Exploring the capital of Vietnam is a journey through layers of history, where ancient temples stand beside colonial villas and modern culinary innovations. Expanding your stay to 3 days in Hanoi allows you to move beyond the tourist center, diving deeper into the city’s spiritual landmarks, its thriving contemporary art scene, and its world-class gastronomy.
Table of Contents
Day 1: A Sensory Dive into Hanoi’s Living Heritage
Morning – The Scent of Tradition
The Iconic Breakfast at Phở Lý Quốc Sư: Start your journey with a bowl of rich, aromatic beef broth and soft rice noodles.
- Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Morning Coffee at Café Đinh: Hidden in an old French villa, enjoy a bolder version of egg coffee with a balcony view.
- Address: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Strolling Around Hoàn Kiếm Lake: Observe locals practicing Tai Chi and visit Ngoc Son Temple.
- Address: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Midday – Colonial Echoes and Savory Delights
Lunch at Bún Chả Tuyết: Taste the smoky aroma of pork grilled over charcoal, a favorite local lunch spot.
- Address: 34 Hang Than, Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Architecture of St. Joseph’s Cathedral: Capture the neo-Gothic facade of this 1886 cathedral.
- Address: 40 Nha Chung, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Evening – The Vibrant Pulse of the Old Quarter
Sunset on Long Bien Bridge: Walk along the historic steel structure for a panoramic view of the Red River.
- Address: Long Bien Bridge, Ngoc Thuy, Long Bien, Hanoi
Contemporary Dinner at Habakuk: A Michelin-recognized bistro where European techniques meet local ingredients.
- Address: 4 Phan Huy Chu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Nightlife at Phố Tạ Hiện: End the night with “bia hơi” (fresh draft beer) in the heart of the Old Quarter.
- Address: Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Day 2: Artisanal Crafts and West Lake Serenity
Morning – Village Craftsmanship
Excursion to Bát Tràng Pottery Village: Explore the maze of kilns and try your hand at the pottery wheel.
- Address: Bat Trang Village, Gia Lam District, Hanoi
Brunch at Xôi Yến: Try “Xôi” (sticky rice) topped with mung bean, fried shallots, and braised pork.
- Address: 35b Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Midday – Spiritual Heights and Lakeside Breezes
Trấn Quốc Pagoda: Visit the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, located on an island in West Lake.
- Address: 46 Thanh Nien, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Lunch at Quán Ăn Ngon: A stunning garden villa serving street food favorites from all over Vietnam.
- Address: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Stroll Along West Lake: Experience the “calm” side of Hanoi with cooling breezes and lotus ponds.
- Address: West Lake (Ho Tay), Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Evening – The Art of Fire and Performance
Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre: Witness an ancient northern Vietnamese art form performed on water.
- Address: 57b Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
The Northern Contemporary at Chapter Hanoi: A refined fine-dining experience reinterpreting Northern Vietnamese cuisine through contemporary techniques, with a focus on charcoal, fire, and seasonal ingredients.
- Address: 12C Chan Cam, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Day 3: Intellectual Roots and Contemporary Visions
Morning – Scholarly Roots and Steamed Delights
Breakfast at Bánh Cuốn Bà Xuân: Watch skilled ladies create silky rice rolls filled with minced pork.
- Address: 16 Doc Hoe Nhai, Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
The Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu): Explore Vietnam’s first national university and its ancient stone stelae.
- Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi
Midday – History and Art Fusion
Lunch at Chả Cá Lã Vọng: Sizzle turmeric-marinated fish with heaps of dill at this century-old legendary spot.
- Address: 14 Cha Ca, Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Hoa Lo Prison Museum: A sobering look into Hanoi’s resilient history, from the colonial era to the war.
- Address: 1 Hoa Lo, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Manzi Art Space: Decompress in a French villa that serves as a contemporary art gallery and café.
- Address: 14 Phan Huy Ich, Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Evening – The Grand Finale
The Opera House & Trang Tien: Browse silk boutiques and admire the yellow Palais Garnier-style architecture.
- Address: 1 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Farewell Dinner at Tầm Vị: This Michelin-starred gem serves traditional family-style meals in a vintage wooden house.
- Address: 4B Yen The, Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi
Late Night at Tống Duy Tân: Conclude your journey at this 24/7 food street with herbal chicken stew.
- Address: Tong Duy Tan Street, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Conclusion
3 days in Hanoi transforms a quick visit into a deep immersion. By balancing the chaotic charm of the Old Quarter with the spiritual atmosphere of West Lake and the ancient crafts of Bát Tràng, you experience the full spectrum of the capital’s soul – best completed with an early booking at Chapter Hanoi during the Lunar New Year, when tables are limited and dates fill quickly.
