24-Hour Hanoi Itinerary (with Secret Photo Spots)
Morning: Old Town Exploration Plan
Hoan Kiem Lake Morning Run: Wait by the lake at 6 AM, watch the elderly do Tai Chi + sunrise reflection (
Photo Spot: Overhead shot from the steps of Ngoc Son Temple)
St. Joseph’s Cathedral + Central Post Office: Pretend you’re in Paris!
The stained glass windows are stunning, send a postcard to your future self (
Admission: Free but no tips!)
Early Morning Market Stroll: 20th Beef Pho Shop (must-try with lemongrass!), antique camera hunting in the 36 Streets (bargain down to half price!)
Lunch: Street Food Survival Guide
Phở 10: A century-old shop recommended by Michelin, often frequented by locals, paired with lemongrass tea to cut the richness
Banh Mi Sandwich: Banh Mi 25 (roast pork + pickles, add lots of mustard!
)
Afternoon: Cultural Immersion Experience
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Wear long pants! No indoor photography, but the architecture is breathtaking
West Lake Boating: Rent a swan boat for 20k VND per hour, be careful when feeding the fish as they might bite!
Train Street Night Market: Stalls open after 19:00!
Buy drip coffee souvenirs (recommended: Trung Nguyen G7)
Hanoi Survival Tips (Hard-Learned Lessons Edition)
Transportation Warnings
Don’t sit on the back of a motorcycle! Use Grab (30% cheaper than taxis)
Always negotiate the price for electric tricycles (Xe Ôm)! Reference price: 15k VND per person for a loop around Hoan Kiem Lake
Accommodation Alerts
The Old Quarter is too noisy!
Choose a homestay in the West Lake area, stay in a French villa for 80+ VND per person
Beware of “trendy” hostels: A certain “internet-famous” hostel in the 36 Streets has cockroach problems!
Shopping Lingo
Ao Dai Customization: Prices are inflated! Ask about the fabric cost first (silk starts from 500k VND)
Coconut Candy/Cashews: Airport prices are tripled!
Recommended: Local VinMart supermarket
Internet-Famous Check-in Spots (Xiaohongshu Special Edition)
Best Photography Locations
① Train Street Rooftop: Capture the railway tracks at 4 PM (
Address: 120 To Hien Thanh)
② St. Joseph’s Cathedral Night View: Long exposure shots of the stained glass windows (hide your tripod in your coat!
)
③ Thang Long Water Puppet Show: Choose the middle front row seats! Highly interactive (
Ticket: 100k VND per person)
Dark Cuisine Challenge
Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Fish Sauce: A game for the brave!
Grilled Crocodile Meat: Available at Hanoi night markets (novelty price 300k VND per skewer)
Local Insider Tips
Download Zalo!
Better for hailing rides and ordering food than Google Maps
Be cautious with 100k VND notes! Watch out for counterfeit bills (especially when buying fruit on the street)
Learn some Vietnamese: “Da beo” = You’re so cute (locals will instantly smile)
This guide is amazing! I had no idea about those hidden gems. Will definitely try the street food recommendations next time I’m in Hanoi. Great job making the itinerary so detailed!