When exploring the vibrant capital of Vietnam, there are countless things to do in Hanoi that will captivate any traveler. With its blend of French colonial influences, traditional Vietnamese charm, and forward-thinking modernity, the city presents a truly remarkable destination for travelers seeking to uncover the essence of Vietnam. The vibrant capital of Vietnam will promise to delight and enchant.
Visit must-see attractions in Hanoi
Hanoi boasts a rich tapestry of historical sites and architectural wonders that offer a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past. Here are some of the must-see attractions that shouldn’t be missed on your Hanoi itinerary:
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoàn Kiếm Lake: Known as the heart of Hanoi, Hoàn Kiếm Lake is not only a place for locals to relax but also a famous spot for tourists. Here, you can stroll around the peaceful lake, visit the Ngoc Son Temple, or simply sit back and enjoy the vibrant street life.
Read our comprehensive guide on Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi for more details
Best time of day to visit Hoan Kiem Lake
The best time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake depends on the experience you’re seeking. Early mornings, between 5 AM and 7 AM, offer a serene atmosphere where you can witness locals practicing tai chi, jogging, or enjoying their morning exercises around the lake. The soft morning light also provides excellent photo opportunities.
Alternatively, visiting in the late afternoon or early evening (around 4 PM to 6 PM) allows you to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere as locals gather for social activities and to escape the day’s heat. The sunset over the lake can be particularly beautiful during this time.
Things to do at Hoan Kiem Lake
- Visit Ngoc Son Temple: Located on a small island in the lake, this temple is accessible via the iconic red Huc Bridge. It’s dedicated to various historical figures and offers insight into Vietnamese spiritual beliefs.
- Watch the sunrise or sunset: The lake provides a perfect backdrop for stunning photographs, especially during the golden hours.
- Enjoy a leisurely walk: The 1.5-kilometer path around the lake is ideal for a relaxing stroll, allowing you to observe local life and admire the surrounding French colonial architecture.
- Visit on weekends: The streets around the lake are closed to traffic on weekend evenings, transforming the area into a lively pedestrian zone with street performances and games.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a neo-Gothic church built in 1886, stands as a testament to Vietnam’s French colonial past. Its striking facade and twin bell towers make it one of Hanoi’s attractions. To explore more about this landmark, visit our detailed guide on Hanoi Cathedral.
Best time of day to visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral
The cathedral is most atmospheric in the early morning (around 6 AM to 8 AM) when the soft light illuminates its intricate details. This is also a good time to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful moment of reflection. For those interested in attending Mass, services are held throughout the day, with the Sunday evening Mass being particularly popular among both locals and tourists.
Things to do at St. Joseph’s Cathedral
- Admire the architecture: Take time to study the cathedral’s neo-Gothic design, including its stained glass windows and ornate altar.
- Attend a Mass: Even if you’re not religious, attending a service can provide insight into Vietnam’s Catholic community.
- Explore the surrounding area: The streets around the cathedral are lined with cafes and boutiques, perfect for a post-visit exploration.
- Photography: The cathedral’s imposing facade offers excellent photo opportunities, especially when lit up at night.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Water puppetry is a unique Vietnamese art form dating back to the 11th century. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is one of must see places in Hanoi, offers visitors a chance to experience this traditional performance in the heart of Hanoi.
Best time of day to visit Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
The theatre typically offers several shows throughout the day, with the most popular times being in the late afternoon and evening (around 4 PM to 8 PM). Vietnam travel tips for visitors is to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons and arrive early to explore the theatre and its surroundings. Photography is usually not allowed during performances, so check the rules beforehand.
Things to do at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
- Watch a performance: The shows last about 50 minutes and depict Vietnamese folktales and legends through intricate puppet choreography.
- Learn about the art form: Take time to read about the history and techniques of water puppetry in the theatre’s lobby.
- Meet the puppeteers: After the show, you may have the opportunity to meet the skilled artists behind the performance.
- Visit the gift shop: Purchase unique souvenirs related to water puppetry and Vietnamese culture.
Hoa Lo Prison Relic
Hoa Lo Prison, is one of famous Hanoi Vietnam attractions, sardonically nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs during the Vietnam War. Now this serves as a museum offering visitors a sobering look into Vietnam’s complex history.
Best time of day to visit Hoa Lo Prison Relic
The prison museum is less crowded in the early morning (around 8 AM to 10 AM) or late afternoon (3 PM to 5 PM). These times also offer cooler temperatures, making for a more comfortable visit.
Things to do at Hoa Lo Prison Relic
- Explore the exhibits: Learn about the prison’s use during French colonial times and the Vietnam War through detailed displays and artifacts.
- View the guillotine room: A chilling reminder of the French colonial period’s brutal punishments.
- See John McCain’s flight suit: The museum houses personal items from American POWs, including Senator John McCain.
- Reflect in the courtyard: Take a moment in the prison’s central courtyard to contemplate the site’s historical significance.
Hanoi Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is one of the places to visit in Hanoi. This historic heart of Hanoi is characterized by its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and bustling markets. The area offers a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant daily life.
With 36 streets, you will need more experience to experience this place through this article on detailed travel guides in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Best time of day to visit Hanoi Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is lively throughout the day, but different times offer unique experiences:
- Early morning (5 AM to 7 AM): Witness the local markets coming to life and enjoy a traditional breakfast.
- Mid-morning to afternoon: Explore shops and historical sites without the evening crowds.
