Things to Do in Hanoi: Your Ultimate 4-Day Itinerary

Klook Team

Last updated 24 Oct 2025

A three-pic collage of attractions in Hanoi, Vietnam with a title saying "Thing To Do in 4 Days Hanoi, Vietnam"

Bustling, flavorful, full of culture and history, it’s no secret that Hanoi is one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating cities. Apart from traffic jams and chaos that can be mildly overwhelming, Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is one of the most interesting places to visit! A haven for foodies, fashionistas, history lovers, and of course, Vietnamese coffee, you’ll never run out of things to do in Hanoi. And honestly, the best way to get to know the city? Walk, eat, wander and get a little bit lost.

It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible; you can go from peaceful pagodas one minute totrain tracks turned cafés the next. Whether it’s your first time or a long-awaited revisit, we recommend spending at least four days here to explore all the beauty of Vietnam’s capital. To help you make the most of the city, we’ve mapped out this 4-day Hanoi itinerary packed with must-see spots, day trips, and hidden gems.

Things to do in Hanoi in 4 days

Day 1: Explore the heart of Hanoi

Morning: Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Old Quarter

Start your first day easy with a light stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, one of the calmest spots in the city, before its streets wake up. Just pause, take it all in, and when you’re ready, cross the red Huc Bridge to Ngọc Sơn Temple to people watch and catch locals practicing tai chi at sunrise. Then grab your first cup of coffee at Café Giảng, the home of Vietnamese egg coffee.

Hanoi Old Quarter street and coffee with city view collage

Things To Do

The Hanoi Old Quarter Challenge: 36 Streets, 9 Snacks in One Day

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Mid-morning: Red Incense Village and Ban Trang Pottery

After your breakfast, visit the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village and interact with local villagers to learn about the art of incense-making. After, you can also try a hand at pottery making and get your bearings in the authentic Ban Trang Pottery class in Hanoi Old Quarter.

Afternoon: Train Street and Hoa Lo Prison Museum

For lunch, make sure to try some authentic Vietnamese classics. Bánh mì, bún chả, or phở are always safe bets. If you find yourself craving more caffeine, continue wandering your way through Old Quarter, and do one of the most classic things to do in Hanoi: cafe-hopping.

Hidden in the narrow streets, you’ll find Train Street, a quirky little area where high-speed trains race through the residential streets, all while the locals go about their everyday lives, doing laundry and dishes by the tracks.

Note: As you stand on the tracks for your photos, the moment you feel the vibrations, quickly move out of the way. Just because the streets are narrow doesn’t mean the trains will slow down for you. And if you’d like to catch the trains in action, they run daily at 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM, so time your visit accordingly.

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Make your way to Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Maison Centrale) to uncover Vietnam’s colonial past and its dark history of its prisoners. Discover one of the most chilling relics, the preserved French guillotine, explore the Dark Dungeon (Cachot), and visit the past prisoners’ glimpse of hope at the “Love” Banyan Tree.

For a more curated experience that includes all of these Hanoi attractions, join this all-in-one Hanoi City Tour and make the most of your Day 1 experience with a full-day or morning tour.

Evening: Night Market

One thing you absolutely can’t miss out on in Vietnam is, of course, the delectable Vietnamese food. After exploring the city for the day, one of the best things to do in the evening is to check out the Night Market for some delicious street food.

If you don’t know what to eat or even where to begin looking, try a Night Market Street Food Tour and let the local show you to the best street food stands in the area. From fried rice pancakes to juicy grilled meat, you’re in for a treat! (P.S. Wear comfy, loose clothes!)

Day 2: Discover cultural Hanoi

Morning: Tran Quoc Pagoda

Get a head start at Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest temple of its kind, dating back to the 6th century! Set on an islet within the West Lake and surrounded by lush greenery, this place was a favorite amongst the kings and royal families for festivals and full moons.

Note: If you wish to visit the pagoda, do keep in mind to dress appropriately, as many locals still come to this place to pray and visit the monks.

Mid-morning: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda

Move along to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to see where the late President Ho Chi Minh’s remains rest. After paying your respects, take a short walk to the nearby One Pillar Pagoda for a glimpse of Vietnam’s iconic symbol of spiritual and cultural reverence. When you’re done, take a lunch break before continuing your cultural day (try some fresh spring rolls and bánh cuốn).

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Why Locals and Tourists Love the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

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Afternoon: Temple of Literature and Museum of Ethnology

Set off to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and one of the most beautiful examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Then take a deeper look into the country’s diverse ethnic cultures at the Museum of Ethnology. If you’re worried about getting around the city, you can actually explore these attractions with a Hanoi day tour or at your own convenience with a private car charter.

Front view of Temple of Literature entrance with trees and clear sky

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Evening: Long Bien Bridge and Market

Wind down at Long Bien Bridge, the Hanoian people’s pride and joy. Despite being bombed on several occasions during the American War but each time was quickly repaired. Designed by the same person who did the Eiffel Tower, this bridge illuminates at night and makes for great photos.

Below the bridge, stop by the Long Bien Market, where you can catch fresh produce or munch on some Vietnamese street food for dinner. While you’re here, get a taste of bun rieu and banh gio, with prices ranging from 15,000 to 50,000 VND (~$.90–$3 AUD) per serving. And if you’ve got enough energy after dinner, try to visit Quang Ba Flower Market to see all the fresh, beautiful flowers!

Day 3: Day Tours from Hanoi

Halong Bay Day Tour

Four days in Hanoi leave you with just enough time to explore beyond the city. For day 3, take the opportunity to go on a Dragonfly Day Cruise to Ha Long Bay.

Morning: One of the most famous sites in Vietnam and also a UNESCO World Heritage-recognized site, Halong Bay is just a short ride from Hanoi. Cruise past the epic limestone pillars and tiny islets on a traditional junk boat and enjoy local cuisine with a delicious seafood lunch onboard!

