Have you ever wanted to experience the hustle and bustle of a bustling metropolis yet still feel like you’re part of something special? If so, spending one perfect day in Hanoi, Vietnam, is the ideal way to do it. Hanoi is a city of contrasts – a mix of ancient and modern, traditional and modern, and wild and calming. With its iconic French colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and delicious food, Hanoi is one of the most exciting cities in Southeast Asia. As a local, I can give you a unique perspective and guide you through the city’s best experiences. Follow this guide, and you’ll be sure to have the perfect day in Hanoi.
How To Spend One Perfect Day In Hanoi
1. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is the most famous landmark in the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see. It’s also a great place to take photos, which I’ll discuss later in this guide.
2. Visit Hanoi’s Citadel
The Citadel of Hanoi is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for tourists who love history and architecture. It’s one of the largest citadels in Vietnam, and it was built in the 15th century by King Le Loi. This citadel is also home to Hoa Vang (Vietnamese Prison), which was once used to imprison political prisoners during the French colonial period, but now houses an exhibition space showcasing traditional Vietnamese handicrafts and modern artworks. To get there, take bus #63 from Tran Quoc Pagoda or bus #4 from Hoan Kiem Lake for about 10 minutes ride. The admission fee is 10,000 dong.
3. Visit The Temple Of Literature
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for history buffs. Built in the 1920s by French colonialists, it holds a collection of rare books on Vietnamese history and culture, as well as a library that holds over 30,000 volumes. The admission fee is 15,000 dong. It’s located near Hoan Kiem Lake and the Citadel of Hanoi.
4. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake (Again)
Hoan Kiem Lake is another famous landmark in Hanoi. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by French Colonial Architecture, making it an ideal place to take photos of the city’s architecture and skyline at night. The admission fee is 10,000 dong or 20 USD per adult and 5 USD per child under 12 years old (cash only). If you’re here during spring or autumn when the trees are in full bloom, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful colors and flowering trees.
5. Visit The Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is Hanoi’s most famous sightseeing spot. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for tourists who love history and architecture. It’s one of the largest cities in Vietnam, and it was built in the 15th century by King Le Loi. The Old Quarter is also home to Hoa Vang (Vietnamese Prison), which was once used to imprison political prisoners during the French colonial period, but now houses an exhibition space showcasing traditional Vietnamese handicrafts and modern artworks. To get there, take bus #63 from Tran Quoc Pagoda or bus #4 from Hoan Kiem Lake for about 10 minutes ride. The admission fee is 10,000 dong.
6. Visit The Temple Of Literature
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for history buffs. Built in the 1920s by French colonialists, it holds a collection of rare books on Vietnamese history and culture, as well as a library that holds over 30,000 volumes. The admission fee is 15,000 dong. It’s located near Hoan Kiem Lake and the Citadel of Hanoi.
Wake Up With A Morning Coffee
1. Ngu Hanh Son Street
The very first thing you’ll want to do on your perfect day in Hanoi is to wake up, take a nice shower, and head down to the local coffee shop for a cup of coffee. The best place to do this is Ngu Hanh Son Street – this narrow street is lined with dozens of cafes serving Vietnamese coffee. It’s a great place to start your day in Hanoi.
2. Nguyen Hue Street
Nguyen Hue Street is the main shopping street in the city. It’s full of shops selling all kinds of interesting things, from traditional Vietnamese hand-made crafts and textiles to modern clothes and accessories. This street is also home to numerous restaurants serving delicious food and drinks, including some excellent cafes as well. I recommend stopping at one of these cafes for a cup of coffee before continuing on your perfect day in Hanoi.
3. Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is the largest lake in Hanoi and is surrounded by several beautiful parks. The lake itself is a great place to spend an afternoon, and there are lots of outdoor cafes, restaurants, and bars to enjoy a drink or two at while you’re there. If you’re feeling up for it, you can also take a boat tour around the lake. This is one of the best ways to see the city from above; on my perfect day in Hanoi; I took a boat ride around the lake with my friends, who had arranged for us to go on this tour ahead of time. It was an incredible experience that I highly recommend!
Enjoy Lunch At A Local Restaurant
1. Visit The Street Stalls Of Hoan Kiem Lake
The area around the lake is filled with street stalls offering a variety of local dishes. The most famous is the fish balls and vermicelli in broth, with a side of the egg and pickled vegetables.
2. Eat At A Local Restaurant For Lunch
If you’re looking for a local restaurant to eat at, then look no further. Many of the street stalls offer food that you can also find in the restaurants, but they are usually much cheaper, and it is also a great opportunity to meet locals.
3. Grab Some Fresh Seafood From The Market
The fresh seafood market is located just south of Hoan Kiem Lake. Here you can purchase all sorts of seafood (including crab), which is then cooked and served with noodles or rice for lunch or dinner. For an authentic meal, I recommend heading here early in the morning when the fishermen come to sell their catch. The fishermen will take your order and cook it right there on the spot before eating it themselves – and it tastes amazing!
4. Visit A Traditional Pastry Shop For Dessert
The street vendors that stand outside most hotels sell beautifully decorated pastries filled with either sweetened beans or taro paste and topped with fruit or nuts. These are some of the best desserts available in Hanoi and are a must-try!
5. Buy Some Fresh Produce From A Local Market
The fresh produce market is located just outside of Hoan Kiem Lake, and it offers everything from fresh seafood to fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s a great place to buy cheap (yet delicious) food for your meal at the street stalls later that day.
6. Learn About The Local Culture At A Local Art Gallery
The art galleries in Hanoi are filled with beautifully painted murals depicting scenes of Vietnamese history, culture, and everyday life. They’re perfect for people who want to learn more about Vietnamese history, culture, and daily life. Many of these galleries have English explanations available explaining the stories behind some of the murals so you can understand what they’re saying even if you don’t speak Vietnamese!
Conclusion
Hanoi is an exciting and interesting city that is sure to delight travelers. It has something for everyone, from delicious food to stunning architecture. It’s a great city to visit on a Southeast Asian adventure, especially if you only have a few days. This guide will help you plan the perfect one-day itinerary in Hanoi, so you can make the most of your time in this incredible city.
