If you’re planning a Hanoi itinerary from Singapore, this 5D4N guide covers everything from where to stay and what to eat, to the best Halong Bay cruise experience.
Trip at a Glance
- Duration: 5 Days, 4 Nights (Best for a short getaway from SG).
- Flights: Singapore Airlines (SQ192/SQ193) – approx. 3.5 hours.
- Best Time to Visit: Oct–Nov or Mar–Apr (though we went for our anniversary!).
- Must-Do: 2D1N Lan Ha Bay Cruise (Quieter than Halong Bay).
- Budget Level: Affordable Luxury/Boutique.
Our Wedding Anniversary Tradition
We used to have a yearly tradition of going on romantic overseas trips to celebrate our wedding anniversary – just the two of us.
The only years we didn’t manage to do so were during the years I was pregnant with Gerald, after Mandy was born, and during COVID. When we couldn’t travel overseas, we did local staycations instead. Our last trip was to Danang in 2023, where we visited Hoi An and Hue (We never had the chance to post about that trip. Maybe next time!).
For the past two years, our anniversary date coincided with Chinese New Year, so we stayed put. But this year, we decided to resume the tradition.
Locking Down the Destination
Deciding where to go is usually the hardest part. We bounced off many ideas: Bali, Phu Quoc, Cambodia, Semporna… but one thing for sure: no tour package this time. So the plan was either: a beach destination to nua (laze around in Singlish) or somewhere nearby where we can take it free and easy.
Hanoi it is
It is somewhere we haven’t been before and I have always wanted to do a Halong Bay cruise, which is perfect for this special occasion.
Hubby booked the flights, and I got to work on the research. Where to stay, which Halong Bay cruise to choose, places to visit, and where to eat. I haven’t done this in a while, but I guess I still have the planning gene in me (with a little help from ChatGPT!).
Why Choose Hanoi for a Short Getaway?
Hanoi is honestly one of the easiest and most rewarding short getaways you can do. Only a 3.5-hour flight from Singapore, great food, affordable massages, and a must-do Ha Long Bay cruise . 5 days allows just enough time to explore Hanoi and experience a 2D1N Halong Bay cruise without rushing.
Our 5D4N Hanoi & Halong Bay Itinerary
Here’s how we planned our itinerary. (Click to Read Full Posts)
| Day 1: Hanoi Arrival, Old Quarter & Night Market | Flight from Singapore (SQ192) Stay at Hanoi Fiesta Grand Hotel & Spa Lunch: Bún chả at Sen Trang An Vietnamese Restaurant Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple & Turtle Tower Coffee at The Note Coffee Dinner at Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su Hanoi Weekend Night Market (Fri–Sun only) |
| Day 2: 2D1N Halong Bay Cruise Experience (La Regina Legend) | Transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter (~2.5–3 hours) Board La Regina Legend Cruise Explore Lan Ha Bay Bamboo boat at Light & Dark Cave Sunset + cooking class Overnight on cruise (balcony room = worth it) |
| Day 3: Return to Hanoi + food + massage | Return from cruise to Hanoi Stay at MK Premier Boutique Hotel Lunch: Bánh mì at Bánh mì Phương Hội An (Hanoi branch) Football jerseys shopping at M@i Sports Massage at Minh Nguyệt Beauty Spa Local pho dinner at Quan Hen (approx location) Street snacks: Vietnamese donuts Craft beer night at TK Local Craft Beer |
| Day 4: Hanoi Attractions, Train Street & Food Guide | Visit Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Explore Dong Xuan Market Lunch: Bún chả at Thạch Hoan Quán Train spotting at Hanoi Train Street Dinner: roadside seafood at Hải Sản Bình Dân Dessert at Little Bowl |
| Day 5: Goodbye Hanoi + last massage + departure | Breakfast at hotel rooftop Best hot stone massage at Ha Noi Classic Spa & Delivery Massage Service Banana cake street snack Chill by Hoan Kiem Lake Fly back to Singapore |
📍 [View My Full Hanoi 5D4N Itinerary + Halong Bay Map Here]
Tip: Save this map to your Google Maps before you land so all our favorite pins are ready to go!
Where to Stay in Hanoi (Old Quarter)
If it’s your first time in Hanoi, I highly recommend you stay in the Old Quarter. Everything is within walking distance.
- Hanoi Fiesta Grand Hotel & Spa: It’s newer, the location is unbeatable, and their service recovery is excellent.
- MK Premier Boutique Hotel: Great rooftop views and very central, but it can get noisy. (light sleepers beware).
Personal Tip: If you are a light sleeper like me, do check out the hotel reviews on soundproofing and request:
- Higher floors
- Rooms away from main street
- Or bring earbuds (lifesaver for me)
Hanoi Food Guide: Where to Eat
Hanoi is a food paradise where the best meals often happen on tiny plastic stools by the roadside. But if you have a weak stomach, please take extra precautions.
