A little excitement, a little calm, and a lot of good food in just half a day in Hanoi? Absolutely! Start with the buzz of vibrant Train Street, reset with a head spa just steps away, and finish with a flavorful dive into Hanoi delicacies. Easy and unhurried - this is the perfect half-day Hanoi itinerary for you!

Train Street - Experience Hanoi’s iconic moment

(Photo: Ryan Le via Unsplash)

Train Street is a must-see spot for not only foreigners but also young people in Hanoi. Stretching over 200 meters on the North-South railway crossing Le Duan, to Tran Phu, Phung Hung and Cua Dong Street, this street is surrounded by old residential buildings and lined with tiny cafes, offering a unique and authentic view of Hanoi's daily life by a rumbling train.

What sets it apart is not the train itself but the feeling of old Hanoi in the heart of the bustling city. Grab a seat on a small stool, sip a cup of Vietnamese black coffee, listen to the everyday chatter of locals, and feel the thrill as the train passes, just inches away.

Trains run several times a day and more frequently on weekends or holidays. The time may shift a bit depending on actual operations, but common times are 7:00, 7:45, 8:50, 9:20, 11:35, 15:15, 17:30 (Sat, Sun), 18:20 (Sat, Sun), 19:15, 20:20, 21:10, etc.

Safety tips:

• Keep a safe distance, especially when you hear the whistle or warnings from the cafe around.
• Don't sit or stand on the train tracks when the train is coming.
• Don't touch the train as it passes.

Head spa - Find calm amidst vibrant Hanoi

After soaking in the lively atmosphere of Train Street with thrilling moments of waiting for the train to pass, a spa session is the perfect way to pause and reset.

Just a 3-minute walk from Train Street, Orient Spa invites you to leave the hustle behind, immerse yourself in a quiet sanctuary with soft music and calming lemongrass scent. Enjoy a warm cup of herbal tea and indulge in a 6-step ORI head spa treatment: Massage, double hair wash, hair brushing with herbal water, rinse, blow dry, and nourishing oil. In just 60 minutes, feel your scalp refreshed, your mind settled into calm, and your neck and shoulder tension released instantly.

Booking information:

• Address: Orient Spa - 36 Phung Hung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Open time: 10:00am - 10:00pm daily
• Phone/WhatsApp/Kakao: (+84) 916 903 499
• Price for ORI Head Spa: VND 360,000

Local dining - Enjoy Hanoi’s delicacies like a local

(Photo: @_livewellwithpinky_)

Hanoi enchants visitors not only by its ancient but modern charm but also by its vibrant culinary scene. From luxury restaurants to simple street stalls, Hanoi cuisine stands out for fresh ingredients, rich spices and irresistible aromas. Tasting Hanoi food is an unmissable part of your half-day Hanoi city tour.

Stepping out of Orient Spa, a short walk takes you to the most iconic eateries of Hanoi. It's "Cha ca" - turmeric-marinated fish cooked with fresh dill right at your table, "Pho gia truyen" - traditional Pho with clear and naturally sweet broth and tender beef, or "Bun cha" - smoky grilled pork served with fresh herbs and sweet and sour dipping sauce. A cup of rich and creamy egg coffee is certainly a perfect end to an emotional half-day Hanoi adventure.

Cha ca Thang Long 

• Address: 2D or 6B Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Open time: 10:00 - 21:30
• Price: VND 150,000 - 200,000

Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan

• Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Open time: 6:00 - 10:00 & 18:00 - 20:30
• Price: VND 40,000 - 55,000

Bun cha ta

• Address: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Open time: 8:00 - 22:00
• Price: VND 60,000 - 110,000

Egg coffee at Cafe Giang

• Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan
• Open time: 7:00 - 22:00
• Price: VND 40,000 - 60,000