A Three Day Itinerary in Hanoi - Northern Vietnam
Hanoi is a beautiful city split into two main areas. The Old Quarter which can be based around Lake Hoan Kiem, and the French Quarter where government departments, embassies, and those that work in them often live.
The lively, bustling tourist area in the Old Quarter has plenty of hotels at very affordable prices, tucked in between shops, restaurants, markets, and motorcycles, which often line the tree-lined footpaths, making walking something of a mission. It is a great base for a remain Ninh Binh tour from Hanoi just as much of the city will soon be within walking distance.
Three days in this vibrant city is insufficient to see everything there's to do. You could easily fill a week. I've outlined an itinerary that Ninh Binh tours offer you an excellent cross-part of sights around Hanoi that you may achieve in three days. Consider the heat, that will slow you down if you are not used to it. The simplest way to essentially absorb the vibes of this fascinating city is to walk.
Day 1 - The streets of the Old Quarter are truly a fascinating experience. You need to allow a day for wandering, map in hand. You will get a close-up view of the life span of working Vietnamese today. The streets all specialize in one single kind of commodity. So you've shoe street, towel street, tin-maker street, toy street, paper, rope - the list goes on.........and on, it surely makes for easy shopping! If you wish to ensure that you don't miss some of the best streets, follow the map from the Lonely Planet, or the neighborhood tourist information maps from your own hotel.
Hanoi Walking Tour Outline - I will start from the ice cream shop by Lake Hoan Kiem opposite the Highland Building. Wander around the lake edge and cross the vivid red Huc Bridge to see Ngoc Son Temple. A little further on, you'll arrive at the Martyr's Monument close to the Water Puppet Theatre. Cross the street here and you can start to check out around the street system. Be sure to go via Memorial House - a vintage restored Chinese merchant's house that's very interesting. Then walk on via Bach Ma Temple. We found this shut. Most museums in Hanoi are closed between 12.00pm - 2.00pm, and on Mondays. Something you need to remember when planning your days. If you should be following guide books, you will go after dark East Gate to the Dong Xuan Market - a three storied market with hundreds of stalls. We preferred the open air market where flowers, local produce, fruit, vegetables, meat and fish were being processed and sold. It had been interesting to see there have been no flies, despite the meat and fish being out in the open uncovered. By the end of Herb Street there's Baguette et Chocolat - an excellent stop for a few delicious cakes and pastries, and all for approximately a buck! Finishing back at the Highland building, take the lift around the rooftop restaurant for a great view over Lake Hoan Kiem, and a cooling drink. Or give your weary feet a delicacy and indulge in a base massage next door, with stunning views to absorb, while you are being treated to a soothing massage for less then $10.
Day Two -Use today to see some of many wonderful museums in Hanoi that are of interest to you. Taxis, cyclos, or motorcycle taxis are a cheap way of getting around. Choosing from the numerous museums will soon be your challenge.
Museum of Vietnamese Revolution
Fine Arts Museum
Women's Museum
Army Museum
Hoa Lo Prison Museum
History Museum
Museum of Ethnology is one we missed, but I own it on good advise, it is well worth visiting.
Temple of Literature is one you should go to. This is a wonderful mixture of gardens, architecture, bonsai and history.
A taxi ride out to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex will occupy the afternoon. Be sure to dress appropriately, and show respect. This is a place of great reverence for Vietnamese people. Finishing off your day at the Water Puppet theatre - will round off your day nicely. It is worth paying to truly have a front seat.
Day Three - This is a great day to take a 1-day tour out of Hanoi. I highly recommend your day tour to Perfume Pagoda which can be not actually one pagoda, but a location with 38 pagodas, Buddhist shrines, and temples. It is vital for the Vietnamese people, and Buddhist pilgrims come to remain, at a particular festival around March-April. Expect it to be very busy at that time.
You will soon be acquired from your own hotel and travel through some very scenic rural countryside to the boats at My Duc. From here you take a relaxing 60 to 90-minute boat ride down the Yen Vi River. When you are rowed by one of the boat women, you are able to enjoy stunning views of the karst cliffs of the Huong Tich Mountains, swathes of shocking pink waterlilies, and spot small pagodas tucked to the river banks, as you drift along. You arrive at the wharf and walk up wide steps to the base of the mountain. Lined with stalls and restaurants, you will have dinner here after you have seen the pagodas. Thein Chu is at the base of the mountain. Right now they are building new sleeping areas, and it is intriguing to view the craftsmen at work. When you can walk up the mountain to Huong Tich Chu - the pagoda in the cave, there's a gondola It is best to take at least one way, for the wonderful views. The trail can be slippery, and narrow, but it can be a challenge you wish to take up. But do save some energy for the steps to the fascinating pagoda in a cave. Most tours incorporate a full meal, ahead of the return boat and bus trip.