- Evening (6 PM onwards): Experience the vibrant night market and bustling street food scene.
Things to do in Hanoi Old Quarter
- Explore the 36 streets: Each street traditionally specialized in a specific trade, reflected in their names (e.g., Silk Street, Silver Street).
- Visit Bach Ma Temple: One of the oldest temples in Hanoi, dedicated to the white horse deity.
- Shop at Dong Xuan Market: The largest covered market in Hanoi, offering everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.
- Try street food: Sample local delicacies from street vendors and small eateries.
- Take a cyclo ride: Experience the Old Quarter from a traditional cycle rickshaw.
Try Vietnamese Cuisine
Hanoi is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide array of delicious dishes that showcase the best of Vietnamese cuisine. Taste Vietnamese food is one of the best things to do in Hanoi Vietnam. From street food to high-end restaurants, the city’s culinary landscape is diverse and exciting.
Pho – Top 1 best food in Vietnam
Pho is arguably Vietnam’s national dish and one of Vietnam’s things to do in Hanoi for any visitor. This comforting noodle soup features a fragrant broth simmered for hours with beef bones and spices, topped with thin rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, and fresh herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro. Every street corner offers its own take on Pho, allowing you to discover your favorite version. The Vietnam travel tips, visitors should try Pho at a local eatery rather than a tourist-oriented restaurant. Look for places filled with locals, as this is often a good indicator of delicious and affordable pho.
Bun Bo Hue – Specialties of the ancient capital
Bun Bo Hue, a specialty from the former imperial capital of Hue, offers a taste of history. The dish is also one of the top things to do in Hanoi. This vermicelli noodle soup features a rich and flavorful broth flavored with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and annatto seeds. It’s typically served with thin slices of beef, a variety of herbs and vegetables. Unlike Hanoi-style Pho, Bun Bo Hue offers a bolder and more intense flavor profile, sure to tantalize adventurous taste buds.
Bun Cha
Bun Cha is a dish associated with a visit by former US President Obama to Vietnam, try it has become one of Hanoi’s things to do. This simple yet delicious dish features grilled pork patties and slices of marinated pork served alongside vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a sweet and savory dipping sauce. The char from the grilling adds a smoky flavor to the pork, while the fresh herbs and dipping sauce provide a refreshing counterpoint. Bun Cha is typically served with a basket of fresh lettuce, mint, and other herbs, allowing you to create your own customized wrap-like experience.
Bun Dau Mam Tom
For the more adventurous eater, eating Bun Dau Mam Tom is one of things to do in Hanoi Vietnam. This local favorite features vermicelli noodles served with deep-fried tofu squares and a side of pungent fermented shrimp paste (mam tom). The key to enjoying Bun Dau Mam Tom lies in the dipping sauce, typically a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and water. Vietnam travel tips for tourists is the shrimp paste has a strong flavor that might be overwhelming for some. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. If the smell is too strong, you can usually request a fish sauce alternative.
Ca Phe Sua Da – Traditional drink of Vietnam
Ca Phe Sua Da (pronounced ca-feh soo-ah da) is a refreshing and ubiquitous beverage in Vietnam. This strong Vietnamese coffee is brewed using a phin, a small metal filter that sits on top of your cup. The resulting coffee is then poured over ice and sweetened with condensed milk, creating a creamy and intensely flavorful drink. Ca Phe Sua Da is perfect for a pick-me-up on a hot Hanoi day, or to enjoy alongside a delicious breakfast. Grabbing a seat at a plastic chair on the sidewalk of a Hanoi cafe, sipping your Ca Phe Sua Da, and watching the city come alive at dawn or wind down at dusk is a Hanoi stuff to do.
Lemon tea
Tra Chanh, or Vietnamese Lemon tea, is a refreshing drink in Hanoi and a vital part of the city’s culture. This simple yet delicious beverage has become synonymous with Hanoi’s laid-back lifestyle and is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. To truly experience Tra Chanh like a local, find a bustling corner in the Old Quarter with low plastic stools spilling out onto the sidewalk. Order your tea and settle in for some people-watching and conversation.
If you are a foodie, explore more about Vietnamese cuisine through best foods in Vietnam article
Try Vietnamese clothes and take photos
One of the most memorable ways to experience Vietnamese culture is to try on traditional Vietnamese clothing. The Áo Dài is a long, flowing tunic worn by both men and women. Áo Dài typically features a split on the sides and are often made from vibrant silk fabrics. Many shops in Hanoi offer custom tailoring services, allowing you to create a unique Áo Dài to take home as a souvenir.
Once dressed in traditional Vietnamese attire, head to Hanoi tourist attractions like the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Old Quarter for stunning photos. If you’re planning to visit temples or religious sites, wearing an ao dai can be a respectful choice.
Try Vietnamese tobacco (Thuoc Lao) if you know how to smoke
Vietnamese tobacco, also known as Thuoc Lao, is the unique things to do in Hanoi, not for the faint of heart. Unlike commercially produced cigarettes, Thuoc Lao is typically hand-rolled using loose tobacco leaves and wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves. The flavor can be quite harsh and is often described as earthy and smoky. It’s important to note that Thuoc Lao is significantly stronger than cigarettes and should only be attempted by experienced smokers.
Hanoi is a city that effortlessly blends historical charm with modern vibrancy, offering a captivating experience for every traveler. As you explore Hanoi, remember to apply the Vietnam travel tips to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs. So, pack your bag, and prepare to discover lots of things to do in Hanoi!
