Best things to do in Hanoi
- ntkimdung1201
- Oct 3, 2024
- 6 min read
How to spend the daytime in Hanoi - Explore the city on your way! From ancient temples to buzzing markets, Hanoi's got it all. It's the cultural heartbeat of Vietnam.
Sample the street food
For an authentic taste of Hanoi, look to the street kitchens of the Old Quarter. Steaming pots of its star anise-infused Phở broth simmer on every corner; while every day, the scent of bún chả fills the air as barbecued pork sizzles over hot coals.
Stroll the Old Quarter
Hanoi’s Old Quarter serves up a sensory overload. Wisps of incense drift out onto streets from ancient temples, while the clang of blacksmiths’ hammers mingles with mobile fruit sellers’ calls. Jump in a cyclo and tour this intoxicating maze.
Explore Hanoi's cafe culture
Fast-paced on the surface, the true rhythm of Hanoi life is far from hurried and is reflected well in its leisurely coffee hours. Alongside traditional coffee houses, an ever-growing band of unique cafes serves new brews in cool caffeine dens.
Check out the art scene
Hanoi is Vietnam’s art capital. The elegant Fine Arts Museum houses the country’s foremost collection, such as ancient Cham artifacts and impressionist pieces for something more contemporary, head for Manzi or the Vietnam Art Gallery.
Join the locals at Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake rests in the heart of Hanoi. Every morning it comes alive with walkers, aerobics classes, and even a laughing yoga group; and bursts back into activity at sunset, thronged with locals taking in the evening air.
SIGHTSEEINGS TO GO
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Soldiers stand guard at the entrance of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum.
This commanding construction was built from 1973 to 1975 to house the embalmed body of Vietnam’s greatest political leader, Hồ Chí Minh. Visitors and Vietnamese queue for hours every morning to pay their respects to the cadaver, dressed in a khaki wardrobe and encased in a glass sarcophagus.
Address: So 1, Hung Vuong, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh
Thang Long Imperial Citadel
This 11th-century imperial citadel complex deserves a good couple of hours of exploration. It’s very well preserved, featuring buildings, museums, and artefacts, as well as a couple of old underground bunkers. A great place to learn about Hanoi’s history.Address: 19c Hoang Dieu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh
One Pillar Pagoda
One Pillar Pagoda HanoiThe unique one pillar pagoda in the middle of a lotus pond.
This Buddhist wooden pagoda was built in the middle of a lotus pond on a single stone pillar by the Emperor Ly Thai To in 1049. Archives suggest it was built in honor of the Goddess of Mercy, who answered the Emperor's prayers for a male heir. The structure is designed to resemble a lotus flower blossoming from muddy waters, a symbol of purity in Buddhist philosophy.
Address: Chua Mot Cot, Doi Can, Ba Dinh
Temple of Literature
While the name may suggest that the Temple of Literature is a temple, it’s actually a university. In fact, it was the first-ever university in Vietnam. Serene and peaceful, it’s a beautiful site to wander around, featuring lush gardens, walkways, temples and memorials.
Built by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong during the Ly dynasty, the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu in Vietnamese) was erected in honor of the philosopher Confucius and his disciples in 1070. In 1076, it became home to Hanoi’s first university, Quốc Tử Giám. The site is one of the oldest in Hanoi and a national symbol of Vietnamese education and architecture. Today, the temple houses five courtyards, records of Vietnamese scholars, and statues of turtles which are said to bring students good luck in their exams.
Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da
Hanoi Train Street
Head towards the Old Quarter to Train Street. Here, twice a day, a speeding train passes just inches from the homes of the local residents. Drying clothes are carried inside, chairs and bikes are moved into doorways and children are ushered indoors. The street’s residents press tightly against the walls, before continuing on as though nothing happened as soon as the train has passed.
Address: 3 Tran Phu, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem
The Old Quarter
The Old QuarterAt the top of Hoan Kiem Lake, Dinh Tien Hoang 'roundabout' is a great starting point for exploring the alleys of the Old Quarter.
Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter is a single square kilometre comprised of 36 streets. Since the 15th century, each street has been home to artisans and craftsmen who traded in the specific merchandise for which their street was named. Today, the charm of these streets still remains. Prepare to marvel as you wander from silver street to bamboo street, silk street to decoration street, all within a stone's throw of each other.
