Hanoi Travel in 48 Hours: Must-Have Experiences in Vietnam's Capital

Trạm Review
Jan 3, 2024
5 min read

Embark on a memorable 48-hour journey through Hanoi, perfect for first-time visitors eager to discover the capital's distinctive charm. Arriving in the autumn season enhances the experience, as Hanoi's fall is unforgettable, with cool temperatures averaging below 30°C, accompanied by dry and sunny weather. This short itinerary captures the essence of Hanoi, allowing you to savor unique delicacies like young sticky rice (cốm), sandworm omelet (chả rươi), and ripe star fruit (sấu) that are abundant during this season.

Day 1

Morning

Breakfast Delight at Thin Pho (Pho Thin Bo Ho)

Start your perfect day in Hanoi with a delicious breakfast at Pho Thin Bo Ho, a nearly 70-year-old pho restaurant. Other recommended phở spots include Suong Pho on Trung Yen alley, Tu Lun Pho on Au Trieu Street, Ly Quoc Su Pho, and Lam Pho on Hang Vai Street. These local favorites promise an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

Coffee Adventure in the Old Quarter

Explore the charming Old Quarter and enjoy a cup of coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake. Visit Dinh Coffee on Dinh Tien Hoang street, Giang Coffee, or Lam Coffee on Nguyen Huu Huan street. Additionally, discover newer cafes like Pho Cho at Hang Be Market, Loading T at Chan Cam, or panoramic-view cafes around the lake. Don't miss trying traditional black/brown coffee and egg coffee. If time allows, indulge in some snacks at Tràng Tiền Ice Cream.

Puppet Show at Weekend

If wandering around Hoan Kiem Lake on the weekend, catch a water puppet show at the Water Puppet Theater on Dinh Tien Hoang Street at 9:30 AM every Sunday. Additional performances are available in the evening from 4 PM to 9 PM.

Historical and Architectural Exploration

For history interests, explore sites like Hoa Lo Prison, the Museum of Revolution, the History Museum, and the Military History Museum. Admire architectural wonders such as O Quan Chuong, the Opera House, St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the One Pillar Pagoda, Long Bien Bridge, the Government Guest House, and the State Bank.

All these attractions are conveniently located within a 1-2 km radius of Hoan Kiem Lake, making it easy to navigate on foot or using public transportation like buses, taxis, or motorbike taxis throughout the day. Save some spots for your afternoon exploration if you can't cover everything in the morning.

Afternoon - Savoring Bun Cha for Lunch

As you navigate the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, treat yourself to a unique Hanoi lunch with a bowl of Bun Cha. This northern specialty consists of vermicelli noodles, grilled pork (minced or in whole pieces) over charcoal, accompanied by sweet, spicy, and savory fish sauce, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables. It's a distinctive dish representing Hanoi's culinary charm. Some central locations to try include Bun Cha Hang Quat, Bun Cha Dac Kim, and Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama). Keep in mind that a serving at Dac Kim is quite generous, so be mindful not to overorder. Bun Cha Hang Quat and Huong Lien are bustling during lunchtime, offering an authentic taste of this local delight.

Evening - Vibrant Ta Hien Nightlife

For an introduction to Hanoi's Western-style atmosphere, spend your evening reveling in the lively Ta Hien - Luong Ngoc Quyen area, also known as the "international crossroads" or the "never-sleep street."

Ta Hien, calm and quiet during the day, transforms into a bustling hub from the evening until late at night. The drinking scene here is straightforward, featuring snacks like fried fermented pork rolls, cheese sticks, sweet potatoes, yams, and roasted quails, all complemented by cold beer or refreshing cocktails. What sets Ta Hien apart is the cheerful ambiance that never fades. You can either join small groups along the street or head into bars for music and dancing. The prices at Ta Hien are reasonably average.

If you're in Hanoi over the weekend, take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake's pedestrian street and explore the Dong Xuan Night Market before concluding your night at Ta Hien.