The “Big Three” Classics
- Bún chả (Grilled Pork & Noodles): You haven’t been to Hanoi until you’ve tried this. Sen Trang An was a hidden gem right by our hotel, and Thạch Hoan Quán had the most tender meat we tasted all trip.
- Phở Gà (Chicken Pho): Skip the tourist traps and ask a local. We found Quan Hen (near the spa) where a steaming bowl was less than $2 SGD. Eating on tiny plastic stools by the roadside is the only way to do it.
- Bánh mì (Vietnamese Baguette): Rick was a skeptic at first, but Bánh mì Phương Hội An changed his mind. The bread was warm, crispy, and perfectly toasted.
Coffee
- Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng): You can’t leave Hanoi without trying this liquid dessert. Made with whipped egg yolk and condensed milk, it’s rich, creamy, and surprisingly delicious. We tried ours at The Note Coffee – a whimsical, multi-story cafe covered in thousands of colorful post-it notes.
Street Snacks & Sweets (My Favorites!)
- Bánh Chuối (Fried Banana Cake): I went on a literal hunt for this! We tracked down a pushcart near Hoan Kiem Lake. If you see it, wait for a fresh, hot batch – it’s the ultimate comfort snack to enjoy by the water.
- Bánh Rán (Vietnamese Donuts): We tried both the sugar and honey versions from a street stall. They’re a bit chewy, especially if they’ve cooled down, but worth a try if you’re a dessert lover like me.
- Traditional Chè (Sweet Soup): Little Bowl is a must-go for dessert lovers. Even after a full dinner, I managed to finish two bowls!
Seafood Feast
- Hải Sản Bình Dân: For our final dinner, we treated ourselves to roadside seafood. The Clams with Citronella were so fragrant I joked I’d become a human mosquito repellent! I’d recommend the steamed lobster over the butter sauce version to really taste the freshness.
Best Massage & Spa in Hanoi (Tried & Tested)
Massages in Hanoi are high quality and very affordable (typically 450k – 700k VND).
- Ha Noi Classic Spa: You have to try the Hot Stone Massage here. It was the best of the trip, Totally worth every cent.
- Minh Nguyệt Beauty Spa: A solid, clean, and affordable choice for a traditional body massage.
Tip: Expect to tip your masseuse between 50k and 100k VND depending on the service level.
Attractions We Covered
- Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: The “heart” of Hanoi. We loved walking the red bridge (Huc Bridge), but the real magic was just sitting by the water with a fried banana cake watching the world go by.
- Halong Bay / Lan Ha Bay: The highlight of our anniversary. We chose Lan Ha Bay for the quiet and we were rewarded with a rare sighting of the Cat Ba Langur! If you want peace, skip the main bay and head here.
- Hanoi Train Street (Southern Section): Everyone goes to the crowded northern side, but we headed to Le Duan Street. It’s much more laid-back. Sitting on a stool at Drink Haven with a cold beer as the train brushes past is an experience I won’t forget.
- Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: A dream for history buffs like me. It feels like a mini Forbidden City. Give yourself at least 2 hours to really soak in the dynasties that shaped this place.
- Dong Xuan Market: A sensory overload! It’s a wholesale maze. This is where I went on a mission for my mum’s specialty nuts and lily bulbs. It’s chaotic, but that’s the “real” Hanoi.
- Hanoi Weekend Night Market: Only open Fri–Sun. It turns the Old Quarter into a massive pedestrian party. Perfect for souvenirs, people-watching, and soaking in the nightlife.
Practical Tips (From My Experience)
- Choosing your Halong Bay cruise: no need to overcompare too much – see my tips.
- Airport Transport: Use the Grab App for a fixed-price ride (approx. 280k VND) from Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter.
- Bring cash: While many hotels and cruises take cards, most street food stalls and local shops are cash-only.
- Crossing the road in Hanoi looks scary, but just walk slowly and steadily. The motorbikes will flow around you! Trust me, I never see them got into an accident once.
- Weekend Night Market is open on Fri–Sun only. Plan accordingly.
- In Hanoi, Google reviews are incredibly accurate. If a place has a 4.8+ rating with thousands of reviews, it’s usually the real deal.
Final Thoughts
Hanoi exceeded my expectations.
It’s chaotic, noisy, a little overwhelming at times but also incredibly charming, full of character, and packed with good food.
Would I come back again? Yes – Absolutely.
But next time… I want to explore Ninh Binh or Sapa, and definitely with more hot stone massages. Hah.
Planning your own trip?
Start with Day 1: Hanoi Arrival, Old Quarter & Weekend Night Market →
Or jump to my Day 2: 2D1N Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay Cruise Experience →
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