Hanoi in 2 days

Trip at a glance

Your first day

Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.

Day 1: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoa Lo and the Old Quarter

A lakeside morning, a sobering prison museum and an afternoon lost in the trading streets, ending with bia hoi on Ta Hien.

1
8:00 AMHoan Kiem LakeWalk the lakeside path early, when locals exercise and the air is cooler; a full loop takes about 30 min.About 30 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 5 min
2
8:30 AMNgoc Son TempleCross the red The Huc Bridge to the island temple. On weekends it stays open into the evening if you prefer to return.About 1 hour 30 min here
₫[fee]
Walk about 20 min
3
10:15 AMHoa Lo Prison RelicAllow about 75 min for the cells and exhibits, which open daily from 8 AM. Some displays are hard to look at.About 1 hour 30 min here
Adult, daytime: ₫50,000 (about $2) · Day ticket; night tours are separate
Official fees: Hoa Lo Prison RelicLast verified Nov 3, 2026
Taxi or Grab to Dong Xuan Market, about 10 min
4
12:00 PMDong Xuan MarketBrowse the market halls and the busy lanes around them, then pick a noodle or snack stall nearby for lunch.About 1 hour 30 min here
Pay as you go
Walk about 5 min
5
1:30 PMHanoi Old QuarterWander streets such as Hang Buom and Ma May, many named for the goods once sold there. Duck into a cafe in the heat.About 1 hour 45 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 15 min
6
3:30 PMOptionalLong Bien BridgeWalk out along the narrow sidewalk for river views; stairs lead down to Banana Island if you want to explore.About 2 hours 15 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 15 min
7
6:00 PMTa Hien StreetFind a stool at the Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen corner for draft bia hoi and grilled snacks as the street fills.
Pay as you go

Before you go

Book rides in an appUse Grab, Be or Xanh SM, or an official metered taxi, so the fare is clear before you set off.
Cover shoulders and kneesAt temples and pagodas, cover shoulders and knees, and take off hats or shoes when asked.
Carry small notesCards cover hotels and bigger bills, but markets and street stalls want cash. Bargaining is normal in markets.
Watch your bagIn crowded streets, keep bags on the side away from the traffic: bag snatching from motorbikes happens.
Go early in the dayBa Dinh, the citadel and the temples are cooler and calmer in the morning; keep museums for the hot afternoon.

Where to stay for this plan

Stay in the Old Quarter or near Hoan Kiem Lake: most of the first day is walkable, and the second is a short ride away.

Hotels in Hanoi

Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.

Plan last checked Nov 3, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.