10 Amazing Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam

 In Adventure, Destination, Holidays, Things to do, Travel, Vietnam

If we talk about Vietnam, we cannot do it without Hanoi! Yes, it is one popular tourist city which has everything you want. When you set foot in one of the most vibrant cities in Vietnam, you will instantly feel captivated by the non-stop nature and a bustling feel! 

The most popular saying about Hanoi is that you will remember Hanoi for a lifetime, and it won’t remember you for a second. The constant continuity and everything going at a faster pace, you will instantly fall in love with so many things to do in Hanoi. 

So, if you are in the mood to book your Vietnam tour packages, don’t forget to know about the best things to do in Hanoi! 

10 Things to Do in Hanoi

No matter what the time is, there is always something to enjoy and experience some amazing things to do in Hanoi. If you are looking for unique and unforgettable things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam that will also give you a more authentic experience with these suggestions ahead. 

1. Take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake

hoan-kiem-lake

Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake is as beautiful as it can get. The natural freshwater lake, located in the heart of the city is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Hanoi. 

It is also known as Luc Tuy Lake due to its green color all the year. Also, it is at the intersection between numerous popular streets in the Old Quarter which you will love exploring. 

Also, try some exceptional restaurants in Vietnam around the lake after you are done exploring the place. It is very easy to reach Hoan Kiem Lake by foot from most hotels in the Old Quarter and by bike, taxi, etc from other areas. 

2. Visit the Old Quarter

old-quarter

Do you love the bustling streets? So, the Old Quarter is something you can imagine with decorated street art and a lot of shopping areas in Vietnam. You can explore the place just by walking around and staying at a hotel in this area. 

Some of the best streets where you can roam around are Hang Dao Street, Hang Duong Street, Hang Ma Street, and Hang Bac Street. 

As you explore, you’ll find tiny shops selling everything from traditional crafts to modern fashion, and the food is a highlight—don’t miss the famous pho or a tasty banh mi! The Old Quarter is also home to charming old buildings and pagodas, mixing the old with the new, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Hanoi.

3. Taste Hanoi’s Best Food

hanois-best-food

Hanoi’s foodie scene is something exceptional and famous for! It offers a whole range of food for all tastes and budgets. You would be delighted to have such amazing fragrances and flavors all in one place. 

Quite simply, you can enjoy eating food here, and is definitely one of the best things to do in Hanoi. You can try Pho, the traditional noodle soup, Beef or Tofy, Banh Mi, Ben, and summer rolls. 

Let your tastebuds hit on something different like vegan and vegetarian options. So, get ready to taste the most amazing food in Hanoi! 

Suggested read: Things to do in Vietnam

4. Know More About Hanoi’s Art Scene 

hanois-art-scene

The city is home to many galleries, museums, and art spaces where you can explore everything from traditional Vietnamese painting to contemporary art. At the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, you’ll find beautiful works that showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, while modern galleries like Manzi Art Space feature exciting new artists pushing the boundaries of creativity. Street art is also becoming more popular, with colorful murals popping up in unexpected places. Whether you’re an art lover or just curious, Hanoi’s art scene offers a fascinating way to connect with the city’s history. So, make sure you are doing one of the best things to do in Hanoi to catch up with their culture. 

5. Visit the Temple of Literature

temple-of-literature

It is one of the most adored buildings in Hanoi! Also, the significant cultural landmarks in the area and considered one of the best things to do in Hanoi. It takes around one hour to roam around and know more about one of the best temples in Vietnam. 

Not only it is so stunning to look around, but has a significant history as well. It was founded in 1070 and then became the first university in Vietnam until it was later closed after being open for over 700 years due to colonialism.

6. Take an overnight trip to Ha Long Bay

ha-long-bay

A trip to Hanoi would be incomplete without exploring the amazing Ha Long Bay! This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam, and is definitely very touristy and busy. It is possible to visit the lesser-seen Bai Tu Long Bay instead. 

While you choose your tours, you should know that you can only visit Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay through a tour, as it is a very protected area. 

Plan your day tours, overnights, and longer tours on small, medium or larger boats. Usually, it takes 3 hours by car to get to Ha Long Bay where you will board your board and most tours will collect you from Hanoi itself. If you are visiting this place, it is definitely one of the best things to do in Hanoi. 

7. Visit Hanoi Train Street Differently

hanoi-train-street

Visiting Hanoi’s Train Street is a unique and thrilling experience, but doing it differently means exploring it safely and thoughtfully. Train Street is famous for the narrow alley where a train passes through just inches away from homes and cafés. 

Instead of simply waiting for the train to pass, why not take your time to discover the local life around the area? Visit one of the cozy cafés and enjoy a drink while chatting with locals, or walk through the neighborhood to see how families have adapted to living so close to the tracks. Always remember to follow safety guidelines and enjoy this iconic spot from a respectful distance, ensuring your visit is both fun and responsible.

8. Enjoy a Hanoi Water Puppet Show

hanoi-water-puppet-show

Do you know about this quirky puppet show? It is one of the most fun things to do in Hanoi, especially if you are attending it for the first time. This trend has been going on since 1969 and is now seen as one of the leading arts and cultural hotspots in the city. 

If you are here to attend, it will take around 50 minutes to finish a show, so you can plan your day accordingly. It is a fantastic way to enjoy ancient art – water puppetry is very traditional in Vietnam and is tied to the cultural identity very strongly. 

Now, it has been a thousand years for these puppet shows to go on. 

Suggested read: Vietnamese food 

9. Visit The Hanoi Market

hanoi-market

People are very keen on nightlife in different cities. So, if you want to explore the nightlife in Hanoi, Vietnam, do visit the night market. It is one of the greatest things to do in Hanoi at night. You will find all sorts of trinkets, crafts, painted good as well as clothes. 

What’s unique about this? You can also find sellers offering kumquat iced tea and fruit dipped in chili powder. There is also a big focus on the barbeque – where you can also choose skewers already pre-prepared with different meats, fish and vegetables. 

This Hanoi market happens on every weekend from Friday to Sunday, 6 Pm until 12 am, but it is always best to head down later after 8 pm to know about the best ambiance. 

10. Try Vietnamese Coffee

vietnamese-coffee

Trying Vietnamese coffee is a must for any coffee lover! Known for its rich and bold flavor, Vietnamese coffee is made using robusta beans, which give it a strong and slightly bitter taste. One of the most popular ways to enjoy it is with sweetened condensed milk. The combination of the strong coffee and the creamy sweetness creates a unique and delicious flavor.

How many days in Hanoi is enough?

It would be best to stay here for 2-5 days according to your itinerary. 

Are there any adventurous activities available in Hanoi?

You can explore the city on a motorbike tour through its bustling streets or take a cycling trip around West Lake. Kayaking on the Red River offers a unique perspective of Hanoi’s natural surroundings. For those looking to venture outside the city, rock climbing at nearby Cat Ba Island or trekking in Ba Vi National Park provide exciting outdoor adventures just a short distance from the capital.

What are some popular things to do in Hanoi?

Visitors can explore the Old Quarter’s bustling streets, enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine like pho and bun cha, or visit iconic landmarks such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The city’s unique coffee culture, including egg coffee, is a must-try. Hanoi also serves as a gateway to stunning natural sites like Ha Long Bay and the Perfume Pagoda, making it a diverse destination for both urban and nature exploration.

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