Hanoi is a city that captivates from the very first moments. From tranquil lakes and grand temples to the bustle of its streets, it feels at one moment authentically indigenous, the next cosmopolitan. One moment you’re enjoying some of the best food you’ve ever eaten and ten minutes later you could be standing alone in a disused, forgotten pagoda. It was amazing, and the crazy thing is that it doesn’t even take time to get there. 4 days in Hanoi feel like a full tour of history, culture, food and splendid surprises. I highly recommend it to every curious traveler.
I arrived yesterday to Hanoi and stayed at Hotel de Rond, best 3-star hotel in Hanoi for my whole stay of 4 days. This way I could fully recover from the trip and brace myself before heading into the hectic madness of the city. I woke up in the morning well rested, with plenty of energy to start my schedule excited to know every inch of the thousand years old capital.
I began my first morning in Hanoi with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. The scene was tranquil and ageless: locals doing tai chi, couples strolling hand in hand, wide-eyed tourists. The first sight that caught my eye was the red bridge The Huc glistening in the sunlight. Crossing it to get to Ngoc Son Temple and I felt like I stepped into a bit of the past, filled with legends, spirituality and exquisite architecture. A city that was busy and serene at the same time, where I felt the very soul of the city — a perfect start to my 4 days in Hanoi.
After my stop by the lake, I continued my walk to St. Joseph's Cathedral. Its neo-Gothic silhouette, inspired by the Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris, stood in contrast with the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. Sitting on the terrace of a café – an iced drink in hand – I watched people in the square. And it was wonderful to feel both the quiet sacredness and the urban bustle at the same time. This is how one answers the question of what to do in Hanoi in 4 days: sometimes you simply need to enjoy those rare moments to realize everything you might have missed.
For lunch, I decided to make a pitstop at a tiny stall in the Old Quarter for some specialties of Hanoi: a heaping, steaming bowl of phở with its see-through fragrant broth that warmed me from inside out on first spoonful. For whatever reason, this dish felt like the perfect way to leap right into the culinary soul of Hanoi. I’d also put in a vote for bún chả, with charcoal-grilled pork served with rice noodles, or that most refined and delicate soup, bún thang, which somehow manages to encompass all the finesse of this region. For dessert I visited Trang Tien for an ice cream. It was simple, refreshing, and just perfect to relax a little before continuing my discoveries in the afternoon.
In the afternoon I went to wander through the maze of all 36 streets in the Old Quarter – and a must do if you have 4 days in Hanoi. Each alleyway had its own identity; the likes of Hàng Mắm, Hàng Nón or Hàng Đường betrayed names reminiscent of trades and professions from times gone by. As I strolled, it felt like I was walking back in time: some facades were history-drenched, while others showed off the modernity of that capital in constant motion. The streets were vibrant and the air was thick with the aroma of street food; at every braiding in the road, there lay a new sight, a smile, an introduction. That’s where I got all the distinct feel of Hanoi — chaotic and warm.
To conclude my day, I decided to do something a little unique: take the double-decker bus. Up top, wind in my hair, I cruised down well lit streets past old Hoa Lo Prison, the Thang Long Citadel and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. From above, the city seemed almost majestic. I even stopped taking pictures and just stood still for a second: the lights on the old facades, the street activity, the gently blowing evening air. It was a peaceful and very special way to end my first day in Hanoi, the feeling that this is what I need from the city: its history against its modern energy.
Learn more: Hanoi 3-day trip
2 days in Hanoi
For my second day in my trip to Hanoi, I decided to dive a little deeper into the history and culture of the capital. In the morning, I went to the Temple of Literature, which is about 2 km from the city center. I was immediately impressed by Vietnam’s first university as I walked through its inner courtyards and peaceful gardens. I could almost imagine the scholars of the past reciting poems or preparing for the imperial exams before my eyes. The atmosphere, both a little solemn and calming at the same time, gave me a first glimpse of Hanoi’s intellectual and spiritual side.
A bit farther down the road,1 kilometer later I continued my day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a true must-see to understand the modern history of the country. The silence over the square, on whose far margin hordes of traffic were flowing so noisily, impressed me vividly. Next door, the small but symbol-packed One Pillar Pagoda (Chùa Một Cột) took my breath away with its simplicity and grace as it soared above the water on a single pillar like a fluttering lotus flower.
It was noon, and I headed to May de Cuisine, one of Hanoi’s best restaurants, which was only 3 kilometers away from the Pagoda. The restaurant serves upscale Vietnamese food that appears to be a fusion of multiple local food specialties. With the exotic flavors and fresh herbs, the cross-pollinating of culinary styles, I had heard about Hanoi’s cuisine in all its strange glory: The dishes I ate submitted indisputable evidence. I loved sitting at the table, eating with my friends. I have been telling you, I should rest with traditional dishes.
Then, I opted for the Ethnology Museum, 7 km from there, for the rest of the day. I'm glad this amazing place let me find another side of Vietnam. Traditional houses, everyday objects of the 54 ethnic minorities showed a piece of the story each; far from capital hasty and rush. I especially loved the stroll in the outdoor garden, immersed in stilt wooden houses: a direct descent into local cultures was simple and unforgettable. It’s a stop I’d really recommend if you are doing 4 days in Hanoi as it gives you a better picture of the rest of the country, not just the capital.
