{"id":31757,"date":"2024-12-31T10:15:44","date_gmt":"2024-12-30T23:15:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/?p=31757"},"modified":"2025-11-07T14:49:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T03:49:16","slug":"how-to-spend-72-hours-in-hanoi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/how-to-spend-72-hours-in-hanoi\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Spend 72 Hours in Hanoi"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Get set for a medley of colourful sights, ancient traditions and popular local flavours in Northern Vietnam\u2019s fast-paced capital with 72 hours in Hanoi.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the gateway to Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and the Sapa Hills, Hanoi will undoubtedly find its way onto your Vietnam itinerary, even if only for a brief stay. As well as it’s street food stalls, French colonial architecture and scooter-filled streets, you\u2019ll discover a city of incredible history and authentic experiences.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s our itinerary for a 72-hour stay in Hanoi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Day 1: Introduction to the Old Quarter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Morning: Arrival and Vietnamese coffee or pho<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019ve arrived early this morning or late the night before, you\u2019ll need some fuel for your first day of adventure in Hanoi. Start the day with your choice of a classic Vietnamese coffee or pho<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For your first cup of Vietnam\u2019s deep, robusta coffee over ice (deliciously sweetened with condensed milk, should you choose), start at Cafe Lam. Opened in 1949, it\u2019s one of the oldest coffee shops in the city and provides an introduction to modern Vietnamese art, thanks to the owner\u2019s extensive personal collection lining the walls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For your first bowl of the day, you can\u2019t do better than Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su<\/a>. Their renowned beef broth, made in traditional Northern Vietnamese style, warrants a line to dine in the evenings. Squeeze this one in early to beat the crowds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afternoon: Walk through the Old Quarter and Train Street<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Hanoi's <\/picture><\/a>
Pho Dhuong Tau, aka ‘Train Street’, Hanoi. Source: supplied.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019re ready to stretch your legs, an overview of the city\u2019s most popular and scenic neighbourhood is in order. Wander in any direction to take in the 36 guild craftwork streets, including Hang Tre (bambooware) Street, Hang Dong (copperware) Street and Hang Buom Street, dominated by patisseries and sweets shops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wind your way along to Pho Duong Tau, where the local locomotive passes by twice a day, and at all other times pedestrians run the thoroughfare. Try to arrive around 3pm to find a spot in one of the cafe balconies overlooking the tracks \u2013 it\u2019s the best (and safest) vantage point for watching the train come through.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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