Hanoi, Vietnam: A traveler’s guide to the best experiences

Contents

1. About Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is a major political, economic, and cultural center of Vietnam. The city lies in the heart of Northern Vietnam, formed from the fertile Red River Delta. It shares borders with Thai Nguyen and Vinh Phuc to the north; Ha Nam and Hoa Binh to the south; Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, and Hung Yen to the east; and Hoa Binh and Phu Tho to the west.

Hanoi Vietnam location is perfect for transportation (Source: Collected)

Located in a tropical monsoon region, Hanoi experiences four distinct seasons: 

• Spring: February – April
• Summer: May – August
• Autumn: September – October
• Winter: December – January

In general, summers in Hanoi are hot and humid, while winters are cold and dry. Seasonal transitions are not always predictable – some years see early or late winters, prolonged heat waves with temperatures reaching up to 40°C, or cold snaps dropping below 10°C.

Known as the “Thousand-Year Capital of Culture,” Hanoi capital remains Vietnam’s most significant cultural center, preserving an extensive collection of tangible and intangible heritage. With nearly 6,000 cultural attractions and over 1,350 craft villages, Hanoi has great potential for cultural tourism on the map of Vietnam travel. Meanwhile, the city’s suburbs are ideal for eco tourism. Beyond its cultural value, Hanoi’s appeal lies in its safety, the hospitality of its people, reasonable prices, and excellent shopping opportunities. 

In recent years, Hanoi capital has consistently been recognized by prestigious travel magazines such as Travel+Leisure (USA) and Smart Travel Asia (Hong Kong), earning a spot among Asia’s most attractive destinations. According to the leading UK-based travel company Explore Worldwide, Hanoi ranked first among the world’s 15 most popular destinations for solo travelers in 2023.

Hanoi Vietnam tourism stands out with its rich culture (Source: Collected)

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2. Things to do & top places to visit in Hanoi

2.1. Explore historical sites

A trip to Hanoi capital would not be complete without visiting its historical sites, which hold deep significance in the history of Vietnam. Some must-sees include:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: One of Vietnam’s most important historical sites, this is the final resting place of President Ho Chi Minh. Visitors come here to pay their respects and explore Ho Chi Minh Museum along with his stilt house. Witnessing the solemn flag-raising ceremony in the morning or the flag-lowering ceremony in the evening is a unique experience here.
• Temple of Literature: Built in 1070, this was Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of Hanoi’s educational tradition. Visitors can admire 82 stone steles honoring past scholars and enjoy the peaceful surroundings with centuries-old architecture. The iconic Khue Van Pavilion, a symbol of Hanoi capital, is a highlight here.
• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: Spanning an area of 18,395 hectares, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has a history of over 1,300 years. It houses relics and remnants from past dynasties, which showcase Hanoi’s historical evolution. The site’s global significance lies in its continuous role as a political and military center.
• Hoa Lo Prison: Now a museum, this prison was used by French colonialists to imprison Vietnamese revolutionaries. Visitors can explore the buildings and exhibits depicting the harsh conditions the prisoners endured. Here, the night tour “Sacred Night” offers an immersive experience, where visitors can walk the steps of the prisoners and explore the prison.
• Long Bien Bridge: More than just a bridge over the Red River, Long Bien Bridge is a symbol connecting Hanoi’s past and present. Built in 1898 by the French, it has withstood multiple bombings and remains a testament to Vietnam’s resilience. Walking along its aged iron structure, visitors can admire its vintage charm and enjoy the cool river breeze.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a must-see in every Hanoi Vietnam guide (Source: Collected)

2.2. Tour cultural attractions

Hanoi is home to numerous cultural attractions that preserve over a thousand years of history. Some must-sees include:

• Hanoi Old Quarter: The Old Quarter is a vibrant area of 36 streets that symbolize the cultural heritage of Hanoi. Each street is dedicated to a specific trade, from toys and shoes to antiques and silk. Here, visitors can admire traditional architecture, witness skilled artisans at work, and experience the bustling daily life of the locals.
• One Pillar Pagoda: As one of the oldest temples in Hanoi capital, this iconic pagoda was built over 1,000 years ago on a single stone pillar in a pond, resembling a blooming lotus flower. Recognized as one of the most unique pagodas in Asia, it offers a serene space for spiritual reflection while showcasing traditional architecture.
• Tran Quoc Pagoda: Situated on a small island on the West Lake, Hanoi, this 1,500-year-old pagoda is one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the world. Once a religious center during the Ly and Tran dynasties, it is known for its elegant architecture, sacred atmosphere, and collection of Buddhist statues and stone steles.
• Bat Trang Pottery Village: Dating back to the 15th century, Bat Trang is Vietnam’s most famous pottery village. Visitors can watch skilled artisans craft exquisite pottery, shop for beautiful ceramics, and even try their hand at making their own pottery. The village also features Bat Trang Ceramic Museum, an architectural masterpiece showcasing Vietnam’s pottery heritage.
• Dong Xuan Market: This market is a commercial hub where visitors can experience the vibrant trade culture in Hanoi. The market’s colonial architecture is a sight in itself. Inside, visitors can explore a variety of local products. It is also a great place to watch traditional folk performances like Xam singing.
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: Established in 1969, this theater in Hanoi has been a vital force in preserving Vietnam’s water puppetry. Featuring shows 365 days a year, it brings to life classic folk tales through intricate puppetry accompanied by traditional music. Highlighted acts include Teu the Narrator, Dragon Dance, and Phoenix Dance.

