Hanoi is both serene and chaotic. That is what makes it an enticing city to visit. The town buzzes with energy in the morning and slowly ebbs down after dark, but there is never a dull moment here. The charming capital city of Vietnam will captivate you with its historic architecture, incredible food scene, and vibrant atmosphere. Located in north of Vietnam, the city is home to over 30 lakes and a meandering river, which gave it the name ‘Hanoi,’ meaning ‘the city inside rivers.’
Though Hanoi bore the brunt of brutal wars and political unrest in the past, it has persisted through its turmoil. Today, it stands as a new mosaic of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences, making it an enigmatic city. It is a city that is classic, timeless, yet ever so dynamic.
Curious about what to do in this captivating city? Check out this list of top 10 things to do in Hanoi. But first, let’s know a bit about this town.
Hanoi Fact Sheet
- Location: North of Vietnam, along the shores of the Red River.
- Currency: Vietnamese dong.
- Language spoken: Vietnamese. English is also fairly widely spoken in Hanoi.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.
10 Popular Things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam
1. Wander Through Old QuartersÂ
When you plan to explore the Old Quarter in Hanoi, wearing your walking shoes and strolling around is a better option than opting for a scooter ride. It’s because this area of Hanoi is a maze of 36 streets lined with weathered colonial-era buildings, perfect for exploring at a slow pace. Each street is named for the specific trade or skill it would collectively offer, such as Hang Tre Street (bamboo wares street) or Hang Dao Street (Silk Street).
Today, each street is packed with shops buzzing with vendors, artisans, and food stalls, offering a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. You will want to stop in your tracks time and again during your saunter and marvel at its many architectural elements.
On your expedition, you might come across an interesting looking cafe where you would want to have a cup of piping-hot coffee, or you might find a bicycle vendor selling the most tempting pho you have come across. These little moments cannot be captured on a bike tour.
As one of the best things to do in Hanoi Vietnam, consider spending a whole day here, as the ambience is lively, the sights are culturally infused, and the food is the freshest and most lip-smacking you will find anywhere else. Don’t miss visiting Mã Mây House and St. Joseph Cathedral on your walking city tour. The allure of Old Quarters is so strong that even after a day spent here, you may come back for more during your trip.
2. Enjoy a Thrilling Stroll at Hanoi Train Street
Hanoi Train Street deserves special mention, although it is located within the Old Quarter. It is a highlight of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. What’s so special about this street, you wonder? Because it isn’t a bustling street but a functional train track that runs down a narrow alley.
Grabbing a seat at one of its many quaint and picturesque cafés lined along the tracks and sipping a classic Vietnamese egg coffee while patiently waiting for a massive train to chug by just an inch from your shoulder is one of the most sought-after, thrilling Hanoi activities. The tiniest hint of nerve-wracking adrenaline that this experience adds to a quaint cafe culture is absolutely exhilarating, and it is something one needs to witness rather than just read about.
3. Enjoy the City Sights on a Guided Scooter City Tour
A guided scooter city tour of Hanoi is a fun and engaging way to experience the city’s sights, as these tours offer a unique blend of adventure and storytelling. This is the perfect way to explore Hanoi if you are short on time, or if you want someone to drive you around and share snippets about all the major iconic attractions and alleys of Hanoi while you blissfully sit back, taking it all in as a dedicated guide-cum-driver takes you zipping through the bustling lanes.
It is a one-of-a-kind experience where you get a personalised rider and a competent guide all to yourself. You get to ride through the city’s famed streets and sights with the breeze in your hair, rather than being in a big van or a bus shared by other tourists.
Don’t fret about safety, as the riders are experienced professionals who know how to navigate the Hanoi traffic and even offer tips on where to find the coolest cafes, local markets, or hidden parks in the city. Also, you have the option to take a tour where you ride pillion or explore the town zooming alongside the rider in a sidecar. Whatever you choose, this fun way of exploring the city will be one of the best experiences to remember from your Hanoi trip.
4. Find Peace at Tran Quoc Pagoda
Nestled on a tiny stretch of land jutting into Hanoi’s serene West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, with its golden stupa gleaming under the sun, is Hanoi’s oldest pagoda that dates back to the 6th century. Just after a 10-minute drive from the Old Quarter, the pagoda’s vibrant 11-storey red walls and tiered tower – the Bao Thap- comes into view. You then find yourself in a temple complex surrounded by the lake’s gentle ripples that create a tranquil ambience for visitors.
