The Perfect Weekend in Hanoi

Go Vietnam4 years ago

Discover the beauty of Vietnam’s capital in less than 48 hours. From culinary highlights to architectural gems, historic sites to social enterprises, this two-day Hanoi itinerary will give you a well-rounded taste of Hanoi.

Credit: Vietnam Travel

Phở Thìn 13 Lò Đúc

When in Hanoi, do as the Hanoians do: greet the morning with a steaming bowl of phở. While the northern iteration of this noodle soup is known for its simplicity, Pho Thin stands out from the crowd. For over 40 years, owner Nguyen Trong Thin has been serving up bowls of phở with a special flair. Unlike other shops, Thin stir-fries his beef flanks in garlic before adding them to the broth. This innovation has made his version of phở one of the most popular in Hanoi.

Phở Thìn 13 Lò Đúc

13 Lò Đúc, Ngô Thì Nhậm, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Hoàn Kiếm Lake

Burn off the calories on a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. A 15th century legend says a giant turtle in the lake recovered the magical sword Emperor Ly Thai To used to defeat the Chinese. On the weekends, the roadways aroundlake are closed to vehicles, and on the northern side the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple sits on a small island

Hoàn Kiếm Lake

Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam

Old Quarter

Give your feet a break and see the Old Quarter by way of cyclo, a type of pedal-powered rickshaw. If you're keen to do a little shopping, you'll find several enticing boutiques tucked away on Silk Street. An hour-long ride through the Old Quarter labyrinth will help you map out your nighttime affairs, as this neighbourhood is a prime spot for local libations.

Old Quarter

Hàng Ngang, Hàng Đào, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Bia Hoi Corner

As night decends, head back to the intersection of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen in the Old Quarter to experience the revelry of bia hơi. No need for signage as you’ll immediately recognise “Bia Hoi Corner,” a chaotic sight where pubs spill out onto the street in true Vietnamese fashion, clogging up the intersection. Park yourself on a little stool and order a glass of freshly brewed beer (15,000 VND) served straight from the barrels.

Bia Hoi Corner

14 Đông Thái, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Temple Of Literature

You can't come to Hanoi and not see the Temple of Literature. Built in honour of Confucius, this is also the site of Vietnam’s oldest university, established in 1076. Admire the traditional-style architecture, the pond dubbed “The Well of Heavenly Clarity” and a collection of ancient stone slabs inscribed with the names of exceptional scholars, all mounted on the backs of stone turtles. A pavilion, which houses a statue of Confucius and his four greatest disciples, lies in the furthest courtyard.

Temple Of Literature

58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Spices Garden

Make your way to the Sofitel Legend Metropole for a tantalizing Vietnamese buffet lunch at Spices Garden. The lunch will set you back VND780,000++, but the price is well worth the luxury and the chance to sample a wide variety of fantastic Vietnamese dishes. Afterwards check out the hotel's beautiful interiors, which have seen the likes of novelist Graham Greene, actor Charlie Chaplin and actress Angelina Jolie, to name a few.

Spices Garden

15 P. Ngô Quyền, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Bún chả Hương Liên

You can't come to Hanoi and not try bún chả. Bún chả became an overnight sensation after Anthony Bourdain and President Barack Obama lunched at Bun Cha Huong Lien on the show No Reservations. The “Obama Combo” includes bún chả, a side of nem rán (fried spring rolls) and an ice cold bottle of beer. Dump the cold rice vermicelli and the fresh herbs in the bowl of sweetened fish sauce. Photo: Foody

Bún chả Hương Liên

24 Lê Văn Hưu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Highway4 Restaurant

Conclude your Hanoian adventure at Highway 4. With four locations, quirky decor and an even quirkier menu, you won’t be disappointed. Indulge in the local tipple, a Vietnamese spirit called rượu, made from sticky rice laced with herbs and spices. Hopefully, the liquor motivates you to try the adventurous items on the menu: chicken hearts, locusts, eel, buffalo and frog.

Highway4 Restaurant

1, 575 Kim Mã, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Museum of Ethnology

Time for some ethnographic inquiry. On the outskirts of the city lies the Museum of Ethnology, about a 20-minute taxi drive from the city centre. A first class museum-going experience, the 40,000 VND ($2 USD) ticket covers all areas on this three-part complex. The museum is dedicated to the traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, and includes a garden with full-scale replicas, some relocated originals, and a museum devoted to Southeast Asia. Photo: Airbnb

Museum of Ethnology

Dịch Vọng, Cầu Giấy, Hanoi, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Quickly make your way to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing marble stronghold situated in centre of the grandiose Ba Dinh Square. If you want a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s revered communist political leader, dress modestly and be early: the last entry is slated at 10:15 a.m. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the spectacular display of the changing of the guard outside the mausoleum. Photography is strictly forbidden.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

2 Hùng Vương, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

West Lake

On your way back to town, stop by at the enormous Tay Ho Lake, also known as West Lake. The 17-km shoreline makes for a fantastic cycling route. The Hanoi Bicycle Collective is your one-stop for bike rentals (60,000 VND for up to six hours.) The circumference of the lake is lined with hip cafes, ancient pagodas and picturesque gardens. Photo: Vietnam Guide, thuthuatphanmem

West Lake

West Lake, Tây Hồ, Hanoi, Vietnam

Cafe Giảng

Kickstart day two with a brew unique to Hanoi, cà phê trứng, aka egg coffee. There’s only one location to indulge in this frothy concoction: Giảng Cafe. The founding father of this establishment is none other than the creator of the recipe himself, Nguyen Giang. Invented purely out of necessity, Giang’s substitution of fresh milk with whisked eggs during French War food shortages birthed this famous hybrid. The recipe remains top secret. Photo: Foody, Traveloka

Cafe Giảng

39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Pan Pacific Hanoi

Make your last view of Hanoi one from the top. A number of fantastic rooftop bars are sprinkled around the city, but for classy cocktails and a mesmerizing view, look no further than the cushy chairs at The Summit, on the top of Pan Pacific Hotel. Cheers! Photo: VNExpress