3-day Hanoi essentials

Day 1 – Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem

Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter streets, Ngoc Son Temple

Morning at Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Get lost in the Old Quarter's 36 streets. Afternoon street food and coffee. Evening water puppet show or beer corner.

Tips:

Old Quarter is best explored on foot. Cross roads slowly; scooters flow around you. Try pho and egg coffee.

Day 2 – Ho Chi Minh complex and Temple of Literature

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda

Morning Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (check opening times) and One Pillar Pagoda. Temple of Literature. Afternoon West Lake or back to Old Quarter. Evening food tour or street eats.

Tips:

Dress respectfully for the Mausoleum; no shorts or sleeveless. Temple of Literature is peaceful and photogenic.

Day 3 – Museum or day trip

Women's Museum, or Halong day trip taster

Morning at Women's Museum or History Museum. Or half-day trip toward Halong (book through hotel). Last bowl of pho and departure.

Tips:

Halong Bay overnight is better if you have time; day trips are a taster. Noi Bai Airport is 45 minutes from Old Quarter.