Hanoi First-Timer's Classics

The Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature in Ba Dinh, and Hoa Lo Prison: all of Hanoi's must-sees in three days.

Organized by area: Day 1 covers the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, with a water puppet show in the evening. Day 2 takes in Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the Temple of Literature in Ba Dinh. Day 3 visits Hoa Lo Prison and Train Street before heading to the airport. The trip mixes walking and taxis at a comfortable pace, making it a good fit for first-time visitors with limited time.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and it has a maintenance closure of about two months each autumn.

Day by day

Day 1 · Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake

Hanoi（Hoan Kiem Lake、Hanoi Old Quarter、St. Joseph's Cathedral、Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre）

Take a taxi or bus 86 from the airport. The trip takes about 45–60 minutes to the Old Quarter, and you'll walk from there.

Water puppet show sessions often sell out, so buy tickets a day in advance.

Stay: Old Quarter (36 Streets)

Day 2 · Ba Dinh District and Temple of Literature

Hanoi（Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum、One Pillar Pagoda、Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long、Temple of Literature）

A taxi takes about 10 minutes in the morning to Ba Dinh Square. Walk between sights or take short taxi rides.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is only open in the morning. Wear clothing that covers the knees, and arrive early because the queues are long.

Stay: Old Quarter (36 Streets)

Day 3 · Hoa Lo Prison and Train Street

Hanoi（Hỏa Lò Prison、Hanoi Train Street）

Walk or take a taxi from the Old Quarter to Hoa Lo Prison and Train Street. In the afternoon, a taxi takes about 45 minutes to the airport.

Access to Train Street is sometimes restricted, so follow on-site guidance and watch from a café.

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