Address: North of Hoan Kiem Lake
Saint Joseph's Cathedral
St. Joseph's CathedralThe cafes by the Cathedral are a perfect spot to watch the bustle of Hanoi.
Saint Joseph’s Cathedral (also known as Hanoi Cathedral), was built on the site of the Bao Thien Tower, which was the most famous landmark in the capital during the Ly Dynasty. The architect was inspired by the Neo-Gothic style of the Notre Dame de Paris. When visiting, expect to see a multicultural crowd of worshippers and plenty of Vietnamese newlyweds having romantic photo shoots.
Address: 40 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem
Hanoi Opera House
Opera House HanoiThe Opera House is at the edge of Hanoi's French Quarter, where a few colonial buildings have been well preserved.
Constructed at the turn of the 20th century, this beautiful colonial building is the largest theater in Vietnam. After nearly 100 years of operation, the Opera House was carefully refurbished in 1997 and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Today the venue attracts renowned performers, productions and musicians.
Address: So 01, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem
The Water Puppet Theatre
Water Puppet Theatre HanoiLive music is always performed alongside the puppeteering with traditional instruments and delicate vocals.
Dating back to the 11th century, water puppet performances are ideal for light entertainment and insight into Vietnamese folklore. Wading around in waist-deep water holding bamboo poles, puppeteers operate the lacquered wooden characters from behind a screen, reenacting scenes from rural village life.
Address: 57b Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake HanoiTurtle Tower rests at the centre of 'the Lake of the Restored Sword.'
Legend says Emperor Ly Thai To was gifted a magical sword by a giant golden turtle who lived in the lake in order to defeat the Ming dynasty. Once victorious, Ly Thai To gave the sword back to the turtle who dove down to return the sword to the gods. Hoan Kiem Lake is admired for its beauty as well as insight into the daily life of Hanoians. Watch locals practicing their daily exercise and Tai Chi routines in the gardens by the water's edge.
Ngoc Son Temple
The Ngoc Son Temple, or The Temple of the Jade Mountain, is situated on a small tree-sheltered island on the north side of Hoan Kiem Lake. Connected by a stunning scarlet bridge, this classic Vietnamese structure was built in honour of the intellectual scholar Saint Van Xuong, and national hero General Tran Hung Dao. In 1884, the Confucian scholar made a series of renovations to the site, including adding parallel sentences (câu đối) or word puzzles to the walls.
Address: Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoa Lo Prison Relic
Only the gatehouse, now a museum, the site is rich in history and provides deep insights into Vietnam's past, particularly during the Vietnam War. The exhibits are well-organized and informative, featuring photographs and artifacts that tell powerful stories. The atmosphere is both somber and reflective, giving visitors a chance to understand the struggles faced by those imprisoned there.
Address: 1 Hoa Lo, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem
Vietnamese Women's Museum
Vietnamese Women's MuseumThis museum boasts a floor on textiles of ethnic groups, women's crucial role in wartimes, and even their practices as mediums of the 'Mother Goddess' worship.
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is one of the most modern museums in Vietnam. Housing a series of excellent exhibitions presenting artifacts, costumes, crafts, memoirs, and photographs from the past 100 years, the museum reveals the pivotal role of Vietnamese women in their country's history and society.
Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai Ward, Hoan Kiem
Museum of Ethnology
The Museum of Ethnology HanoiThe gardens feature traditional structures, including the communal houses of the Bahnar or Giarai ethnic groups which can reach up to 30 metres high.
This amazing museum examines the everyday life of Vietnam's 54 ethnic minorities. Designed by ethnic Tay architect Ha Duc Linh and French architect Veronique Dolfus, the museum hosts three main exhibition areas. Exhibitions display cultural costumes, handicrafts, videos, and artifacts; while the outdoor space showcases impressive life-size replicas of ethnic architecture.
Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Nghia Do, Cau Giay
EAT LIKE LOCALS
1. Coffee shops
2. Restaurant (vegetarian/vegan)
3. Noodles ( Phở/Bún...)
4. Other Vietnamese food must try
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