5 days in Hanoi Itinerary

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has bounded back from the effects of war, and today serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub bursting at the seams.

Get a sense of the local culture at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature & National University. Step out of the city life by going to Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) and West Lake. Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the long history of Hoa Lo Prison, take in the spiritual surroundings of One Pillar Pagoda, explore the world behind art at Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, and get engrossed in the history at Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Hanoi itinerary maker.

Use the Route module to see travel options from your home to Hanoi. In May, daytime highs in Hanoi are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.