Stroll through the Old Quarter in Hanoi Vietnam City (Source: Collected)

2.3. Contemplate natural beauty

Beyond historical sites and cultural attractions, Hanoi capital also boasts stunning natural landscapes that provide a peaceful escape from the city’s bustling energy. Some must-sees include:

• Hoan Kiem Lake: This lake is deeply intertwined with the city’s culture and history. Visitors can stroll or cycle around the lake, soaking in the beauty of its changing scenery. It is home to iconic sites such as the Turtle Tower, Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, and But Tower.
• West Lake: Spanning about 500 hectares with a 20-kilometer shoreline, the West Lake in Hanoi is a picturesque retreat with scenic views. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk, a cycling tour, or simply relax at one of the many lakeside cafés while admiring the sunrise or sunset. Nearby attractions include Nhat Tan Flower Village, Quan Thanh Temple, and more.
• Ba Vi National Park: Covering an area of 9,702 hectares, Ba Vi National Park is a lush mountain retreat in Hanoi known for its cool air, diverse flora and fauna, and breathtaking landscapes. The park also features scenic waterfalls, pristine streams, and sacred temples, offering diverse experiences for nature lovers.

Complete your Hanoi trip with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake (Source: Collected)

2.4. Admire architectural landmarks

For architecture enthusiasts, Hanoi offers a wealth of remarkable structures that showcase its rich heritage. Some must-sees include:

• St. Joseph’s Cathedral: Built in 1884, this is one of the oldest architectural masterpieces in Hanoi. Its Gothic structure was inspired by Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, featuring grand arches and towering spires. Visitors are captivated by its weathered facade and intricate details such as a metal Virgin Mary statue and a stone crucifix. Inside, the cathedral’s interior boasts folk art decorations.
• Presidential Palace: This stately building in Hanoi stands as one of the grandest colonial residences built by the French in Indochina. The palace features 30 rooms, each uniquely decorated. It is characterized by the striking yellow facade and Renaissance architecture.
• Hanoi Opera House: This is a symbol of colonial architecture in Hanoi capital with a stunning facade, adorned with classical details and a brilliant yellow hue. More than just a beautiful building, the opera house is a vital cultural hub, hosting an array of artistic performances and cultural events.

You can admire various architectural masterpieces in Hanoi Vietnam City (Source: Collected)

2.5. Visit famous museums

To gain a deeper understanding of Hanoi’s heritage, be sure to explore its fascinating museums. Some must-sees include:

• Ho Chi Minh Museum: This museum preserves artifacts and records related to President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam’s revolutionary history. Designed in the shape of a white lotus, the museum offers visitors an immersive journey through his life and career.
• Hanoi Fine Arts Museum: Established in 1966, this museum in Hanoi is a treasure trove of Vietnam’s artistic heritage, housing over 18,000 artifacts spanning prehistoric times to modern eras. The museum itself is an architectural blend of European elements and the traditional Vietnamese communal house design.
• Vietnam National Museum of History: This museum was formed by merging Vietnam History Museum and Vietnam Revolution Museum. It boasts an extensive collection of artifacts along with detailed records that cover Vietnam’s evolution, from prehistoric times through the Nguyen Dynasty and beyond.
• Vietnamese Women’s Museum: Established in 1987, this museum in Hanoi boasts thousands of artifacts showcasing the resilience and beauty of Vietnamese women. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum frequently organizes special exhibitions focusing on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Visit Hanoi Fine Arts Museum to explore Vietnam’s art scene (Source: Collected)

2.6. Experience entertainment & nightlife

Hanoi offers an exciting array of entertainment and nightlife experiences. For those passionate about traditional arts, attending a water puppet show or listening to the ancient melodies of ca tru is a must. Adventurous visitors can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking on the West Lake, soaking in the peaceful scenery while engaging in an exhilarating activity. Another breathtaking experience is visiting the Observation Deck on the 65th floor of the Lotte Center Hanoi tower for panoramic views of Hanoi from above.

