Hanoi, the charming capital of Vietnam, is a historical city with a rich cultural heritage. With its bustling Old Quarter, iconic attractions, mouthwatering street food scene, and friendly locals, Hanoi offers an unforgettable experience for first-time visitors. If you only have one day to explore Hanoi, you’ll want to make the most of it by hitting the top sights and soaking in the lively atmosphere. Here is an ideal one-day Hanoi tour itinerary covering the must-see attractions.

Key Destinations to See on a One-Day Hanoi Tour

To fully experience Hanoi in a single day, your tour should include visits to:

Ho Chi Minh Complex

No trip to Hanoi is complete without visiting the Ho Chi Minh Complex, dedicated to the beloved late leader and father of modern Vietnam. The complex includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum where his preserved body lies in state, the colonial-style Ho Chi Minh Museum detailing his inspiring life story, and the simple stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. Visiting the complex offers insight into this revered historical figure who led Vietnam’s revolution for independence. Allow 1-2 hours to visit the main attractions within the complex.

Temple of Literature

Founded in 1070, the Temple of Literature is one of Vietnam’s most magnificent historical sites. This temple was the first university in Vietnam and was dedicated to Confucius and scholars. The temple features five courtyards lined with lotus ponds and ancient architecture, including stone turtle stelae recording the names of graduates from imperial times. Wander through the temple’s pavilions, halls, and sanctums to admire the traditional style and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors should dedicate 1-2 hours to fully explore the grounds.

Hoan Kiem Lake Ngoc Son Temple

The bright red Huc Bridge connecting to Ngoc Son Temple on a small island makes Hoan Kiem Lake one of Hanoi’s most Instagrammable spots. Ngoc Son Temple honors 13th century military commander Tran Hung Dao, who defeated Mongolian invaders. Feed the turtles swimming in the jade-green waters before crossing the iconic red bridge to the temple. Nearby, don’t miss the bustling Old Quarter with shops selling everything from Vietnamese handicrafts to street food. Plan to spend 1-2 hours around scenic Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Just steps away from Hoan Kiem Lake lies Hanoi’s dynamic Old Quarter. For over 1000 years, this neighborhood has been the crafts and merchant district of Hanoi. Each street specialized in particular products, indicated by its name like Silk Street, Silver Street, and Fried Fish Street. Walk along the narrow lanes lined with shop houses to glimpse Vietnamese life and pick up some unique souvenirs. Be sure to try famous Hanoi dishes like pho noodle soup and Vietnamese egg coffee. Wandering the Old Quarter could take a full morning or afternoon.

Hoa Lo Prison

Once called the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs, Hoa Lo Prison provides a grim glimpse into Vietnam’s colonial history. The French built this prison in 1896 to incarcerate Vietnamese political prisoners. During the Vietnam War, American pilots shot down over Hanoi were detained here as well. Now a museum, you can explore the cramped cells and view propaganda exhibits recounting prisoner experiences. Budget 1-2 hours to visit Hoa Lo Prison.

One-Day Hanoi Tour Itinerary

With only 24 hours in Hanoi, you’ll need to plan your time wisely to make the most of your visit. Here is a suggested one-day itinerary:

Morning: Start your day in the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake area. Stop for a Vietnamese-style breakfast like pho noodle soup before visiting Ngoc Son Temple and the picturesque red Huc Bridge. Then spend a few hours wandering the Old Quarter’s shops and scenic lanes.

Midday: Grab a quick lunch before heading to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, allowing 1-2 hours to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Museum along with his historic stilt house. Then continue just down the street to the Temple of Literature, dedicating another 1-2 hours to explore Vietnam’s historic first university.

Afternoon: After seeing Hanoi’s top historical attractions, spend the late afternoon visiting Hoa Lo Prison. Finally, head back to Hoan Kiem Lake in the evening to sip Vietnamese egg coffee at a lakeside cafe before watching the nightly water puppet show. Enjoy a final dinner in the Old Quarter, sampling favorites like bun cha grilled pork.

