Hanoi Travel Guide: Top Things To Do

We spent 2 days in Hanoi at the start of our 3 week Vietnam adventure and, even though we were a bit jet lagged, we pushed through to experience as much of Hanoi as we could – and we loved it! It was definitely a bit of a sensory overload (as Hannah’s first ever South East Asian country) but by throwing yourself in you are bound to enjoy it – especially once you have mastered crossing the roads! 

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is found in the north of the country. It’s a bustling city full of history, great food and fun experiences. We have listed lots of the things we did to help you plan how to spend your days in Hanoi.

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Where To Stay 

We would recommend staying somewhere in the Old Quarter. This way most things are within walking distance. We stayed at Classy Holiday Hotel & Spa which was really reasonably priced and we were able to walk everywhere! 

When to Visit

When planning a trip to Vietnam, timing is key due to the country’s varying climates. Chances are good that you’re probably seeing more than just Hanoi, so it’s good to understand the climate in the rest of the country to help plan your trip. Vietnam’s diverse regions mean you’ll experience different weather depending on where you are, so pack accordingly. 

• North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay): Visit from October to April for cool, dry weather. Avoid May to September due to heat, humidity, and occasional heavy rains.

• Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang): February to May offers ideal conditions with pleasant temperatures and minimal rain. The rainy season from September to December can bring flooding.

• South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): The dry season from December to April is best, though the wet season (May to November) features brief, refreshing showers.

For a trip starting in Hanoi and travelling south, starting between January and April will give you the best weather all around.

Things To Do In The City

Here’s a selection of our favourite things to do in Hanoi:

Stroll Through the Old Quarter

The heart of Hanoi is undoubtedly the Old Quarter. If you are staying in this district you will soon become familiar with your surroundings, filled with lots of shops and food places! Each street has its own specialty, whether it’s sugar, shoes, or street food.

You’ll hear the constant honking of motorbikes, smell the delicious aromas of street vendors cooking up local delicacies, and see traditional Vietnamese architecture standing tall beside modern cafes – so make sure to keep your camera ready!

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If you’re like us and enjoy buying a few souvenirs to remember your travels, Hanoi’s Old Quarter has countless stores bursting with souvenirs and gifts! While there’s a wide selection, many shops carry similar items, so be sure to haggle and compare prices. For unique, handcrafted pieces, consider offering a fair price to appreciate the work involved.

Throughout Vietnam you will also see some *very convincing* fake designer clothes and accessories, so if this is your thing, definitely leave yourself some suitcase space!

Sip on a Cup of Egg Coffee

You’ve probably had your fair share of lattes and flat whites, but have you ever tried egg coffee? This unique Hanoi specialty, known locally as “cà phê trứng,” is a must-try. Imagine a delicious velvety egg custard sitting atop strong Vietnamese coffee. It’s the perfect combination of dessert and caffeine fix! Head to Café Giảng, where this was first created in 1946.

Bite into the Best Banh Mi (in our opinion) in Hanoi 

When it comes to street food in Vietnam, Banh Mi is a quintessential must-try! It’s a French-inspired sandwich, packed with meats, pâté, pickled veggies, and fresh herbs, and one of our favourite on-the-go lunches! We had one almost every day in Vietnam, and you can find a vendor on most streets. The ones with the biggest queues are often the best, so if you see a queue, join it! Most vendors offer different kinds of meats, as well as veggie options. 

Banh Mi 25 is often hailed as the best spot in Hanoi to grab one – and we couldn’t agree more, it was our favourite! We recommend the classic BBQ pork with pâté. I’m literally salivating thinking of it right now!

Visit the Note Café

If you’re a fan of fun and Instagram-worthy spots, the Note Café is your place. This multi story café is known for its colourful walls covered in sticky notes from visitors around the world. Each table has pens and more sticky notes for you to write on. Once you have written your sweet/funny/philosophical note, find a spot on the wall (or table or chair or floor or ceiling…) to claim, then sit back and enjoy watching the world whizz past from your  table by the window overlooking the Old Quarter.

Visiting this unique spot is a fun way to leave a piece of yourself in Hanoi.

Experience the Unique Train Street

One of Hanoi’s most unique attractions is Train Street, a narrow rail track which is lined with cafes and restaurants! Multiple times a day, a train will pass by just inches away from the seats outside. You can’t go down the tracks unless invited to purchase something at one of the many cafes, but once you’re in, settle down with a coffee or a beer and watch out for the oncoming train! 

To find out more about Train Street, like how to get invited into a cafe for the best spot, where to visit away from the crowds and what times the trains pass – check out our post: Everything You Need To Know About Train Street, Hanoi.

