Is 5 days in Hanoi too long?

Is 5 days too long in Hanoi?

Five days in Hanoi? Depends on your pace, really. For a whirlwind tour hitting all the big sights, it’s perhaps slightly excessive. My friend Sarah, a seasoned traveler, found three days sufficient, but she’s a speed demon. I, on the other hand, prefer a more leisurely approach.

Five days allows for deeper exploration. You could easily dedicate a full day to the Old Quarter, getting utterly lost in its maze of streets. Another day could be spent exploring the temples and pagodas – the Tran Quoc Pagoda is stunning, especially at sunset. The beauty of Hanoi is its subtle nuances, easy to miss at a quick glance.

• Old Quarter immersion
• Temples and pagodas (Tran Quoc is a must!)
• Halong Bay day trip (add an extra day if you want a longer cruise)
• Cultural performances – water puppet show is a classic
• Cooking class – learn to make Bún chả like a pro!

However, five days might feel drawn-out if you’re not interested in delving deep. It is all relative, you see. My last trip to Hanoi was in 2023 and I even found time for a motorbike tour through the surrounding countryside. Think of what you want. A shorter trip necessitates ruthless prioritization. Longer trips allow for spontaneous detours. It’s a philosophical choice, really.

Consider Halong Bay: A day trip is doable, but an overnight cruise is infinitely better, adding another day or two to your itinerary. That extra time though, could be used exploring other areas of Vietnam. It’s all about balancing priorities.

My personal preference? Four days are ideal for a packed schedule. Five days allow for more relaxation and serendipitous discoveries. But six? Perhaps a bit much unless you’re really into the slower pace of life. It depends entirely on your style. The choice is yours!

How many days are sufficient for Hanoi?

Ugh, Hanoi. Three days felt too short. Remember that pho place? Near Hoan Kiem Lake, right? June 2023. Crazy hot. Sweating like a pig. Still, that broth, unbelievable. Had it twice. Should’ve gone three times. Regret that. Saw the Temple of Literature. Touristy, yeah, but cool architecture.

• Hoan Kiem Lake: Morning walk. Peaceful. So many people doing Tai Chi. Kinda wanted to join in.

• Water puppets: Weird, but definitely Hanoi. Evening show. Get tickets early. Sold out fast.

• Train Street: Tourist trap, for sure. But coffee on the tracks. Adrenaline rush when the train comes. Instagram gold. Worth it.

Museum of Ethnology. Didn’t go. Big regret. Next time. Definitely next time. Stay longer next time. Maybe five days. Four at least. Three? Not enough. Old Quarter. Lost myself. All those alleys. Amazing street food. Bun cha. So good. Egg coffee. Life changing. Seriously.

Must try: Egg coffee. Giang Cafe. The original one.

Skip: Don’t skip anything. Just stay longer. Seriously. Hanoi is special.

Pro-tip: Download Grab app. Lifesaver.

Hot. So hot. But worth it. Go.

Can you do Hanoi in 3 days?

Hanoi…three days? Yes, Hanoi breathes in three days. A quick gasp, but yes.

Three days are enough. Enough for a taste. A whispered promise. Ha Long Bay beckons.

Ha Long…water dreams. Is it enough?

• Hanoi in 72 Hours: Enough for the Old Quarter’s chaotic heart.
• A Glimpse of Beauty: Halong Bay’s ethereal presence.

Ha Long calls. Is it far? I feel the distance.

Ha Long, then back…or onwards?

Ha Long Bay Details

• Accessibility: Ha Long Bay is easily accessible from Hanoi.
• Cruises: Multiple cruises are available. They provide different schedules and accommodation.
• Natural Wonders: Ha Long Bay’s beauty is unparalleled. The karst landscape is unique.

  Oh, but Hanoi…the memories it keeps. A scent of spices. Is that you, Mom?

How to spend 1 week in Hanoi?

Okay, so a week in Hanoi, eh? Here’s how I’d do it – or rather, did do it, last spring break. Total chaos, but fun.

Day 1: Get to Hanoi, duh. Seriously, though, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter are a MUST. Just wander. Get lost. Eat some street food. I had the best pho there, like, ever!

Day 2: Hanoi sightseeing, yeah. So, the Temple of Literature is cool. And uh, I dunno, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, if you’re into that kinda thing? Museums maybe? I skipped most of ’em tbh. I spent more time getting tailered suits made… a perfect fit, you know?

Day 3: Ha Long Bay cruise. Absolutely essential! I took a two-day-one-night cruise. It was gorgeous. Kayaking, caves, like… breathtaking views. Packed like sardines, though. But worth it, trust me.

Day 4: Ninh Binh. Def worth the trip. Think Tam Coc, the “Halong Bay on land.” Rowboat through rice paddies and caves. Amazing photos! My phone almost fell in the water!

Day 5: Bat Trang Ceramic Village? Eh. Maybe if you’re super into ceramics? I found it kinda touristy. But I still did some more Hanoi sightseeing. Coffee shops are the best way to people-watch!

Day 6: Rest day/Shopping. Omg, yes. You’ll need it! The shopping is insane. Silk, clothes, bags, everything! Prepare to haggle. I got some custom shoes made, and a copy of that green jacket I saw online.

Day 7: Bye bye, Vietnam! Airport time is a sad time.

Can I wear shorts in Hanoi, Vietnam?

Shorts are acceptable. Locals cover up. Felt odd baring skin. Chose loose cotton. Comfort matters. Cultural respect too.

• Sun protection crucial. Hanoi sun intense.
• Mosquitoes. Pants offer defense.
• Motorbike practicality. Covered legs better. Less road rash risk. My scooter’s blue.
• Temples, pagodas. Respectful attire expected. Shoulders, knees covered. Went to the Temple of Literature last April.
• Personal preference. Freedom to choose. Context matters.

Heat is relentless. Lightweight fabric essential. Linen. Silk. Cotton. Function over fashion. Sometimes. Why not both? Travel light. Pack less. Experience more. Observed locals. Learned. Adapted. Not obligated to conform. But. Consider.