15 best things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam since its independence in 1946 and the second largest city in population. Hanoi was the first place I stepped on while in this beautiful country and it helped with my falling in love with it. Hanoi is erratic, chaotic, loud and overall crazy, but it is also beautiful, charming, cozy and full of smells and flavours. In my opinion, when comparing Hanoi to its nemesis in the south Ho Chi Minh City, it wins in most aspects, especially in being more authentically Vietnamese.

Another reason to visit Hanoi is that it is the main city (with main airport) in the Red River Delta, which is, in my opinion, the most beautiful region in Vietnam, with honorable mentions of Sa Pa and Hoi An. It is also one of Vietnam’s biggest hubs of culture and food, and it has many major landmarks that make it very interesting in itself. To make things easier, even though it is a very large city, with some 10 million people in its metropolitan area, most of its places of tourist interest, including landmarks, bars, restaurants, hotels, markets, etc. are located in its Old Quarter. This is why visiting Hanoi in 1 or 2 days is totally doable!

This post is part of my 3-week Vietnam itinerary. Check it out in the link below!

→ Ultimate 3 weeks Vietnam Itinerary: North to South

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What to do in Hanoi, Vietnam

1. Have a stroll at Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is the center, heart and lung of Hanoi. It is a perfect way to slowly start the morning away from the hustle and bustle of the city, especially during the weekends when they close the streets for traffic. The lake of green waters is also home to some of the most iconic landmarks of the city, like the Red Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Pagoda and the Turtle Tower.

The Red Bridge

Thê Húc Bridge connects mainland Hanoi to the Jade Islet inside the lake. The name of the bridge roughly translates to “Perch of the Morning Sunlight” and it is painted in bright red, which gives a beautiful contrast to the green vegetation and water in the surroundings.

Travel tip: to cross the bridge and access the Jade Island you have to purchase a ticket to Ngoc Son Pagoda. This will only set you back 30,000 VDN (a bit over 1€).

Ngoc Son Pagoda

The Ngoc Son Pagoda, or temple of the Jade Mountain, is a small temple built in the Jade Islet (crossing the Red Bridge) and dedicated to Confucian and Taoist philosophers. While the temple is not necessarily the most impressive one in the city, it offers beautiful views from the middle of the lake (including the Turtle Tower). The entrance ticket is only 30,000 VDN (a bit over 1€).

Turtle Tower

The current name of the lake, as well as its iconic tower in an islet, the Turtle Tower, refer to the legend around it.

Time for legends: according to local folklore, the Emperor Lê Lợi was boating in the lake when a Golden Turtle God surfcaed and asked him for his sword, Heaven’s Will. The sword had been previously given to him by the God to help him in his revolt against Ming China. After his quest succeeded, the Turtle God reclaimed the sword, and the Emperor renamed the lake to “the Lake of the Returned Sword”.

2. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh, born Nguyễn Sinh Cun, was a revolutionary and politician involved in the Viet Minh independence movement to free Vietnam from French colonialism during the First Indochina War as well as a key figure in the People’s Army of Vietnam and the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. He also served as Prime Minister and President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

He is arguably the most known Vietnamese person of all time, and definitely a beloved figure in Vietnamese culture; so much so that people still call him “Uncle Ho” to this day and Saigon, the former capital of South Vietnam, was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in his honor.

I won’t talk more about Ho Chi Minh here, but it is a key figure that shaped what Vietnam is now, so if you want to know more about him and his involvement in Vietnam’s independence, the Vietnam War and the rise of the Communist movement in the country, have a look here.

In his honor, the city of Hanoi built a resting place for his remains after his death in 1969 in the center of the capital. The Ho Chi Minh mausoleum was built in the same spot where Ho read the Declaration of Independence in 1945 and established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

In the mausoleum complex you can find the embalmed body of the former president, but there are many other things to see, such as Ho Chi Minh’s house, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum, the botanical gardens and the One Pillar Pagoda. The entrance fee is 40,000 VDN (around 1.5€).

