How to spend 1 day in Hanoi: Top 3 itineraries for a Hanoi 1 day tour

How many days in Hanoi?

Hanoi the capital of Vietnam, is a vibrant city that combines rich history, modern lifestyle, bustling streets, and mouthwatering cuisine. Therefore, you can't miss Hanoi on your Vietnam bucket list. 

The itineraries for a Vietnam trip usually start from the North and gradually move southward. You will land at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and then go to the city centre. From there, you explore the northern provinces such as Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang, and Sapa. Afterwards, you will travel to the Central and Southern provinces of Vietnam. Alternatively, you can design your itinerary in the reverse direction, taking a flight to Ho Chi Minh City and gradually travelling to the Nort of Vietnam. Regardless of the chosen itinerary, Hanoi is a destination that cannot be missed.

Typically, a Vietnam tour lasts around 7-30 days or more. Due to limited time, international travellers need to carefully plan their itineraries, including calculating the number of days for each destination. And one of the most common questions: 

• How many days should I stay in Hanoi? 
• How many days to spend in Hanoi?
• How many days in Hanoi is enough?

The duration of a Hanoi visit usually depends on the preferences and personal schedule of the traveller. However, to experience the city's essentials, a period of around 2-3 days is reasonable.

There is no exact number for this question. Hanoi offers a unique experience for first-time travellers. You can stay in Hanoi for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, or more. It depends on your preferences and personal schedule. 

To experience the city's essentials, around 2-3 days is reasonably suitable. It is hard to explore Hanoi in 1 day fully. However, if you know how to organize your trip, you can still visit famous landmarks and enjoy popular foods when you have only 1 day in Hanoi. 

What to do in Hanoi for one day?

Below are three options for Hanoi 1-day itinerary. These choices will allow you to visit famous attractions in Hanoi, but the level of focus and time allocation will vary. You can choose the itinerary that best suits your preferences

Option 1: Visit the most landmark in Hanoi in one day

This option covers the must-see attractions of Hanoi. It includes visits to iconic landmarks such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Hoa Lo Prison... You'll get a glance at Hanoi's history, culture, and architectural beauty.

Suggested itinerary: 

In the morning: 

• Start your day with a visit to the Tran Quoc Pagoda –  the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century.
• After that, Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the great President of Vietnam
• Next, head to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. 

Note that: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant

In the afternoon: 

• Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam

Special Note: Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays

• Then, leave for Hoa Lo Prison Museum

At night: 

• Take a Thang Long Citadel night tour or freely explore Hanoi Old Quarter at night. 
• On Saturday and Sunday: explore local culture by walking around Hoan Kiem Walking Street. 

Because some famous sites close on Monday so check the opening time before you go. In case of close, you can choose others instead: 

List of 9 choices: 

• Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple 
• Water Puppet Theatre
• The Train Street 
• The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
• Hanoi Opera House
• War Remnants Museum
• St. Joseph's Cathedral
• Long Biên Bridge
• One Pillar Pagoda

Option 2: 1 day for a food tour and top attractions in Hanoi 

In this option, you still visit famous attractions in Hanoi but focus more on enjoying local food. This means you will visit fewer tourist sites than the first option. 

Suggested itinerary: 

In the morning: 

• Start your day with a bowl of rice noodle soup with beef (Pho Bo)

Some famous restaurants for Pho:

• Pho Thin (Phở Thìn) – No. 13 Lo Duc street,
• Pho Gia Truyen (Phở gia truyền) – No. 49 Bat Dan street
• Pho Suong (Phở Sướng) – No. 24B Trung Yen Alley
• Enjoy egg coffee-the most famous drink in Vietnam
• After that, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple
• Have some delicious Trang Tien ice cream near the lake 
• Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral and check-in photos at the Hanoi Opera House 
•  Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the great President of Vietnam
• Next, head to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. 

Note that: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

At noon:  Enjoy the delicious Bun Cha (rice noodles with grilled pork) in Hanoi

In the afternoon: 

• Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam

Special Note: Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays

• Then, leave for Thang Long Imperial 

At night: 

• Ta Hien Beer Street or Hano Train Street for Coffee or Beer
• Street food in the Old Quarter like snails, cheese, cake…

Option 3: 1 day City sightseeing: Try the Hanoi Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

This is a special combo named Hanoi City Tour Hop On Hop Off. With a 4-hour valid ticket, this tour offers the perfect opportunity to explore the city at your own pace. 

The Hanoi City Tour Hop On Hop Off features 15 stops, covering over 20 famous attractions. It allows you to hop on and off the bus, giving them the freedom to tailor your exploration. 

