Five days in Hanoi: A travel blogger’s diary
I used to blog in ‘more is better’ mode—more places, more photos, more exhaustion. Then I changed: less, but deeper.
This five-day Hanoi trip (based at Ping Hotel Hanoi) followed a calmer rhythm. Here’s the diary of a blogger who stopped chasing FOMO.
Quick tips for a 5-day plan
- One theme per day: food, walking, culture, coffee, rest.
- Don’t overload evenings: keep 1–2 early nights for sleep.
- Shoot with intention: cap yourself at ~10 frames a day.
- Add buffers: don’t turn good days into running days.
- Have a safe indoor option: café or mall for rain.
Day 1: set the pace—one easy meal, one short walk
Day one was simple: a comfortable meal and a short walk to say hello to the city. Hanoi is best when you’re not rushing.
Days 2–3: one theme a day—and less FOMO
Coffee day. Walking day. One cultural stop day. One main focus per day is enough; the rest happens naturally.
I wrote less: three honest lines and one practical tip. Real blogs feel human.
Day 4: a ‘rest day’ to make day 5 feel great
I slowed down: slept more, walked lightly, sat longer with coffee. One rest day changes the whole trip.
Day 5: the best trips leave you wanting to return
I left Hanoi feeling unfinished—and that’s good. A successful trip makes you want to come back, not recover from it.
Practical perspective
If you travel solo or on business, keep a simple Plan B for three things: internet, transport, and meals. When these are stable, the rest of the trip becomes much easier.
One practical Hanoi rule: cluster stops by area and avoid zig-zagging across the city within a single time block. It saves time and reduces fatigue.
More tips to keep things smooth
- Tip: schedule one recovery window mid-trip to protect energy.
- Tip: save key addresses in Vietnamese for quick reference.
- Tip: carry a power bank and a small water bottle.
- Tip: add a 20–40 minute buffer before fixed-time commitments.
- Tip: choose reliable meals before long walks or day trips.
Practical perspective
When the schedule starts to feel heavy, proactively drop one non-essential stop. Fewer places with better energy usually creates a better story.
Hanoi weather changes quickly. A light jacket and comfortable walking shoes sound basic, but they prevent many ‘small discomforts’ from ruining a day.
More tips to keep things smooth
- Tip: schedule one recovery window mid-trip to protect energy.
- Tip: save key addresses in Vietnamese for quick reference.
- Tip: carry a power bank and a small water bottle.
- Tip: add a 20–40 minute buffer before fixed-time commitments.
- Tip: choose reliable meals before long walks or day trips.
Practical perspective
For a more convincing travel story, write about one real moment and one takeaway—readers trust honest details more than long lists.
If you travel solo or on business, keep a simple Plan B for three things: internet, transport, and meals. When these are stable, the rest of the trip becomes much easier.
More tips to keep things smooth
- Tip: schedule one recovery window mid-trip to protect energy.
- Tip: save key addresses in Vietnamese for quick reference.
- Tip: carry a power bank and a small water bottle.
- Tip: add a 20–40 minute buffer before fixed-time commitments.
- Tip: choose reliable meals before long walks or day trips.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How many stops should I do per day in a 5-day trip?
One main stop + one light stop keeps energy stable while still creating memories.
What makes a travel blog feel more real?
Everyday details and honest feelings, not just a list of attractions.
How do I take good photos without losing the experience?
Set a daily photo cap, shoot, then put the phone away and live the moment.
What should I do on rainy days?
Switch to indoor options: cafés, malls, museums—keep the rhythm intact.
Is Ping Hotel suitable for a 5-day plan?
It can be a convenient base in West Hanoi if you want flexible pacing and reliable rest.
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Phone: (84.4) 3 7858408 / 3 7858409
Hotline: 0904.77.14.26
Email: sales@pinghotel.vn
Address: 26 Me Tri Ha, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi
Location note: About 800m from Keangnam Landmark 72 (walkable).
