Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi is eclectic and enigmatic at the same time, steeped in culture, influenced by colonialism, ravaged by wars, and known for its chaotic traffic. With 1,000 years of history, Hanoi, known as Thang Long or “Soaring Dragon” is vibrant, diverse, legendary, and traditional.
This is where you will find a train chugging along a narrow lane filled with cafes while you get lost in the atmospheric labyrinthine maze of streets in the Old Quarter. Lakes and temples are filled with legends, while cathedrals and opera houses jostle for space with pagodas and citadels. Step back in time in the leafy French Quarter, or feel the Zen at the sprawling Temple of Literature.
The flavours of Hanoi can also be experienced through delicious street food and its famous egg coffee. Take a cruise along Halong Bay or head on day trips to Ninh Binh Province to explore caves. For your next trip to the Vietnam capital, here is your curated travel guide with a list of some of the best things to do in Hanoi.
Best time to visit Hanoi
October to March is a good time to visit Hanoi as most tourists prefer travelling in autumn or spring if they are planning a cruise to Ha Long Bay. The low season is from April to September when it gets very hot and humid with frequent storms and showers. Winters see a peak of tourist traffic as temperatures cool off but the prices shoot as well.
Best Free thing to do in Hanoi
Feel the calm at Hoan Hiem Lake
Located at the heart of Hanoi near the Old Quarter is a vast expanse of an enchanting lake named after a divine sword that was sent apparently by the Gods through a mystical turtle to the Emperor to defeat the Chinese. The sword was later reclaimed by the giant turtle who vanished under the lake and hence it was called Hoan Hiem Lake or “The Lake of the Restored Lake, “ or simply put, “ Sword Lake.”
There is even a Turtle Tower built on a mound in the middle of the lake. Explore the lake at sunset for mesmerising photos as you lose yourself in this oasis of calm. While entry to the lake is free, there is a fee to enter the Ngoc Son Temple located on an island in the lake that can be accessed by the red Cau The Huc Bridge.
Best Fun thing to do in Hanoi
Try Egg Coffee
If you love coffee then you must go cafe hopping in the Old Quarter and try the famous Egg Coffee which was created at Cafe Griang in 1946. Ca Phe Trung or egg yolk coffee was however a wartime invention when milk became scarce and whipped egg yolk was used as a substitute.
If you are feeling experimental, then try coconut coffee with a dash of coconut milk and condensed milk or yoghurt coffee with frozen yoghurt. You can also try the classic black Vietnamese drip coffee or add a dash of condensed milk and ice if you like it chilled. Other cafes where you can try Egg Coffee are Note Cafe, Dinh Coffee, Cafe Pho Co, Leu Coffee, and Bar among others.
Best thing to do in Hanoi with Family and Kids
Watch a water puppet show
Immerse yourself in a world of fantasy and folklore, with colourful characters set in “liquid stages” as these shows with lively puppets are presented in pools of water. Water puppet shows, patronised by royalty, originated in the Red River Delta in the 11th century and were performed then in the harvested paddy fields filled with water.
The wooden puppets, painted with lacquers are manoeuvred with long bamboo sticks and strings, while puppeteers choreograph the show, creating a dramatic and vivid atmosphere. Head to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre for a dramatic performance where there are five multilingual shows every day.
Book your stay at Capella Hanoi via Booking.com
Book your stay at Capella Hanoi via Agoda.com
Best thing to do in Hanoi for Couples
Cruise along the surreal Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is Vietnam’s crown jewel among all her treasures and you cannot help but fall in love when you see towering limestone pillars topped with rainforests rising majestically from the azure oceans, as you go on a cruise. Cruises start from Tuan Chau Gateway, located about 150 km from Hanoi and it can take about three hours by road.
While some cruises are for a day, it is recommended to stay at least a couple of nights to imbibe the ethereal experience of waking up amidst the karsts. There are over 2000 of these limestone rock formations, islets, and carves surrounded by pristine beaches in this World Heritage Site. With Ha Long Bay becoming very crowded, most tourists prefer the more secluded Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay and even choose to stay a few days in Cat Ba Island.
Best Thing to Do in Hanoi for Nature Lovers
Explore caves at Ninh Binh Province
You are spoilt for choices when it comes to exploring the emerald-tinged landscapes around Hanoi filled with limestone karsts, rice terraces, national parks, river valleys, and ancient temples. Head to the stunning Ninh Binh Province in the Red River Delta, a little over two-hour drive from Hanoi, and then take a slow meandering boat ride on the Sao Khe River, admiring the stunning views of the limestone caves at Trang An.
Visit caves and temples and then head on another breathtaking boat ride on the Ngo Dong River.to Tam Coc, feasting on the picturesque paddy fields and karst formations. Buy some embroidered napkins from artisans at Van Lan. If you have more time, then climb Mua Cave Viewpoint for stunning views and visit the cave temples at Bich Dong Pagoda. Stay a day at Ninh Binh and explore Cuc Phong National Park Van Long Nature Reserve and the ancient relics of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
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Best Thing to Do in Hanoi for Culture
Feel the Zen at the Temple of Literature
Set in five distinct courtyards, with pools, pavilions and gardens, the 11th-century temple with several shrines looks more like a walled palace built by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. Dedicated to the renowned philosopher, Confucius, the Temple of Literature was also Vietnam’s first university, called Quoc Tu Giam. which was initially open only to the royals.
