When planning a 4 day Hanoi itinerary there is a lot to consider. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, a place steeped in a rich cultural history which encompasses Vietnam’s ancient Imperial past, the turbulence of the Vietnam War and the heady days of independence.
Hanoi is a vibrant city filled with life, a place that will engulf the senses. Whether exploring the 36 Streets of Hanoi Old Quarter or using the city as a steppingstone to the scenic wonders of Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa, you will soon find yourself captivated by the charms of this colourful city.
Are you planning your trip to Hanoi last minute?
Be sure to book your tours and accommodation in Hanoi ahead of time to ensure availability!
Our top recommendations for accommodation in Hanoi:
Here are our top picks for tours in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay from Hanoi:
What to do in Hanoi for 4 days
What you see during a 4 day Hanoi itinerary will depend on your interests and budget. There is a fabulous collection of attractions within the city and to destinations further afield.
Those interested in history can be transported back to Vietnam’s Imperial glory with a visit to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Be delighted and entranced with a traditional Water Puppet show or discover the unique flavour of Hanoi with a Hanoi Food Tour.
You have the choice of exploring Hanoi independently or selecting one of the many tours that highlight the best of Hanoi. Tours often combine a host of Hanoi tourist attractions into a day trip, this is perfect for anyone on a tight time frame or wanting more time to soak up Hanoi’s energetic vibe.
Here are our top picks of places to visit during a Hanoi Itinerary 4 Days.
Welcome to Hanoi!
Begin your 4 days in Hanoi with your arrival into Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport. Take your prebooked private airport transfer or airport shuttle to your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.
*Top Tip
Hanoi is notorious for Airport taxi scams. These scams can range from taxi meters spinning at the speed of light to threats of being left stranded along the 45 km (28 mile) stretch of highway between the airport and Hanoi city centre.
When getting from Hanoi Airport to Hanoi, we highly recommend prebooking either a private airport transfer or airport shuttle for transport from the airport to the city.
Click here for Airport transfers
Day 1 of your 4 day Hanoi itinerary
After freshening up at your hotel step out into the streets of Hanoi Old Quarter. Be prepared for sensory overload as you explore this exciting city.
Let the heady scent of freshly cooked street food tempt you into joining the locals with a range of mouth-watering Vietnamese dishes. Watch motorbikes quickly zip by to a soundtrack of beeping horns.
Day 1 Hanoi Sightseeing Options
Day one in Hanoi gives a choice of two Hanoi sightseeing options. You can either explore the 36 Streets of the Old Quarter on your own or discover the taste of Hanoi on a Hanoi street food tour.
Option 1
- Explore the 36 Streets of Hanoi Old Quarter.
Option 2
- Take a Hanoi Street Food Tour.
- See the Thang Long Water Puppet Show.
Book your Hanoi Street Food Tour here
In the evening make sure to set aside time to see a performance of the Thang Long Water Puppet Show. This troupe of talented puppeteers and musicians will enthral and delight you as they tell the story of Hanoi.
Book your Thang Long Water Puppet Show here
Day 2 of your 4 day Hanoi itinerary
Day two in Hanoi has a selection of four options. You can either take a city tour or explore Hanoi tourist attractions on your own. If you have plans for multi day tours to Ha Long Bay or Sa Pa, this is the perfect time to leave the city.
Day 2 Hanoi Sightseeing Options
Option 1
- Take a Hanoi City Tour
- See Hoan Kiem Lake
- Cross the Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple
Discover the best of Hanoi on a Hanoi City Full Day Tour. You will find a fabulous selection of Hanoi tours that range from Hanoi walking tours, Hanoi cycling tours, Hanoi motorbike tours and Hanoi jeep tours. The tours are a lot of fun and give a good overview of the history and culture of the city.
Book your Hanoi City Tour here
After a busy day of sightseeing watch Hanoi light up with a leisurely stroll around picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. Walk across the Old Quarter’s iconic red bridge (Huc Bridge) to Ngoc Son Temple.
Option 2
- Visit Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)
- See Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Beer Street (Ta Hien Street)
Explore on your own and relive the days of the Vietnam War with a visit to the notorious Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton). Pay your respects to President Ho Chi Minh on a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
In the evening meet up with your fellow travellers on Beer Street and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of this lively area.