3. Fear for your life at Train Street

If you are on Instagram you have probably seen Hanoi’s most photographed street: Train Street (or Trân Phù). This residential narrow street is very popular because twice a day, a speeding train passes through only inches away from the houses. It is impressive to see how calmly the locals just remove their drying clothes, chairs and children from the street just seconds before the train loudly passes the street (without slowing down one bit).

The street is beautiful in itself, with the charm of the old school railways, cozy terraces and cafés and plenty of locals just chillin’. It is a fantastic experience to see how this changes the moment the train honks and the locals tell you to squeeze to the wall or go into their houses.

Luckily the locals know the train schedule so they can plan their days accordingly. During weekdays it only passes in the evening, which in my opinion is more scary and thrilling, as well as more beautiful with all the string lights along the street. However, if you want a great picture, perhaps the morning would be better.

Travel tip: the train is much bigger and goes much faster than you would expect, so be careful. A great picture is not worth an untimely death.

When to visit Train Street

The schedule of the train is:

• Monday – Friday: 7 pm, 7.45 pm, 8.30 pm and 10 pm.
• Saturday – Sunday: 9.15 am, 11.20 am, 3.20 pm, 5.30 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, 7-45 pm, 8.30 pm, 9 pm and 11 pm.

There is a sign saying that you should be there at least 30 minutes before the train,  ut I don’t think this is necessary. The road closes about 2 minutes before the train passes, so you can be there just a bit before and sit on one of the cafés to enjoy the “show” with a hot beverage.

4. Find knowledge in the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a complex in the center of Hanoi built over 1,000 years ago dedicated to the teachings of Confucius. Over the years it added shrines, gardens and buildings and is now a great and serene complex that you can visit.

The complex now has the lake of literature (the Well of Heavenly Clarity), turtle steles, pavilions, courtyards and passageways that were built for royalty only but now are used for graduating students every year.

The entrance fee is only 10,000 VDN (0,4€) and it is open every day except for Mondays from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, with a break from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm.

5. Stare at the crazy traffic at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square

The traffic in Hanoi is cray-cray. Thausands of motorbikes roam around hecticly and crossing a street as a pedestrian becomes a herculean task. Even though the traffic is not as terrible as Ho Chi Minh City, it is fun to just sit and watch the motorbikes avoid the brave pedestrians trying to cross. One of the best places to watch the traffic is the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, in the very heart of the city. For priviledged views you can have a drink at one of the bars or restaurants in the area, such as the City View Cafe.

6. Get good karma at Tran Quoc Pagoda

Trấn Quốc Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century (making it almost 1,500 years old). The temple is located on a small island on the West Lake. Most of the pagodas were made in the 17th century, although the tallest one was rebuilt in 2004.

The complex is not very big but its beautiful location on the lake, the green surroundings and the iconic red spire make it one of the most beautiful temples in Hanoi.

The entire pagoda can be visited for free, and you can enter the shrines or read the Laws of Karma in the furthest yard. It is not as close to the city center as most other major attractions of Hanoi. That being said, we decided to walk there and, even though it is far away, it is totally walkable and you get to enjoy the views of West Lake.

8. Visit the themed streets of the Old Quarter

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the place to be, where you’ll find most of the main attractions, hotels, restaurants, bars and shopping areas. Even though it is the center of the country’s capital city, the streets are narrow and charming, lined by trees and old buildings.

One of the funniest things about Hanoi’s Old Quarter is that many of its streets are themed, meaning that they specialize in selling a specific thing. This ranges from lanterns to cooking utensils, jewelery, flowers or bamboo products. Just get lost and enjoy these charming streets and buy some fantastic souvenirs!

9. Watch a Water Puppet show

Watter puppetry is a Vietnamese tradition that dates as far back as the 11th century and it was developed in the Red River Delta region, where Hanoi is located. The puppets are displayed on a pond and the puppeteers are hidden behind a screen, giving the impression that the puppets are standing on the water. The most popular show is in the ancient citadel of Thang Long.