You can see names of exceptional students engraved on large slabs atop turtle statues, while young graduates take photos of the picturesque landscapes and new students come here to pray for good results. Lose yourself in the Zen-like atmosphere, at the altar of learning before visiting other temples and historic sites in the vicinity like Thang Long Imperial Citadel, One Pillar Pagoda, Bach Ma Temple in the Old Quarter and Ba Dinh Square with a mausoleum and museum dedicated to Former President, Ho Chi Minh.
Book your stay at Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi - MGallery via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi - Mgallery via Agoda.com
Best Thing to do in Hanoi for Adventure
Hike in the lush Ba Vi National Park
A perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park is just a couple of hours away from the Vietnamese capital and is a verdant paradise with endangered animals and endemic birds. You can trek along the sacred limestone mountain with three peaks crowned with shrines.
There are several hiking trails around the forested paths and on the second peak ( Tan Vien ) is the ancient Thuong temple while you can climb over 1200 steps to reach Uncle Ho’s Temple ( Ho Chi Minh’s shrine) atop the Emperor’s Peak. Caves, pagodas, lakes, gardens and ruins of colonial-era churches and prisons are scattered around this former French colonial hill station and on a clear day, you can see sweeping views of the Red River Delta and even Hanoi in the distance.
Also read – The Best Things To Do In Da Nang And Hoi An
Best Thing to do in Hanoi at Night
Get high on nightlife at the Old Quarter
All roads lead to “Hanoi Beer Street” ( Bia Hoi Junction ) also known as Ta Hien Street in the Old Quarter, where you will find a loud jamboree of tourists and locals gurgling chilled Bia Hoi, the local draft beer which is touted to be one of the cheapest in the world.
While the spirited atmosphere is not to be missed, you can also head to a few premium cocktail bars like The Alchemist, Gallery Bespoke Cocktail Bar, Dragon Fly Lounge, Legend Beer, Twilight Sky Bar, 21GAM, 1900 Le Theatre around the Old Quarter, and Hoan Kiem District. Don’t miss Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street and Hang Buom Street to try local street food.
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Best Thing to do in Summer in Hanoi
Go Museum hopping
Summers in Hanoi are not just hot and humid but can also be very wet with thunderstorms and this is the best time for museum hopping. Start with Vietnam’s Museum of Ethnology dedicated to 54 ethnic groups with 15000 artefacts. If you are into art don’t miss the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum enclosed in a French colonial building.
History buffs should also head to the Museum of Hanoi with 50,000 exhibits. The Hoa LO Prison Museum, ironically dubbed “Hanoi Hilton” by imprisoned American soldiers during the Vietnam War and the Vietnam Military History Museum are dark war museums while the Hanoi Police Museum is small and quaint. If you have time for just one more, then head to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum.
Best Thing to Do in Winter in Hanoi
Climb the mountain to see Perfume Pagoda
Take a slow boat ride along the Yen River, gazing at rice fields and rocky outcrops to reach this sacred cluster of cave temples atop the mountain called Huong Tich Son or the Mount of Fragrances or Perfume Pagoda. Start from Thien Chua (Pagoda leading to Heaven), towards the peak via a steep path or you can take the cable car to the mouth of the cave where you can see the carvings and shrines.
If you are walking down the path, you can see more pagodas as well. While winter is a great time to visit the locals celebrate an annual festival in the Pagoda at the advent of spring in February. It can also get very crowded during the Vietnamese New Year. While Perfume Pagoda is just 60 km from Hanoi and can be accessed by road in just a couple of hours, it takes longer by boat but is worth the journey.
Book your stay at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi via Booking.com
Book your stay at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel via Agoda.com
(Hero and feature image credit: Nguyen Quang Ngoc Tonkin/Shutterstock)
Related: Why Da Nang Is Now the Hottest Spot for Wellness in Vietnam
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What are the best cultural places to visit in Hanoi?
The Temple of Literature, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Ngoc Son Temple, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi Opera House, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre are some of the best cultural places to visit in Hanoi.
– Are there any beaches in Hanoi?
The closest beach is at the Tuan Chau Island at Halong, Quang Ninh and is about 120 km away from Hanoi. Do Son Beach is also located about 120 km, near the city of Hai Phong.
– Is there any dress code in Hanoi?
While there are no dress codes in Hanoi, it is not appropriate to wear shorts and sleeveless tops to any of the temples in Hanoi.
– What are the best things to buy in Hanoi?
There are several markets in Hanoi and you can buy handmade souvenirs, ceramics, paintings, textiles, embroidery and of course Vietnamese coffee.
– What are the best festivals in Hanoi?
Tet or the Vietnamese New Year celebrated in January is one of the biggest festivals in Vietnam. The other festivals are Keo Pagoda celebrated in autumn and Le Mat festival which is a pageant on water in spring.
– What are the best adventures to take in Hanoi?
Cruises and cave exploration are some of the best adventures in Hanoi. Go on a cruise to Halong Bay, or visit Ninh Binh Province or hike Ba Vi National Park.
– What are some of the best hotels in Hanoi?
The luxurious Sofitel Legend Metropole, Apricot Hotel, Hanoi Le Jardin and Spa, Hotel de I’Opera Hanoi – Mgallery, Capella Hanoi, Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake, Pan Pacific Hanoi are some of the best hotels to stay in Hanoi.
Written By
Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi is passionate about everything that is local — from cultural traditions to art and architecture and believes that people make places. A slow and mindful traveller from India, you will often find her listening to stories of people or just sitting in a cafe and watching life pass by. Travelling is a way of life for this former media professional ..Read More