Day 2

Morning

Exploring West Lake

Spend your morning by West Lake, a vast 5.2 km² area adjacent to Thanh Nien Street and Truc Bach Lake. This famous recreational space offers delightful cuisine and various entertaining activities. Engage in jogging or cycling along Nguyen Dinh Thi and Trich Sai streets, where numerous shops rent bicycles at affordable rates, ranging from 40,000 VND to 50,000 VND for two hours. Additionally, there are stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayak rental services, priced between 200,000 VND and 250,000 VND for two hours.

Delicious Bun Oc Breakfast (Snail Noodles)

For breakfast around West Lake, try the local favorite, bún ốc (Snail Noodles). This dish embodies simplicity and palatability, featuring a rich flavor from tender snail meat and the refreshing taste of the broth. Two notable places to enjoy snail noodles are Snail Noodle Ba Ngoai (To Ngoc Van Street) and Snail Noodles Co Hue (Dang Dung Street). At Ba Ngoai, you can even savor chilled snail noodles for a unique experience.

Afternoon

Visiting Tay Ho Palace

In the afternoon, consider exploring Tay Ho Palace, a historical site dedicated to Princess Lieu Hanh, constructed in the 17th century. Situated on a large peninsula in the village of Nghi Tam, extending into West Lake, the palace hosts festive events on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month and the 13th day of the 8th lunar month. During non-festive times, Tay Ho Palace provides a serene space for relaxation, scenic views, and contemplation—an escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Hanoi.

Lakeside Delicacy

For lunch, indulge in the local specialty, bánh tôm (shrimp cakes), around the Tay Ho Palace area. Numerous restaurants like Nham Thin, Phuong Dung, and Thanh Mai offer the popular dish, often served with steamed snails infused with lemongrass or Northern medicinal herbs. A satisfying meal for one person typically ranges from 200,000 VND to 300,000 VND.

Evening

Capturing Sunset at West Lake

Experience an unforgettable evening by capturing photos and enjoying the sunset at West Lake. Arrive around 4 PM, rent a "duck pedalo" at Truc Bach Lake, and then stroll across Thanh Nien Street to witness the sunset over West Lake. Duck pedalos at Truc Bach Lake come in two sizes: large ducks for families, priced at 200,000 VND per hour, and small ducks for two people, priced at 100,000 VND per hour. The starting point is at Lac Chinh Street. Remember to wear life jackets, follow safety regulations, and maintain overall hygiene.

Dinner Delights in Hanoi

For dinner, if you wish to continue savoring Hanoi's specialties, head to Ngũ Xã food street, renowned for its iconic dish, phở cuốn (pho rolls). This dish consists of thin rice paper rolls filled with beef and various fresh vegetables, served with sweet and tangy fish sauce. Famous pho cuon (pho rolls) establishments include Hung Ben, Huong Mai, and Huong Lien.

Alternatively, if you're in the mood for a change, try Western-style cuisine. The areas around West Lake, including streets like Xuan Dieu, To Ngoc Van, and Dang Thai Mai, are ideal places to find cozy restaurants for European dining, such as French or Italian, or South American styles like Argentina and Brazil. Recommended establishments include Los Fuegos - Argentinian Steak and Grill, El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse, Cugini, Paolo & Chi Italian Restaurant.

Other Suggestions

Explore shopping centers like Trang Tien Plaza and Vincom Ba Trieu, take a double-decker bus to admire the streets and tourist attractions, or enjoy live music at traditional tea houses.

Conclusion

In 48 hours, you've embraced the heart of Hanoi, immersing in its rich culture, delectable cuisine, and captivating landscapes. From morning pho to enchanting sunsets, Hanoi's charm is truly irresistible. Now, let this be just the beginning of your exploration. For the passionate traveler, Hanoi unveils endless wonders. Plan your next adventure, unlock more experiences, and dive deeper into the magic of Vietnam's capital. Your journey awaits, fueled by the spirit of discovery and the warmth of Hanoi's embrace. Happy travels!