5 Days in Hanoi: Our Dreamy Couple Adventure from Manila

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide when to plan your Hanoi adventure:

🌸 Spring (March to April) – Our Travel Season

🍁 Autumn (September to November) – Also Highly Recommended

• Why It’s Great:

Warm air, golden foliage, and dry weather. Many travelers love this season for its romantic and photogenic vibe.

• Bonus:

It’s a great time to walk around Hanoi’s tree-lined boulevards and enjoy aesthetic cafes.

☀️ Summer (May to August) – Hot & Humid

• Heads Up:

It can get very hot and humid, with frequent afternoon showers.

• Pro:

If you’re on a budget, you’ll likely find cheaper flights and accommodations during this low season.

❄️ Winter (December to February) – Cool but Gloomy

• Weather Vibe:

Overcast skies, cold winds, and a moody atmosphere. While it rarely drops below 10°C, the moist air can feel considerably colder.

Some of the airlines that offer direct flights from Manila to Hanoi include:

• ✈️ Cebu Pacific

• ✈️ Philippine Airlines

• ✈️ Vietnam Airlines

For our trip, we chose Cebu Pacific because of its affordable fares and convenient flight times. We booked our round-trip tickets a few months in advance and paid approximately ₱7,000 to ₱9,000 per person, a great deal for a 4-hour international flight!

💡 Tip: Keep an eye out for seat sales and promos, especially from budget airlines like Cebu Pacific and Vietnam Airlines. Booking early might save you a lot!

Good news for Filipino travelers:

If you hold a Philippine passport, you can travel to Vietnam visa-free for up to 21 days making it an easy and hassle-free destination for short holidays, spontaneous backpacking adventures, or well-planned Northern Vietnam itineraries.

How to go to the city centre?

After arriving at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, it usually takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour to get to the city center, depending on your chosen mode of transportation and traffic conditions.

We arrived in the evening, so we wanted something safe, comfortable, and hassle-free. Here's a breakdown of the most common transport options, including what we personally went with:

🚗 1. Private Airport Transfer (Our Preferred Option)

We booked our private airport transfer through our hotel, and it was the perfect choice especially after a long flight. Our driver was already waiting at the arrivals area with a sign, and the ride to our hotel in the Old Quarter was smooth and relaxing. If you’re arriving late or want a stress-free start to your trip, we highly recommend asking your hotel to arrange a transfer for you.

Most hotels in Hanoi offer this service for a reasonable fee, and it saves you from using apps or negotiating with drivers right after landing. You can also book the private airport transfer through Klook.

📱 2. Grab (Ride-Hailing App)

We also used Grab several times during our stay in Hanoi, and it was super convenient. The app automatically switched to the Vietnam version upon arrival, and we appreciated the upfront pricing and ease of use—especially when exploring the city.

🚕 3. Taxi

Taxis are easy to find outside the airport, but we personally avoided using them from the airport due to concerns about scams and inconsistent pricing. If you go this route, stick to trusted companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun, and always confirm the fare or make sure the meter is running before you hop in.

🚌 4. Public Bus

Buses are the most budget-friendly option, but since we had luggage and arrived at night, we decided against it. For light packers traveling during the day, buses like:

• Bus 7 (to Kim Ma Bus Station)

• Bus 17 (to Long Bien Station)

• Bus 86 (direct to Hanoi Railway Station)

...can be great options. Just note that most routes operate only from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and buses can be a bit tight if you have a lot of baggage.

✈️ Things We Did Upon Arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

Here’s what we did right after landing in Hanoi to get ourselves settled and ready to explore:

• 📶 Set up our eSIM

We purchased our Vietnam eSIM via Klook before leaving the Philippines, which made things super convenient! The best part? You can activate it as soon as you land—just turn off airplane mode, follow the setup instructions, and you’re instantly connected.
🔗 Check out the eSIM we used on Klook 

💡 Tip: If your phone doesn’t support eSIMs, don’t worry—there are also affordable physical SIM cards available on Klook or for purchase at the airport.

• 💸 Withdrew Vietnamese Dong (VND)

We headed straight to an ATM in the arrivals area to withdraw cash. It’s always best to have local currency on hand for small expenses like street food, tips, and transport. Just double-check your bank’s international fees before traveling.

• 🚗 Met our private transfer driver

We booked a private airport transfer through our hotel, and our driver was already waiting for us at the arrivals area with a sign. It made the experience stress-free, especially after a long flight, and saved us from having to navigate or negotiate transportation right away.

Hanoi has no shortage of great accommodations, whether you’re after budget-friendly guesthouses, stylish boutique hotels, or relaxing spa stays. During our trip, we experienced two different hotels in the city—both offering great value and unique vibes.

🛏️ Our Stays in Hanoi

Areas to Consider:

Old Quarter – Perfect for first-timers like us. It’s vibrant, walkable, and close to all the action—ideal for food trips, shopping, and sightseeing.

French Quarter – Quieter, more elegant, and home to upscale hotels and colonial architecture.

Tay Ho (West Lake) – Great for a more peaceful escape or longer stays, with trendy cafes and scenic views.

Whether you’re staying for a few days or a couple of weeks, Hanoi’s variety of neighborhoods makes it easy to find the right fit for your travel style.

💡 Tip: Book in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons like March–April or October–November. The good places fill up fast!

Cultural & Historical Attractions

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Pay respects to Vietnam’s national hero.

• One Pillar Pagoda – A unique symbol of Vietnamese Buddhist architecture.

• Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university; a peaceful, scholarly spot.

• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – A UNESCO World Heritage Site full of history.

• Tran Quoc Pagoda – The oldest pagoda in Hanoi, set beside West Lake.

🌆 City Exploration & Iconic Spots

• Old Quarter – Shop, eat, and get lost in the charming chaos.

• Hoan Kiem Lake – Stroll or sit by the water, perfect for people-watching and relaxing.

• West Lake – A bigger, quieter lake for long walks or swan boat rides.

• Lotte Observation Deck – Get a 360° view of Hanoi from above.

 🍜 Food & Drink Experiences

• Street Food Crawl – Try local dishes like pho, bun cha, and banh mi.

• Egg Coffee Tasting – Don’t knock it till you try it—it’s like dessert in a cup!

• Local Markets – Sample snacks, sweets, and souvenirs at places like Dong Xuan Market.

🚕 Short Trips & Excursions from Hanoi

• Ha Long Bay – Day cruise with kayaking, cave visits, and stunning views.

• Ninh Binh – Explore caves, temples, and rice paddies via boat and bike.

• Mega Grand World Hanoi – A theme-park-meets-shopping experience just outside the main city.

🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

• Night Markets (Old Quarter) – Pick up unique crafts, clothes, and street eats.

• Local Boutiques – Check out Vietnamese fashion or silk products.

• Art Galleries – Discover Vietnamese contemporary and traditional art.

If you're planning a first-time trip to Northern Vietnam, this itinerary hits all the essentials—from ancient temples and street eats to emerald waters and mountain views. Here's how we spent our 5 amazing days starting in Hanoi, packed with history, nature, and enough “wow” moments to fill a dozen postcards.

🗓️ Day 1 – Hello Hanoi! First Impressions & Historical Sights

Our first full day in Hanoi was packed with iconic landmarks, flavorful eats, and a crash course in Vietnam’s rich history and traditions. From sipping coconut coffee to catching a water puppet show, we explored the heart of the capital one step (and bite) at a time.

Here's a quick snapshot of what we did:

🗓️ Day 1 Itinerary Overview

🛬 Arrival at Noi Bai International Airport
After a red-eye flight, we landed in Hanoi ready to kick off our Vietnam adventure!

🚗 Private Transfer to Hotel
We booked a private transfer through our hotel for ₫350,000 — smooth and hassle-free ride to the Old Quarter.

🏨 Early Check-in at Antique Angel Hotel
Since we pre-booked the night before, we were able to check in early and rest.

🛌 Power Nap Time
We caught up on sleep with a solid 4–5 hour nap — a must after flying overnight!

☕ Morning Coffee at Giao Mùa Coffee Shop
Kickstarted the day (for real) with a good cup of coffee in a cozy local café.

🍜 Lunch at Bún Chả Đắc Kim
Tried one of Hanoi’s iconic dishes — Bún Chả! Masarap, smoky, and sulit!

📸 Quick Visit Outside Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Presidential Palace
We passed by for a glimpse and quick photos from the outside — still an impressive sight!

🏯 Explored the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Paid ₫100,000 for entry and walked around this historic site filled with old towers and war bunkers.

📚 Visited the Temple of Literature
Entrance was ₫70,000. Open from 8 AM to 5 PM — a peaceful and culturally rich stop.

☕ Coffee Break at Cộng Cà Phê – Nhà Thờ Branch
Another dose of Vietnamese coffee — this time with retro military vibes.

⛪ Photo Stop at St. Joseph Cathedral
Aesthetic Gothic-style church in the heart of the city — perfect for quick photos.

🌳 Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake + Ngọc Sơn Temple
We did a full loop around the lake and visited the temple on the small island — a chill and scenic stroll.

🍽️ Dinner at Cầu Gỗ Restaurant
Delicious Vietnamese dinner with lake views — we recommend the caramelized pork and grilled chicken!

🎭 Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre
We ended the day with a cultural treat! Booked deluxe tickets via Klook (~₱562 / $10 USD) — audio guide included for the full experience.
🎟️ Book it here: Thang Long Water Puppet Show ticket from Klook

👉 For the full itinerary breakdown, photos, tips, and Google Maps links, check out the complete Day 1 blog post - Our First Day in Hanoi

Day 2 – Halong Bay Wonders: A Day Cruise with Ambassador

On our second day, we traded Hanoi’s city buzz for the surreal beauty of Halong Bay, cruising aboard the luxurious Ambassador Day Cruise. From limestone cliffs to a surprise cave adventure, every moment seems like you're in a postcard. It was a jam-packed day filled with nature, culture, and cruise-style comfort.

Here's a quick snapshot of what we did:

🗓️ Day 2 Itinerary Overview

🕕 6:00 AM – Hotel Pick-up in Hanoi
We were picked up early by the Ambassador Cruise shuttle — the ride was smooth, with a quick rest stop along the way to Halong Bay.

🛳️ Arrival at Halong International Cruise Port
Around 9:00 AM, we arrived at the cruise port, checked in at the Ambassador Lounge, and boarded shortly after.

🥂 Welcome Drinks & Safety Briefing
We were greeted with refreshing welcome drinks and a short orientation as we settled into the cruise.

☕ Breakfast Onboard
As the ship sailed out into Halong Bay, we enjoyed a light breakfast while soaking in the morning views.

🪨 Sung Sot Cave Exploration
Our first excursion was at Surprise Cave — one of the biggest in Halong Bay. Giant chambers, dramatic rock formations, and jaw-dropping views inside.

🍤 Buffet Lunch Onboard
Back on the cruise, we had a delicious buffet lunch with seafood, Vietnamese dishes, and international options. Perfect fuel for the next activity!

🛶 Kayaking or Bamboo Boat Ride at Luon Cave
In the afternoon, we visited Luon Cave where we chose between kayaking and bamboo boat ride — both peaceful and surrounded by towering cliffs.

🌅 Scenic Cruising & Sundeck Views
We spent the rest of the afternoon cruising past limestone formations like Fighting Cocks Islet and Ti Top Island while chilling on the sundeck.

🕟 4:30 PM – Disembarkation & Return
We arrived back at the port around 4:30 PM and started our journey back to Hanoi.

🕖 7:00 PM – Back at the Hotel
We reached our hotel in the evening — tired but in awe of the surreal beauty of Halong Bay.

👉 For the full Day 2 blog, cruise tips, and how to plan your own Halong Bay day tour—check out: How to Experience Halong Bay in a Day: Top Sights and Best Tours

Day 3 - Perfect Ninh Binh 1-Day Trip: A Complete Guide to Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, and Mua Cave

If you're wondering whether a day trip from Hanoi is enough to experience the magic of Ninh Binh — spoiler: it is. Here's a quick look at how our one-day tour unfolded, packed with nature, culture, food, and adventure.

🗓️ Day 3 Itinerary Overview

🕢 7:30 AM – Hotel Pick-up in Hanoi
We hopped into a comfy limousine bus arranged via Klook and left the city behind for a day of nature and culture.

🏯 First Stop: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
We explored Vietnam’s first capital, walking through ancient gateways and learning about the country’s royal history.

🍽️ Buffet Lunch at Go Asia Restaurant
A quick stop to recharge — the buffet had both Vietnamese classics and international dishes to fuel us for the next adventures.

🛶 Tam Coc River Boat Ride
We boarded a small paddle boat and glided between towering karst cliffs, caves, and serene rice paddies — like Halong Bay, but inland.

🚴‍♀️ Optional Cycling to Bich Dong Pagoda
We biked through the countryside toward Bich Dong Pagoda. It was a peaceful ride... until a tiny accident turned into a heartwarming encounter with a kind stranger.

🐉 Final Stop: Hang Mua Viewpoint
We climbed 500 steep stone steps to one of the best panoramic views we’ve ever seen — totally worth the sweat.

🚌 Return to Hanoi
Tired but thrilled, we made it back to Hanoi by early evening — phones full of photos and hearts full of memories.

📖 Want to read the full story with photos and travel tips?
👉 Click here to read our full Ninh Binh day tour experience

Day 4: Train Street Cafe, French Quarter Walk, and Lotte Tower Views

After a few days exploring Hanoi’s rich history and natural wonders outside the city, Day 4 was all about soaking in the local culture and urban charm. From sipping coffee along the iconic Train Street to strolling through the elegant French Quarter, and ending the day with panoramic views at Lotte Observation Deck — this was one of our most laid-back yet memorable days in Hanoi.

🗓️ Day 4 Itinerary Overview

☕ Morning Coffee at Little Forest Café
We began our day with a quiet and relaxing coffee at Little Forest — a hidden gem tucked along the famous Train Street. The cozy vibe and minimalist design made it a perfect morning spot.

🚂 Photo Stop at Train Street
Right after, we took photos at the iconic Train Street — a narrow railway track lined with cafes and homes. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to capture one of Hanoi’s most unique and exciting sights.

🍳 Brunch at Tam Vi Restaurant
We had brunch at Tam Vi, a charming Vietnamese restaurant known for its home-style dishes and vintage atmosphere. Reservation is required as the place gets fully booked — we secured ours easily through their official Facebook page.

🏨 Return to Hotel and Prepare for Check-out
After brunch, we returned to our hotel to rest for a bit, freshen up, and get ready for check-out.

🚗 Hotel Transfer to Hanoi Media Hotel & Spa
We transferred to Hanoi Media Hotel & Spa to experience a different neighborhood and ambiance in the city.
Note: If you're staying in one hotel for your entire trip, you may skip this transfer for a more relaxed itinerary.

🧳 Left Luggage at the Hotel Before Check-in
Since it was still early for check-in, we left our bags at the reception so we could explore more comfortably while waiting for our room to be ready.

☕ Egg Coffee at Café Giảng
While waiting, we walked over to Café Giảng, the birthplace of Hanoi’s famous egg coffee. Rich, creamy, and unforgettable — it’s a must-try experience in the city.

🕓 Check-in at Hanoi Media Hotel & Spa
Our check-in was scheduled for the afternoon, but fortunately, our room was ready ahead of time so we were able to rest comfortably before exploring again.

🚶 Afternoon Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Quarter
We took a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and walked toward the Hanoi Opera House and French Quarter. The wide streets, elegant architecture, and quiet charm gave us a nice change of pace from the usual hustle.

🌮 Tried Local Street Food Along the Way
As we explored, we also grabbed a few street snacks — a fun and delicious way to experience authentic local flavors.

🚕 Travel to Lotte Center Hanoi
Later that day, we headed to Lotte Center Hanoi, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city and a great place to spend the evening.

👉 Throughout our trip, we mostly used Grab (a ridesharing app similar to Uber) — it's convenient, reliable, and very affordable for getting around Hanoi.

🌇 Lotte Observation Deck (Sky Walk)
We visited the Lotte Observation Deck, where we enjoyed 360-degree views of Hanoi from above. The glass-floor Sky Walk was thrilling and the sunset views were spectacular.

🛍️ Explored Lotte Mall and Lotte Mart
Before dinner, we explored the mall and picked up some items at Lotte Mart — ideal for shopping souvenirs, snacks, and travel essentials.

🍱 Dinner at the Lotte Mart Basement Food Court
We had dinner at the food court located in the basement of Lotte Mart. It was convenient, affordable, and had a variety of local and international dishes to choose from.

🏨 Return to Hotel and Visit the Sky Bar
We headed back to Hanoi Media Hotel and dropped by the rooftop sky bar — a nice way to unwind and take in the city lights one last time for the day.

🧳 Rest and Pack for the Next Adventure
We ended the day by packing our things and getting some well-earned rest for the next part of our Vietnam trip.

Day 5: Wrapping Up in Hanoi: A Chill Day Before Heading to Sapa by Night Bus

After several days exploring the cultural highlights and hidden gems of Hanoi, our fifth and final day in the city was all about slowing down, savoring the local vibe, and getting ready for our next adventure. From coffee breaks and quick market runs to discovering Mega Grand World Hanoi and enjoying one last bánh mì, we made the most of our remaining time before catching the night bus to Sapa. If you're planning a similar route, this relaxed itinerary is perfect for winding down before the scenic mountain views of northern Vietnam.

🗓️ Day 5 Itinerary Overview

🍳 Breakfast at the Hotel
We started the day with a light breakfast at the hotel — simple but satisfying as we prepared for our final full day in Hanoi.

🛍️ Morning Visit to Dong Xuan Market
Our first stop was Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest indoor market. It’s the best place to find souvenirs, clothing, snacks, and a peek into local daily life.

☕ Coffee Break at Leva Coffee
We took a short coffee break at Leva Coffee — a quiet neighborhood café perfect for cooling down and relaxing before heading back.

🏨 Return to Hotel and Prepare for Check-out
We returned to our hotel to rest, pack, and get ready for check-out.

🧳 Hotel Check-out and Leave Baggage at Reception
After check-out, we left our luggage at the front desk so we could continue exploring Hanoi comfortably.

🍜 Lunch at Phở Xào Phú Mỹ
We had lunch at Phở Xào Phú Mỹ, a local favorite serving stir-fried pho noodles — flavorful and filling, perfect for energizing the rest of the day.

🏨 Check-in at The La Rental Hotel and Spa
Since our bus to Sapa wasn’t until late evening, we checked into an affordable hotel to rest, shower, and recharge.
📌 Budget tip: If you're trying to save, you can skip this step and just leave your bags at your original hotel until departure.

🚌 Free Shuttle to Mega Grand World Hanoi
We took advantage of the free shuttle bus near the Hanoi Opera House that goes directly to Mega Grand World Hanoi — a new entertainment and lifestyle destination just outside the city.

📸 Explore Mega Grand World Hanoi
We spent a few hours wandering around this spacious, Instagrammable destination — taking photos, enjoying coffee, and soaking in the unique European-style architecture.

👉 Read our full guide here: Mega Grand World Hanoi Travel Guide: What to See, Do, and How to Go

🚕 Return to Hanoi Old Quarter
After our visit, we took a Grab ride back to the Old Quarter — easy, convenient, and affordable like most of our trips around Hanoi.

🕒 Free Time Before Dinner
Back in the city, we had some free time to rest, do some last-minute shopping, or just wander the streets of the Old Quarter one last time before dinner.

🥖 Dinner at Banh Mi Long Hội
We had our final dinner in Hanoi at Banh Mi Long Hội — serving up crispy, flavorful bánh mì that hit the spot after a long day.

🏨 Return to Hotel, Rest and Final Packing
Back at the hotel, we took a quick rest, freshened up, and packed our bags for the overnight journey.

🧳 Hotel Check-out and Transfer to Bus Station
Originally, we were scheduled to be picked up near our hotel, but since roads in the Old Quarter were closed for the weekend, we went directly to the Sapa bus station ourselves.

🚌 Night Bus Departure to Sapa
And finally — we boarded our night bus to Sapa, excited to trade the city lights for mountain views on our next stop in northern Vietnam!