Things to Do in Hanoi: Complete Guide

Hey there, adventure junkies! Are you planning a trip to Hanoi? If you're planning a visit to this lively city, brace yourself for a wild ride you'll never forget. Let us describe Hanoi in one line. Imagine visiting a place where centuries-old traditions meet modernity, where chaotic streets blend seamlessly with serene temples, and where the aroma of street food wafts through the air. That’s Hanoi for you.

Hold on to your travel hats as we dive into everything you need to know about Hanoi. We're about to lead you on a whirlwind tour of Hanoi's secret treasures, must-see landmarks, and unforgettable adventures that will etch lifelong memories. Let's explore the best things to do in Hanoi.

List Of Best Things To Do In Hanoi

Wander Around The Old Quarter

Starting your Hanoi adventure in the heart of the city—the Old Quarter. Picture this: narrow, winding streets filled with excitement and surprise at every turn. That's Hanoi's Old Quarter for you! Don’t feel shocked to see it in full action; after all, it is the busiest and most crowded area in Hanoi. You’ll find shops selling everything from silk clothing and colourful lanterns to street food vendors dishing out delicious banh mi and pho.

Take your time to explore the bustling streets, try some street food, and shop for souvenirs. When you feel tired, sit on a tiny plastic stool and relish the famous Vietnamese coffee at a coffee shop. Don’t worry about getting lost; that's all part of the fun!

Address: Hàng Ngang, Hàng Đào, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Timings: Open 24 hours

Price: Free 

Highlights: Explore hidden, narrow lanes, charming coffee shops, Vietnamese architecture, and old pagodas.

Explore More: Travel Insurance for Vietnam

The Marvel of Hoan Kiem Lake

Imagine a serene oasis smack dab in the middle of the urban and historic madness of Hanoi. That's Hoan Kiem Lake for you! Take a leisurely stroll around the lake, cross the iconic red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, and check out the groovy giant turtles living their best lives. Trust us, mornings and evenings by the lake are like a beautiful dream. If you want to see locals practising tai chi, this is the spot to visit in the morning. 

Address: Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam

Timings: Lake is open 24 hours a day, and Ngoc Son Temple is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Price: The lake area is free, and Ngoc Son Pagoda tickets might cost around INR 100 per person 

Highlights: Ideal for picnics and walks, Ngoc Son Pagoda, Huc Bridge, soft shell turtles in the lake

Explore the Temple of Literature 

Are you ready for a dose of culture and history? Head over to the Temple of Literature, the OG University of Vietnam. It's a place that respects the scholars and bookworms of old. Feel the zen vibes as you soak in the ancient architecture and lush gardens. Also known as Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam, it was founded in 1070 and was Vietnam's first university. 

Address: 58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội

Timings: During summers (April to October): 07:30-17:30, During winters (October to April): 08:00-17:00 

Price: For adults - INR 100; For students - INR 50 (student ID card is mandatory); Children under 15 - free 

Highlights: The temple is printed on Vietnam’s official banknote, Garden area 

Dress code: no tank tops, no shorts, and no hats inside the sanctuary area

Indulge In Delicious Street Food

Hanoi is a food lover's paradise, and the best way to experience its culinary delights is by diving into street food. Try the world-famous pho, a fragrant beef noodle soup, bun cha, a dish of grilled pork and vermicelli noodles. Don't miss out on delicious treats like banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches), bun bo Nam bo (beef noodles with herbs), and egg coffee, a unique Hanoi speciality.

Address: Banh Mi 25 (25 P. Hàng Cá, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam), Giang Cafe (39 P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam)

Timings: Banh Mi 25 - 7 am to 9 pm, Giang Cafe - 7 am to 10 pm

Price: Most street food items cost between INR 50 and INR 150. Hanoi street food tours start at INR 1200 per person

Highlights: Banh mi at Banh Mi 25; Egg Coffee at Giang Cafe

Cyclo Adventures

Who needs fancy rides when you can hop on a cyclo? These three-wheeled taxi wonders are your ticket to exploring the Old Quarter in the most fun and relaxed way. Negotiate a deal with your driver, lean back, and let the good times roll. The manually pulled cycle driver will take you through the bustling streets of Hanoi, allowing you to soak in the sights, sounds, and smells of the city at a leisurely pace. Don’t forget to click selfies for the memories. 

