How to spend a day in Hanoi?

Hanoi is well known as one of the most attractive cities in Asia and one of the fascinating gourmet paradises in recent years. With an elegant look, unique features and historical values, this capital city deserves to be a perfect harmonization between tradition and modernity, a great destination for tourists around the world. 

By its unique blend of western and oriental charm of Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Temple of Literature - the first National University of Vietnam, Hoan Kiem lake along with 36 ancient streets in the old quarter and Long Bien bridge which was designed by Gustave Eiffel, this city brings along a boundless inspiration for explorers, especially those first time visit Hanoi. From discovering its rich history to sampling market wares, tasting fresh, complex, and delicious Vietnamese street food, the city will offer you all of this and even much more.

If you only have one day in Hanoi, what cross your mind firstly might be the questions of where to visit and which food to try? Follow us to get ideas for your 24 hours in Hanoi! 

Morning 
Instead of having a classic breakfast with omelette and croissant served at the hotel, you can kich start your day with a bowl of delicate rice noodle or “Phở”. It is acclaimed as a specialty of Vietnamese cuisine that has satisfied the taste of the most critical diners. According to the testimony of many gourmets, it is Hanoi that you can find the best rice noodle. Passing by the most famous restaurants in the old quarter, you can have your taste buds awaken and your energy recharged. 

Start your day with a bowl of Pho, why not? 

If you have curiosity on the valiant history of Vietnam and the myth of eloquent heroes in particular, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a destination that worth your visit. Opening every day except for Monday and Friday, this is where you not only visit the historical tomb of Vietnam’s first president but also enjoy the green and fresh atmosphere in the president’s wooden house.  

Ho Chi Minh mausoleum 

In case you are not a fan of political museum, Temple of Literature to discover can be a backup plan for you to discover the first University of Vietnam under millennial history. 

Temple of Literature

When the clock says mid - noon, it is time for a lunch break; and nothing could be better than enjoying) "Bánh cuốn" (Steam rice cake) or "Bún chả" (Grilled pork rice noodle in the old quarter of Hanoi. 

Grilled pork rice noodle as the soul of Vietnamese cusine 

We suggest you to stop by:

+ "Bun cha" Hang Manh (67 Duong Thanh St., 47c Mai Hac De St.) 
+ "Banh cuon" Thanh Van (14 Hang Ga St.) or Banh cuon Gia An (Lo Duc, Yet Kieu St.)

Afternoon
Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, you can immerse yourself in the soul of Hanoi 36 streets. What may inspire you are the crowded commercial streets with different sign post named after the specialized traditional crafts sold at individual streets. It is where you can buy souvenirs for your family, taste different types of street food or just simply do a relaxing window shopping. At close quarters, there is a pleasant stopover in front of the Hanoi Opera House which has the same colonial architecture with the Paris Opera. Here, you will be offered a spacious view of the streets and alleys of the secular capital.

Having coffee break in an unusual place, especially in a lively city like Hanoi, will give you a brand new experience. Especially, coffee shop around Hoan Kiem Lake are ideal places to get a panoramic view of the city. Favorite bars and cafeterias of Hanoian, expatriates and foreigners can be found in the old district, including Nha Tho, Dinh Le, Hang Ga, Nguyen Huu Huan and etc…  

Egg yolk coffee - The exceptional flavour of Hanoi's coffee

Suggested coffee shops for you: 

+ Café Cong (27 Nha Tho, Hanoi) 
+ Giang coffee (39 Nguyen Huu Huan lane, Hanoi)
+ Lam coffee (60 Nguyen Huu Huan lane, Hanoi)
+ Café Pho (11 Hang Gai, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem)

Late afternoon

The Long Bien Bridge - living testimony to the city's turbulent past

About 10 minutes by bike from Hoan Kiem Lake, you can find an escape from the urban vibe. While walking along the Long Bien Bridge under the sunset and you can enjoy the tranquility falling over the historic Red River. Although mostly being destroyed during the war, Long Bien bridge is not just a channel connecting 2 city sides but it is also an imperial witness of the movement between past and present. If you have a great fancy on art or simply want to take a nice shoot, here, you will spectacular moments of Hanoi. 

Evening
At night time, Hanoi is crowded with many excited activities. It’s a perfect time to taste the Vietnamese grills or hotpot in some famous vendors in Hang Than, Pho Duc Chinh and afterward enjoy night beer at Ta Hien or Luong Ngoc Quyen Street. For those couple looking for romance moment, sky bars &restaurants or rooftop café and café music in the old quarter would be perfect to spend your evening. 

We suggest you to:

+ Avalone café Lounge (73 Caugo, Hanoi)
+ Eden café (02 Nha Tho, Hang Trong, Hanoi)
+ Ấy Coffee & Lounge (63 Hang Bun, Ba Dinh dist.)

We hope that our suggestions will light up your day in Hanoi. No less interesting recommendation for your next time in Hanoi is waiting for you. Besides the beauty steeped in millennial history, Hanoi also serves as a gateway for visitors looking for some adventure in Vietnam’s mountainous north and the rocky islands of Halong Bay. 

>> A glance at the most beautiful inspirations of a travel agency in Vietnam, everything to have a credible trip with a professional team.