2 Days in Hanoi: Temples, Train Street, and the Best Pho

I spent 2 days in Hanoi during my trip in the region. In total, I stayed in Vietnam for two weeks with Bai Tu Long Bay cruise, Hoi An and Ho Chi Min with a few side trips. I’d heard so many mixed opinions about Hanoi before visiting. Some people absolutely loved it, while others couldn’t stand it and even cut their trip short. I went in trying to keep an open mind and experience the city for myself, without any expectations.

After spending a couple of days there, I can say Hanoi is one of those places that hits you straight away. The streets are full of motorbikes, people sitting on tiny plastic stools, and the smell of street food everywhere you go. But then, somehow, you’ll turn a corner and find a quiet temple or a peaceful spot by the lake, and it feels like a completely different city. If you only have 2 days in Hanoi, it’s still enough to see a lot, from temples and Train Street to, of course, some really good pho.

How to spend 2 days in hanoi

With everything that I read online about Hanoi, I decided to just go with the flow. I wasn’t even stressed about ticking off all the tourist boxes. I walked a lot, stopped for way too many coffees, and honestly, that alone would’ve been enough to feel satisfied with my 2 days in Hanoi.

Hanoi was actually just one stop on my Vietnam itinerary, I combined it with places like Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and a cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay, which ended up being one of the highlights of the whole trip. Having that mix of busy city, quieter towns, and nature made the trip feel really balanced.

But even just focusing on Hanoi, two days was still enough to see the main attractions, try the food, and get a feel for the city without rushing too much.

Day 1 in Hanoi

The first day focuses on the historic heart of Hanoi, allowing you to ease into the city while exploring many of its most iconic sights within walking distance. The Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and nearby temples are all close together, making it easy to discover Hanoi’s culture without spending time in traffic. This day combines history, street life, and food, giving you a great first impression of the capital while also leaving space to wander and soak up the atmosphere.

Wander Through the Old Quarter

The best way to start exploring Hanoi is by simply getting lost in the Old Quarter. This historic area is a maze of narrow streets, colonial buildings, and bustling markets. Each street was traditionally dedicated to a different trade, which is why you’ll still find names like Silk Street or Silver Street today. Walking through the Old Quarter gives you a real feel for Hanoi’s energy—scooters buzzing past, locals eating street food on tiny stools, and shops selling everything from spices to handmade souvenirs.

Visit Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake

Right in the center of the city lies Hoan Kiem Lake, one of Hanoi’s most iconic spots. A bright red bridge leads to Ngoc Son Temple, which sits on a small island in the lake. The setting is incredibly picturesque and feels surprisingly calm considering how busy the surrounding streets are. It’s a great place to watch locals practicing Tai Chi in the morning or simply sit and enjoy the slower pace of life around the water.

Discover Bach Ma Temple

Tucked away in the Old Quarter is Bach Ma Temple, one of the oldest temples in Hanoi. While it’s not as famous as some of the city’s larger landmarks, it has a special charm. Inside, you’ll find incense burning, ornate altars, and locals quietly stopping in to pray. Visiting places like this offers a glimpse into everyday spiritual life in Hanoi and provides a peaceful contrast to the busy streets outside.

Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

If you’re up for exploring beyond the Old Quarter, Tran Quoc Pagoda is definitely worth the short trip. Located on a small island on West Lake, it’s actually the oldest pagoda in Hanoi and one of the most picturesque spots in the city. The tall red tower reflected in the water makes it feel completely different from the busy streets you’ve just come from.

It’s a peaceful place to walk around, take a break, and see a more spiritual side of Hanoi. The setting by the lake makes it feel much calmer, and it’s a nice contrast to the chaos of the Old Quarter.

Visit Quan Thanh Temple

If you feel like venturing slightly outside the Old Quarter, Quan Thanh Temple is worth adding to your itinerary. Located near West Lake, it’s one of the oldest and most important Taoist temples in Hanoi, dedicated to Tran Vu, a powerful deity in Vietnamese mythology. The atmosphere here feels much calmer and less touristy compared to the Old Quarter temples, with fewer crowds and a more local feel.