Address: Streets of Old Quarter in Hanoi

Timings: 24 hours a day

Price: INR 350 to 600 per cyclo (depending on duration and route)

Duration of tours: 30 minutes to an hour 

Highlights: Explore Hanoi while relaxing, Old Quarter architecture, lots of photo opportunities; see major highlights of Hanoi like Dong Xuan Market, Opera House, and Cathedral Church

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects to Ho Chi Minh himself at his mausoleum. His preserved body lies in state here, and the solemn atmosphere is a reflection of his significance in Vietnam's history. Dress modestly and be prepared for a strict code of conduct when visiting.

Address: Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Timings: 7.00 am to 5.00 pm

Price: Entry to the Mausoleum is free

Highlights: Architecture (mix of Gothic and Vietnamese style), changing of the guard ceremony at mid-day

Dress code: no tank tops, no shorts, and no hats inside the sanctuary area

Hike To Ba Vi National Park

If you're looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle, a day trip to Ba Vi National Park is a great choice. Located about 50 kilometres from Hanoi, this lush, forested area offers hiking trails, stunning viewpoints, and the chance to visit the sacred Ba Vi Pagoda. The hike to the summit of Mount Ba Vi is a rewarding experience, with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Address: Ba Vì, Hanoi, Vietnam

Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM

Price : Adults: INR 200 per person; For elderly and the disabled: INR 100 per person

Highlights: Hikes, forest walks, Tan Da Spa for herbal baths, wet steam baths, mud baths and hot springs.

Experience The Unique Water Puppet Magic 

Ever seen puppets perform on the water? It's as cool as it sounds! Don't leave Hanoi without catching a traditional water puppet show. This unusual form of art, which dates back to the 11th century, features singing and live music, as well as puppets performing on water. It's a magical cultural experience that all age groups enjoy. Shows are held at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in the Old Quarter.

Address: 57B P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Timings: Mondays to Saturdays: 1:45 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:10 pm, 5:20 pm, 6:30 pm, 8:00 pm, 9:15 pm. Sundays: 9:30 am, 1:45 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:10 pm, 5:20 pm, 6:30 pm, 8:00 pm, 9:15 pm

Duration of the show: 50 minutes

Price : Adults: INR 350 to 700 per person

Highlights: Puppets dancing over the water

Attend A Cooking Class

If you are falling in love with Vietnamese cuisine, then attending a cooking class is a must-do activity in Vietnam. Sign up for a cooking class in Hanoi! Learn how to cook some of the country's signature dishes. Start with a market trip to grab fresh ingredients, then dive into hands-on cooking lessons. Best part? You get to devour your creations at the end of the class. It is not only a fun way to spend a few hours in Hanoi but also a great spot to meet other travellers. 

Address: Hanoi Food Culture Restaurant & Cooking Class (60 Ng. Phất Lộc, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam), Hoang's Restaurant - Vietnamese Restaurant & Vegan Food ( 56 P. Hàng Buồm, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam)

Timings: Timings vary for every cooking school

Duration of the class: 4 to 5 hours

Price: INR 3000 to 4500 per person

Highlights: Learn new cuisine, Cook and eat, Meet like-minded travellers

Go Shopping At Dong Xuan Market

If you're in search of souvenirs or want to experience the local market culture, head to Dong Xuan Market. This bustling market offers a wide range of goods, from clothing and accessories to electronics and household items. It's a great place to practise your bargaining skills and pick up some unique items to remember your trip.

Address: Đồng Xuân, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam

Timings: 6am to 6pm

Highlights: Affordable souvenirs, experiencing local culture, local produce like wine, dried fruits, etc

Discover The French Quarter

Switch gears and explore Hanoi's French Quarter. Hanoi's French Quarter is a stark contrast to the Old Quarter's chaotic charm. Stroll through wide, tree-lined boulevards, admire colonial-era architecture, and visit landmarks like the Opera House and the St. Joseph's Cathedral. This area showcases Hanoi's French colonial history and provides a glimpse into the city's elegant side. It's like a slice of Europe in the heart of Vietnam.

