7 Days in Hanoi: Spend an Adventurous Week in Northern Vietnam

Looking to visit Southeast Asia soon and wondering about Vietnam? This 7 Days in Hanoi itinerary will help you plan the perfect week!

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam located in the northern part of the country. From its bustling streets to its centuries-old monuments, this vibrant place is a gem in Southeast Asia with so much to discover!

After taking a trip to Hanoi, it’s become one of my favorite places in Southeast Asia!

We’ll take an overnight train to an incredible homestay and adventure in Sapa. The last days of being in Hanoi will explore the Old Quarter.

Let’s get started!

• Day 1: Arrive and Overnight Train to Sapa
• Day 2: Rice Terraces in Sapa, Visiting Villages, Homestay in Sapa
• Day 3: Visit a Village in Sapa, Overnight Train Back to Hanoi
• Day 4: Hoan Kiem Lake, Mural Streets, Train Street, Hanoi Old Quarter, Walking Food Tour
• Day 5: Museums, Cooking Class, Shopping at Dong Xuan Market, Water Puppet Show, Bia Hoi Junction
• Day 6: Ha Long Bay Day Trip or Ninh Binh Day Trip
• Day 7: Visit a Cafe or Two, Explore a Neighborhood, Get a Massage, Rooftop Views

When you arrive in Vietnam, you’ll want to book an overnight train to Sapa on your first evening in the country. It doesn’t seem ideal since you’ve just gotten off a long plane ride, but heading to Sapa at the beginning of your trip will make your time in Hanoi much easier.

This is the guided tour I recommend for a round-trip excursion to Sapa. The best part about this 3-night Sapa Tour is the local guide who will be with you and walk you through everything you need to see in Sapa.

Overnight train tickets for a 4-cabin sleeper are included with pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter and drop off at the train station in Sapa. The tour will include a homestay at a local villager’s home as well as meals for when you are in Sapa.

>> Book your Overnight Homestay in Sapa! <<

When you arrive in Sapa, the company will pick you up and take you to their hotel. You’ll start off your morning with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. You can take advantage of their showers and store your luggage here.

Pack whatever necessities are needed for the homestay experience you’ll have in Sapa. On the last day, you’ll come back to pick up your stored belongings.

You’ll start the trek with a scenic journey southward on the main road, then head down to Muong Hoa Valley. Marvel in awe at the magnificent views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and if you’re lucky enough, be greeted by clear skies for an impeccable view of Fansipan Peak!

Wanderful Tip: This is a rigorous hike. Make sure that your shoes are comfortable and appropriate for the terrain. You might also want to consider your level of physical fitness to properly traverse through the rice terraces and villages.

The tour will also take you to visit Hmong families in the Y Linh Ho village where you can interact with them and see how they live their daily lives.

After a delicious lunch, you will continue your journey along the trail – traveling uphill and downhill for approximately 2 hours before arriving at Lao Chai. Here lies an expansive H’mong village that sits alongside the tranquil Muong Hoa Valley.

After this, you’ll make your way to Ta Van of the Zay people by following the riverbank. You won’t want to miss out on visiting local homes as well as schools here; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for cultural discovery!

In the evening, you’ll settle down in Ta Van village and spend the night in one of their cozy homestays.

>> Book your Overnight Homestay in Sapa! <<

Start your morning in the homestay and eat breakfast with the family.

As you climb upwards, be prepared to be in awe of the exquisite terraced rice fields and quaint hamlets belonging to the Hmong. Then, meander through a soothing bamboo forest before coming across an incredible waterfall!

Take some time here for sightseeing and relaxation. Afterward, it’s time to hike another half hour until you reach Giang Ta Chai Village owned by the Red Zao people – perched atop a mountain with majestic views of Muong Hoa River stretching out below.

You’ll then continue to Hau Thao village where you can visit a local handicraft center. Here, Hmong and Zao women come together to exchange their knowledge in order to create beautiful handmade crafts.

A delicious lunch will be provided nearby the center for your enjoyment. To complete this unique experience, spend some time getting acquainted with the locals – including school boys and girls along with their teachers!

The tour guide will take you back to the hotel to eat dinner and grab your luggage. You’ll then get dropped off at the Lao Cai train station to head back to Hanoi.

