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Hanoi 2 Day Itinerary: What to See, Do, and Taste in 48 Hours
Only 2 days in Hanoi? Follow this curated itinerary to explore the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, West Lake cafés, and must-try street food in 48 hours.
A short trip to Hanoi packs in centuries-old history, street food thrills, and coffee breaks you’ll daydream about later. In two days, you can wander Old Quarter alleys, catch a lakeside sunrise, and sample everything from egg coffee to evening pho. Here’s a curated 2-day itinerary for first-timers (or curious return visitors!)—balancing classic landmarks with local experiences.
TL;DR — Quick 2-Day Plan
- Day 1: Old Quarter strolls, Hoan Kiem Lake, street food lunch, Temple of Literature, evening water puppet show.
- Day 2: Early market wander, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, West Lake cafes, contemporary art or local crafts.
Day | Morning | Lunch | Afternoon | Evening |
1 | Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem | Bun Cha | Temple of Literature | Water Puppet Show |
2 | Long Bien Market, Mausoleum | Pho Bo | West Lake, Art/Crafts | Street Food + Train Street |
Day 1: Old Quarter to Timeless Temples
Morning: Start early at Hoan Kiem Lake. Watch locals doing tai chi in the pink dawn, then cross the red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple. Wander north into the Old Quarter—its maze of lanes lined with street stalls, French balconies, and motorbikes carrying everything from chickens to flowers.
Don’t miss:
Lunch: Grab bun cha (grilled pork and noodles)—try Bun Cha Ta or any crowded local spot.
Afternoon: Head west to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Stroll shaded courtyards and snap a photo at the stone turtle steles. If you have time, check out the Fine Arts Museum next door.
Evening: Catch a water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre (book ahead). After, sample pho bo (beef noodle soup) for dinner—Pho Thin Lo Duc is a classic pick.
Don’t miss:
- Banh mi breakfast and a ca phe trung (egg coffee) at a local café.
- Dong Xuan Market for morning buzz and souvenirs.
Lunch: Grab bun cha (grilled pork and noodles)—try Bun Cha Ta or any crowded local spot.
Afternoon: Head west to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Stroll shaded courtyards and snap a photo at the stone turtle steles. If you have time, check out the Fine Arts Museum next door.
Evening: Catch a water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre (book ahead). After, sample pho bo (beef noodle soup) for dinner—Pho Thin Lo Duc is a classic pick.
Day 2
Morning: Wake early for Long Bien Market—a working market under a historic bridge. Watch traders unloading produce by scooter headlights. Then visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex: see the Presidential Palace gardens and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda nearby.
Lunch: Head north to Pho Cuon (beef rolled in rice paper) or opt for sticky rice (xoi) with fermented pork and egg at Xoi Yen.
Afternoon: Take a slow walk along West Lake (Ho Tay), pausing for coconut coffee at a lakeside café. Want a cultural fix? The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or a lacquerware handicraft demo are great options.
Evening: Sample street food on Tong Duy Tan or explore “train street” as the railway threads through homes and cafes (check current status for access). Cap your night with a local craft beer or Vietnamese dessert (che).
Lunch: Head north to Pho Cuon (beef rolled in rice paper) or opt for sticky rice (xoi) with fermented pork and egg at Xoi Yen.
Afternoon: Take a slow walk along West Lake (Ho Tay), pausing for coconut coffee at a lakeside café. Want a cultural fix? The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or a lacquerware handicraft demo are great options.
Evening: Sample street food on Tong Duy Tan or explore “train street” as the railway threads through homes and cafes (check current status for access). Cap your night with a local craft beer or Vietnamese dessert (che).
Time of Day | Area | Must-Try Food/Drink | Key Sights/Activities |
Morning Day 1 | Old Quarter | Egg coffee, Banh mi | Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market |
Afternoon Day 1 | Temple Area | - | Temple of Literature, Fine Arts |
Morning Day 2 | Ba Dinh | Local market bites | Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda |
Afternoon Day 2 | West Lake | Coconut coffee, Pho cuon | Lakeside walk, Ethnology Museum |
Evening Both Days | Old Quarter | Pho, Bun cha, Che, Craft Beer | Water puppet show, Train Street |
Hanoi 2 Day Itinerary FAQ
Is 2 days enough for Hanoi?
Yes—two days is just enough to see the highlights, taste the city’s famous dishes, and soak in its energy. For inspiration on how to spend those hours, check our detailed Things to Do in Hanoi guide, or extend the trip into a 10-day Vietnam itinerary that combines Hanoi with Halong Bay and central Vietnam.
What should I wear for temple visits?
Modest clothing is expected in temples: shoulders and knees covered, plus comfortable shoes for walking. Similar etiquette applies across the country—our article on tipping in Vietnam also covers useful cultural insights.
How to book water puppet show tickets?
Tickets for the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre sell out fast. It’s best to book online in advance or buy directly at the venue. Pair the show with a bowl of pho from our Best Pho in Hanoi recommendations for a classic cultural evening.
Can I get around without Vietnamese?
Yes. Most signs in Hanoi include English, and apps like Grab make taxis easy to use. Translation tools are helpful for ordering food and chatting with locals. For more connectivity tips, see our guide to getting a Vietnam SIM card or eSIM.
What’s the best souvenir from Hanoi?
Popular choices include local coffee, silk scarves, and traditional lacquerware. Coffee lovers may also want to compare beans and blends from across the country—our article on Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City highlights how different each city’s coffee culture can be.
Yes—two days is just enough to see the highlights, taste the city’s famous dishes, and soak in its energy. For inspiration on how to spend those hours, check our detailed Things to Do in Hanoi guide, or extend the trip into a 10-day Vietnam itinerary that combines Hanoi with Halong Bay and central Vietnam.
What should I wear for temple visits?
Modest clothing is expected in temples: shoulders and knees covered, plus comfortable shoes for walking. Similar etiquette applies across the country—our article on tipping in Vietnam also covers useful cultural insights.
How to book water puppet show tickets?
Tickets for the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre sell out fast. It’s best to book online in advance or buy directly at the venue. Pair the show with a bowl of pho from our Best Pho in Hanoi recommendations for a classic cultural evening.
Can I get around without Vietnamese?
Yes. Most signs in Hanoi include English, and apps like Grab make taxis easy to use. Translation tools are helpful for ordering food and chatting with locals. For more connectivity tips, see our guide to getting a Vietnam SIM card or eSIM.
What’s the best souvenir from Hanoi?
Popular choices include local coffee, silk scarves, and traditional lacquerware. Coffee lovers may also want to compare beans and blends from across the country—our article on Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City highlights how different each city’s coffee culture can be.