Address: southeast of the popular Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Timings: Open 24 hours

Price: Free to walk around

Highlights: Tree-lined boulevards, colonial architecture, National Museum of History, Hanoi Opera House, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Museum of Vietnamese Women, Hoa Lo Prison

Explore The Famous Hanoi Train Street

We all know this famous street, thanks to Instagram and YouTube. One of Hanoi's quirkiest attractions is Hanoi Train Street. This narrow residential cum market street is situated on an active train track. A few times a day, when the train approaches, the locals become action heroes, moving everything out of harm's way. It's a show you won't want to miss!

Address: 3 P. Trần Phú, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam 

Timings: Open 24 hours

Price: Free to walk. You pay for food and drinks if you sit at a cafe

Highlights: Thrill of a train crossing at an arm's distance

Take A Day Trip to Halong Bay

While not technically in Hanoi, Halong Bay is just a few hours' drive away and is a must-visit in Hanoi. Go for its breathtaking natural beauty. Take a cruise among the limestone karsts and emerald waters of the bay, explore caves, kayak, and swim in the crystal-clear waters. A day trip or overnight cruise to Halong Bay is an unforgettable experience. If time allows, then an overnight cruise is even better.

Address: Halong Bay, Vietnam 

Timings: Depends on the tour you take

Price: Day trips from Hanoi: INR 3500 to 4500 per person; Overnight cruises: INR 8000 to 15000 per person

Highlights: Limestone formations, water activities like kayaking, caves

Visit the Museum of Ethnology

To gain insight into the diverse cultures of Vietnam's ethnic groups, visit the Museum of Ethnology. The museum features fascinating exhibits, traditional houses from different ethnic communities, and an outdoor area with authentic tribal buildings. It's a great place to learn about the country's cultural diversity and history.

Address: Nguyễn Văn Huyên, Quan Hoa, Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Timings: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm

Price: INR 140 per person. There are special discounts for locals. An English indoor tour guide costs INR 350. 

Highlights: Explore diverse ethnic traditions, artefacts, and history 

Sip On Bia Hoi

In Hanoi, it's almost impossible to avoid the charm of Bia Hoi. Probably the cheapest beer in the world. This fresh, light beer is brewed daily and served at local street-side establishments. It's a great way to relax and soak up the atmosphere, especially in the evenings when the city comes alive. Pull up a tiny plastic stool, order a glass of Bia Hoi, and strike up a conversation with the locals. You will be surprised to see how cheap Bia Hoi is. 

Address: Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam

Timings: After 7 pm 

Price: INR 25 to 50 per glass 

Highlights: Local beer, vibrant streets, nightlife, street food

Conclusion

Hanoi is like no other city; it's a total sensory takeover. Think lively streets with food stalls, cosy temples, and history galore. Whatever your jam—food, history, adventures, or cultural vibes—Hanoi's got you. So dive into the city's buzz and brace yourself for a wild ride. Your epic Hanoi adventure awaits.

Start planning your Hanoi trip today, and don’t forget to buy travel insurance. Unforeseen incidents like health emergencies or travel disruptions can rain on your parade. So, make sure to get travel insurance from ACKO before you jet, set, or go. Get ready to make memories, not just for Instagram but for a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions about things to do in hanoi

 What is the best time to visit Hanoi?

The best time to visit Hanoi is during the cooler and drier months, from October to April. You will get pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

What are the must-see things in Hanoi?

You can spend days exploring Hanoi. The must-see things in Hanoi are the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, the French Quarter, the Hanoi Opera House, and the Hoa Lo Prison Museum.

How can I explore the Old Quarter?

The Old Quarter is best explored on foot or on a cyclo tour.

Are there rules to follow while visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum?

Yes, dress modestly when you visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. No tank tops, no shorts and no hats are allowed.

Are there any traditional shows in Hanoi?

Yes, you can watch traditional water puppet shows at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. These shows feature Vietnamese folklore and legends and are a unique cultural experience.

Are there any day trips or excursions from Hanoi that I can take?

Yes, you can take day trips from Hanoi. Some popular day trips are Perfume Pagoda, Ha Long Bay, Tam Coc, and Sapa.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to change. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

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