Inside, you’ll find a large bronze statue and traditional architecture surrounded by trees, which adds to the peaceful setting. It does require a short Grab ride or a longer walk, but it’s a nice way to see a different side of Hanoi and take a break from the busier parts of the city.

Eat Pho at a Local Spot

Watch the Sunset at Hoan Kiem Lake

As the day winds down, head back to Hoan Kiem Lake for sunset. The atmosphere here changes in the evening as locals come out to walk, exercise, and socialize. Street performers sometimes play music while families and couples stroll along the waterfront. The weather I experienced was not the best with lots of showers throughout the day, so I didn’t manage to see the sunset everyone mentioned, but you might be lucky.

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Day 2 in Hanoi

The second day adds some of Hanoi’s most unique experiences and cultural landmarks. From the adrenaline of Train Street to the peaceful grounds of the Temple of Literature.  It also focuses heavily on Hanoi’s famous food scene, giving you the chance to try local specialties and explore the vibrant street food culture that makes the city so memorable.

Experience Hanoi Train Street

One of the most unusual places in the city is Train Street, where a railway track runs directly through a narrow residential neighborhood. Some years ago, this street went absolutely crazily viral on social media and it’s been crowded ever since. Many tourists became quite annoying to the locals and I’ve seen police telling them off and locals putting signs not to enter, as it started being difficult to control. So do your research and be responsible.

Houses and cafés line the tracks, and several times a day a train passes just inches from the buildings. Sitting at a small café while the train approaches is an unforgettable experience. When it’s time for the train to pass, everyone quickly moves their chairs and tables aside, creating a moment that feels both chaotic and exciting.

I ended up spending a few hours there because I couldn’t figure out exactly when the train would pass, but honestly, I didn’t mind at all. Sitting right by the tracks with a coffee and some food, just watching local life go by, was part of the experience. If you don’t want to deal with the uncertainty, this is actually one of those places where joining a guided tour can be worth it, they usually know the train schedule and combine it with a food tour, so you get the full experience without the guesswork.

Visit the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is one of Hanoi’s most beautiful and historic landmarks. Built in the 11th century, it was Vietnam’s first national university and is dedicated to Confucius. Walking through its peaceful courtyards, gardens, and traditional pavilions feels like stepping into another world far removed from the busy streets outside. It’s a wonderful place to learn about Vietnamese history while enjoying a calm and reflective atmosphere.

Try Bun Cha

Another must-try Hanoi dish is bun cha, a local specialty made of grilled pork served with rice noodles, herbs, and a flavorful dipping sauce. It’s typically eaten at small restaurants or street stalls where the smell of charcoal grills fills the air. The dish became internationally famous when a certain U.S. president shared a meal of bun cha in Hanoi, but locals have loved it for generations.

Try Hanoi’s Street Food

Hanoi has a really big street food scene, and while it wasn’t my personal favorite in Southeast Asia, it’s definitely something you should experience at least once. In the evening, the streets get busy with vendors selling everything from banh mi and grilled skewers to spring rolls and desserts. You can just wander around and try things as you go, but it can feel a bit overwhelming at times, so doing a food tour is actually a good way to understand what you’re eating and find some of the better spots without the guesswork.

Try Vietnamese Egg Coffee

I tried quite a few different coffees while I was in Hanoi, and honestly, Vietnam might have some of the best coffee in the world. There are so many variations and flavors, from strong iced coffee with condensed milk to coconut coffee and, of course, egg coffee. The egg coffee is probably the most unique, with a rich, creamy layer on top that almost makes it feel more like a dessert than a drink. You’ll find it in lots of cafés around the Old Quarter, and it’s definitely worth sitting down and taking your time with it. Looking back, I kind of wish I had known about coffee tours or coffee-making classes while I was there, it would’ve been such a fun way to understand the different styles and learn more about the whole coffee culture in Vietnam.