Afternoon: After lunch, head on a kayak tour out in the open waters for close-up views of these natural beauties. Last stop is the Thien Cung Cave, a beautiful chamber filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is also known to the locals as the Heavenly Cave, and rightly so! You’ll surely be amazed at the beautiful formations within the cave.

Hoa Lu and Tam Coc Day Tour

Apart from the iconic Halong Bay, there are plenty of other hidden gems in Hanoi, and one of them is Ninh Binh!

Morning: Visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital through a fun bicycle ride alongside huge, stunning rice fields and limestone mountains. You’ll also go past Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh temple.

Afternoon: Set sail on a boat ride in Tam Coc where you’ll visit Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba caves, a part of the Trang An Landscape Complex UNESCO World Heritage Site! (Fun fact: this is often called “Halong Bay on land.”) You’ll be surprised to know that the boat people paddle with their feet.

Evening: Dinner and Bia hơi

Return to Hanoi for a late dinner and rest up with a glass of bia hơi (fresh draft beer), the best way to end a long day. Not sure where to go? Try Hanoi Fusion in Truong To Street in Hoan Kiem district.

Day 4: Some souvenir shopping

Morning: Vietnamese Coffee

If you’re up for one last adventure, take the day tour you weren’t able to do the previous day. But if you’d rather spend a relaxing last day in the city, sleep in and start slow with a hearty breakfast and good Vietnamese coffee.

Some café recommendations:

The Note Coffee
Giao Mùa Coffee
Vừa. Cà Phê

Mid-morning: Phung Hung Mural Street

Admire this joint street art project of Hanoi and Korea, featuring whimsical murals perfect for all art enthusiasts. The l’oeil mural illusions, which make you feel like a part of the painting, will make it seem as if you’ve disappeared into the artwork! After all that walking, reward yourself with some good old pizza for lunch at Pizza 4P before exploring the retail streets of Hanoi.

Afternoon: Souvenirs and Shopping

Among all the things to do in Hanoi, don’t miss the chance to explore the indie boutiques, thrift stores, and artisan shops in different districts in Hanoi for some souvenirs and clothes shopping.

Shop recommendations:

Makaw
FRESH by Mountain
Moonie.Thriftshop
Traveller’s Bookshop
The Craft House
TiredCity
LaboOn

Spend your last afternoon soaking it all in and walking through the streets of Hanoi. The best way to enjoy the city is to wander, let your feet do their thing, and see what you discover. And if trendy shops aren’t really your thing, you can explore either Đồng Xuân Market (Hanoi’s largest covered market) or the Lotte Center (a popular shopping mall in Ba Dinh).

Klook Tip: Most of these shops only accept local bank payment or cash, so don’t forget to bring extra cash with you.

And of course, you can’t have too much Vietnamese coffee (right?). Head on over to Eden Coffee for your last caffeine fix in a gorgeous cafe! Located right next to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, be sure to grab a seat on the garden-themed rooftop and marvel at the 19th-century Gothic architecture next door.

Evening: Home Hanoi and Bay Mau Lake

As you close up your final day, enjoy a cozy farewell dinner at Home Hanoi Restaurant, and journey through the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine one last time. Afterward, go on a leisurely walk around the nearby Bay Mau Lake as you look back on four unforgettable days in Hanoi.

Where to stay in Hanoi

If you want convenience and easy access to the top Hanoi attractions, the best places to stay would be in or around the Hanoi Old Quarter neighborhood (Hoàn Kiếm District). Plus, Hanoi accommodations are pretty affordable, and you can easily get a room in a 4-star hotel for as low as $40 AUD a night!

You can also check out our guide to Vietnam hotels near tourist spots for recommended stays in Hanoi and beyond.

Accommodation

Here are 12 hotels in Vietnam that are near tourist attractions!

Check this out for the best hotels to stay at near tourist attractions in Vietnam!

Browse through more hotels in Hanoi!

Getting around Hanoi

You might’ve heard about the scooter phenomenon and the traffic situation in Vietnam, but there’s no need to fret about getting around! There are plenty of transportation options, and it’s definitely walkable in tourist areas like the Hoàn Kiếm District.

Klook Tip: Stay connected as you navigate the city with an eSIM Vietnam!

While most locals travel via motorcycle taxis, we’d recommend opting for reliable ride-hailing apps instead, such as Grab (GrabBike for motorcycles). Traditional motorcycle taxis aren’t fitted with meters, and there’s a chance of getting overcharged or miscommunication since many drivers are not fluent in English. And if you’re going around for some sightseeing, you can even join a Hanoi Sightseeing Motorbike Tour to save yourself the hassle.

Public buses are also widely available, but might be difficult to navigate for first-time visitors. The best way to get around is with a private car charter, allowing you the ultimate flexibility in customizing your itinerary. Stay as long as you like in any place, and you won’t have to worry about getting lost or rushing for the next bus. Let the driver take you wherever you wanna go, and they can even double up as a guide and recommend things to do in Hanoi! Rest assured, the drivers speak English, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.

FAQs About Hanoi

Are 3 days in Hanoi enough?

Three days are definitely enough to cover most of the city’s highlights, but four days in Hanoi give you time to explore both the city and nearby attractions like Halong Bay or Ninh Binh.

What not to do in Vietnam as a tourist?

Avoid disrespecting religious sites (dress modestly), don’t bargain too aggressively, and steer clear of unlicensed taxis or tours.

What are the things to do in Hanoi?

Visit temples like Tran Quoc Pagoda, explore Train Street, cruise Halong Bay, and try authentic Vietnamese coffee. There’s no shortage of things to do in Hanoi, and there’s always something for everyone!