Here, the chaos of Hanoi fades, and a sense of calm washes over anyone who visits. Step inside this Buddhist shrine to view numerous forms of the Buddha, including the grand Shakyamuni Buddha statue and the exquisite reclining Buddha statue. Give in to the calmness and get a glimpse of monks chanting. Take in the Buddhist spirituality, light an incense with a silent prayer, and let your soul feel unburdened and light.
5. Follow the Footprints of Scholars at Temple of Literature
The city’s love for knowledge is reflected in attractions like the Temple of Literature. Set on Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, in Hanoi, the temple stands as an iconic landmark depicting Vietnam’s love for knowledge and is dedicated to the teachings of Confucius. It is also known as Vietnam’s first national university, and its sprawling complex served as the foundation for shaping scholars and academics for years. For visitors, it is a great spot to gain insight into a historic heritage that dates back over 1000 years, while enjoying the beauty and architecture of this temple, which offers a grand appreciation of artistic splendour as well as a love for nature.
Within the Temple of Literature, visitors can freely explore the beautiful scenery accentuated by a square-shaped well, rows of stone steles on turtles, the Four Pillars and the Temple gate, and the Khuê Văn Các (Constellation of Literature Pavilion). The temple is also a visual treat for those who love photography or architecture. Its meticulously preserved structures, with curved roofs and intricate carvings, reflect traditional Vietnamese design influenced by Confucian principles. Visitors can opt for a daytime tour or enjoy the temple lit up vibrantly and watch captivating 3D mapping art performances at night.
6. Take a Halong Bay Cruise
One of the most picture-postcard-perfect spots in Vietnam, Halong Bay is located on the northeastern side of the destination, but it is over 150 kilometres away from Hanoi. So what is it doing in this list of things to do in Hanoi? The reason is that no trip to Vietnam feels complete without a leisure cruise on this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. As it is in proximity to Hanoi, just two to three hours away from the city, it is ideal for a day trip from Hanoi. This experience is always included in Hanoi packages for visitors as it is one of the unmissable things to do in Hanoi Vietnam.
A day trip to Halong Bay helps you gain a calm perspective away from the mad rush of Hanoi. Its emerald waters, dotted with over 1000 limestone karsts sheathed in lush greenery, create a scene so surreal it’s no wonder globetrotters add it to their Vietnam travel bucket list. Many tour providers are offering a range of experiences, from simple Vietnamese wooden boats and kayaking to grand cruises with live music shows, mini pools, and meals onboard, spoiling you with a myriad of choices. If a day on this serene bay doesn’t feel enough, extend your tranquil experience by opting for a Halong Bay overnight cruise, where you can enjoy a lively vibe onboard while surrounded by the gentle hush of the bay under the inky sky. In the morning, you can wake up refreshed to a golden sunrise on the horizon.
Planning a Trip to Hanoi, Checkout Detailed Hanoi Travel Guide!
7. Go Street Shopping
Want to take back a unique souvenir from Vietnam? Hit the street markets, where you can find an assortment of traditional and authentic Vietnamese crafts, such as lacquerware, for sale at a steal. With some haggling skills, you can get items for a much lower price. Start at the vibrant Dong Xuan Market in the Old Quarter, where shoppers barter for everything from Vietnamese apparel, such as the traditional Ao Dai, to souvenirs like conical hats called non la. For footwear, Hang Dau Street is the best spot to shop.
Did you know that Vietnam ranks 6th as the leading silk-producing nation in the world? So, why miss this chance to bargain and buy some exquisite silk? For those who appreciate the hardworking skills of silk weavers, a visit to Van Phuc in Ha Dong district is a must, where the finest artisans showcase their skills in weaving pure silk. This district is the oldest silk-weaving region in Vietnam. Looking closer to the city, Hang Gai Street, or ‘the Silk Street,’ offers a myriad of apparel and textiles made of the finest quality of Vietnamese silk. Apart from the street markets, Hanoi also offers a collection of malls and stores for an enhanced shopping experience in the city.
