Quick verdict: 3 days in Hanoi hits Old Quarter + Hoan Kiem Lake + West Lake + Halong Bay overnight + food everywhere. Most underrated Asian capital in a perfect short trip.
The day-by-day plan
Day 1: Old Quarter + Hoan Kiem
Morning: Arrive Hanoi. Drop bags Old Quarter hotel. Pho breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen. Afternoon: Old Quarter walking – 36 streets each named for traditional trade. Hoan Kiem Lake + Ngoc Son Temple. Evening: Bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama trip). Water puppet show.
Day 2: Halong Bay Day Trip
Full day or overnight: 2h drive to Halong Bay. Junk boat cruise + cave tour + kayaking + sunset on the bay. Many tours include overnight on the boat. Return Hanoi morning or evening.
Day 3: West Lake + Departure
Morning: West Lake (Tay Ho) – largest lake in Hanoi. Tran Quoc Pagoda. Egg coffee at Café Giang (1946-founded). Afternoon: Temple of Literature + Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Last shopping in Old Quarter. Evening: depart Hanoi.
What to book ahead + practical tips
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.