Vietnam tour: Explore Hanoi in only one day?

The historical capital of Vietnam for 1000 years, Hanoi is undoubtedly the cultural venue where a lot of ancient vestiges have been surviving against the ravage of wars and the harshness of the time. Once arriving at Hanoi, travelers may be confused by the diversity of the city’s monuments and may wonder “what are the most famous sites I should visit in this city”? The following suggested itinerary of Vietnam tour will help you to answer that challenging question.To discover the cuisine and beauty of the capital in one day, you may have to wake up early and take advantage of every moment for your experience.

4-5 am: night flower market   The night flower market Quang Ba is held at about 2 am. From 2 am to 4 am, for wholesale; after 4 am, besides wholesale, there are retail prices for tourists.  This is the most beautiful, freshest, and cheapest flower market in Hanoi because flowers are delivered from TayLuu, Dong Anh, Gia Lam, Phuc Yen, etc. If you only want to visit or buy some bunches of flowers, you can wake up around 4 am. At this time, the market is not too crowded, you can bargain and choose flowers such as rose, lily, salem, etc.

7 am: snail noodle soup West Lake

From Quang Ba market, just 5 minutes to Tay Ho temple, which has famous snail noodle soup. A bowl includes big snails caught from the lake, a little beef, sausage, tofu, etc. depending on tourists’ requirements. The dish is a source of energy for the entire day.

8 am: Co Ngu café

Located on ThanhNien road, café Co Ngu is a place for those who like the quiet and romantic space of West Lake. 

The second floor is decorated in the old style of the North with large wooden beds, couplets, horizontal lacquered board, etc. while the third floor is free with view of windy West Lake. In a summer morning, have tea or coffee there is the best.

9:30 am: Temple of Literature   The Temple of Literature was the first university in Vietnam. Located in QuocTuGiamstreet, the Temple of Literature attracts tourists because of its ancient and quiet appearance with rows of old trees, dark grey tile roofs, deep blue lake, paved walkways and garden of blossoming flowers.  You will learn about Vietnam's traditional fondness for learning as well as famous people engraved on Doctors’ Stelae. Opening time: 7:30 am- 6 pm. Ticket price: 1.5 USD/adult;

12 pm: Lunch Time

Hanoi does not lack famous and delicious dishes. If choosing Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), come to Bat Dan street, Ly Quoc Su street or Lo Duc street. 

For bun cha dish, visit Hang Than street, Hang Manhstreet, Bach Mai street. You should taste La Vong fish ball at Cha Ca street or fried chicken rice at Tong Duy Tan street.

2 pm: Dong Xuan market

After relaxing, do not miss the busiest market in Hanoi - Dong Xuan market. This is a wholesale market with diversity of goods in the past but now it sells electronic equipment, household appliances, textiles and clothing. 

Tourists can visit or buy souvenirs for their friends. Near the market are snack shops. You should try a cool soup before leaving.

4 pm: Puppet performance at Thang Long Water Puppetry Theatre

Located in Dinh Tien Hoang street, the Thang Long water puppetry theatre is a favorite address for tourists when visiting Hanoi. 

Here, tourists explore one of the folk art forms of Vietnam- water puppet performances selected from thousands of ancient stories. 

5:30 pm: Visiting the Old Quarter on an electric vehicle   Leaving the theatre, you can call an electric vehicle at the opposite station for strolling around the Old Quarter.  You will have a chance to pass craft streets such as: Hang Bac street, Lo Ren street, Hang Chieu street, etc. as well as relics including Bach Ma temple, 48 Hang Ngang, QuanChuong gate, ancient house Ma May, etc.

6:30 pm: cool beer at Ta Hienstreet

Stopping at Ta Hienstreet to enjoy cups of cool beer is pleasant after a long day. You can order food and watch people walking around.

8 pm: Walking around HoanKiem Lake   Hoan Kiem lake at night with shimmering light is an ideal time for walking and enjoying clean and fresh air.  You will see couples hand in hand walking around the lake, sitting on stone benches, or older people relaxing.  After that, do not forget to line up and enjoy ice cream on Trang Tien Street and find a favorite book on Nguyen Xi Street.