Key Takeaways:
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Vietnam is a beautiful country, and each city has something unique. In particular, Hanoi, the capital, stands out for its blend of history, culture, and street life.
With this 4-day Hanoi itinerary, you can experience the city’s music, dance, art, architecture, food, cultural events, party places, and nightlife.
Overview of 4 Day Hanoi Itinerary
| Day 1 | Arrival → Hanoi Half-Day City Tour |
| Day 2 | Full Day Trip to Ninh Binh |
| Day 3 | Food tour → Coffee Workshop → Dong Xuan Night Market |
| Day 4 | Last-minute shopping → Departure |
Must-Know Things for Indians Before Your Hanoi Trip
Beyond the itinerary, you need to consider the weather, accommodation, and food options. Here’s what to know.
1. Best Places to Stay in Hanoi
Choosing where to stay in Hanoi can help you avoid problems like ending up in the wrong place.
- The Old Quarter: Happening area with street food, hostels and hotels in all price ranges.
- Tay Ho (West Lake): Lake view, much quieter than the Old Quarter. It offers luxurious accommodations and has a touch of the Western lifestyle.
- French Quarter: In the central part of Hanoi, there is a touch of the French in every corner. Here you can find luxury stays, shopping malls, cafes, and fine dining restaurants.
- Ba Dinh District: There are incredible places like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, and so much more. The area is calm and residential, making it great for families.
2. Budget for Accommodation
Hanoi offers a range of accommodation options, from hostels to 5-star hotels, to suit every traveller.
- Budget-Friendly: Approx. 1,800 INR per night
- Mid-Range: Approx. 2,500 INR per night
- Luxury: Approx. 5,500 INR per night
3. Best Food Spots in Hanoi
The city is filled with vendors selling the best Vietnamese street food. However, if you are looking for Indian restaurants in Hanoi that serve Roti and Paneer Butter Masala, you have some of the best options.
| Vietnamese Food Places | Indian Food Places |
| Phở Ông Vui – Hàng Giầy | Maazi Old Quarter |
| Huyền Hương Chicken Phở | Rk Spice Indian Restaurant |
| Bun Cha Huong Lien | Tadka Indian Restaurant Hanoi |
| Banh Mi 25 | Namaste Hanoi |
| Chả cá HỀ | Benaras Mantra |
| Cơm Tấm 36 | Indian Masala Restaurant |
| Bun Cha Ta Hanoi | Hill Top Curry Indian Restaurant |
4. Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Each part of Vietnam has different climate conditions. Hanoi, in the north, is best visited during Spring and Autumn.
| Part | Places | Best Time |
| North | Sa Pa, Hanoi, & Halong Bay | March to April & September to November |
| Central | Da Nang, Hoi An & Hue | January to August |
| South | Ho Chi Minh City & Phu Quoc Island | November to April |
Day-Wise Hanoi Itinerary for 4 Days
Take notes on what is included in this Hanoi itinerary to make your own vacation plan and customise as you like.
Day 1: Arrival & Hanoi Half-Day City Tour
Morning: Land at Hanoi Airport, and book a Grab from the airport to your hotel.
Afternoon: Check in, freshen up and rest.
Evening: Book a Hanoi City Tour around 3:00 PM to make the most of your day.
Places that are covered in the Hanoi city tour:
- Ba Dinh Square
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- One-Pillar Pagoda
- Temple of Literature
- The Old Quarter
- Sword Lake
The guide provides a brief history of each site.
Day 2: Full Day Trip to Ninh Binh
Have breakfast at 7:30 AM. Your pick-up will be arranged for the day trip. From the hotel, you will reach Ninh Binh, which is 100 km south of Hanoi.
Activities for Ninh Binh include
- Long boat ride offering views of lush green mountains.
- Visit the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu, with stops at the Dinh King and Le King Temples.
- Climb to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain at Mua Cave (Dancing Cave) for scenic views of Tam Coc and Ninh Binh.
- Have a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
- Cycle and walk through the countryside to see North Vietnam’s rural landscapes.
- A final stop will be made for swimming in the designated area.
- Return to Hanoi, and you will reach your hotel around 7 pm.
Day 3: Visit Famous City Spots + Coffee Workshop + Local Markets
Morning: Book a food tour and let a local guide take you to hidden places serving the best food.
Most tours start around 9 or 10 am and last 3 hours. At each place you visit, you will be introduced to a famous dish.
Afternoon: Reach your hotel and rest.
Evening: Hanoi has many cafes to choose from; you can visit one to try coffee and desserts. For a more memorable experience, take a coffee-making workshop. You will learn to make the famous egg coffee, which was invented in Hanoi.
Workshop recommendations: Coffee Workshop Vietnam – Teacher Dang, Vietnamese Coffee Workshop, Bunny Cup Cafe, and Su Quan Roastery.
Night: Your last chance to enjoy nightlife in Hanoi. The best way to spend the night is to visit Dong Xuan Night Market to buy souvenirs, special Vietnamese goods, and to eat street food at low prices.
After shopping, you must visit Ta Hien Street to get the best draft beer for about 50 – 70 INR.
Day 4: Back to India
Have breakfast and check out around 11 AM. If you have items left on your wish list, revisit your favourites from the past few days. Keep it simple with no strict planning.
Budget Estimate for Hanoi 4 Days 3 Nights Itinerary
| Factor | Approx. Cost in INR |
| Visa | 6,000 |
| Round-trip flight from India (Flight cost varies based on season) |
24,000 – 40,000 |
| City Transport | 1,000 |
| Mid – range restaurant food per meal | 700 |
| Street food per meal | 300 |
| Mid-range accommodation per night | 3,000 |
| Shopping | 4,000 |
| Hanoi City Tour | 3,300 |
| Ninh Binh Tour | 6,000 |
| Food tour | 2,000 |
| Coffee workshop | 2,500 |
Conclusion
The key to any trip is making the right plan. So when you are planning your Hanoi itinerary, there are many things to consider beyond where to go and what to eat.
Consider the season, trip length, budget, transport, and Indian food options.
Having a travel partner during your Vietnam trip will take away all your worries and let you enjoy your vacation completely.
FAQs on Hanoi Itinerary 4 Days
1. What is Hanoi famous for?
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital city. It offers you the best nightlife, historical sights, quick access to authentic Vietnamese cuisine, cultural events, local markets selling affordable goods, and more.
2. Can you take night walks in Hanoi?
Yes, you can. The city is always awake, not just with tourists but also the locals like to spend late nights or catch up with their friends and colleagues. So, taking a night walk is very common. However, you need to take care of yourself when in a new city and be aware of your surroundings.
3. Where can you party in Hanoi?
Ta Hien Street is the right spot to hang out with friends for a night party, and it is most famously known as The Beer Street. There are so many bars and eateries for you to visit.
Here are a few nightclubs in Hanoi
- 1900 Club Hanoi
- Shark Club
- Hero Club
- Unmute Hanoi
- M.O.A 98 Hàng Buồm
4. Where can you buy souvenirs in Hanoi?
There are a few markets and places, such as Dong Xuan Market, Hang Da Market, and Vincom Mega Mall Royal City, where you can explore and buy gifts.
5. What can you buy in Hanoi?
You can buy silk, jewellery, Vietnamese coffee beans and powder, Ao Dai, Lacquerware, ceramics, and bamboo products.