Option 3
- See Ha Long Bay on a 2 Day/1 Night Cruise
Option 4
- Go trekking in Sa Pa on a 2 Day/1 Night Tour
Multi Day Trips to Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is one of the world’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. When you visit, you can either take a Ha Long Bay Day Tour or immerse yourself in the region’s majestic beauty on a 2 Day Ha Long Bay Cruise.
Book your Ha Long Bay Tour here
Multi Day Trips to Sa Pa
Sa Pa is famous for its stunning mountain vistas, hill tribe minorities and trekking. Taking a 2 day Sa Pa tour allows you to meet the Black Hmong and Red Dao hill tribes that call these small mountain villages and terraced rice fields home.
Day 3 of your 4 day Hanoi Itinerary
Day three sets aside plenty of time for shopping within the markets, shopping malls and 36 Streets of Hanoi Old Quarter. If you don’t like shopping, leave the city behind to discover the picturesque Ninh Binh Provence.
Day 3 Hanoi Sightseeing Options
Option 1
- Go Shopping at Dong Xuan Market
- Visit Trang Tien Plaza Shopping Mall
- Take an evening Street Food Tour
Spend the day shopping in Hanoi. Pick up a souvenir or have a quick bite to eat at Dong Xuan Market. If you are looking for something a little more upmarket, shop for luxury goods at Trang Tien Plaza shopping mall.
Soak up Hanoi’s energetic evening vibe as you try a fabulous range of Vietnamese street food on a Hanoi street food tour by night.
Book your evening Street Food Tour here
Option 2
- Take a Ninh Binh Provence Day Tour
Leave the city and get a taste of Vietnamese rural life on a Ninh Binh Provence Day Tour. While there step back in time to the 10th and 11th Century with a visit to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam.
Book your Ninh Binh Provence Day Tour here
Day 4 Itinerary for Hanoi
Day four is the time to wind down and enjoy an authentic Vietnamese cooking class. Here you will visit a lively food market before learning the secrets of Vietnamese cooking. Or spend the day exploring the historic Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.
Book your Hanoi Cooking Class Tour here
Day 4 Hanoi Sightseeing Itinerary Options
Option 1
- Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class
- Try Egg Coffee or Coconut Coffee
- Enjoy a cocktail at a Sky Bar
After your cooking class, relax in one of Hanoi’s coffee shops and try a deliciously creamy egg coffee or coconut coffee.
Celebrate your last evening in Hanoi with a visit to a Sky Bar. Hanoi Old Quarter is home to many sky bars. Popular places to enjoy a sunset with a cocktail and view are the Terraço Sky Bar, Moonlight Sky Bar and Lighthouse Sky Bar.
Option 2
- Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Take the time to learn the turbulent history of Vietnam with a visit to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This impressive UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the 11th century and remained the political capital for millennia.
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to visit as the complex is large. As with all historical sites, dress appropriately with shoulders and knees covered.
Option 3
- Return to Hanoi from your Ha Long Bay or Sa Pa Tour
Arrive back in Hanoi from the wonders of Ha Long Bay and the misty mountains of Sa Pa. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant or have a nightcap with a view in one of Hanoi’s sky bars.
Hanoi Attractions
Hanoi is filled with interesting attractions. Here are some of our favourite places, there are many more just waiting to be discovered on a 4 day Hanoi itinerary.
The 36 Streets of the Old Quarter
Whether exploring on a tour or visiting on your own, the 36 Streets are a must to see. The streets are divided into trades and products which are sold from historic shop houses.
As you wander around this bustling area, you will find streets devoted to silver, toys and paper, shoes, jewellery, herbal medicine, and tombstones. Fruit and vegetable markets pop up along the sidewalk and shops selling colourfully wrapped sweets line the streets.
Walking through the back alleys you will find small street food stalls which get busy with locals throughout the day. Colours flash before your eyes and your senses are filled with the sound of street vendors selling their wares and the blast of motorbike horns.
When you explore the 36 Streets it is easy to get distracted with each new turn, so make sure to pay attention to where you are going as it is easy to get lost.
Book Hanoi 36 Street tours here
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake sits in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter and is a peaceful oasis within a fast-paced city landscape. The “Lake of the Restored Sword” is a much-loved recreation area and meeting place for family and friends.