>> Book your Overnight Homestay in Sapa! <<

Stroll Along Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a stroll along Hoan Kiem Lake after exploring the charming Old Quarter. Located in the center of Hanoi, this scenic lake is enveloped by lush greenery and provides a tranquil escape from bustling city life.

Hoan Kiem Lake is known as the “Lake of the Returned Sword.” According to legend, a magical golden turtle rose from the lake and reclaimed an ancient sword given to an emperor by his ancestors.

You can explore this fascinating story further at Ngoc Son Temple, which sits on a tiny island in the middle of the lake.

Locals love Hoan Kiem Lake. You’ll find people doing tai chi, relaxing on the benches, or just enjoying the fresh air. If you are at Hoan Kiem Lake at night, you’ll see nightlife come alive!

Discover a Mural Street

Hanoi is home to some of the world’s most talented artists, and one of the best places to see their artwork is along Ceramic Mosaic Mural Street.

This vibrant street was created to celebrate Vietnam’s 100th birthday. it is lined with stunning ceramic mosaic murals depicting scenes from Vietnamese history and showing its culture, from dragons and flowers to birds and landscapes.

You can also check out the murals at Phung Hung Street which are painted at the base of the Long Bien Bridge in the Hoan Kiem District and displays the history of Vietnam.

Take a Risk at Train Street

On your way back from Hoan Kiem Lake, don’t miss out on Train Street–a narrow alleyway filled with shops and cafes! Train Street is unique in that it houses a railroad track right outside the doorsteps of the shops.

When the train passes, everything comes to halt as people wait for it to pass by.

This is a dangerous tourist site and has been closed down. But if you want to risk it to snap a picture or check your bucket list item off, then you can make your way over to Train Street or have a local guide take you there.

>> Book a Half-Day Walking Tour of Old Quarter Hanoi (with Train Street)! <<

Explore the Bustling Hanoi Old Quarter

Start your day in Hanoi by taking a journey back in time and exploring the 1,000-year-old Old Quarter. This vibrant area is full of life and features narrow winding streets lined with shops and vendors peddling everything from hats to flowers or handcrafted items.

Get ready for an experience you won’t soon forget as you get lost amidst all the hustle and bustle!

If you are a foodie looking for the best culinary experience in Southeast Asia, look no further than Hanoi! It is home to countless cafes and restaurants that offer unique flavors and cuisines.

One of these gems is King Roti, which serves up some of the most scrumptious buns in town. Try their signature coffee-flavored bun–delightfully indulgent, yet utterly irresistible!

When exploring the Old Quarter, you can experience many iconic places, too! One of them is St. Joseph’s Cathedral the oldest cathedral in Hanoi that was constructed during French colonial rule.

You can also visit Hoa Lo Prison which is famously known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War.

If you would prefer to see Old Quarter with a local guide, book a private walking tour with just your group!

>> Book a Half-Day Walking Tour of Old Quarter Hanoi (with Train Street)! <<

Go on a Walking Food Tour

End your first day back in Hanoi with a walking food tour. The best part about taking a walking food tour is that you’ll be able to get a little sample from all the restaurants in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and come back to your favorite places.

When you sign up for the walking food tour, your local guide will pick you up from your hotel if you are staying in Old Quarter or have you meet them.

Typically, they’ll take you to different restaurants where you’ll try 1 dish each. These dishes range from banh mi and spring rolls to desserts and egg yolk coffee!

>>Book a Private Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide! <<

Museums

Start your next day of the itinerary by visiting museums. Hanoi is home to interesting museums that display Vietnam’s history and culture.

Check out the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam’s beloved leader, Ho Chi Minh. Keep in mind that if you want to go inside the Mausoleum, you will need to wear long pants and no tank tops.

The Temple of Literature is another museum to consider. This is an old Confucian temple dedicated to Vietnam’s most distinguished scholars.

Step into the past as you wander through these courtyards and pavilions, marveling at some of Vietnam’s oldest books preserved within their walls.

Learn about the history of Vietnam’s independence struggle at the National History Museum and see artifacts from ancient time periods at the Vietnamese Women’s Museum.

Cooking Class

Join a cooking class in Hanoi to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. Book a cooking class online and show up with your partner or group.

These cooking classes are a great way to get a hands-on experience in Vietnamese cuisine. You’ll learn how to prepare dishes like bunh cha bowls, spring rolls, and more!

Plus, you’ll get the chance to interact with local chefs and walk through the markets to pick out the freshest ingredients.

