Best Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam
You are going to the bustling capital city of Vietnam where French and Chinese cultural influences have blended perfectly with the local ways of life. Hanoi enchants travelers with more than just iconic landmarks, this is a place where some of the most famous Vietnamese dishes and beverages originate. A few days will not do justice if you don’t figure out the best things to do in Hanoi.
While many people fall in love with the poetic scene of Hoan Kiem Lake in the early morning, you can have an unforgettable experience at any corner of Ta Hien Street when the sun sets. Hanoi is an interesting blend of distinct characteristics that ridiculously exhaust you day and night just to find the next places to visit.
Top 10 things to do in Hanoi
Hanoi is no short of stunning attractions to visit and amazing things to do. It is over 1000 years that the capital city has changed rapidly as you see it today. Here are top 10 things to do in Hanoi at any time of the day.
1. Stroll through the Old Quarter
The Old Quarter has always been among best attractions in Hanoi. It is like an ancient treasure trove hidden in modern life. In a city that new trends and movements seem to overwhelm, you still find something that reflects the 19th-century atmosphere. The busy streets are full of vibrant trading activities. It’s a bit of everything you can expect from the capital city of Vietnam: old and modern architecture, lively and tourist-friendly vibes.
A stroll through the Old Quarter is amazingly distinct from the similar experience you can get in the park. Get ready to immerse yourself in the streets that are packed with scooters swarming around you like a school of fish. What an experience! Don’t leave this area if you haven’t bought some lovely souvenirs to bring home from Vietnam.
2. Take a cyclo tour around Hoan Kiem Lake
It is without a question that Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi both for its focal location and cultural aspects. In addition to an ancient story about the origin of the name of the lake (Hoan Kiem means Returning the Sword), Hoan Kiem is also ‘fascinating’ with its magical waters when it is lit up at night.
Hoan Kiem Lake surrounds Ngoc Son Temple which is accessible by the iconic red The Huc Bridge. You can hop on a cyclo, enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and watch the locals. If you are around the lake in the early morning, a typical scene is the locals doing their morning yoga or Tai Chi. This is the best time to enjoy the fresh air and tranquility before it gets crowded.
3. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
A trip to Ho Chi Minh’s final resting place can be a unique experience as you will see how important the most iconic leader in Vietnam is in his country. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum takes inspiration from Lenin’s in Moscow with its dour, angular facade of gray granite blended with Vietnamese architecture like the sloping roof.
In front of the mausoleum is a gigantic square named Ba Dinh Square where President Ho read the Vietnam Independence Declaration in 1945. Those who wake up early can witness the flag-raising ceremony over Ba Dinh Square which is performed daily at 6.00 AM. It is a highlight to see in Hanoi. Similar activities take place at 9.00 PM to start the flag-lowering ceremony.
- Address: 2 Hung Vuong, Dien Ban, Ba Dinh
- Openings: 8.00 AM -11.00 AM (Monday) | 8.00 AM – 4.30 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
- Entrance fee: Free but the price for Ho Chi Minh Museum and Ho Chi Minh Stilt House is VND 40.000/ Pax/ Destination for adult
4. Devor local Bun cha
Ever heard that there is no love sincerer than the love of food? Bun cha is a good way to fall in love with traditional Vietnamese food. While Pho is more popular when it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, Bun cha is an essential part of Hanoi’s unique flavors. Bun cha is made of vermicelli, charcoal-grilled pork and served with fresh herbs, pickled veggies, and sweet chili sauce. You can always order an extra portion of sea-crab or pork spring rolls for a little more crunch.
Bun cha can be found anywhere else across the country, but there is no better option than to enjoy it in its original place. While you are hunting for a good restaurant, consider Bun cha Huong Lien, Bun cha 34 Hang Than, Bun cha Dac Kim. The Hanoi originated dish from these famous restaurants will leave your taste buds wanting for more and more and more.
» See more on Foodie Bucket List: Must-Try Dishes in Vietnam
5. Take good pictures on Long Bien Bridge
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Long Bien Bridge has long become a symbol of Hanoi’s resilience over the years. The steel bridge was bombed many times during the Vietnam War and many spans were destroyed. Long Bien Bridge today is an amazing landmark where you can enjoy stunning views across the Red River. The scenery looks even more gorgeous during the sunset.