If you visit in the morning, you may see locals performing graceful Tai Chi exercises which are fascinating to watch. Of an evening the lake is the perfect place for a snapshot of Hanoi’s iconic Red Bridge.
Huc Bridge & Ngoc Son Temple
Huc Bridge or the Red Bridge as it is commonly known, is one of Hanoi’s most recognisable landmarks. The Red Bridge is beautiful by day and stunning by night when its cherry red spans are illuminated and shimmer across the waters of Hoan Kiem Lake.
These vivid red spans stretch across to Jade Islet, the home of the Ngoc Son Temple. The “Jade Mountain Temple” is dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, a military hero who defeated Mongol invaders during the 13th century.
Ngoc Son Temple houses a complex of small pavilions devoted to a mix of Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist beliefs. The temple grounds overlook pretty views of Hoan Kiem Lake and are a quiet sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.
Thang Long Water Puppet Show
When planning a 4 day Hanoi itinerary make sure to put a visit to the Thang Long Water Puppet Show near the top of your list. Vietnamese Water puppetry is a centuries old artform which will enchant visitors of all ages.
This stunning performance tells the history of Hanoi through traditional Vietnamese music, and a colourful cast of characters that include dragons, fish, animals, and people. The show is filled with humour and emotion, a story that translates across all languages.
Thang Long Water Puppet Show performances book out early, make sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Click here to book Thang Long Water Puppet Show
Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)
The Hoa Lo Prison is infamous for its harsh punishments and appalling living conditions. The Prison was built by French colonialists for the incarceration of dangerous criminals and political prisoners campaigning for independence.
Today the prison is better known as the “Hanoi Hilton” a name given to it by US POWs interned there during the Vietnam War. Famous Vietnam War inmates include the late Senator John McCain who spent five and a half years as a POW within the prison.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
President Ho Chi Minh was the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people and a man who spent most of his life fighting for the independence of his country.
Since his death in 1969 the respect and adoration for the former President continues to grow and this can be seen in his image which is displayed throughout the country.
Ho Chi Minh didn’t live to see the independence and reunification of Vietnam. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the final resting place of this revered national hero, an impressive structure made of grey granite.
Lines to enter the mausoleum can be long and uncomfortable in Vietnams hot weather. If you choose to enter the mausoleum, make sure to dress appropriately, shoulders should be covered, and shorts are not acceptable for entry.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a complex of buildings which were built in the 11th century and remained the regions political capital for centuries.
This impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site has had a checkered history with many of the palaces being damaged or torn down during the French colonial era. The citadel was also used as an internment camp by the Japanese during World War II.
The entrance to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is through the Flag Tower. When visiting make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore as the complex is quite large.
Within the citadels walls you will find a collection of palaces and buildings, peaceful gardens and a collection of artefacts which span the long history of the citadel.
Hanoi Beer Street
What better way to relax after a busy day of sightseeing than to pull up a stool at Beer Street. If you are looking for Hanoi nightlife, a visit to Beer Street is one of the best things to do in Hanoi at night and a must visit during your Hanoi 4 day itinerary.
The street is lined with small bars which spill out onto the street in the evening. Here you can join other travellers for fun times and cheap local beers.
Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is a large wholesale market which sells a massive range of merchandise. This fabulous indoor market covers three floors and houses hundreds of stalls which are scattered within tight aisleways.
Here you can buy clothing, shoes, jewellery, toys, souvenirs, Vietnamese arts, and crafts. You can also try a range of authentic Hanoi dishes which are cheap and delicious.
If you are visiting on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, make sure to visit the Dong Xuan Night Market which is held between 6pm and 10:30pm.
Hanoi Weekend Walking Street
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings the busy streets around Hoan Kiem Lake are transformed into a lively pedestrian area. Gone are the never-ending stream of motorbikes and cars, replaced by eateries and street stalls selling a wide range of wares.
As you walk you will see street entertainers and locals relaxing with their family and friends as they enjoy their weekend in Hanoi.
*Top Tip
At first glance crossing the road may feel a little daunting. Here are a few tips for crossing the road in Vietnam. As you step out onto the road keep an eye on the traffic and take an even walking pace crossing the road. As you walk you will find that the motorbikes will go around you. Take more care if there are cars as they may not stop for you. Be aware that motorbikes may drive on the sidewalk as these are often used as motorbike parks.
