Explore Hanoi - in 24 hours
Exploring Hanoi in just 24 hours offers a whirlwind dive into the vibrant heart of Vietnam. From its bustling streets filled with tantalizing street food to its serene lakes and historic temples, the city brims with culture and charm. Whether you’re sipping on a traditional egg coffee or wandering through the Old Quarter, every moment in Hanoi promises to be an unforgettable adventure. Here is a guide for all of you, which I personally follwed during my solo trip to Vietnam.
Morning
1. Explore Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake
- Time: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
- Activities:
- Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple (Entry fee: ~30,000 VND).
- Explore the Old Quarter’s narrow streets and traditional shops.
- Cost: Free (except temple fee)
2. Breakfast - Pho Gia Truyen
- Location: Small shops in Old Quarter
- Food: Pho/ Banh Mi + Coffee
- Cost: ~80,000 VND
- Tips: Book a stay which provides free breakfast.
Mid-Morning
3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
- Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Activities:
- Visit the Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and One Pillar Pagoda.
- Entry Fee: Free (Mausoleum and Pagoda); Museum ~40,000 VND
- Note: Dress modestly.
Lunch
4. Bun Cha Huong Lien
- Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Location: 24 Le Van Huu Street (famous for Obama’s visit)
- Food: Bun Cha/ Pho/ Chicken Rice
- Cost: ~100,000 VND ($3 USD)
Afternoon
5. Temple of Literature
- Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
- Activities:
- Explore Vietnam’s first university and the serene gardens.
- Entry Fee: ~30,000 VND
6. Hoa Lo Prison (Maison Centrale)
- Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Activities:
- Visit the historical prison used during French colonial rule and the Vietnam War.
- Entry Fee: ~30,000 VND
Evening
7. Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre
- Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Activities:
- Enjoy a traditional water puppet performance.
- Entry Fee: ~100,000 VND
8. Dinner
- Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Location: Restaurant/ food joints around Hoan Kiem Lake
- Food: Variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes.
- Cost: ~100,000 VND
Night
9. Explore the Night Market
- Time: 8:00 PM onwards
- Activities:
- Visit the weekend night market (if it’s Friday, Saturday, or Sunday).
- Cost: Depends on your purchases or food.
10. Explore the Beer Street
- Time: 8:00 PM onwards
- Activities:
- Enjoy the lively narrow street, full with bars and music with great food options and beer.
- Cost: Depends on your food.
11. Music show at Old Quarter
- Time: 8:00 PM onwards
- Activities:
- Enjoy the local music, drama shows around every corner of Old Quarter.
- Cost: Free of cost.
Accommodation
Budget Stay - Backpackers Hostel
- Location: Old Quarters
- Cost: ~100,000-500,000 VND/night for a dorm bed (with or without breakfast).
- Amenities: Locker, Wi-Fi.
- Booking procedure: Book it in advance through Agoda/Booking.com
Currency Exchange
Currency Conversion Options
- Locations:
- ATM: Withdraw VND cash directly from ATM using Niyo Global debit cards (SBM/DCB) or BMF cards.
- Old Quarter: Any Gold Shop (Best conversion rate).
- Banks: Vietcombank, BIDV (may have slightly higher rates).
- Tips: Check rates online before exchanging, and be aware of closing times (usually 5:00 PM).
Must-Do Highlights:
- Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake in the early morning.
- Ride through Old Quarter.
- Enjoy a Water Puppet Show.
- Savor local food at a local eatery and Beer street.
- Music Show at Old Quarter.
Total Estimated Cost:
- Food & Drinks: ~270,000 VND
- Entry Fees: ~230,000 VND
- Accommodation: ~350,000 VND
- Transportation (Optional Grab Rides or Hired Scooty): ~100,000 VND to 250,000 VND
Total: ~1,000,000 VND (Rs. 3300/-)
The budget provided is based on 2023 figures, which may have increased slightly. I hope this will be helpful for your upcoming trip to Vietnam. If you are wondering about a whole Vietnam Itinerary by @Prantick_Santra or even want to explore Hidden Gems by @Zahid_Niyo in Vietnam must check out these 2 links.
