Destination Guide

Hanoi 3 Days Itinerary for Indians: Old Quarter, Street Food and Day Trips

Kaushik RK

Co-founder, Trripah · 21 Oct 2026 · 7 min read

Hanoi 3 Days Itinerary for Indians: Old Quarter, Street Food and Day Trips

A practical 3-day Hanoi plan: Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem, Temple of Literature, street food, and one day trip. With current entry fees and what to check about Train Street.

Quick answer: Three days is enough for Hanoi if you spend one day on the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, one day on temples and museums, and one day on a trip out of the city, such as Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay. Stay in or near the Old Quarter, so you can walk to most things.

How many days do you need in Hanoi?

Three days covers the city well. Two is tight if you want a day trip, and four lets you do both Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay. If Hanoi is the start of a longer Vietnam route, see our 7-day Vietnam itinerary with cost.

Day 1: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and street food

Start at Hoan Kiem Lake in the morning, when locals exercise around it. Entry to the lake is free; the small Ngoc Son Temple on the island charges a fee, and sources quote between ₹110 and ₹190 (30,000 to 50,000 VND), so check at the gate. Then walk the Old Quarter, where each street historically sold one trade. Eat as you go: pho, bun cha and banh mi are the usual starting points. If you eat vegetarian, read our guide to vegetarian food in Vietnam before you order.

Day 2: Temple of Literature and the city's museums

The Temple of Literature is Vietnam's first university, and most 2026 sources list adult entry at 70,000 VND (about ₹260), open 8:00 to 17:00 with last entry at 16:30, cash only. Spend the afternoon at a museum or café, and in the evening consider a water puppet show. We could not find a current ticket price for the puppet theatre, so check at the theatre or with your hotel.

Should you go to Train Street?

Be careful. Access to the Hanoi Train Street cafés has been inconsistent in 2026, the city has told tour companies not to run tours there, and train frequency through the area has been cut. Treat it as a bonus, not a plan, and never stand on the tracks. A coffee at a café there costs roughly 30,000 to 70,000 VND (₹110 to ₹260).

Day 3: Day trip from Hanoi

Choose one. Ninh Binh is about 90 km south and works as a day trip by car or tour. Ha Long Bay is 2.5 to 3 hours each way, which makes a day trip long. If you can spare a night, an overnight cruise is easier.

How much does a trip to Hanoi cost?

For hotel costs, see Vietnam hotel prices for Indians. A full Vietnam budget, including flights, is in our Vietnam trip cost guide, and you can compare ready-made Vietnam tour packages that include Hanoi.