I ❤️ Hanoi Vietnam 2026 - Day 4 (Hoa Lo Prison) - 01/08/2026
TRAVEL DIARY: DAY 4 – HANOI CITY TOUR
Date: 01/08/2026 | Weather: Sunny with clear skies 9:00 AM – MORNING START
Kicked off Day 4 with a hearty breakfast – though we’d planned to try Bánh Xèo (a crispy, sizzling Vietnamese pancake made with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, typically wrapped in lettuce and herbs with nuoc cham sauce), we stumbled upon a bustling street stall serving incredible bánh mì first! The flaky baguette stuffed with grilled pork, pickled veggies, and fresh cilantro was the perfect fuel. After eating, we headed back to the hotel to freshen up for the day’s packed itinerary. 12:00 NN – CITY TOUR BEGINS The sun was shining bright as we officially launched our Hanoi city tour – a day dedicated to diving into the capital’s history and culture, with food and museums as our guides. 1:00 PM – LUNCH AT TUNG’S KITCHEN By noon, our stomachs were calling, so we made our way to Tung’s Kitchen. The cozy spot served up authentic Northern Vietnamese dishes, but we saved our special culinary exploration for later – focusing instead on refueling for the afternoon’s historical stop. 1:30 PM – HEAD TO HOA LO PRISON Booked a Grab and set off for Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton." Built by the French colonial government in the late 19th century, it was used to detain political prisoners during both French rule and the Vietnam War. The site now stands as a powerful museum that tells the story of Vietnam’s struggle for independence, with preserved cells, artifacts, and exhibits that offer a sobering look at the nation’s past. 2:00 PM – HOA LO PRISON TOUR Spent an hour walking through the prison grounds. The contrast between the harsh colonial-era cells and the later sections that honored Vietnamese revolutionaries was striking. It was a humbling reminder of how much sacrifice went into shaping modern Hanoi. 3:00 PM – TRIP TO TRAN QUOC PAGODA After the museum, we hopped in another Grab to Tran Quoc Pagoda – Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, dating back to the 6th century. Situated on a small island in West Lake, its golden stupa glistened beautifully under the sun. We took time to admire the intricate carvings and peaceful gardens that have been a place of worship for over a thousand years. While there, we circled the sacred Bodhi Tree three times – a traditional practice believed to bring good fortune, ward off negative energy, and connect with the wisdom of the Buddha. The tree itself is said to be a descendant of the one under which Buddha attained enlightenment. 4:00 PM – STOP FOR AUTHENTIC SHOES Made a quick detour to a local shop to pick up authentic Vietnamese rubber shoes – durable, comfortable, and a staple for both locals and travelers exploring the city’s streets. 5:00 PM – VISIT TO HOA LAKE (WEST LAKE) Our final stop of the day was West Lake (Hồ Tây) – Hanoi’s largest lake. As the sun began to dip lower, we strolled along the waterfront, watching locals jog, cycle, and gather with friends. The views of the pagoda across the water were even more stunning as the sky started to turn golden. 6:00 PM – DINNER & DESSERTS For our early dinner, we finally got to try Nem Nướng – grilled pork patties served with fresh rice paper, herbs, pickled vegetables, and a rich peanut sauce. The smoky, savory flavor was absolutely delicious – a perfect taste of Hanoi’s street food culture. We followed it up with sweet chè (Vietnamese dessert soup) to cool down as the city lights began to twinkle. 7:00 PM – BACK TO HOTEL Grabbed one last Grab and headed back to our hotel. After freshening up and settling in, we spent some time reflecting on the day. The weather has been kind to us all week, and each day brings new layers of Hanoi to light. As the saying goes: “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” Today, we’re wealthier in stories, in understanding, and in memories of a city that balances its painful past with a vibrant, delicious present. End of Day 4 in Hanoi
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