8. Delve into Vietnamese Street Food
Make sure to come with a hearty appetite and forget about those diet plans, as Hanoi is a hub for experiencing an eclectic variety of Vietnamese cuisine. The city’s food scene is spectacular, where street-side stalls serve steaming bun cha and pho, while hidden cafes offer creamy egg coffee, called cà phê trứng. Your wallet will thank you for exploring the street food scene in Hanoi, as most meals are quite affordable. A chilled glass of freshly squeezed sweet sugarcane juice costs 0.25 USD, and for 1 USD, you can slurp on spicy noodle soup or munch on a Vietnamese sandwich. A day spent eating at street stalls could very well cover your meals for under USD 10 for one person.
It is hard to pinpoint a single best food street, but if you are looking to mingle with locals and enjoy a good food scene, Ta Hien Street is an ideal option. Here, try out steamy bánh cuốn and green mango salads, which are quite popular. The street is fondly called ‘beer street’ and is a popular hub where locals meet for a pint of beer, friendly chats, and to be merry.
9. Go Cycling or Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake
Located steps away from the buzzing Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake offers a tranquil escape, where locals practice tai chi at dawn and stroll under willow trees at dusk. At Le Thai Street, located along Hoan Kiem Lake, you can spot two Phoenix trees with wooden benches to sit underneath them and gaze at the serene lake. This is a popular spot for taking Instagram-worthy photos. Come to this lakeside in autumn, when it feels wonderful to walk among a blaze of fall foliage hues. You will see the Loc Vung trees turning a burnt orange, weeping fig trees with a bright shade of golden, and others staying refreshingly green.
If your travel dates can align with the Mid-Autumn Festival, go for it! The lake, along with the surrounding Old Quarter, looks resplendent and brims with festive vibes and autumn foliage. The twinkling golden lanterns and the extravagant lion dances and parades will be a highlight of your Hanoi experience. There are many activities to do in Hanoi with family during this time of the year. Take advantage of it and explore this tranquil slice of nature with your kids on a cycling tour or a simple stroll.
10. Spend Time in Luxury
Lastly, indulge in luxury on a budget thanks to the Vietnamese Dong’s lower exchange rates. Hanoi is known for being one of the cheapest places to visit in the world, where you can enjoy luxury stays and experiences at a fraction of the price of other destinations. A stay at a prestigious 5-star hotel in Hanoi, such as Capella Hanoi, costs approximately USD 700 per night. This is roughly 2 times cheaper than popular spots like Singapore and Thailand, where a stay in the same luxury hotel chain often costs USD 1200 or more per night. So, you can live lavishly without paying a hefty price tag.
Similarly, dining at a fine-dining venue or enjoying a luxury cruise all come at an affordable rate, even in peak seasons! Book your stays and attractions in advance to avoid them selling out. The best part is that a budget-conscious traveller can explore Hanoi in luxury on the same budget that he would use for an affordable holiday to Thailand or Singapore. So, for someone dreaming of a high-end opulent escape, Vietnam offers five-star resorts, gourmet dining, and luxury experiences at really affordable prices without having to compromise on travel seasons.
These are the top 10 best things to do in Hanoi Vietnam. But don’t limit yourself to these attractions and experiences. Become a wanderer, not a tourist, when you visit Hanoi and explore experiences that offer memories so different from the usual tourist attractions such as:
- Visit Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to witness a traditional show unique to Hanoi culture.
- Snap a picture with The Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, a six-kilometre-long mural made out of chips of tiles on a sprawling wall of the Red River dyke system.
- Art lovers should visit Bat Trang Village, where they can witness traditional crafts such as silk weaving and pottery, and take back with them authentic souvenirs.
- Explore the Ba Vì National Park, which has refreshing and untouched verdant wilderness that paints a stellar scenery, leaving you mesmerised.
- Take a detour to Banana Island in Red River, which literally is, as its name suggests, a petite island covered in lush green banana plantations.
Conclusion
Go on then! Now that you have plenty of details about what to do in Hanoi, you might have decided what you would like to experience on a Hanoi holiday. Pick a handful of these attractions and plan your dream Hanoi itinerary that suits your budget for an unforgettable experience in Hanoi. Additionally, don’t just stick to Hanoi! The capital city of Vietnam is just one aspect of this fascinating destination. While Hanoi makes for a great standalone city experience, we suggest that you look beyond it and combine your city experience with the stunning landscapes of Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, and Phu Quoc Island.
Need help with planning your Hanoi holiday package? We are here to help! Call us and let us know your requirements, and we would love to plan that ideal Hanoi vacation you so eagerly look forward to in no time!