The best part of taking a cooking class in Hanoi is that you get a copy of the recipes so you take it back home and make the same dish with your family!

>> Book Your Hanoi Cooking Class! <<

Go Shopping at Dong Xuan Market

No trip to Hanoi is complete without a visit to the Dong Xuan Market. This market is packed with all sorts of items from clothing and accessories, to food and souvenirs.

Explore the various vendors, who are eager to show you what they have in stock. If you’re looking for something unique, bargain or haggle with the vendors for a better price.

If you would rather come at night, you’ll see this place turned into a night market.

See the Water Puppet Show

Spend the early part of your evening at the iconic water puppet show, a traditional art form that dates back to 11th-century Vietnam. This performance is like nothing you’ve ever seen before!

The puppets are made of wood and lacquered in bright colors as they tell stories while floating on the water.

The show is accompanied by traditional Vietnamese music, which creates a unique atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a great way to experience the culture of Hanoi!

>> Check availability for the Water Puppet Show! <<

Drink the Freshest Beer at Bia Hoi Junction

End your day with some beers at Bia Hoi Junction. This is one of the most popular spots in Hanoi, and is known for its fresh beer!

Fresh beer is locally made and has a very small amount of alcohol. It’s also very cheap to buy in Vietnam!

Bia Hoi Junction is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy a cold beer with friends. The atmosphere around here is very relaxed, so take your time and savor every sip!

Your time in Hanoi won’t be complete without visiting Bia Hoi Junction at least once.

On day 6 of your Hanoi itinerary, you have the option of doing a Ha Long Bay day trip or a Ninh Binh day trip.

Ha Long Bay is about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Hanoi Old Quarter while Ninh Binh is 2 hours and each offers different experiences of Vietnam.

Option 1: Ha Long Bay Day Trip

Ha Long Bay is home to thousands of limestone islands that rise from the sea, making it a great place for cruising around. This UNESCO world heritage site is essentially unaffected by human touch, providing beautiful views.

Book a round-trip day-long tour of Ha Long Bay and get to experience one of the most stunning places in Vietnam. You’ll also have an English-speaking guide with you on the bus.

On this tour, you’ll have the chance to admire the beauty of nature and explore some incredible caves, swim and hike at Titop island for incredible views, and kayak around the bay. A delicious lunch and a sunset party on the boat are also included.

>>Check availability for a Halong Bay Day Trip Tour! <<

Option 2: Ninh Binh Day Trip

Ninh Binh is not on the water, but it’s just as beautiful with its stunning natural and mountainous landscape. This ancient capital city is a great place to explore, with plenty of activities such as cave exploring and biking around the countryside.

Book a round-trip day-long tour of Ninh Binh and get to see several nearby attractions, including Lying Dragon Mountain, Mua Cave, a boat ride on the Ngo Dong River, and the Bich Dong Pagoda.

Lunch is included in this tour along with an English-speaking guide who will be with you throughout your time in Ninh Binh. This is a smaller tour, so expect 7-8 people on the excursion.

>> Check availability for a Ninh Binh Day Trip Tour! <<

Visit a Cafe or Two

Coffee is a big part of Vietnamese culture and you can find so many cafes around Hanoi. From quaint coffee shops to lavish espresso bars, spend your last morning in Hanoi checking out some of these gems!

Check out Cafe Giang or Cafe Dinh which are both renowned for their egg yolk coffee, which is a Hanoi specialty. We stopped at the Note Cafe right next to Hoan Kiem Lake.

If you’re looking for something more high-end, try out The Hive or Lemongrass which offers a great selection of coffees and pastries.

Explore a Neighborhood

Take some time to explore the neighborhoods of Hanoi and immerse yourself in its culture. Visit the different neighborhoods of Hai Ba Trung, Tay Do, or Ba Dinh.

• In Hai ba Trung, you’ll find narrow streets lined with old buildings and many traditional coffee shops.

• In Tay Do, you’ll find a lively night market that comes alive after dark and is home to some of the best street food in Hanoi.

• And in Ba Dinh district, you’ll find plenty of historic sites like the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Shopping

Hanoi is home to some of the best shopping spots in Vietnam. Be sure to visit Hang Gai Street in the Hoan Kiem district and check out the stores selling traditional clothing and accessories.

Or head over to Dong Xuan Market and explore the vendors selling everything from souvenirs to fresh ingredients.