Other Tourist Destinations From Hanoi
Deciding how many days in Hanoi will depend on whether you want to visit the popular tourist destinations of Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa.
If you are thinking of taking these journey’s, you will find that Ha Long Bay can be visited within a day whereas Sa Pa will need at least a two-night stay. Of course, to get the most out of these destinations it is advisable to stay longer.
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
On the top of a Hanoi 4 days itinerary is a trip to Ha Long Bay. This breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site is a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi and is home to picturesque coves, caves, and towering limestone pillars.
When visiting Ha Long Bay you have a choice of day trips, 2 days & 1-night cruises and 3 day & 2-night cruises. Which you choose will depend on your length of stay. Cruises range from luxury to budget and have a variety of activities including kayaking and swimming, hiking, squid fishing, early morning tai chi and cooking classes.
Click here to learn more about the Best Ha Long Bay Cruises.
Best Time to Visit Hanoi and Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay or Halong Bay as it is also known is famous for its ever-changing mood. Bright sunny days will see these magical green waters sparkling, inviting you to explore the wonders of the bay. Misty days add an air of mystique, and you will soon be imagining the fiery dragons that are said to have created this stunning landscape.
The best time to visit Ha Long Bay is from September to November when you can enjoy clear skies and cool weather. December through to March experiences misty weather and April to May begins the start of sunny days.
The monsoon season sets in between the months of June to August, and you may not find Ha Long Bay at its best during this time.
Click here to book Ha Long Bay Day Tour
Hanoi to Sa Pa
In addition to 4 days in Hanoi, you may choose to visit the misty mountain town of Sa Pa. The town has many top class accommodation options and sits on the “Roof of Indochina” and is the gateway to Mount Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam.
Sa Pa or Sapa as it is also known, is a lively mountain town renowned for its stunning mountain scenery. The region is famous for its local hilltribe population that live within the villages of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Here you can walk with the hill tribes and learn about their lifestyle as you trek through this breathtaking panoramic backdrop. There are a range of trekking tours that cater to most fitness levels and can include overnight stays in a hilltribe village.
Click here to find out more about the Best Sa Pa Tours & Activities
Best Time to Visit Hanoi and Sa Pa
Sa Pa is often shrouded in mist and some of the best months for clear skies are September to October when the terraced rice fields look their finest. April and May are also good months to travel as the region welcomes many days of clear weather.
The summer months of June to August will bring hot days which may make trekking uncomfortable for some. Between November and March, it’s time to rug up as the area experiences cold misty days.
How to get to Hanoi?
Most people visiting Vietnam will either enter the country through Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) or Hanoi. If you begin your trip in Ho Chi Minh City there is a huge range of train and bus options that will have you travelling up the coastline of Vietnam to Hanoi.
Hanoi Flights
If you choose to begin your trip to Vietnam in Hanoi, you will arrive by air at Noi Bai International Airport.
Hanoi is easily accessible by air from Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Da Nang in central Vietnam. You will also find a host of domestic flight connections to cities across Vietnam.
Hanoi Flight Times
Here is an example of the flight times to Hanoi from other popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. Flight prices within Vietnam are quite reasonable and, in some cases, cheaper than the train.
- Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi – 130 minutes
- Da Nang to Hanoi – 90 minutes
- Nha Trang to Hanoi – 110 minutes
- Da Lat to Hanoi – 110 minutes
- Phu Quoc Island – 125 minutes
Hanoi By Train
Trains run from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, stopping at the cities of Nha Trang, Da Nang and Hue along the way. The direct journey takes around 1 day and 14 hours to complete and there are a selection of seating and cabin configurations to choose from.
You will find that 2 berth cabins are in limited supply and need to be prebooked well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Hanoi By Bus
There is a good choice of bus options from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and other destinations across Vietnam. Each have varying degrees of comfort and range from basic budget sleeper buses to luxurious sleeper buses with private cabin and tv.
Last Words on 4 Day Hanoi Itinerary Vietnam
There you have it, our top tips for the best 4 day Hanoi itinerary. We hope you find them helpful as you plan your trip to Hanoi Vietnam.
With each turn you will discover another hidden treasure and historical wonder as you immerse yourself in the energy of this dynamic city.
Hanoi is one of our favourite places to visit in Vietnam and we hope you fall in love with Hanoi as much as we have.
