Vietnam · 2026 itinerary
Hà Nội 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Hà Nội: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Central lake with the red Huc Bridge leading to a small temple on an island. The lake itself is free to walk around; temple entry is 30,000 VND. Best at dawn or dusk when locals exercise.
🕐 Temple: 07:30–17:30 daily; lake paths open 24h
Free entry💡 Ignore the men offering to take your photo with the 'turtle' — it's a stuffed specimen and costs extra. Walk anti-clockwise for the most peaceful views.
Hotels near Hoàn Kiếm Lake & Ngọc Sơn Temple →Neo-Gothic Catholic cathedral from 1886, modelled on Notre-Dame de Paris. Free to enter when services aren't running. The interior has stained glass and a quiet courtyard. Sunday mass draws a crowd.
🕐 07:00–11:30 & 14:00–18:00 daily (closed during services)
Free entry💡 Visit around 6pm on a weekday — the doors open for evening prayer and you can see the lit interior without a service. Avoid Sunday morning unless you want to attend mass.
Hotels near St Joseph's Cathedral →Cửa Hàng Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây · ££
Cà Phê Cây Bàng Đổ · ££
Deeper Into Hà Nội
Massive square and marble mausoleum where Uncle Ho's embalmed body lies. Free to enter the mausoleum and grounds. Strict dress code and no photography inside. Allow 30 minutes for the queue and visit.
🕐 07:30–10:30 Tue–Thu, Sat–Sun (closed Mon & Fri, and Oct–Nov for maintenance)
💡 Visit on weekday mornings only — it's closed afternoons and Mondays. Bring ID and leave bags at the free luggage counter outside. Combine with the One Pillar Pagoda next door (also free).
Vietnam's first university, dating from 1076. Five courtyards with ancient well-kept gardens, stone stelae on turtle backs, and a quiet pond. Entry is 30,000 VND (about £1).
🕐 08:00–17:00 daily
💡 Go on weekdays before 10am to avoid school groups. The back garden near the Khue Van pavilion is usually empty for photos.
Cà Phê Kafa
Nhà Hàng Chay Phương Nam
Final Favourites & Departure
Excellent museum covering 54 ethnic groups with indoor exhibits and a large outdoor park with full-scale traditional houses you can enter. Entry is 40,000 VND (
💡 Buy the English audio guide (50,000 VND) — worth it for the stories behind each house. Visit the outdoor area first before the heat builds. Free lockers at the entrance.
Nha Hang Little Italian
Nha Hang Indochine
Getting Around Hà Nội
Use Mai Linh or Vinasun cabs from the official rank. Avoid touts inside the terminal—they'll quote double. Meter starts at airport, confirm it's running.
Get off at the final stop (Hanoi Railway Station), then grab a Grab bike or walk 15 mins east to Thanh Cong. Bus has luggage racks but can fill up—board early.
Use Grab app for fixed pricing—no haggling. Set pickup as 'Thanh Cong Hotel' not the street corner. Pay cash or card; card sometimes fails, so carry small notes.
Flag it on Nguyen Chi Thanh opposite the hotel. Pay the conductor—coins only. It's crowded but fast if you avoid 7-9am peak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Hà Nội?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Hoàn Kiếm Lake & Ngọc Sơn Temple and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Hà Nội?
See our full best time to visit Hà Nội guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Khách Sạn Đức Thái, Khách Sạn Prince, Thành Công. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.