10. Go on a shopping spree at Dong Xuan market or the Night Market

Hanoi, like any other Vietnamese city, is an epicenter of shopping. Not only there are shops everywhere, but also the prices are very low and you can haggle (FUN!). The center of Hanoi is basically a shop after the other, but this comes to a height in two spots: the Dong Xuan Market and the Night Market.

The Dong Xuan Market is the largest indoor market in Hanoi. The 4-story building was built in 1889 and offers a wide range of goods, including fresh produce, souvenirs, accessories and clothing.

The lower level contains the wet market, while the upper levels have all the clothes, accessories and electronic and household appliances. Dong Xuan Market is a perfect place to discover local life in the center of Hanoi. It also has a dining section where you can sample local food and coffee.

Another area to explore when you’re looking for shopping is the Hanoi Weekend Night Market. It is an outdoors market that extends from Hang Dao street to the surroundings of the Dong Xuan Market. It sells basically the same that you can find in any of the shops in Hanoi, but it has an added charm because of the evening hours (it starts at 7 pm) and because it is also full of street food vendors where you can have some snacks in between shopping. It only opens from Friday to Sunday.

11. Enjoy colonial architecture in the French Quarter

Vietnam was a French colony for almost 100 years, and this comes with some cultural heritage. This is clearly apparent in the French Quarter in Hanoi, located in the southeastern end of the Hoan Kiem lake. This part of town is dense in high end hotels and luxury shopping.

There are many buildings with French influence within and outside of the French Quarter. Some of the most notable are the Opera House, the National Museum of Vietnamese History, the Hotel Sofitel Metropole, the Presidential Palace and the iconic St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

12. Learn in one of the museums of the city

I am not big on museums in general when I’m visiting a new city, since I usually prefer to spend time learning about local life. If it’s your first time in Hanoi and you don’t have much time, I suggest you skip this. If it’s not your first time, you have longer time or you are a museum geek, Hanoi has a lot to offer in rather unique museums:

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Hoa Lo Prison, ironically called the Hanoi Hilton, was a penitentiary used by the French colonialists for political prisoners and later by North Vietnam for US prisoners during the Vietnam War. Now it is used as a museum of life in the prison in the two time periods. Price: 20,000 VDN (0.8€)

Vietnamese Women’s Museum

This special museum is a costume-heavy display of the different ethnic minorities in Vietnam, the role of women at wartime and an homage to life and maternity. Price: 30,000 VDN (1.2€)

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Exploration of the 54 ethnic minorities of Vietnam. Price: 40,000 VDN (1.5 €).

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Dedicated to the life and legacy of Uncle Ho, the revolutionary leader of North Vietnam. You can combine it with a visit to the mausoleum. Price: 40,000 VDN (1.5 €).

13. Eat everything!

Vietnamese food is in my top 3 in the world (it varies often but it is always up there). And Hanoi is one of the best places to experience local cuisine. As in many places in Southeast Asia, street food steals the show because of its low prices and high quality. This is a very wide topic, so I am working on a specific post about food in Hanoi, but as a quick guide, stick to the local food.

Try Vietnam’s most internationally recognised dish: Pho, a beef noodle soup which was created in the countryside around Hanoi. Vietnamese spring rolls are a must as well, and they come in many flavours, vegetarian, pork, crab, fresh or fried…try them all! And my favourite Hanoi street food: Bun Cha, a sweet noodle soup with grilled pork patties and fresh herbs!

I know I said stay local, but I couldn’t resist to eat some Bun Bo Hue. This is my current favourite Vietnamese dish. It is a food from the region of Hue, in central Vietnam, and it consists of a meat broth with noodles and meat topings (mainly beef or pork in loin, sausage, meatball and blood curd) and topped with a bit of lime juice and as much chilli paste as you can take!

If you can’t wait for the full Hanoi food post, you can join one of the magnificent street food tours of the city!