Departure time: 08h00 - 17h00 (Every 30 minutes)

– Depart at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square (Mon-Fri)

– Depart at Hanoi Opera House (Sat-Sun)

Then, you will go through 14 places: 

1. Le Thai To’s Statue
2. St. Joseph’s Cathedral
3. The Flag Tower of Hanoi
4. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
5. Quan Thanh Temple
6. Tran Quoc Pagoda
7. Cua Bac Church
8. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
9. One Pillar Pagoda
10. The Temple of Literature
11. Hoa Lo Prison Relic
12. Museum of Vietnamese Women
13. Hanoi Opera House
14. Hanoi Post Office

See the map below for the itineraries:

After the bus tour, you can spend the rest of the day for shopping or try local food which follows itineraries as option 1 or option 2.

Things must know before taking a Hanoi 1 đay trip 

• Plan your 1-day itinerary carefully: There are many things to see and do in Hanoi, so it's important to plan your itinerary carefully so you don't miss interesting places in Hanoi
• Get around Hanoi: Hanoi provides several means of transportation, including walking, taxis, motorbikes, and buses. If you're on a budget, walking is a fantastic way to navigate the city. If time is limited, taking a taxi is the most convenient option. To secure better prices, you can download apps like Bee Apps, Grab, or Gojek. If you prefer buses, thorough research is necessary as there are various bus numbers that follow different routes.
• Negotiate prices: When shopping in Hanoi, it's customary to negotiate prices. Don't be afraid to bargain with the vendors as you're likely to obtain a good deal.
• ATMs in Hanoi: ATMs are a common sight in Hanoi, for both local and international banks. They work well so you will be able to find one that accepts your card. Almost shops in Vietnam accept bank transfers so no need to bring too much cash. 
• Wifi in Hanoi: Wi-Fi is widely available in Hanoi, from coffee shops and hotels to local shops, just ask local people to gain the password. Simply ask the locals for the password. However, it may be challenging to find Wi-Fi at tourist attractions or while on the move. So it is advisable to buy a Vietnamese sim card with a data package. The package can be for 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 15 days or 30 days depending on your specific needs. 
• Local people ask to practice English: When you stroll around the streets or sit near Hoan Kiem Lake, you may meet local individuals approaching you with basic questions to practice their English skills. It's a safe interaction, and you can choose to engage in conversation, providing you with an opportunity to understand the local people. Vietnamese locals are friendly and eager to learn English. If you prefer not to participate, simply smile, shake your head, and politely decline.

Top 3 most popular tourist destinations nearby the city centre that may be visited in a day

1 day in Duong Lam Ancient Village, Hanoi

With its unique architectural features and symbolic models of an ancient Vietnamese village, Duong Lam Ancient Village stands as a fascinating tourist destination in the suburb of Hanoi. It’s located 50km from the city centre. The village is featured by such as banyan trees, wharves, waterways, communal courtyards, wells, fields, mounds, hills, temples, and pagodas, all showcasing its historical and cultural treasures. If you have an interest in ancient architecture and a desire to delve into the rich tapestry of history, Duong Lam Ancient Village is an unmissable destination that will leave you mesmerized.

One day in Bat Trang Pottery Village, Hanoi

It’s around 15km from the city centre. Bat Trang Ceramic Village is a well-known traditional pottery village that showcases the artistry of ceramic craftsmen. A visit to Bat Trang Pottery Village offers the opportunity to witness the skilful work of ceramic artisans and explore the bustling pottery market. One of the most fascinating experiences in this village is the chance to engage in hands-on pottery making, allowing you to create your very own ceramic products.

One day in Perfume Pagoda, Hanoi

The Perfume Pagoda, or Huong Pagoda, is a beloved day excursion from Hanoi, ideal for nature enthusiasts. Located about 60 kilometers southwest of the capital city, this destination is surrounded by lush rice fields, majestic limestone mountains, and charming villages.

Top 5 best 1-day tours from Hanoi to nearby provinces

From Hanoi, you can totally take 1 day tour to nearby attractions such as Hoa Lu, Trang An in Ninh Binh, Halong Bay or Ba Vi National Park. There are 5 suggestions for 1 day itinerary from Hanoi. 

1. Hanoi to Ninh Binh 1 day tour 
2. Hanoi to Halong 1 day tour 
3. Mai Chau Valley 1 day tour 
4. Ba Vi National Park 1 day tour 
5. Tam Dao 1 day tour

In general, Hanoi is a must-visit destination during your visit to Vietnam. You can explore Hanoi in one day and in your own unique way. Above are three options for one day in Hanoi, along with tips and recommendations for your sightseeing experience. Hopefully, this guide helps you gain more incredible experiences.

You might read: Hanoi tourist map: Top 5 famous attractions in Hanoi 2023