FREE -Unlock the Best of Hanoi in 6 Days!
Summary
Day 1 - Arrive in Hanoi Old Quarter
Day 2- Cat Ba Island
Day 3 - Cruise Lan Ha Bay
Day 4 - Cat Ba Island / Hanoi
Day 5 - Hanoi & Train Streets
Day 6 - Ninh Binh
Day 7 - Fly back or new destination
When is the best time to travel to Hanoi?
The best time to visit Hanoi is from October to April, as this period offers the most pleasant weather, dry and cool. Average temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). Festivals: The Lunar New Year, Tết, usually falls in January or February, and businesses may close for the holiday.
Before Traveling
E-visa fee: 25 USD for a single-entry visa / 50 USD for a multiple-entry visa.
FREE VISA ON ARRIVAL
Citizens of many European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and more, can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa.
Citizens of some Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, and Thailand, can enter Vietnam without a visa.
Vaccinations
Make sure you’re up to date on recommended vaccinations for Vietnam, such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid. Depending on your country of origin, other vaccinations may be recommended or required.
Stay Connected
Airalo is a global eSIM (electronic SIM) provider that allows travelers to stay connected while abroad without the need for a physical SIM card. The service enables users to purchase data plans and access mobile networks in various countries around the world through an eSIM-compatible device. GET $3 USD OFF AT YOUR FIRST PURCHASE: CLIZIA9914
Cash or Card?
The majority of ATMs in Vietnam have a withdrawal fee of $2
I personally exchanged my cash (in Japan) at a place with no fee and used only cash throughout the whole trip. The hostel where I stayed in Hanoi had a percentage fee for card transactions, and you might encounter card transaction fees during your trip
Day 1 - Arrive in the Hanoi Old Quarter.
How to reach the Old Quarter?
Budget friendly (recommended)
Bus 17 is a public bus that runs from Noi Bai International Airport to Long Bien Bus Station in Hanoi. Catch this bus from the Domestic Terminal parking lot, no bus stand, just wait where the locals are.
Ticket price: 9,000 VND (cash only )
To airport: 5 AM–8:30 PM
From airport: 5:10 AM–10 PM
Operates every 10–15 minutes
Airport Shuttle
Private Transfer
Where to stay?
The Old Quarter in Hanoi is an intriguing neighborhood, home to a mix of Vietnamese architecture, green spaces, ancient shops, and fresh street food. After you have settled into your accommodation, start exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter and enjoy its vibrant nights.
Super budget Eating and essentials
Day 2 - Cat Ba Island
Start your day early with private transportation to Cát Bà Island. Cát Bà Island is the largest of the 367 islands in the Cát Bà Archipelago, in Hải Phòng province, to the south of the world-famous Ha Long Bay.
I used a private transfer from 'Good Morning Cat Ba' to reach the island. I neither recommend nor discourage using their service, but keep in mind that when traveling around Vietnam, you might encounter problems, especially with services like buses or tours. Things might not be as organized as in many other countries.
Where to stay?
Start exploring the central area of the island, walk along the seaside, and enjoy incredible views!
Day 3 - Lan Ha Bay Boat Tour
Lan Ha Bay is a beautiful and tranquil bay located to the south of Ha Long Bay, in the Hai Phong province of Vietnam. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, towering limestone karsts, and lush green islands, making it a popular destination for those looking for a quieter alternative to the more crowded Ha Long Bay. The bay is part of the Cat Ba Archipelago and offers stunning opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and exploring secluded beaches.
There are many options to explore Lan Ha Bay (which is recommended over Ha Long Bay). I booked directly with Cat Ba Ventures. Hotels and hostels often inflate the price of tours to make a profit. Make sure to book online or directly at the tour company's office.
Day 4 - Cat Ba Island Beaches
Spend a relaxing day on this beautiful island, beach hopping, and catch the last private transfer to Hanoi.
Optional: Not a beach person?
Consider renting a scooter and exploring Cat Ba National Park.
Day 5 - Hanoi Train Streets
Get ready for a rewarding but intense day of walking in the chaos of the city.
Train Streets
Unique and iconic spots in the city, where the railway tracks run through the middle of neighborhoods. People living along the tracks have adapted to the passing trains, and it has become a popular destination for tourists looking to experience this thrilling scene.
Just make sure to follow local guidelines for safety, as the area can get crowded with tourists, and the trains pass very closely to where people are standing or sitting. It's a great photo opportunity but also important to stay alert.
Old Quarter Train Street
Monday-Friday: 6:00 AM, 7 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 10 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 6:00 AM, 9:15 AM, 11:20 AM, 3:20 PM, 5:30 PM, 6 PM, 7 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 9 PM, 11 PM
Southern Train Street (like this part a bit more)
Daily at 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM
This walking itinerary should be planned around the train schedule, allowing you to time your visit to one of the train streets to watch the trains coming by.
Evening Ideas
Day-6 Ninh Binh
Book a private tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, visiting Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave. Due to the short travel itinerary, this is the most time- and cost-effective solution to visit one of the most iconic areas of Vietnam.
I have personally booked my day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh through Klook.
✈️ Day 6/7: Flight back home or onward to your next destination.
Cà phê trứng (egg coffee)
The cafes are a important part of Hanoi culture. Shops often serve cà phê trứng (egg coffee), a sweet, creamy coffee made with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and Vietnamese coffee, which is a must-try if you're there.Egg coffee was originated in Hanoi during the 1940s. It was created by the founder of Café Giang, as a creative solution to the scarcity of fresh milk during the war.
Must-try foods in Hanoi
▪️Phở
▪️Bún Chả
▪️Bánh Mì
▪️Nem Cua Bể (Crab Spring Rolls)
▪️ Bánh Cuốn
▪️ Cốm (Young Rice) - Available from street venders during fall season
▪️ Chè
End notes from a solo female budget traveler:
▪️ I felt very safe in Hanoi and during all my time there. I spent my last night sleeping at Hanoi International Airport, which has been one of the best airports I've spent the night at so far, on the landside.
▪️Tipping and payment scams are common. On some tours, tipping can become an issue, as there may be situations where a tip is demanded. This can ruin the overall experience of the trip. Additionally, some people may ask for money to enter certain locations, or for parking.
▪️Vietnam can feel quite overwhelming. The lack of public transportation makes you rely on private tours and transport. Walking is extremely challenging, and this part, to me, is one of the most interesting parts of traveling, especially in a metropolis. You want to leisurely walk to breathe in all the details and check each corner of the city, but this experience is not really pleasant in Hanoi.
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