3 Days in Hanoi: Scooters, Pho & History
3-Day Hanoi Itinerary
The Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and a street food walking tour..
Explore the local area and enjoy the vibes.
Enjoy a local dinner and the evening atmosphere.
Pro Tips
Bun Cha Huong Lien (where Obama and Bourdain ate). Pho Gia Truyen for beef pho. Cafe Giang for the original egg coffee. Eat street food where tiny plastic chairs are full of locals.
History & Politics
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and Hoa Lo Prison..
Explore the local area and enjoy the vibes.
Enjoy a local dinner and the evening atmosphere.
Pro Tips
Bun Cha Huong Lien (where Obama and Bourdain ate). Pho Gia Truyen for beef pho. Cafe Giang for the original egg coffee. Eat street food where tiny plastic chairs are full of locals.
Culture & Coffee
Dong Xuan Market, French Quarter walk, and a water puppet show..
Explore the local area and enjoy the vibes.
Enjoy a local dinner and the evening atmosphere.
Pro Tips
Bun Cha Huong Lien (where Obama and Bourdain ate). Pho Gia Truyen for beef pho. Cafe Giang for the original egg coffee. Eat street food where tiny plastic chairs are full of locals.
Where to Stay
Old Quarter
Where all the action, food, and noise is.
French Quarter
Wider streets, quieter, luxury hotels.
Daily Budget
Per person, per day including accommodation, food, and activities
Must-See Attractions
- The Old Quarter
- History & Politics
- Culture & Coffee
Hidden Gems
- Train Street (though rules change constantly on whether you can sit there).
Getting Around
Walk in the Old Quarter. Use Grab (the Asian Uber) for cars or scooters elsewhere. Negotiate cyclos (pedicabs) firmly before sitting down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the street food safe?
Yes, stick to busy stalls with high turnover.
How do I cross the street?
Keep a steady pace. Do not run. The bikes will flow around you like a river.
Is 3 days enough?
Yes, for the city. Add days if you want to visit Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay.