Is 2 days enough for Hanoi?

Two days lets you explore the city on day one and take one major day trip — usually Ninh Binh — on day two. For Ha Long Bay as well, plan a third day or an overnight cruise.

Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay for a day trip?

Ninh Binh is closer (1.5–2 hours) and easier as a day trip, with sampan rides and the Mua Cave climb. Ha Long Bay is farther and best with an overnight cruise if time allows.

What should I not miss in 2 days in Hanoi?

The Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, a street-food tour, the water-puppet show and a Ninh Binh day trip are the highlights.

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2 days · Hanoi itinerary

Hanoi in 2 Days: The Ideal Itinerary

Two days in Hanoi lets you pair the city with its most beautiful day trip. This 2-day Hanoi itinerary covers the Old Quarter and street food on day one and the karsts and paddies of Ninh Binh on day two — with the top-rated tours to book for each.

At a glance

1Day 1: Old Quarter & city sights
2Street-food tour
3Day 2: Ninh Binh day trip
4Sampan ride & Mua Cave

Day 1: the city

Spend your first day on the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Complex, finishing with a water-puppet show and an evening street-food tour.

Day 2: a Ninh Binh day trip

On day two, head south to Ninh Binh, 'Ha Long Bay on land', for a sampan boat trip at Tam Coc or Trang An, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the panoramic climb at Mua Cave.