Two Days in Hanoi: A First-Timer's Plan

Two days won't explain Hanoi, but they are enough to fall for it. This plan starts from the Temple of Literature and Hanoi Station area, where both Narcissus properties are, keeps an easy pace and leaves room for getting a little lost.

Day 1: The old capital and the Old Quarter

Morning. A bowl of phở, then the Temple of Literature before 9:00 AM while it's quiet. Walk on to the Flag Tower and the Imperial Citadel.

Lunch. Bún chả, the proper Hanoi lunch. In summer, head back for a short rest out of the midday heat.

Afternoon. Ten minutes by taxi to Hoan Kiem Lake. Cross the red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, then wander the Old Quarter: Hang Bac, Hang Ma, Ta Hien. Every street has its trade and its own smell.

Evening. A water puppet show at the theatre by the lake. From Friday evening to Sunday night, the streets around the lake become a pedestrian zone full of music and children.

Day 2: Ba Dinh and West Lake

Morning. Ba Dinh Square, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda. The mausoleum opens only on certain mornings and closes for maintenance part of the year, so ask reception the day before.

Lunch. Phở cuốn (rice-noodle rolls) by Truc Bach Lake, then walk Thanh Nien Road to Tran Quoc Pagoda, around fifteen centuries old, reflected in West Lake.

Afternoon. Rent a bicycle or walk part of the shore, and find a lakeside café for sunset, the view Hanoians love to show visitors.

Evening. Back to the French Quarter: the Opera House, a Trang Tien ice cream and chả cá for dinner.

Tips

• Taxis and ride-hailing apps take 10 to 15 minutes between stops; walk within the Old Quarter.
• Checking out early on your last day? Leave your bags at reception and keep exploring.
• A third day? Consider Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh.