The 10 Best things to do in Hanoi

The bustling city that never sleeps is a unique blend of cultures, historical places, atmospheric night markets, and delicious street food. Hanoi’s charm lies in its past French and Chinese influences and mix of tradition and modernity. The capital city of Hanoi is a colonial gem that boasts tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, tranquil lakes, and ancient pagodas and temples. Is the second-most populous city in Vietnam. Despite the chaotic traffic with trillions of scooters honking for right of way, Hanoins will patiently let you cross the Street. Besides their friendly nature, the resilience of the Vietnamese people, who overcame isolation until the 1990s, is truly remarkable. Is Hanoi worth visiting? My resounding answer is yes. Here is a glimpse into the world of Hanoians and the best things to do in Hanoi.

You’re either Gonna Love Hanoi or Hate Hanoi.

Where is Hanoi located? Situated on the Red River in northern Vietnam, the city has a rich history and boasts some of the top attractions in Vietnam. Hanoians love their coffee and beer, and each has dedicated streets. With approximately 8 million residents, it is densely populated and congested with cafes, bars, street markets, artisan workshops, and historical places. Hanoians enjoy their meals with big smiles, and it’s a vibrant scene that ignites your senses and leaves you craving to taste the local cuisine. An excellent way to explore downtown Hanoi on a sightseeing motorbike tour with a personal driver/guide.

Hanoi’s Top Attractions and Things to Do

1. Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

The Old Quarter of Hanoi in the northern part of the city is rich in history and ancient buildings. Its friendly locals, lively, narrow streets, vibrant markets, and tantalizing street food add to its authentic Hanoian atmosphere. One of the best ways to experience the Old Town is on foot or by embarking on an Old Quarter Trishaw Cyclo Tour.

2. Wander Around Hoan Kiem Lake

4. Shopping At Don Xuan Market 

As one of the largest markets in Hanoi, the Dong Xuan Market sells a wide range of products at reasonable prices. Bargaining is common in Vietnam, and vendors ask for high prices. It is expected that you negotiate for a better price. Make sure to take loose change, as some vendors may not have change for large bills. Traditional Vietnamese products include silk, ceramics, lacquerware, bamboo, accessories, clothing, household ware, and electronics.

Hanoi Dong Xuan Market hours and location: Vendors open daily from 6:00 a.m. Although most vendors close at 7:00 p.m., some stay open until 10:00 p.m. The market is in the Hoan Kiem District, north of the Old Quarter, on Dong Xuan Street. One floor has a fresh produce section that sells a variety of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and spices. In addition to local goods, there are also imported items. Take care of your bags and watch out for pickpockets.

Dong Xuan market history: During the Vietnam War, Dong Xuan Market was a transportation hub for weapons and supplies for the North Vietnamese.

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5. Visit Beer Street

The famous Ta Hien Beer Street, Hanoi Old Quarter, is where locals, backpackers, and tourists from all walks of life gather for an unforgettable experience, besides the boisterous music that adds to the ambience and fun. This is also where one gets Bia Hoi Hanoi, a locally brewed beer often referred to as Vietnamese street beer straight from fresh beer kegs.

No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the lively Beer Street in the Old Quarter in Vietnam’s northern region. A unique drinking culture involves serving beer on the streets for as little as 0.30 USD, making it the cheapest beer in the World. However, it’s much more than just a cheap drink. Part of Vietnamese culture and daily ritual, from 4 pm, locals gather on small, colourful plastic chairs on street corners to enjoy locally brewed beer. Besides the nightlife around the Lake, the bustling markets, and the incredible vibe at night on Beer Street.

This fresh beer is unique as it is brewed daily and must be consumed within 24 hours. It contains no preservatives, which makes it spoil quickly. Furthermore, the rice content adds to its golden colour and light and airy taste. Low in alcohol, the beer is distributed in a traditional Vietnamese way, and it is transported on the back of a motorbike to the bia hoi bars in the city.

How to get to Ta Hien Beer Street: It is only 250 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake and about 500 meters from Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi Old Quarter. If you can’t walk there, call Grab or take a taxi.

6. Water Puppet Show

Water puppet shows are a unique form of entertainment that originated in Vietnam in the 11th century. During the show, skilled puppeteers use bamboo poles to control the puppets from waist-deep water. You must experience it for yourself to decide if it’s for you. Interested? Book a Hanoi Puppet Show to secure your place. The venue is at at 57b Dinh Tien Hoang in Hoan Kiem. Performances daily: 3:30 pm, 5 pm, 6:30 pm, 8p pm, 9:15 pm, and Sundays at 9:30 pm.

7. Visit the Van Phuc Silk Village and Insence Village

9. Visit Historical Places

With so much to experience, it can get quite overwhelming. Don’t complicate things; book a tour to experience the best places to visit in Hanoi. Another way to explore the top attractions in Hanoi is to go on a Sightseeing Hop-on-Hop-Off City Tour. This way, you can experience attractions like the Hoa La Prison, the Temple of Literature, the Vietnam Ethnology Museum, and the Independence Palace at your own pace.

• If you’re planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, visit the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. It is a must-visit for any historical enthusiast because of its beautiful architecture and Ho Chi Minh’s body.
• Visit Hoa Lo Prison, which was used during the Vietnam War, for a fascinating, although sad, glimpse into the past. 
• Explore the Vietnam Ethnology Museum and learn about the diverse ethnic groups, their traditions, and ways of life.
• The significant cultural and historical Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu), was constructed in 1970 during the reign of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông to honour Confucius and later became Vietnam’s first national university.
• The Ho Chi Minh Complex is where Ho Chi Minh lived periodically from 1958 to 1969. The simple house in a well-maintained garden next to a pond filled with carp fish has been preserved strictly as he left it many years ago. You can see the cars he owned and his office during a visit. Currently used for official receptions, it is not open to the public, although you can still explore the grounds filled with fruit trees.

10. Long Bien Bridge

Hanoi Travel Guide

When to Go

The best time to visit Hanoi is between November and April when temperatures average around 25C. Summertime gets very hot and humid between June and August, with temperatures reaching 35C, although it is also rainy.

Day Trips and Tours

Depending on your time in Hanoi, here are recommended Hanoi Day Trips and Half Day trips from Hanoi.

• Cycling tour in Hanoi Old Quarter and Red River Delta, or join a small Hanoi train street tour.
• Book a Street food Tour Hanoi, and if you’re vegetarian, a Vegan food tour Hanoi.
• Book a Hanoi Motorbike Tour to experience the city’s hidden gems and the authentic lifestyle of Hanoi locals.
• Join a Cooking Class! Either join a private Hanoi Cooking Class or a Cooking Class with Hanoian Housewives.
• Visit an Hanoi Incense Village tour and/or a Hanoi Silk Craft Village tour.
• Full-day trips to Ninh Binh: Ninh Bing is worth exploring. If possible, stay at least two nights in Ninh Binh.
• Hanoi to Ninh Binh day Trip, Trang An, Bai Dinh, & Mua Cave Trip.
• Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc boat and Mua Cave, with biking.

Best Places to Shop in Hanoi

In addition to the traditional markets, Hanoi boasts a growing number of independent shops that offer a wide range of international brands and dining and entertainment options. One of the best things about shopping in Hanoi is that many streets cater to specific trades, allowing visitors to explore the city on foot. The Old Quarter’s Silk Street and Silver Street have preserved their unique trades for centuries. Whether you seek novelty souvenirs or hand-crafted silk items, we have curated a list of shopping destinations in Hanoi.

Ultimate Hanoi Shopping Guide

Where to buy cheap clothes in Hanoi. In Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you can buy unique, affordable T-shirts with iconic slogans and images of Vietnam for around $5. Additionally, Dong Tac Street in the Dong Da District, just 6km from the Old Quarter, is lined with vintage shops selling famous-brand clothes, accessories, and oversized clothing.

Trendy Silk items: Hang Gai Street, or Silk Street, is 300 metres long and flanked by many shops offering exquisite, trendy silk products. Hanoi Silk Craft Village: The Hanoi Silk Village

Silver Jewellery: Hang Bac Street has been synonymous with jewellery for hundreds of years and retains many small jewellers who sell all sorts of jewellery. It derives its name from the word silver, as Bac is silver in Vietnamese. The small atmospheric street is on the northern side of Hoan Kiem Lake. From the Water Puppet Theatre, walk up Hang Be Street until you get to a T-junction.

Nha Tho Street: Also known as Church Street, in front of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, it is known for its cosy fashion stores and restaurants. These are popular among Hanoi’s middle-class and expat community. They offer Vietnamese-style fashion in Western sizes, handmade jewellery, and accessories at reasonable prices.

Shopping street offering independent stores and restaurants

• Laundry Hanoi: We use Hanoi Laundry Service, which also picks up and delivers laundry to your hotel. You can contact them at +84 913 556 357. They are also available on WhatsApp.
• Contact lenses: Looking for a Contact lense solution in Hanoi? I bought some at a shop on the Corner of Phô Trang Thi and PhôQuán Street. You can also buy some at the shops on Trang Tien Street, a famous optic street in Hanoi.
• Pharmacy in Hanoi: Nguyen Luan Pharmacy, 3 P. Tràng Thi, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội.  +84 24 3826 8644. You can also ask your hotel or hostel for the nearest pharmacy (tiệm thuốc).

Hanoi is Famous for

• Hanoi is famous for many things, including theme streets specialising in specific products.
• Glorious foods at the most affordable prices.
• The unique train station and train track is still in use.
• World-renowned Beer Street with the cheapest beer in the World.
• Humble, friendly people and hospitality.
• Centuries-old architecture and rich history.
• Diverse and beautiful landscapes.

Where To Stay In Hanoi, Vietnam

The Old Quarter, the Hoan Kiem District, is the best area to stay in Hanoi.

• Located in Vietnam’s Old Quarter, in a relatively quiet street, the Hanoi Delica Hotel is one of the Best hostels in Hanoi.
• Budget Accommodation in Hanoi: Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel: Libré Homestay / Sunny Hotel.
• Best Hostels in Hanoi Old Quarter
• Mid Range: TK 123 Hotel is about 14 14-minute walk from the Old Quarter.
• Luxury: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi / Anise Hotel 4 Star.
• Hanoi Where to Stay – Check out other options for the best Accommodation in Hanoi.

Best Things To Do In Hanoi At Night

If you are a fan of nightlife, you will love the lively markets, bars, and restaurants around the lake and the exhilarating vibe of Beer Street at night. Although Hanoi boasts centuries-old architecture, it also features modern high-rise buildings and is home to exclusive rooftop bars. One of the best things to do in Hanoi is to visit the exclusive rooftop bars.

Explore The Best Bars In Hanoi

• The uniquely structured Lighthouse Sky Bar is a place you have to visit. Besides being on the top floor of a historic building in Hang Be Street, its ancient history sparked the idea for a boat theme. Styled on a boat and moored over three rooftop floors, the bow (bar) overlooks the Street, and the back stern faces the Red River. Location: La Sista Premium Hang Be, 27 Hang Be Street, Ha Noi. Lighthouse Sky Bar contact no +84 24 3929 0011.
• Indulge in a romantic sunset and astonishing view from the 65th floor of the luxury Lotte Hotel. The contemporary hotel, only 3 km from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum at 54 P. Liễu Giai, Cống Vị, Ba Đình, Hà Nội – contact no. +84 24 3333 1000.
• The opulent Terraço Sky Bar offers a breathtaking 360-degree view and boasts an extensive selection of drinks. It is located on the Rooftop at 35 P. Hàng Dầu Street, Hoàn Kiếm. Lotte Hotel contact no. +84 969 085 788.
• The Northern Soul Rooftop Bar is a hidden gem away from Beer Street’s chaotic hustle and bustle. Besides being peaceful, we had a lovely view, and the cocktails were reasonably priced with good service.

Visit the Best Restaurants Hanoi Old Quarter

Besides a street food tour, here are some of the Best restaurants in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

• Duong’s Vietnamese Restaurant is the best, although it keeps a low profile. It is located at 27 Ngo Huyen Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District. Voted by diners on Tripadvisor and Michelin Guide, Duongs Restaurant is one of the best! Test it out, and you’ll surely return. You might also meet Hoang Duong himself. His food journey started as a young boy who had a passion for food and watched his father preparing their meals. Let me know your experience. Tel +84 2436364567.
• Quán Ăn Ngon Restaurant is a Vietnamese restaurant in Hanoi’s French Quarter at 18 Phan Boi Chau Street. Its extensive menu features authentic cuisines from Vietnam’s north, central, and South. Conveniently located at a corner of a tree-lined street, within a five-minute walk from Hanoi Train Station, Quan An Ngon also has outdoor seating.

Join a Hanoi Cooking Class

To join a Hanoi cooking class is one of the top things to experience. The Cooking Class in a Local Villa includes a Market Tour. This cooking class provides an immersive experience of traditional Vietnamese cuisine and culture. The sounds, sights, smells and tastes in a typical Vietnamese market are yours to experience before creating a fantastic culinary experience. another option is a Cooking class in the Old Quarter, which includes visiting the Old Quarter market.

Recommended Cooking class! Discover the top-rated Hanoi Cooking Class. The extraordinary Duongs Hanoi Cooking Class is held at Duong’s Restaurant in the heart of the Old Quarter. Only 1.5 kilometres from the Dong Xuan fresh food market and a short stroll (300m) from Hoan Kiem Lake. Top Chef Duong runs the cooking class and will share his secrets while taking you on a culinary journey. The location is 101 Ma May Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Contact no. +84 2436364567.

Where to stay in Hanoi old quarter

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is chaotic, yet very charming and definitely the place where you should stay when visiting Hanoi. The Hoan Kiem Lake is the central point, with the Old Quarter on the one side and the French Quarter on the other side. Lined with colonial buildings and grand boulevards, the French Quarter is charming and perhaps less overwhelming than the Old Quarter, with its narrow streets and heavy traffic. For the best prices on accommodation options in both distinct districts, visit Agoda.com.

Hanoi Itineraries

If you have enough time, a 4-day itinerary would be great, but 3 days is still worth visiting Hanoi.

What to do in Hanoi for 3 days

• Day 1: After you’ve settled in at your hotel or wherever you’re staying, walk or take a taxi to Hanoi’s Old Quarter and end the night at Hanoi Beer Street. You can also book one of the Street food tours in Hanoi. Or, get a two-in-one when booking the iconic Train Street tour, which includes a street food tour in the Old Quarter.
• Day 2: Visit the best highlights of Hanoi on a city tour with a Hop-on, hop-off Bus Tour. This way, you can visit the top attractions in Hanoi at your own pace or book a 4-hour Hanoi motorbike tour. After that, attend a famous Duongs Hanoi Cooking Class in the heart of the Old Quarter.
• Day 3:  Experience a Hanoi Cycle Tour around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. If by this time you haven’t tried a famous Vietnamese egg Coffee yet, this is your chance. After that, visit the market and attend a Vietnamese water puppet show.

After a few nights in Hanoi, explore Vietnam further. Good idea! The Guide to the Best Places in Vietnam, and for more Adventurous vacations for families, couples and solo travellers:

• G-Adventures 8-day tour to Northern and Southern parts of Vietnam.
• Visit Chiang Mai & Hanoi’s Night Markets & Streetside Bars and soak up all the local flavours as you wander its night markets before catching a quick flight to Hanoi for some final days filled with bicycle tours and street bars.
• Explore Vietnam on a 13-day- G-Adventures tour from Hanoi to Saigon.