Extending Your Stay in Hanoi

While the main sights can be seen in a day, visitors with extra time in Hanoi could consider adding:

• A visit to the excellent Ethnology Museum or the Fine Arts Museum
• A day trip to Ha Long Bay to cruise the stunning limestone islands and karsts
• A street food tour in the Old Quarter to try dishes like bun cha and banh mi
• An overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay with kayaking or island hikes
• A day trip to the Perfume Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most revered temples

With its rich history, vibrant culture and mouthwatering cuisine, Hanoi is a city that rewards those who linger and dig deeper. Extending your trip by a few days allows you to experience more of Hanoi at an enjoyable pace.

Here are some tips for getting a Vietnam visa to Ha Noi in 2023:

• Check your visa eligibility. Citizens of most countries can obtain a Vietnam visa, but there are a few exceptions. You can check your visa eligibility on the website of the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
• Choose the right visa type. There are different types of Vietnam visas available, depending on your nationality and purpose of travel. For most tourists, a single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visa is the best option.
• Apply for your visa in advance. It is best to apply for your Vietnam visa at least two weeks in advance of your travel date. This will give you enough time to receive your visa approval letter (if required) and to process your visa at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

There are two main ways to apply for a Vietnam visa:

• Apply for an e-visa. E-visas are available to citizens of most countries and can be obtained online. To apply for an e-visa, you will need to create an account on the Vietnam Immigration Department website and complete an online application form. You will also need to upload a passport photo and pay the visa fee.
• Apply for a visa on arrival. Visas on arrival are available to citizens of some countries and can be obtained at certain Vietnamese international airports. To apply for a visa on arrival, you will need to complete a visa application form and pay the visa fee at the airport. You will also need to have a visa approval letter (if required).

Here are some additional tips for getting a Vietnam visa:

• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned date of departure from Vietnam.
• Have two recent passport-sized photos ready.
• Be prepared to pay the visa fee. The visa fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. You can check the visa fee on the website of the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
• If you are applying for a visa on arrival, make sure you have a visa approval letter (if required). You can obtain a visa approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency or visa service provider.
• When completing your visa application form, be sure to enter all of your information accurately. Any incorrect information may delay or prevent the processing of your visa application.

Once you have received your Vietnam visa, be sure to print it out and bring it with you on your trip. You will need to show your visa to the immigration officer at the Vietnamese airport when you enter the country.

Here are some additional tips for traveling to Ha Noi, Vietnam:

• Book your flights and accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
• Pack for all types of weather. Ha Noi can be hot and humid in the summer, and cool and rainy in the winter.
• Be prepared to bargain at markets and shops.
• Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. This will help you communicate with locals and get around more easily.
• Be respectful of Vietnamese culture and customs.

I hope this information is helpful. Have a great trip to Ha Noi!

Frequently Asked Questions About One-Day Hanoi Tours

Here are answers to some common questions about planning a one-day tour of Hanoi’s top attractions:

Q: Is one day enough time to see the best of Hanoi?

A: While more time in Hanoi is always better, one full day allows you to see the top historical attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Complex, Old Quarter, and Temple of Literature. It’s an ideal first taste of Hanoi.

Q: What’s the best way to get around Hanoi in one day?

A: Walking and taking metered taxis are the easiest transportation for a quick one-day tour. Hanoi’s top sights are concentrated in walkable districts. Taxis provide a cheap and convenient option between farther flung attractions.

Q: Do I need to book tickets to attractions in advance?

A: Booking ahead is recommended for Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum which has strict visitor limits. Other sights can be visited by purchasing tickets onsite.

Q: What’s the best season to visit Hanoi?

A: Hanoi enjoys pleasant weather from October to April, making this high season. Late spring and summer can be very hot and humid. Typhoon season falls between July and September.

Q: Are any attractions closed on certain days?

A: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and museum are closed in October and November for annual maintenance. Some museums close on Mondays. Check opening hours before visiting.

Source: https://visaonlinevietnam.com/what-must-be-seen-in-one-day-hanoi-tour