Get a Massage

After all the walking around, why not treat yourself to a massage? There are tons of spas in Hanoi offering traditional massages as well as more modern treatments using hot stones.

When we booked our massage, we requested women as they had us disrobe. This will be something that is dependent on which massage parlor you choose.

They may also ask for a tip. You can confirm once you’ve booked a massage session. Overall, massages in Hanoi are very affordable!

Rooftop Views

End your day in Hanoi with a relaxing evening at one of the many rooftop bars and restaurants. Get a fantastic view of the city skyline as you sip on some drinks and enjoy the cool night breeze.

Some popular spots are Skyline Hanoi, Avalon & Cafe, and Eden Coffee.

The best time to visit Hanoi is between October and April. During this period, the temperatures are mild and there’s less chance of rain. These months also offer plenty of cultural events for you to experience!

When in Hanoi, be prepared for humidity as the city is quite humid throughout the year. And if you’re looking to avoid crowds, try visiting during the off-season which runs between May and September.

No matter when you visit, Hanoi is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience! With so many things to see and do, this beautiful city will stay in your memories!

If you’re coming from other parts of Vietnam, there are buses and trains that offer trips to Hanoi.

If this is your first time in Hanoi or you are traveling by air, fly into Noi Bai International Airport which is located about 35 kilometers outside the city. From there, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing app like Grab to get into the city center.

You can also book a private transfer for less hassle, too!

>> Check availability for your Hanoi Airport Private Transfer! <<

For U.S. citizens, be sure to prepare your Vietnam visa at least a month ahead of time. To do this, you’ll need to fill out an online application with the Vietnam Immigration Department.

They’ll send you a letter back with your name on it, including other people’s names. As long as yours is also on it, you are good to go!

When you land at the airport, you’ll go through the immigration process where they’ll check your letter and passport. You’ll receive your Vietnamese visa here and your entrance stamp and be admitted to the country as a tourist!

>> Apply for your Vietnamese visa! <<

Once you’re in Hanoi, getting around is easy! The city also has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, taxis, and motorbikes.

You can also rent a bicycle or explore on foot as many of the attractions are within walking distance. Hanoi is a very walkable city, especially if you are staying in the Old Quarter.

My recommendation is to stick to walking or use Grab if you need to go beyond walking distance.

There are 9 incredible neighborhoods to stay in Hanoi, but I highly recommend staying in the Old Quarter. It’s located in the center of the city and is filled with a rich cultural heritage. Here you can find many restaurants, bars, and street vendors offering some of the best cuisines.

The Oriental Jade Hotel (Luxury Option)

For a luxury option in Hanoi Old Quarter, I highly recommend The Oriental Jade Hotel. This hotel offers an unbeatable location, chic and modern rooms, and all the amenities you could ask for!

>> Check Availability for The Oriental Jade Hotel! <<

Holiday Emerald Hotel (Budget Option)

If you’re on a budget, Holiday Emerald Hotel is the perfect option. It’s conveniently located in the center of Hanoi Old Quarter and offers affordable rooms with basic amenities.

>> Check Availability for the Holiday Emerald Hotel! <<

So if you’re looking for a place to stay in Hanoi, these two hotels are great choices! No matter which option you choose, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring this beautiful city!

• Spring Rolls: Made with rice paper wrappers and filled with fresh veggies, shrimp, chicken (or pork), and rice noodles, Vietnamese spring rolls are some of the most delicious appetizers! You can dip them into a sweet and sour sauce to get your taste buds even happier!

• Pho: This is one of the most iconic dishes in Hanoi! Pho is a bowl of rice noodles with either beef or chicken, topped with herbs and green onions. You know the pho is good by its broth, and every restaurant has a different version! However, the best can be found in Hanoi!

• Bun Bo Nam Bo: This dish is a combination of vermicelli noodles, shredded pork, and fresh vegetables. It’s usually served with fish sauce for a tasty treat!

• Banh Mi Sandwiches: These sandwiches are usually filled with pork, pate, mayo, and pickled vegetables. They’re especially delicious on a cold day! The most popular place to get a banh mi sandwich in Hanoi is the Banh Mi 25 stand.

• Cha Ca: A unique dish of Hanoi, Cha Ca is fish cooked in turmeric and served with noodles and herbs. It’s a traditional dish of the city and it’s definitely worth trying! The best place to try cha ca is Cha Ca La Vong, an iconic restaurant located in the Old Quarter.

