holds the record for the world’s largest ceramic mosaic.
It stretches as 3,850 meters long.
KEM HO TAY (ICE CREAM STALL)
Location: Long Bien Bridge
Address: 9 Đ. Thanh Niên, Quán Thánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Before we headed to our next destination, we decided to cool down with a Vietnamese ice cream. Right across Tran Quoc Pagoda is an ice cream stall called ‘Kem Ho Tay’. A lot of people comes here to grab their popular flavours to cool down from the heat.
The flavour that I got was ‘Cream Rice Flakes Ice’ (VND 8k / SGD 0.45 / USD 0.30). It tasted pretty good. Just mild taste with a hint of vanilla and corn flakes. They say it’s a popular Vietnamese ice cream flavour.
Give it a try!
TRAN QUOC PAGODA
Location: Tran Quoc Pagoda
Address:46 Đ. Thanh Niên, Trúc Bạch, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Our next destination is Tran Quoc Pagoda which is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. According to our guide, this pagoda has 11 levels and in which means 11 challenges you have to face when you past away. Around the Pagoda, you can find 14 tombs of the head monks resting place.
You can further enjoy the place as they have a temple that you observe and learn the difference between the Pagoda and a Temple. Also learn the different kinds of Karma as illustrated from the Illustrations of the Law of Karma.
It’s a very fascinating place if you’re into Buddhism or learn more about different religion/culture.
HANOI TRAIN STREET
Location: Hanoi Train Street
Address: 3 P. Trần Phú, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
This is one of the most famous tourist attraction in Hanoi where you can have your coffee and have a huge train pass by inches away from you in broad daylight. There are cafes and tiny chairs and tables (that Vietnam is famous for) laid out on either side of the train tracks. People sipping coffee and having some snacks as they wait for the big moment.
This reminded me so much of the similar concept in Bangkok, Thailand.
There are specific timings for the train to come as per Vietnam Is Awesome website.
Monday – Friday: 7:00 PM; 7:45 PM; 8:30 PM; and 10:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 6:00 AM; 9:00 AM; 11:20 AM; 3:20 PM; 5:30 PM; 6:00 PM; 7:00 PM; 7:45 PM; 8:30 PM; 9:00 PM; 11:00 PM
So you can do other things while you wait for the main event.
- Take Instagramable photos with traditional Vietnamese costume
- Dine in and try their local Vietnamese cuisines
- Enjoy the popular Vietnamese coffee
For our Klook Tour, we opted for the tour with rental of the traditional costume which was worth it.
PHUNG HUNG MURAL STREET
Location: Phung Hung Mural Street
Address:27 P. Phùng Hưng, Hàng Mã, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
And to end our perfect Hanoi Motorbike Tour, we went on our last destination where the whole wall were filled with murals that depicts the different aspects of Vietnamese life. It’s a great way to see the artistic side of Vietnam.
Some of the art installations were made from recycles and metal scraps. It’s amazing to walk on this streets where you see – not only tourists – but also locals taking pictures with the murals.
Amazing experience it had been!
BLUE RECOMMENDS
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
I highly recommend this motorbike tour if you want to experience to go around Hanoi. Their tour guide is highly knowledgable, very friendly and accommodating if there’s any changes in the plan. I feel the way they bring you around Hanoi is very personalised.
Which helps to give you a very memorable trip in this beautiful country.
BOOK YOUR HANOI MOTORBIKE TOUR TODAY!
DAY 3 | EVENING
QUAN AN NGON HANOI
Location: Quan An Ngon Hanoi
Address: 18 P Phan Bội Châu, Cửa Nam, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 111103, Vietnam
This is our final dinner in Hanoi before we head home tomorrow. The ambiance is buzzing with people. This place is very popular and we have to wait for quite awhile to get a table for 3 pax.
It’s Michelin Selected for 2023!
It’s a charming colonial villa with a two storey restaurant and with an open-air al fresco dining and indoor dining as well. It’s been a very hot summer’s day in Hanoi and we’re glad we’re sitting inside with an aircon.
As usual, here are the meals we got. The receipt came with the Vietnamese name so I’ll just leave it as that and we may have over ordered a little too much. Lol.
- Com chien hai san (Fried rice) – VND 148k / SGD 8 / USD 6
- Com tam bi suon – VND 78k / SGD 4 / USD 3
- Com tam suon bi cha – VND 80k / SGD 4 / USD 3
- Ga rang muoi (1/2 con) – VND 320k / SGD 18 / USD 13
- Heo xien nuong – VND 144k / SGD 8 / USD 6
- Khan lanh – VND 2k / SGD 0.10 / USD 0.10
- Nem cua be – 99k / SGD 6 / USD 4
- Fresh grape fruit juice – 75k / SGD 4 / USD 3
DAY 4 | MORNING
Finally, on our last morning in Hanoi – we went to Bancong Cafe again for breakfast before we finally headed to the airport.
I think this is one of the most memorable trips I’ve had so far. So many remarkable things to see in Hanoi for 3 days. And of course, I will never forget the best fried spring rolls I’ve ever tasted in my life. Lol.
I love the buzz that Vietnam has with their street life. From their traditional conical hats, flower vendors to street stalls by the sidewalks.
It’s such an amazing experience. There’s always so much to see.
CONCLUSION
I hope you’ll get some ideas and what it’s like to travel to Hanoi. I hope it comes in handy with your itinerary in Hanoi. Hanoi has definitely more things to offer and I would love to go back again whenever I can. I hope you’ll get some ideas on places to visit in Hanoi. You will enjoy your time here for sure – submerging in their natural beauty, culture, food, and people.
BLUE RECOMMENDS
Click the links below to check out the Hotel and Klook Tours:
HOTEL
- Prince II Hotel Hanoi (via Booking.com)
KLOOK TOUR
How many days in Hanoi are you planning to stay?
Give Hanoi a try and discover more places that will amaze you!
See the below video for the video format!
Go out and explore!
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