Hanoi in 1 day – where to go and what to do

Hanoi – the capital city of Vietnam which owns over 1,000 years of history. 1 day in Hanoi? If you have just 1 day in this city, you might think it’s too short, and you also might think you could do nothing. But, you might be wrong. If you well manage your time and read the following tips, your 1 day in Hanoi will have every minute worth.

In the morning

Get up early in the morning and enjoy a bowl of Pho is the best way to start the day in this city. After that, take your camera and visit Ho Chi Minh Complex which is the must-stop destination in Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi

The first stop in the Complex is Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum whose building is built between 1973 and 1875, inspired by Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow, but cleverly designed with Vietnamese architecture which is a combination of hero worship and modern art. This is the place where the national hero’s remains are well kept.

Other places to visit in the complex are Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Museum.

It may take you 2-3 hours to enjoy everything here. If there is more time to spend, it’s a good idea to visit the famous Temple of Literature which is the first university of Vietnam and just 20 – 25 minutes walking from the complex.

Temple of Literature – Hanoi

Another option for you is to get a cycling tour to explore the typical values of Hanoi, you will head to the legendary Long Bien Bridge, a historical witness of Hanoi and was built by the famous Eiffel construction company at the beginning of the 20th century. After that, take a short visit to a Bonsai garden and a local village house to interact with the locals then have a break with tea and fruits.

The next place of this trip is a small island of the Red river named Bai Giua, you will see a banana and vegetable farmlands, take some photo of the green fields. Next stop is at the Red River pottery market of Quang Ba, where ceramics are stacked waiting to be taken into Hanoi. Finally, you will visit Red River’s floating houses and fields of colorful flowers. A cycling tour will give you an interesting insight into a different Hanoi and a rare experience that you have ever had.

Lunch

After the Temple of Literature, it’s time for lunch. And if you have enjoyed Pho for breakfast, just find another local dish for this lunch. And to enjoy the best dishes of Hanoi, just spend some minutes to the Hanoi Old Quarter, the food hub of this city famous for Bun Cha (1 Hang Manh Str.), Cha Ca La Vong (14 Cha Ca Str.), or Bun Bo Nam Bo (67 Hang Dieu).

After lunch, take a short break to get full energy for another active half day.

In the afternoon

Hanoi Old Quarter

The afternoon should be spent to discover Hanoi Old Quarter – the place witnessing ups and downs of Hanoi from ancient to present time. Not only offering a good overview of lifestyle of the locals here, but Hanoi Old Quarter is also a great place to get souvenirs for your beloved at home.

Cyclo tour in Hanoi

And remember to take a cyclo trip along the small streets of this area as it is the best way to slowly view the local life.

Dinner

Well, Hanoi has so many street food stalls or restaurants offering you wide arrays of dishes to choose.

After enjoying dinner, you may end your day at the hotel for a departure early tomorrow morning. But if you wish to make your every minute in Hanoi unforgettable, then go out and join the nightlife here.

And the first thing you should do for your night in Hanoi is to join a water puppet show which presents you a part of Vietnam – Vietnam countryside.

Water Puppet Show in Hano

After the show, just take a walk along peaceful streets of Hanoi to feel how meaningful your 1 day in Hanoi.

So now, after all, do you think that 1 day is always not enough to discover the 1,000-year-old city of Vietnam.

Tip for Vietnam visa

Even this is your first time or n time to Vietnam, your very first concern might come from Vietnam visa – the document deciding your entry to the country. Then finding a source which provides you with full information in this regard, covering Vietnam visa requirement and guide to obtain the Vietnam visa seems very important. And Vietnam-visa.com is such one which presents you a great load of information regarding Vietnam visa presented in an easy-to-understand way. Find out more the latest Vietnam visa policy