♦️Day1:
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
P3
Visited the church in the evening, and the moment the lights flickered on, it transformed the space into a serene and enchanting scene, perfectly complementing the church’s majestic architecture.
Train Street
P4-6
We arrived at 6 PM, avoiding the crowds and any police blockades mentioned in other reviews.

You can freely explore the street, which is about 200 meters long. The front section, adorned with vibrant colored lights on both sides of the buildings, is particularly picturesque. A cup of black tea or other drinks typically costs around 20 RMB. Note : Trains pass through here only a few times a day: morning (5:20, 6:00, 11:20), afternoon (15:30), and evening (19:10, 19:20, 19:40, 20:55, 21:50).

The best time to catch the train in action is between 7-8 PM. Be sure to ask the shop owners for the exact direction of the train.

♦️Day2:
Incense Village
For a detailed exploration, refer to my dedicated post on the Incense Village.
Soy Sauce Village
For a deeper dive, check out my dedicated post on the Soy Sauce Village.

♦️Day3:
Ra Riêng (Internet-famous handicrafts and fridge magnets)
Not recommended; it’s located on the third floor of a coffee shop, and the fridge magnets, priced at 80 RMB, are not worth the cost.
Nhà sách Mão (Spiral staircase in a bookstore) P15
A charming spot, nestled on the second floor of a residential building.

Visitors must remove their shoes before entering this quaint and cozy space.
Trang Tien ice cream (Ice cream shop opened in 1958)
The ice cream is quite average, but the historic charm of the place makes it worth a quick stop.
Uniqlo (Colonial-style building) P10-11
Highly recommended for its photogenic colonial architecture.

There’s a cozy coffee area on the top floor, though the clothing prices are similar to those in China.
Hoan Kiem Lake P9
Just a stone’s throw from Uniqlo, this lake is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing sit-down after a meal.
Cafe Giảng (First egg coffee shop)
The first sip is delightful, but it gets a bit bitter afterward.

The hot version is highly recommended.
Ceramic mosaic mural road (P7-8)
Stretching 4 kilometers, this road is a photographer’s dream. Find the classic angles and capture the stunning mosaics. For more details, see my subsequent posts.
Long Bien Bridge Serein Cafe Lounge (Classic spot) P2
Order on the 3rd floor and relax on the 4th and 5th floors, where the 4th floor offers the best views from two balconies.

For tips on taking the perfect photo, see my subsequent posts.
TiredCity (Enough for buying cultural and creative products)
A treasure trove for unique and creative souvenirs.
Nirvana Space Tea and Coffee (Internet-famous radio wall) P15-18
Spanning two floors, this trendy spot allows you to take photos inside even without making a purchase.
Giao Mua coffee (Gaudi-style architecture) P18
Perfect for a quick photo outside, showcasing the unique Gaudi-inspired design.
That itinerary sounds packed with great spots! I especially love the idea of visiting St. Joseph’s Cathedral at night—it must be magical with those lights. And finding Train Street empty like that would make the experience even more enjoyable. Hanoi seems full of hidden gems like these!
Thank you for your kind words! Yes, Hanoi truly comes alive in unique ways at night, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral is especially enchanting when illuminated. Finding quiet spots like an empty Train Street feels almost surreal—such moments make exploring the city feel magical. I’m glad you enjoyed the itinerary, and it’s always rewarding to hear how others discover these hidden gems too!