How many days do I need in Hanoi?
For a fulfilling Hanoi experience, aim for 3-4 days. This covers exploring the Old Quarter, key sites like Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature, enjoying a water puppet show, and experiencing the city's vibrant culinary scene. Day trips to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh require additional travel time.
How many days to spend in Hanoi?
Okay, so Hanoi, huh?
Honestly, I reckon you need like, a solid 3-4 days to really get a feel for the city. I mean, you gotta wander the Old Quarter, right? Get completely lost, eat all the street food. Total chaos but in the BEST way.
Hanoi: Minimum 3-4 days to explore Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, enjoy local cuisine, and watch water puppet show. Day trip to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh if extra time.
I spent 4 days there, back in February 2018. Stayed in this little guesthouse on Ma May street, paid like $15 a night? Bargain! Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake early morning was beautiful. So peaceful before the scooters went completely mad.
Seriously, the food. Pho, banh mi, egg coffee… Ugh, I need to go back. And the water puppet show? Cheesy, but totally worth it.
If you’ve got more time, a day trip to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh would be epic. Though, that’s another day each, just getting there and back. I did Ninh Binh, the boat ride through the rice paddies? Wow.
Is 2 days enough for Hanoi?
Two days in Hanoi? Yeah, totally doable. You can definitely hit the main spots. Like, Hoan Kiem Lake, for sure. Wander around the Old Quarter, kinda crazy busy, but fun. Squeeze in a museum. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum thing, or maybe the Temple of Literature. It’s hot there, remember when I went last July? Burnt to a crisp. Anyway, two days works. But, uh, if you have more time… three or four days is even better, you know? Cuz you can go on day trips. Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh… They’re beautiful. Went to Ninh Binh with my sister, Sarah, last year. Amazing! Plus, you won’t be so rushed. Four days means a chill pace, time for more street food, maybe a cooking class. That would be awesome. I totally want to take a Vietnamese cooking class sometime. Hanoi has tons of them. Saw them advertised all over. So, yeah, two days minimum, but more is always a good idea. Especially with places like… like Sapa further north, or something. Maybe even take a train south? Who knows!
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Super pretty, right in the city center. Lots of locals hanging out.
- Old Quarter: Shopping, street food, crazy traffic, but so vibrant.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Important historical site. Kinda somber.
- Temple of Literature: Really peaceful, learned a bunch about their education system there. Cool place.
- Day trips: Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay – top choices!
- Cooking class: If you’re into food, definitely look into this!
- Sapa: Needs more than a day trip – mountains, rice terraces, trekking – but worth it if you’ve got the time.
Is 2 days enough for Hanoi?
Two days? Barely scratches the surface, honestly. Hanoi’s a whirlwind. You’ll see the lake, the Old Quarter… crowds, smells, the usual tourist traps.
The Mausoleum, yeah, I went. Cold, sterile. Felt… distant.
Temple of Literature? Pretty, I suppose. But fleeting. It’s all a little rushed, you know?
Three or four days? Much better. That’s when things start to breathe. You find the quiet corners, the hidden cafes. The real Hanoi emerges, slowly.
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Overcrowded, but beautiful at dawn.
- Old Quarter: A sensory overload. Exhausting, exhilarating. So many motorbikes!
- Museums: Pick one. Don’t try to cram them all in. You’ll regret it. I regret it. 2024.
- Day trips: Essential for a fuller experience. I didn’t have time. Big mistake. I wish I did.
My trip? Too short. I felt the pressure the whole time. It’s the feeling of wanting more. Of knowing there’s so much I missed. I should’ve planned better. Should have stayed longer. Damn.
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