14. Wake up to Vietnamese coffee

Another Vietnamese staple is the coffee. The French colonialists brought coffee culture to Vietnam and they embraced it as their own! So much so that Vietnam is, at the time of writing, the second biggest coffee producer in the world.

Start with the most traditional way, the Vietnamese filter coffee (Phin Ca Phe)…

…and continue with more elaborated coffee drinks, such as the sweetened condensed milk coffee, the coconut coffee or my favourite, egg coffee! (warning: egg coffee is quite dense, so it is more a dessert than a way to wake up in the morning!).

Some of the best coffee bars in Hanoi include Haka Coffee 39 (CLOSED), Kafeville, Tranquil Books & Coffee or 3RD Wave Roastery. I will write a more in depth post about the coffee scene in Hanoi soon. Stay posted!

15. Drink Bia Hoi with the locals

Another of the traditions the French brought to Hanoi and the locals took as their own after independence is the beer. The alcoholic drink became an affordable drink and popularized among locals after independence, coining the term “Bia Hoi”, which is a kegged beer that has to be consumed 24h after leaving the brewery. Today you can see many locals on the street enjoying their Bia Hoi (which goes for as little as  5,000 VDN or 0.2€). To enjoy Bia Hoi like a local, head to Ta Hien street, the origin of this drink, and sip on Bia Hoi from a glass.

Travel tip: It is very easy to drink with only 3% alcohol. Perhaps too easy to drink, so make sure you eat something (choose bars with plenty of locals to make sure they have the “local stamp of approval” as sanitary enough.

Photo credit: Jonathan Lin with CC BY-SA 2.0

Where to stay in Hanoi

In terms of where to stay, Hanoi is a very easy city, since most of its tourist attractions are located in the Old Quarter. Here are a few suggestions of places to stay according to the budget:

Budget

If you’re on a budget, one of your safe choices is Vietnam Backpacker Hostel, the first in the country! It has an excellent location and many amenities, such as free breakfast! They have another location Downtown. If you’re looking for a party hostel check Central Backpackers Hostel – Old Quarter.

Mid-range

We stayed at Ancient Lane Hotel, a cute and central boutique hotel located in a quiet alley in the very center of Hanoi, with great staff and a rooftop terrace! Other options are Classic Street Hotel or Serenity Villa Hotel.

Luxury

Some of the best hotels in Hanoi include the MK Premier Boutique Hotel, the Palmy Hotel and Spa and the Oriental Suites Hotel & Spa and the Apricot Hotel.

Booking.com

How to move around in Hanoi

Since most of the tourist attractions, restaurants, bars and hotels are located around the same area in the Old Quarter, everything is walking distance, so no taxis or public transportations are necessary.

If you need to go a bit further or just can’t be bothered walking, your best option is Grab, the SE Asian version of Uber, in which you can have a car or mototaxi pick you up for a very low price! Download it for Android or iOS.

Getting from and to the airport is quite easy in Hanoi. You can take the public bus (numbers 7 to Kim Ma bus station and 17 to Long Bien bus station) for only 5,000 VND (0.2€). It is located on the right side of the terminal exit and it takes about 1h. You can also take a taxi in the taxi stop or using Grab, or pre-order a private car. Both options are great because of the low price and because it saves a lot of time compared to the public bus.

Closing statement

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Hanoi, and this is only scratching the surface! If you are staying a bit longer in the city, make sure you explore other areas of town and do some day trips to the surrounding areas that, even though they are very close to the capital, are much less explored by foreigners and retain more authenticity. I will write a post about day trips from Hanoi soon!

Another way to enjoy Hanoi without thinking about the details is to join a city tour. Here are a few of them:

If you want to know more about Vietnam, check some of my other posts about my trip or check out my Vietnam itinerary:

Trekking in Sapa with Sapa Sisters

How to choose a cruise for Halong Bay

Perfect 3 days Ninh Binh itinerary

What to do in Hoi An: the ancient gem of Vietnam

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City: a quick guide to Saigon

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