Ultimate 3 Days 2 Nights Hanoi Itinerary: Explore Hidden Gems & Must-See Spots π»π³
β¦οΈDay1:
1οΈβ£ St. Joseph’s Catholic Church πππ 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 churchβs majestic architecture.
2οΈβ£ Train Street ππ 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 β οΈ: 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. β οΈ Be sure to ask the shop owners for the exact direction of the train.

β¦οΈDay2:
1οΈβ£ Incense Village πππππ
For a detailed exploration, refer to my dedicated post on the Incense Village.
2οΈβ£ Soy Sauce Village πππ
For a deeper dive, check out my dedicated post on the Soy Sauce Village.

β¦οΈDay3:
1οΈβ£ π Ra RiΓͺng (Internet-famous handicrafts and fridge magnets)
Not recommended; itβs located on the third floor of a coffee shop, and the fridge magnets, priced at 80 RMB, are not worth the cost.
2οΈβ£ ππ NhΓ sΓ‘ch MΓ£o (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.
3οΈβ£ π 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.
4οΈβ£ πππ π Uniqlo (Colonial-style building) P10-11
Highly recommended for its photogenic colonial architecture.

Thereβs a cozy coffee area on the top floor, though the clothing prices are similar to those in China.
5οΈβ£ ππππ Hoan Kiem Lake P9
Just a stoneβs throw from Uniqlo, this lake is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing sit-down after a meal.
6οΈβ£ ππ Cafe GiαΊ£ng (First egg coffee shop)
The first sip is delightful, but it gets a bit bitter afterward.

The hot version is highly recommended.
7οΈβ£ πππ Ceramic mosaic mural road (P7-8)
Stretching 4 kilometers, this road is a photographerβs dream. Find the classic angles and capture the stunning mosaics. For more details, see my subsequent posts.
8οΈβ£ πππ 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.
9οΈβ£ ππππ TiredCity (Enough for buying cultural and creative products)
A treasure trove for unique and creative souvenirs.
π πππ 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.
ππ 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 nightβit 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 surrealβsuch moments make exploring the city feel magical. Iβm glad you enjoyed the itinerary, and itβs always rewarding to hear how others discover these hidden gems too!