Take a Leisurely Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is the serene centre of the city, a place where locals go to relax, exercise, and enjoy nature. The lake is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset when the light bounces off the water, and the atmosphere is peaceful. 

Unfortunately our day was a little overcast when we went, but it didn’t stop us enjoying our walk around. In the middle of the lake sits Turtle Tower, and on the northern shore, you’ll find the iconic red-painted Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple.

Explore Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple is one of Hanoi’s most picturesque and culturally significant sites. This temple, dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century, is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city.

Cross the charming Huc Bridge to enter the temple, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by ancient trees, beautiful architecture, and a sense of tranquillity. It’s a great spot to learn a bit about Vietnamese history and culture, as well as the presence of giant turtles in the lake!

Pay Your Respects at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

A visit to Hanoi wouldn’t be complete without paying respects to Vietnam’s most revered leader, Ho Chi Minh, who the famous city in the south is named after.

The Mausoleum, where his body is preserved, is an imposing structure surrounded by beautiful gardens and military guards. The atmosphere here is solemn, and it’s a great place to learn more about the history of Vietnam’s struggle for independence.

Be sure to dress appropriately and be prepared for a bit of a wait if you want to go in, as this is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Shop at the Night Markets

As the sun sets, the streets come alive with vendors selling everything from clothes and accessories to street food and souvenirs. The weekend night market in the Old Quarter is the most popular, where you can haggle for great deals and try local delicacies like grilled skewers, sweet desserts, and fresh fruit.

It’s a fun experience, and even if you’re not buying anything, it’s a fantastic way to experience the local culture.

Try delicious Pho @ Pho 10

If you are craving some authentic Vietnamese Pho then check out the popular Pho 10. They have three small branches in Hanoi, but be aware as others try to imitate it. The menu offers 10 pho options, including tái and chin (brisket), nạm (flank beef) and bắp trần (beef fillet). The delicious soup dish is hearty and extremely refreshing with tender pieces of beef that melt in the mouth.

Water Puppet Show

Catch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This unique art form, which dates back to the 11th century, tells stories of rural life and folklore through puppets that seem to dance on water. If you miss this in Hanoi, you can also catch a water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City.

Explore the French Quarter

Just south of the Old Quarter, the French Quarter is a stark contrast with its wide boulevards, French colonial buildings, and high-end shops. It’s a beautiful area to explore, especially if you’re interested in the architectural history of the city.

Day Trips From the City

If you are spending more than a day or two in Hanoi, you might consider a day trip out of the city. There’s a handful of must-see spots within driving distance of the city which you shouldn’t miss if you’re in Vietnam. Most of these trips can be arranged with tour operators or your hotel.

Ha Long Bay

No trip to northern Vietnam is complete without a visit to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just a few hours’ drive from Hanoi you will find the stunning bay, which is well known for its thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests.

Most people opt for an overnight cruise, however you can also just spend a day on the boat drifting through the bay, exploring hidden caves, and taking in the beautiful scenery. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also kayak through the quieter parts of the bay or take a dip in the clear waters.

Ninh Binh

Often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is a must-visit for nature lovers. Just a couple of hours south of Hanoi, this region is famous for its landscapes, lush rice paddies, and serene rivers. 

One of the popular places in Ninh Binh to check out is Tam Coc. Here you can enjoy an experience on a traditional sampan boat, passing through natural caves along the way. Following this, why not hire some bicycles and explore the surrounding countryside! 

Alternatively you can hike up to Hang Mua Peak, a steep but worthwhile climb with over 500 steps. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Tam Coc valley, winding rivers, and jagged limestone peaks. 

Check out this GetYourGuide trip for a great day in Ninh Binh!

Perfume Pagoda

For a spiritual and cultural experience, take a day to go to the Perfume Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most important religious sites. Located about 60 kilometres southwest of Hanoi, this complex of Buddhist temples is nestled in the lush mountains of the Huong Tich region.

There are many tours which offer different experiences for the day at the Perfume Pagoda – you can have a look at some options here. The Perfume Pagoda is especially popular during the annual pilgrimage season, but it’s a wonderful escape from the city year-round.

Ba Vi National Park

If you’re looking to get into nature close to Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park is the perfect spot. Just an hour’s drive from the city, this park is known for its cool climate and scenic hiking trails. Along the way, you can explore ancient temples and French colonial ruins.

Ba Vi is ideal for those who want to breathe in some fresh mountain air and enjoy a day surrounded by nature.

Whether you’re sipping on egg coffee, marvelling at ancient temples, or just soaking in the chaotic beauty of the Old Quarter, Hanoi is one of those cities that has so much to offer. We definitely want to come back soon and explore more!

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