As the ‘train street’ was shut down, Long Bien Bridge has become a popular photography destination in Hanoi. You will find the most breathtaking Insta pics taken nowhere else but right off the train tracks. Dozens of trains still cross the bridge on a daily basis, so be careful when you try to get your perfect snapshot. Always remember your safety along with a dramatic picture.
6. Drink egg coffee at sidewalk cafes
Egg coffee is a thing to remember on the Hanoi bucket list. If you are a fan of coffee and want to try a unique cup then egg coffee is just out-of-this-world. It is hard to imagine how Hanoians could even think of mixing egg yolks with coffee to bring out this ‘specialty’, it really makes the taste of pleasure.
A cup of egg coffee is commonly placed in a small dish of hot water to maintain the temperature. You will sip the coffee through the yellow layer on top which is thick and sweet. Though many chic coffee shops have been emerging in an increasing number, the locals have never lost their interest in sidewalk cafes. Grab a low plastic stool on the sidewalk and watch the world go by – You are a part of Vietnamese coffee culture!
» See more on Vietnamese Drinks and Beverages: Drink to the Fullest
7. Enjoy cultural performances
Do you know that Hanoi is nicknamed ‘the capital of a thousand years of civilization’? That is to say that you can have fabulous cultural experiences here. If for any reason you visit Hanoi during Vietnam rainy season, indoor activities will magically save your trip from being ruined. A water puppet show at Thang Long Theater is not a bad idea. You will be amazed at how talented puppeteers, who hide behind curtains, make their puppets move seamlessly on the water.
Alternatively, you can head to Hanoi Opera House, or the Grand Opera House to enjoy everything from classical music, opera to Vietnamese traditional plays and folk music. Before you throw yourself into the world of music, don’t ignore the architecture which was inspired by the classic Greek Architecture and Paris’s Opera House.
8. Party hard at Ta Hien Street
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Ta Hien during the day is relatively quiet and unoccupied. When night comes, it is where you will find some of the most thrilling energetic vibes in the capital city. Just find a plastic chair to sit down and order a mug of Bia hoi (draft beer) like a true local. You can enjoy the Vietnamese drinking culture with some finger food snacks like snails or peanuts. One, two, three, cheers!
The street is not all about beers. Stretching just around 200m in the Old Quarter, Ta Hien Street is no short of interesting things to do. The street is famous for a variety of dishes as well. Before you get drunk, try grilled quail with honey, cheese stick, or chicken feet steamed with citronella. You can’t go wrong. If you have already soaked up the night at Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City, Ta Hien Street is that kind of fun in Hanoi and even more.
9. Explore Vietnam’s first university
The Temple of Literature is a legendary image of Hanoi. If you have exchanged some money, you will recognize the temple is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. This place is a well-known tourist attraction, but it is even more crowded in late June as Vietnamese students and their parents pray for luck at the temple before the exam of their lifes.
The Temple of Literature was built under the Ly Dynasty to worship the Chinese philosopher Confucius and promote the learning spirit of the nation. The temple still retains its unique architecture and cultural value despite wars. It is a world away from the bustling city that lies beyond its historic walls.
- Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi
- Openings: 7.30 AM – 6.00 PM (Monday to Friday), 8.00 AM – 9.00 PM (Saturday & Sunday)
- Entrance fee: VND 30,000
10. Go shopping at Hanoi night markets
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If you love the nightlife but you don’t find interest with beers and parties at Ta Hien Street, Hanoi night markets are places to be. You will discover what local life is like after the sunset, find something to buy, or have something to eat. The most popular night market in the capital is the one that occupies some streets in the Old Quarter. If you have seen the Old Quarter during the daytime then there are things to surprise you at night.
Here are some other night markets to consider: Linh Nam – Hoang Mai Night Market, Phung Khoang – Thanh Xuan Night Market, Dich Vong – Cau Giay Night Market, Quang Ba Flower Night Market. In addition to getting to know local shopping experiences, you can find good handicrafts to impress your friends and family back home.
Whether you are a foodie, a culture vulture, a history enthusiast, a beer lover, or a pure sightseer, Hanoi has everything to enrich your travel experiences in Vietnam. There are of course more than 10 things to do in Hanoi, but the list above may help if you just have a few days here. When you have finished your Hanoi tour, don’t miss out on a chance to visit Sa Pa and some other amazing Northern Vietnam provinces.
© Maika Tours
Written by Trinh Tran
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