Immersing in the cultural and daily local style of the Vietnamese people during this Hanoi 2 days itinerary
Hanoi 2 days itinerary has been designed by Jacky Travel for tourists to explore the charm of Hanoi in the blend of iconic landmarks, cultural immersion, and local experiences. You could visit the historic Old Quarter, the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the thrilling Train Street – where the trains pass just inches from homes, v.v. The tour is personalized for a deeper, more intimate connection with Hanoi’s rich heritage and marvelous spirituality.
Day 1 – Hanoi Old Quarter: real-life historic restoration of the city
Nestled in the heart of the city, the Old Quarter is the cultural and historical soul of Vietnam’s capital, where the bustling maze of narrow streets has witnessed centuries of change while preserving its timeless charm. Here, French colonial architecture stands alongside centuries-old temples, while traditional craft shops and street food stalls coexist with trendy cafés and restaurants. More than just a destination, the Old Quarter is a living museum, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Hanoi’s past and its ever-evolving present.
You could begin your day with an early walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, the spiritual center of Hanoi, where locals gather for morning exercise and start their new daily life.
Stroll past the elegant Hanoi Opera House, a French colonial architectural gem, before diving into Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, often called the “Notre Dame of Hanoi”, and find yourself à la carte for breakfast in local style there.
After that, you could explore the Vietnam Women’s Museum for a fascinating insight into the role of women in Vietnamese culture and history. A visit to the Hoa Lo Prison – well-known as the “Hanoi Hilton” – offers a sobering look into Vietnam’s turbulent past. For a moment of peace, you may also stop at Quan Su Pagoda, the headquarters of Vietnam’s Buddhist Sangha.
In the afternoon, we could head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius and scholars of the past. Then, immerse yourself in the energy of Hanoi Train Street, where you can sip coffee just inches away from passing trains – a unique experience in Hanoi.
Lastly, you could dedicate the evening to cultural shows and a glimpse into the local nightlife. As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a uniquely Vietnamese art form that originated in the rice paddies centuries ago. For dinner, join the lively atmosphere of Tạ Hiện Street, where locals and travelers share draft beer at street-side stalls. Alternatively, take a night market stroll through the Old Quarter, sampling street food and browsing local crafts.
On weekends, Hoan Kiem Lake turns into a pedestrian street on Friday evenings and throughout Saturday and Sunday. You can then stroll freely and enjoy various kinds of music or dancing shows, exhibitions, and other stage plays.
Day 2 – West Lake: A perfect combination of poetic and daily life feel
In northwestern Hanoi, West Lake stands as the city’s largest, boasting a 17-kilometer shore and an area of 500 hectares. The West Lake is always a top destination on any Hanoi travel itinerary. With a perfect combination of a poetic lake, solemn historic areas, amazing activities, and unforgettable food, the lake has become an unmissable place whenever tourists visit this city.
If you don’t feel uneasy being an “early bird”, you could catch up with the Flag Hoisting Ceremony at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which takes place at 6:00 AM from April 1 to October 31 (summertime), and at 6:30 AM from November 1 to March 31 (wintertime). This is a national-level ceremony held daily, featuring the honor guard and the national flag hoisting procession. It draws large numbers of locals and visitors alike, who gather to witness this solemn and patriotic ritual. Continue to the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the Presidential Palace, both of which showcase the country’s modern history and political heritage. Just nearby, the One Pillar Pagoda – an iconic Buddhist temple built on a single stone pillar – offers a moment of reflection.
Next, you could head to Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake, the oldest Buddhist pagoda in Hanoi.
For those with extra time, a stop at Quan Thanh Temple is highly recommended to explore one of the Four Sacred Temples of ancient Thang Long capital, or Thang Long Citadel – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves unique architecture, royal relics, and archaeological treasures, as well as showcases over a thousand years of Vietnamese history.
After lunch, you could continue exploring the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This is a fascinating destination that showcases the rich cultural tapestry of the country’s 54 officially recognized ethnic groups. Opened in 1997, the museum offers a deep dive into Vietnam’s heritage through carefully curated exhibitions of costumes, tools, musical instruments, and daily life artifacts. Beyond its indoor galleries, visitors can explore an expansive outdoor area featuring full-scale reconstructions of traditional stilt houses, communal spaces, and even tombs, allowing for an immersive experience of rural and indigenous architecture.
If the weather allows, you could spend the afternoon cycling around West Lake. The 17-kilometer lakeside route offers refreshing breezes, scenic temples, and hidden cafés – perfect for a leisurely ride. Also, West Lake is a spot of serene beauty combined with vibrant floral displays, especially at the Lotus Pond and West Lake Flower Valley with various seasonal blooms such as sunflowers, chrysanthemums, daisies, violets, cleome, and Catharanthus roses. The best time to visit is from autumn through late spring (September to March), when the flowers are in full bloom. Or around May to June in summer for lotus at their peak.
As the day winds down, choose between two stunning sunset spots: the tranquil West Lake or the historic Long Biên Bridge. Both provide breathtaking views of Hanoi at dusk.
End your Hanoi 2 days itinerary journey with a memorable dinner at a lakeside restaurant overlooking West Lake, where you can savor authentic Hanoi cuisine while enjoying the sparkling night view across the water. You could book a Hanoi 2 days itinerary with Jacky Travel to enjoy the wonderful and fascinating insights and local touch through stunning cultural landmarks. With comfortable accommodations, delicious local meals, and an enthusiastic guide, we would love to take the stress out of planning, allowing you to enjoy every moment during your stay.
OUTLINE
Day 1:
Morning:
- Early walk at Hoan Kiem Lake
- Breakfast at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral
- Dong Xuan Market
- pass through Hanoi Opera House
- Vietnam’s Women’s Museum
- Hoa Lo Prison
- Quan Su Pagoda (optional)
Afternoon:
- Temple of Literature
- Explore Hanoi Train Street (drink coffee along the tracks)
Evening:
- Watch the Thang Long Water Puppet Show.
- Dinner + Bia hơi corner (Ta Hien Street), and/or night market stroll
Day 2:
Morning:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh museum, Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda.
- Tran Quoc Pagoda (optional)
- Quan Thanh Temple (optional)
- Thang Long Citadel (optional)
Afternoon:
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
- Bicycle around West Lake (optional; if the weather allows)
Evening:
- Sunset at West Lake (Pan Pacific Rooftop) / Long Bien Bridge
- Dinner with a view over West Lake
Related articles:
Hanoi by night – What to do in Hanoi? – Jacky Vietnam Travel
Hanoi train street – Where to find the street? Train schedule? Jacky Vietnam Travel
Hanoi Water Puppet Show – Address, Schedule & Price – Jacky Vietnam Travel
What to do in Hanoi – Off the beaten track – Jacky Vietnam Travel