And, finally, to switch the scenery up a little at the end of the day, I went to the café on Hanoi Train Street,which is only actually five kilometers away from the museum. This was actually a cool experience, and most likely one of the oddest restaurants in Hanoi. I sat at a small table, next to the tracks I’d been riding on, and had an iced coffee as I watched the local people go about their daily lives. Men were chatting, boys shot off firecrackers in the street, and occasionally a big locomotive went dashing across the scene with steam up and whistle blowing till it was almost deafening.
It was a discovery day, historical, cultural and human that allowed me to realise how rich and diverse Hanoi is. I walked back to the hotel and gave myself some rest, satisfied about having been able to re-experience all these places before beginning the new phase of my trip to Hanoi.
Read more: How to get around Hanoi
Top ideas for a girlie weekend getaway in Hanoi
On my third day in Hanoi, I began at Tran Quoc Pagoda. Built on a small peninsula in west lake (about 4 km from Hoan Kiem Lake), it is the oldest temple of Hanoi, its age more than 1,500 years. I was there in the morning and it was serene, nice and fresh. The red towers materialized alongside the date palms, with their reflection in the water and the faint chiming of a bell it felt like I was looking at a more peaceful Hanoi, away from the mayhem in the city center. I went to sit facing the shining lake, thinking that my images deserved a video. Then I walked along the banks, admiring the reflections and taking some photos for myself. It is an excellent start to the day and an answer to what to do in Hanoi in 4 days.
In the afternoon, I went back to the city center and visited Hoa Lo Prison. This place was a symbol of oppression after its construction during the French colonial period. After that, it became a prison for American pilots during the Vietnam War. Seeing the cells, objects, and photographs, I was deeply impressed by the stories of struggle and survival. It is not to be missed if you get the chance, as it is one of the best things to do in Hanoi for any traveler eager to learn and see.
At the end of the day, the atmosphere completely changed for me during my visit to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, just a 10-minute walk from Hoa Lo. For about an hour, I watched the colorful show of the puppeteers, where puppets danced on the water by themselves, accompanied by singing and traditional musical instruments — something unique, without which 4 days in Hanoi would not be complete. It was all funny, poetic, and deeply Vietnamese.
To end the evening in style, I went for a street food tour that night around Dong Xuan Market. The place was bursting with life: the colourful stalls, the overwhelming smells and the crowded masses. I tried a couple of local specialties, from fried nibbles and fragrant snails to a cooling dessert. But more than the flavors, it was the loud and horny mood that got me, with a sense of being shoved into the heart of Hanoi’s daily life, among laughter and conversation clanging against sounds of cooking. I ended the evening returning to my own hotel, tired, but happy with that day full of discoveries.
It was a day rich in contrasts: the spiritual serenity of the morning, the historical memory of the afternoon, and then the festive lightness of the evening. A perfect mix to better understand all the facets of Hanoi.
On the final day, I began my day with Van Phuc Silk Village, located 20 minutes’ drive from the city center. The bright and colourful arch hung with lanterns you see at the entrance immediately set the scene for a handcrafted, true to life experience. Passing through the alleys I could see the looms in all their busyness, hear the shuttle humming back and forth, and admire the delicacy of artisan’s work. The stalls offered scarves, shawls, ao dài and small handmade accessories, perfect to bring back an elegant and typically Vietnamese souvenir, a beautiful discovery to include when planning 4 days in Hanoi. I could not resist taking a few photos under the rows of hanging silk, with bright colors that gave the village a unique charm.
Back in the city center after this artisanal interlude, the discovery of the Old Quarter streets continued. Hàng Bạc was lined with sparkling silver jewelry shops; on Hàng Thiếc, the sound of hammers could still be heard, an echo of the old craft. A little further, Hàng Mã Street was a succession of bright shopfronts with colorful festive decorations hanging down. From street to street, I took the chance to buy small souvenirs easy to carry, but the highlight was watching the artisans, some older than their gestures, working patiently and passionately, continuing ancient traditions passed down from generation to generation. A perfect complement to any 4-day itinerary in Hanoi.
Returning to the hotel after shopping, I packed my suitcase and folded all in beat demands as hell while checking out. In the rundown, as the trip was winding down, I felt wistful — and happy. These 4 days in Hanoi had let me visit the symbols of the city but also its daily life, made of spirituality, history, craft and culinary discovery. A colourful and diverse experience which I will cherish forever.
Before setting out to discover the Vietnamese capital, it is useful to know a few tips to fully enjoy your stay. These practical tips will help you prepare your 4 days in Hanoi with peace of mind, for a pleasant and trouble-free experience.
I felt like I had experienced a real taste of Vietnam in just 4 days in Hanoi. Temple to pagoda, bustling Old Quarter alleys, intriguing museums and tasty food filling the nights for an alternative perspective on the capital every hour. This visit to Hanoi made me realize that it takes only a few days for one to appreciate why the city charms so many travelers. If you are planning your travel, change activities such as culture, cuisine and relaxation during the entire stay. And to travel carefree, Autour Asia, leading Hanoi travel agency offers trips designed to elevate the experience. You need four days to get hooked on the city … and want to come back again.
You can refer to:
- 7 days in Hanoi Da Nang
- Top things to do in Hanoi at night
- Luxury travel Vietnam 2 weeks
- Hanoi Travel Guide
- Vietnam trip 14 days
- Vietnam Tours
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