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Detailed Review Of 5-day Itinerary To Hanoi, Vietnam By Leroux Family

What to do in Hanoi for 5 days?

Hello Tina, thank you for seeking feedback on our 5-day Hanoi travel itinerary. Although this trip took place in October, I am delighted to share our experience, which was thoughtfully organized by your team. We had an amazing time in this vibrant city! I hope our remarks about the 5 days in Hanoi will help you and the Vietnam travel agency Autour Asia improve your services and provide useful information to other travelers planning to explore Vietnam.

I. Overview of the Hanoi itinerary 5 days

Hanoi was the first stop on our trip to Vietnam. Therefore, the time difference was noticeable during the first few days of our stay. Fortunately, Tina stayed in touch with us and was able to understand our needs.

In the first few days, we mainly explored the Old Quarter and some iconic landmarks of the city. Later on, we discovered the must-see sites of Hanoi, rich in information about Vietnam's culture and history.

During the last 2 days of our 5-day stay in Hanoi, we visited the surrounding areas of the capital, including a traditional craft village and Ba Vi National Park.

My overall impression of Hanoi is that it is a capital full of character. Hanoi is lively and noisy, largely due to the heavy traffic. I was quite impressed by the chaos on the roads, but I was also touched by the kindness and openness of the locals. The Vietnamese people we met, including our driver and guide, were all very friendly. Their professionalism and knowledge allowed us to have a pleasant and memorable 5 days in Hanoi!

Itinéraire du voyage à Hanoi en 5 jours en bref :

  • Day 1: Hanoi - Old Quarter - Hoan Kiem Lake - Train Street - Food tour
  • Day 2: Hanoi city tour - West Lake - Temple, Pagoda and Historical sites
  • Day 3: Hanoi city tour - Most iconic destinations
  • Day 4: Hanoi - Bat Trang Pottery Village
  • Day 5: Hanoi - Ba Vi National Park

II. Detailed itinerary in Hanoi 5 days

1. Day 1: Hanoi - Old Quarter - Hoan Kiem Lake - Train Street - Food tour

Since my wife was still tired after the long flight, we decided to spend our first day exploring the area around our hotel. Fortunately, the May De Ville Hotel we chose is ideally located in the heart of the Old Quarter, close to the lively Ta Hien Street, making it very convenient for sightseeing in downtown Hanoi.

After having lunch at the hotel, we spent the afternoon taking a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake and the streets named Hang, typical of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. However, there was a small downside: the constant street noise and air pollution made this cyclo ride less relaxing than we had hoped.

5-Day Hanoi itinerary: Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

We also visited some iconic sites around Hoan Kiem Lake, such as the Ngoc Son Temple and the The Huc Bridge. A memorable experience was our stop at Hanoi's Train Street, where we waited for the train to pass by while sipping a coffee. And indeed, the Vietnamese coffee is as delicious as its reputation suggests.

During our sightseeing, we tried several local specialties like bún chả, bánh mì, and phở. All these dishes were excellent. My favorite was the Bun Cha, my wife loved the Vietnamese Banh Mi, while our son fell in love with Pho. Our guide took us to local restaurants where the prices were very affordable and the flavors were perfectly authentic. End the first day of our 5 days in Hanoi.

What to eat in Hanoi? Bun Cha is the best!

2. Day 2: Hanoi city tour - West Lake - Temple, Pagoda and Historical sites

On Day 2 of our 5-day itinerary in Hanoi, we started the day with a visit to the West Lake area, the largest lake in Hanoi. We explored sacred places such as Tran Quoc Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. After that, we had lunch near the Temple of Literature in Hanoi before visiting it. There, calligraphers were offering traditional characters. My wife and I, passionate about cultural experiences, requested a character for our family.

Temple of Literature in Hanoi

In the afternoon, we visited the One Pillar Pagoda, a remarkable site due to its unique architecture. This visit naturally fits into our 5-day Hanoi travel itinerary.

Tip: If you plan to visit temples and pagodas in Hanoi, make sure to wear decent clothing. It’s best to pack long pants or knee-length shorts and a shirt with sleeves. This shows respect for the locals and the sacred sites.