• Honey Roasted Chicken (Ga Nuong): This is a popular street food snack in Hanoi. The chicken pieces are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce before being cooked over hot coals.

• Banana Flower Salad (Nom Hoa Chuoi): This is a light and healthy salad made with banana flowers, herbs, pork, shrimp, and other ingredients. It’s usually served as part of a multi-dish meal but can also be eaten as a snack.

• Hoa Qua Dam: This is a dessert made from white candied sesame and mung bean paste coated in sugar. It’s usually served with crushed peanuts and coconut flakes to give it an extra crunch. This is the perfect dessert after a day of exploring in Hanoi’s heat and humidity!

• Egg Yolk Coffee: Egg yolk coffee is one of the weirdest, yet most delicious, drinks you can find in Hanoi! This creamy coffee is made with sweetened condensed milk, egg yolk, and Vietnamese coffee. It’s a unique combination but it’s surprisingly tasty. Try it out at Cafe Giang!

• King Roti’s Coffee Buns: King Roti is an iconic bakery located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. They offer a variety of delicious pastries and snacks, but their coffee buns are the most popular. These fluffy buns are filled with sweetened condensed milk and Vietnamese coffee for a unique flavor!

These are just some of the many dishes you can find in Hanoi during your 7-day stay!

🎒 Day Bag: For all the outings and explorations you’ll be doing in Hanoi, you’ll need to pack a day bag. I would recommend packing essentials like your wallet and phone, and sunscreen.

👗 Clothing: Since it’s warm in Hanoi year-round, be sure to pack clothes that are suitable for the weather. I recommend packing capsule style–a few items to mix and match. I would pack 3-4 tank tops and t-shirts, 2-3 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of long pants, and 1 dress should be more than enough. It wouldn’t hurt to have a sweater for the light breezes.

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes: Hanoi is a very walkable city. You’ll want to have shoes that are comfortable for walking long distances. These Skechers and these Bobs are my absolute favorite!

Tech: Make sure also to pack a portable charger and an unlocked phone so you can stay connected while exploring the city.

Water bottle: Since water is not drinkable from the tap in Vietnam, I recommend having your own water bottle you can fill up with purchased bottles.

Is a week too long in Hanoi, Vietnam?

The minimum amount of days to spend in Hanoi is 3 days. However, spending 7 days in Hanoi is the perfect amount of time to add a trip to Sapa in northern Vietnam.

Is it safe for Americans to travel to Vietnam?

Yes, it is safe for Americans to travel to Vietnam. However, travelers should always be aware of their surroundings when visiting any destination.

Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?

Yes, Americans will need a visa when visiting Vietnam. Use iVisa to apply for an e-visa when planning your trip to Hanoi!

>> Apply for your Vietnamese visa! <<

Can you wear shorts in Hanoi, Vietnam?

Yes, wearing shorts in Hanoi is perfectly acceptable. Keep in mind that there is a dress code when entering temples and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: wear a t-shirt and bottoms that cover your legs.

What can I not bring to Vietnam?

It is illegal to bring any drugs, or weapons into Vietnam. Visitors are also prohibited from bringing in plants and animals without a permit.

Is tipping customary in Hanoi, Vietnam?

Tipping is not necessary for most restaurants and cafes, but it is polite to leave a small tip for good service.

When visiting Vietnam, you can exchange USD for the Vietnamese Dong. But it’s better to just keep your U.S. dollars as it is an acceptable form of payment. Keep in mind though that you’ll receive change back in Vietnamese Dong.

Is the water drinkable in Hanoi, Vietnam?

No, the tap water in Hanoi is not safe to drink and should be avoided. Make sure to always carry a bottle of drinking water with you while sightseeing.

You can purchase water bottles in local convenience stores to keep hydrated during your 7 days in Hanoi. Make sure you are familiar with water brands like Dasani or Aquafina and don’t drink directly from the bottle unless you clean it first.

With its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, it’s no wonder why this city is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia!

Spending 7 days in Hanoi will give you plenty of time to explore the city and experience all it has to offer. From delicious street food to unique activities, there’s so much for you to discover during your stay here!

Ready to spend 7 days in Hanoi? Check out more posts about to prepare for the best time in Vietnam!

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