Hanoi Essentials In One Day
Want to see the essence of Hanoi in 1 day - here we tell you how.
The historical capital of Vietnam for over 1,000 years, Hanoi is undoubtedly a cultural hub with a wealth of ancient relics that have withstood the ravages of war and the test of time. Upon arriving in Hanoi, you may find the city's array of monuments overwhelming and wonder, "What are the must-see sites I should visit?" The suggested itinerary below will help you navigate these iconic locations.
Morning
The first indispensable monument to visit is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, located in the heart of Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam's independence on September 2, 1945. From the Old Quarter, it takes about 15 minutes by taxi (approximately $5), or you can catch Hanoi city bus number 9, which departs every 15 minutes from the stop near the Water Puppet Theatre for just 30 cents.
This imposing structure was built between 1973 and 1975, inspired by Lenin's mausoleum in Moscow, yet infused with elements of Vietnamese architecture, exemplifying a blend of hero worship and modern design. The national hero's remains are preserved inside and are open to the public for tributes daily.
Within the complex, you can also explore several other sites, including the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Ba Dinh Square, the One Pillar Pagoda, and Dien Huu Pagoda.
Photo: vietnamplus.vn
Visitors should note that the mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays and is open only in the morning, from 8 AM to 11 AM. Additionally, guests are required to wear formal attire and are not permitted to bring cameras inside the mausoleum.
You may spend 2-3 hours enjoying everything this site has to offer. If you have extra time, I highly recommend visiting the renowned Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. From the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you can walk there in about 20-25 minutes or take a taxi that will take roughly 10 minutes.
A tour of this historical site, which showcases the influence of Confucianism on Vietnamese culture and education, will take about an hour. The architectural style of Van Mieu represents the finest in Vietnamese traditional architecture, providing a tranquil glimpse into Vietnam's past (read more about Hanoi Temple of Literature).
Lunch
Take some time to relish Vietnamese cuisine at one of the city's most celebrated restaurants. The Hanoi Old Quarter is a culinary hotspot, featuring local favorites such as Bun Cha (1 Hang Manh St.), Cha Ca La Vong (14 Cha Ca St.), and Bun Bo Nam Bo (67 Hang Dieu), which are among the top dining experiences. If you're feeling particularly hungry, head over to the Westlake area, where Sen restaurant offers an extensive buffet for a reasonable price of around $15.
Photo: internet - bun cha hanoi
Afternoon
It would be a missed opportunity not to travel by cyclo around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. This unique mode of transport offers the best vantage point for photography while allowing you to observe daily life in Hanoi. It's also convenient if you want to stop and sample Hanoi's street food or pick up souvenirs in the Old Quarter. Be sure to visit Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake to learn the legend of the magical Turtle who assisted King Le Loi in defeating the Chinese invaders (see our Hanoi Old Quarter walking tour for more details).
Photo: baohanoi.vn
If you fancy a walking tour, check out our recommendations for a Walking Tour in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Dinner
You'll find a myriad of dining options in the Hanoi Old Quarter awaiting your exploration. Xoi Yen (39B Nguyen Huu Huan) offers delicious meals with each bowl costing only $2. Other options in the area include Chao “quat” on Ngo Huyen Street, Banh Xeo and Ha Cao (55 Hang Bo), or the ever-popular Pho Ran (Nguyen Sieu St.). While you may be familiar with popular franchise BBQ and fried options like Lotteria and KFC, you can try the unique grilled chicken known as “Chan Ga Nuong” on Trinh Hoai Duc Street or Nhang Nuong (81 Dai Co Viet), which you won’t find elsewhere. However, many visitors gravitate toward Ngon restaurant (18 Phan Boi Chau) for a comprehensive selection of local Vietnamese specialties.
Nightlife
No evening in Hanoi would be complete without experiencing a quintessential form of Vietnamese art: water puppetry. This unique performance art dates back to the tenth century and is distinctive to Northern Vietnam. During a show, puppeteers stand in the water behind a screen, maneuvering wooden puppets with long bamboo sticks hidden beneath the water's surface. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is the most recognized puppet theater in Hanoi, situated at 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. The theater operates daily from 2 PM to 8 PM, with ticket prices ranging from $5 to $7, depending on your seating choice.
Photo: vietfuntravel.com.vn
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A Full Day Walking The Streets of Hanoi Old Quarter
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