3. Day 3: Hanoi city tour - Most iconic destinations

On the 3rd day of our 5 days in Hanoi, in the morning, we visited the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This site, the former imperial capital, is particularly impressive with its unique architecture. Then, we explored the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts. My wife loved this place because she is passionate about the artworks and objects displayed in the museum.

In the afternoon, we visited the Hoa Lo Prison – Maison Centrale Hanoi, a site I highly recommend to anyone visiting Hanoi, especially those who want to learn more about history and the war. This place is not just about displaying historical objects and documents. The logical and immersive layout of the space makes the visit captivating and far from boring or monotonous.

Hoa Lo Prison is a must-see during a 5-day trip to Hanoi

After the visit, we still had some time left. On the advice of our son, we decided to take a double-decker bus tour around Hanoi. This experience turned out to be quite pleasant, although it’s better to go later in the day to avoid the heat.

4. Jour 4 : Hanoi – Village de poterie de Bat Trang

We chose to visit Bat Trang Pottery Village, recommended for its hands-on ceramic activities. The workshop was engaging: the whole family participated in making ceramic cups and bowls. The village also has a large museum where we admire ceramic works from different historical periods. After this visit, we returned to Hanoi to rest before heading to Ba Vi the next day, thus ending the fourth day of our 5-day stay in Hanoi.

Pottery-making experience in Bat Trang village

5. Day 5: Hanoi - Ba Vi National Park

For the final day of our 5-day Hanoi itinerary, we headed to Ba Vi National Park, seeking a more peaceful atmosphere and fresh air, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park offers a variety of enriching activities, including hiking, camping, and exploring its lush vegetation.

Bavi Church Ruins - Hanoi in 5 days

III. Weather Hanoi 5 Days - Weather forecast for Vietnam

Initially, we thought that the weather in Hanoi 5 days in October would be cooler than in the middle of the year. However, in reality, October in Hanoi is still quite hot. Occasionally, there is a light breeze in the evening. Nevertheless, a simple light jacket is sufficient. There's no need to overload your luggage with heavy clothing: if it gets cold, you can buy jackets at local shops at affordable prices.

Moreover, if you have booked a tour, don't hesitate to contact your travel advisor to check the weather forecast for Hanoi or any other inquiries.

I hope this information will be helpful for your upcoming 5 days travel itinerary in Hanoi Vietnam. Have a safe journey!

5/5 - (1002 Vote)
Scofield
5.0 Excellent
What are the must-see attractions in Hanoi during a 5-day trip?

A 5-day trip to Hanoi offers ample time to explore the city’s rich culture and history.

  • Key attractions include the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, iconic landmarks in the Old Quarter. The Hanoi Opera House, built in French colonial style, is also a must-visit.
  • For a deep dive into the country's history, head to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, along with the Temple of Literature.
  • Don’t miss the ethereal beauty of the West Lake and the unique architecture of the One Pillar Pagoda.
  • For nature lovers, a trip to the Perfume Pagoda is worth considering. These attractions showcase Hanoi's historical, cultural, and natural beauty.
Winston
5.0 Excellent
What to do in Ho Chi Minh City for 5 days?

In 5 days in Ho Chi Minh City, you can explore a mix of history, culture, and modern attractions.

  • Visit landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Reunification Palace to learn about Vietnam's past.
  • Stroll through the bustling Ben Thanh Market and sample local street food.
  • Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta for a deeper insight into the region's history and lifestyle.
  • End your days with vibrant nightlife in the city’s lively districts.
Smith
5.0 Excellent
What are the best day trips from Hanoi within 5 days?

Hanoi serves as a great base for several incredible day trips.

  • The most popular is Halong Bay, known for its spectacular limestone karsts and emerald waters.
  • Another option is Ninh Binh, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land," where you can visit ancient temples, take a boat ride through caves.
  • For history lovers, a trip to Hoa Lu — the ancient capital of Vietnam — adds a cultural element to your journey.
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