Hanoi in 2 days: a day-by-day plan
Updated 3 November 2026 · 4 min read
In short
With 2 days in Hanoi, spend the first on Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter and the Temple of Literature, and the second on the Ba Dinh area (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda), Hoa Lo Prison and West Lake. In the evening, a water puppet show and street food.
The plan
| When | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, then the Old Quarter on foot | Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda |
| Lunch | Bún chả in the Old Quarter | Phở or bánh mì near Ba Dinh |
| Afternoon | Temple of Literature | Hoa Lo Prison, then Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake |
| Evening | Water puppets, egg coffee | Street food tour or the walking streets around the lake |
Good to know
- Mausoleum: it closes on some days, usually Monday and Friday, and also for maintenance periods. Check before building your day 2, and dress modestly.
- Walking streets: the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake go pedestrian on weekend evenings. Time your evening for it if you can.
- Crossing the street: walk slowly and steadily, scooters flow around you.
Activities to book in Hanoi
Cruises, day trips and guided tours — free cancellation up to 24 hours before on most offers.
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See also where to stay in Hanoi, craft villages around Hanoi and Ninh Binh from Hanoi.
Frequently asked questions
Are 2 days in Hanoi enough?
Yes for the city's essentials: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature and Ba Dinh. Add a night if you want a spare day before Ha Long or Sapa.
What should you see first in Hanoi?
The Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, then the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum if your dates fall on an opening day.
Where to stay for 2 days in Hanoi?
In the Old Quarter or around Hoan Kiem Lake: everything is on foot and shuttles to Ha Long or Ninh Binh stop there.