Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Hanoi?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Hanoi?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Hanoi, Vietnam? Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 5 days in Hanoi during their visit. After all, the colorful city will let you tour the famous sights and museums, learn about the history of the town, soak up the big city atmosphere, and go shopping.
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and it offers a unique glimpse into the northern Vietnamese culture. The city is filled with interesting architecture, local foods, and bustling street markets. At the heart of the city's energy is the Old Quarter, which is where you'll find backpackers, locals, and tourists all intermingling.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Hanoi? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Hanoi?
One week provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Hanoi at your own pace to tour the famous sights and museums, learn about the history of the town, soak up the big city atmosphere, and go shopping. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
How to spend a week in Hanoi
Hanoi is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the city's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.
It's worth around 2 hours for Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Entry is around 40,000 Vietnamese Dong for adults, with discounts available for students and children, while children under a certain age may enter for free.. It's known for its extensive collection showcasing the diverse cultures and traditions of Vietnam's ethnic groups through artifacts and outdoor village displays.
Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton), which is ₫30000. It's great for backpackers and is known for housing prisoners during French colonial times and the Vietnam War, and its museum exhibits on this history.
Make sure to set aside around 1 hour for Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which is free. It's great for backpackers and is known for preserving and displaying the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh and serving as a symbol of Vietnamese patriotism.
You'll want to have around 1 hour for One Pillar Pagoda. It's a nice activity for backpackers and is known for its unique lotus-shaped architecture built on a single stone pillar in the middle of a pond. It's free.
It's worth around 1 hour for Tran Quoc Pagoda. Entry is free. It's known for its status as the oldest Buddhist pagoda in Hanoi, its serene lakeside location, and stunning traditional Vietnamese architecture.
A few tour suggestions include:
- (Private) MUSEUM TOUR in HANOI ($5)
- Hanoi: Iconic Landmarks Self-Guided Audio Tour ($5)
- Hanoi: Military History Museum & Historical Highlight ($43)
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this city, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Hanoi Cooking Class: Pho/Bun Cha/Banh Xeo...+Free Egg/Salt Coffee ($19)
- [Hi-end] Private Hanoi Street Food Tour With Real Foodie ($52)
- Hanoi Food Tours ($27)
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.
It's worth around 2 hours for Temple of Literature. Entry is 30,000 VND for adults, with discounted prices for students and children; entrance is affordable and tickets are purchased onsite.. It's known for being Vietnam's first national university and its beautiful, well-preserved Confucian architecture and gardens.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for backpackers. Known for its ancient archaeological remains and its role as the historic political and cultural center of Vietnam, entry is ₫30000.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for Ba Dinh Square. It's a nice activity for backpackers and is known for being the location where Vietnam's independence was declared and housing the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It's free.
Dong Xuan Market is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for backpackers. Known for its wide variety of goods, affordable prices, and authentic Vietnamese local shopping experience, entry is free.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Hanoi Private Walking Tour with Egg Coffee Making Experience ($5)
- (Evening) HANOI CUSTOMIZED Walking Tour ($5)
- Hanoi Full Day A Private Tour With Mix of History and Activities ($160)
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Hanoi After Dark by Motorbike: Street Foods & Nightlife (4 hours) ($55)
- Discover Hanoi Nightlife: Bars & Clubs with English/Korean Guide ($190)
Given that Hanoi is a large and popular city, give yourself a full day to uncover the diverse neighborhoods, captivating attractions, and engaging activities scattered throughout the area. Be sure to include visits to some of the city's premier landmarks and quintessential neighborhoods, too. It's a wonderful mix of culture, history, cuisine, and shopping that highlight the welcoming Vietnamese personality and unique long running history.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for families. Known for its traditional Vietnamese water puppet performances that highlight local folklore and culture through puppetry on a water stage, entry is ₫100000.
Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for St. Joseph's Cathedral, which is free. It's great for backpackers and is known for its striking neo-Gothic architecture, historical significance, and vibrant cultural and religious activities.
Old Quarter are worth visiting for around 3 hours, which are great for families. Known for its historic streets, bustling markets, and traditional Vietnamese culture, entry is free.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Hanoi Jeep Tour: Red River Countryside Culture & Daily Life ($57)
- Hanoi Jeep City Tour combine Countryside Train Street, Backstreet ($58)
- Halong Bay 2D1N BEST CRUISES All-Inclusive: Transfer, Meals, Kayak, Cave, Island ($139)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Hanoi.
Shopping in Hanoi is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.
Dong Xuan Market is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for backpackers. Known for its wide variety of goods, affordable prices, and authentic Vietnamese local shopping experience, entry is free.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Don't miss Hoan Kiem Lake during your trip to Hanoi, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Hanoi.
After you've explored most of Hanoi, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Ha Long bay day trip(From Hanoi city or Halong harbour) ($159)
- Halong bay 5star Cruise Day Trip: Buffet lunch & Limousine bus ($35)
- Lan Ha - Ha Long Bay 5Star cruise-Private balcony cabin 2day trip ($179)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Even more time is needed here to explore the old town with its many shops, restaurants, landmarks, and charming atmosphere. Find those local spots that are perfect for the local charm and cuisine.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Hanoi.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Hanoi?
With two weeks at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Hanoi has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Hanoi as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, and the big city activities at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi, Vietnam
How to spend 2 weeks in Hanoi
With 2 weeks in Hanoi, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time perusing the musuems, exploring the historic town, experiencing the city's neighborhoods, and browsing the shops. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Private Ha Long bay day trip(From Hanoi city or Halong harbour) ($159)
- Halong bay 5star Cruise Day Trip: Buffet lunch & Limousine bus ($35)
- Lan Ha - Ha Long Bay 5Star cruise-Private balcony cabin 2day trip ($179)
- Halong Day Trip From Hanoi ($150)
- Day trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi ($70)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Hanoi, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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