On weekends, Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square transform into a lively hub, where visitors can enjoy street performances, cultural activities, and delicious street food. For a vibrant night out, you can head to Ta Hien Street or Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, where late-night bars, beer stalls, and lively crowds create an electric atmosphere. For a unique late-night experience, come to Quang Ba Flower Market or Long Bien Wholesale Market to see a bustling side of Hanoi that comes alive after dark.

Visitors to Hanoi Vietnam City cannot miss Ta Hien Street for vibrant nightlife (Source: Collected)

2.7. Take a day trip to nearby attractions

After fully exploring Hanoi capital, consider embarking on day trips from Hanoi to nearby fascinating attractions such as Co Loa Ancient Citadel – one of Vietnam’s most ancient fortresses, and Ham Lon Mountain – the highest peak in Hanoi. You can also visit Ban Xoi Valley for its untouched natural beauty and strong ethnic culture, Duong Lam Ancient Village for the traditional architecture of northern Vietnam, Dai Lai Lake for a serene retreat with mountains and waters, and Perfume Pagoda for breathtaking landscapes and religious reflection.

For the ultimate entertainment experience, come to Grand World, a massive dining and shopping complex located east of Hanoi. This dazzling attraction is open day and night, featuring magnificent architectural displays, cultural shows, bustling shopping streets, and vibrant nightlife. You can also immerse yourself in the excitement of the nearby VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, which is home to Asia’s largest saltwater lagoon, the world’s biggest wave pool, thrilling water slides, and exhilarating beach sports.

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Shop and dine at Grand World

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3. Hanoi cuisine: What & where to eat?

Visiting Hanoi without indulging in its cuisine would be a major oversight. Hanoi cuisine is renowned for its sophistication, subtlety, and diverse flavors. From humble street food stalls to Michelin-recognized fine dining restaurants, Hanoi offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

3.1. Pho

Pho Hanoi is an absolute must-try for everyone. This dish represents the culinary essence of the capital with its refined taste and meticulous preparation. You can enjoy a rich bowl of beef pho which features silky noodles, tender slices of beef, and fragrant broth. Alternatively, you can opt for chicken pho, a lighter yet equally satisfying variation with the broth made from simmered chicken bones.

Recommended places to eat: Pho Thin (Lo Duc Street), Pho Bat Dan (Bat Dan Street), Pho Cham (Yen Ninh Street), Pho Bao Khanh (Bao Khanh Street), Pho Nguyet (Phu Doan Street), Pho Tu Lun (Hai Ba Trung Street), Pho Lam (Hang Vai Street).

3.2. Kebab rice noodles (bun cha)

Bun cha in Hanoi is a beloved dish that was once listed by National Geographic as one of the top 10 street foods in the world. A favorite among both locals and tourists, it features grilled pork patties marinated with spices, cooked over charcoal, and served with vermicelli, dipping sauce, pickled papaya, and pickled carrots. Fresh herbs and minced garlic or minced chili further enhance the flavors.

Recommended places to eat: Hang Quat Street, Bun Cha Dac Kim (Hang Manh Street), Bun Cha Obama (Le Van Huu Street), Bun Cha Tuyet (Hang Than Street), Dong Xuan Market, Hang Ma Street.

Hanoi Vietnam City is famous for its flavorful cuisine (Source: Collected)

3.3. La Vong fish cake (cha ca La Vong)

Dating back to 1871, La Vong fish cake is a signature dish of Hanoi. It is typically made with fresh bagrid catfish, which is known for its firm texture and sweet taste. The fish are deboned, seasoned, grilled until golden, and stir-fried with aromatic herbs like dill and scallions. This dish is traditionally enjoyed with crispy rice crackers, vermicelli, roasted peanuts, and shrimp paste.

Recommended places to eat: Cha Ca La Vong (Cha Ca Street), Cha Ca Phan (Nguyen Binh Khiem Street), Cha Ca Anh Vu (Trung Hoa Street), Cha Ca Hang Son (Tran Hung Dao Street), Cha Ca Lao Ngu (Thai Ha Street).

3.4. Pho rolls (pho cuon)

A refreshing twist on the traditional pho, pho rolls are particularly popular during Hanoi’s hot summers. This dish consists of soft, chewy rice noodle sheets wrapped around stir-fried beef and fresh herbs. It is served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce, which balances the flavors perfectly.

Recommended places to eat: Chinh Thang (Mac Dinh Chi Street), Hung Ben (Tran Vu Street), Huong Mai (Ngu Xa Street), Vinh Phong (Ngu Xa Street), Hoa Lan (Tran Hung Dao Street).

3.5. Egg coffee (ca phe trung)

The coffee culture of Hanoi is iconic, and trying egg coffee in Hanoi is an experience not to be missed. Priced from 35,000 VND, this unique specialty combines whipped egg yolk with sugar and condensed milk, creating a creamy topping over the robust Vietnamese coffee. The blend of bitterness and sweetness makes for a truly distinctive treat.

Sipping egg coffee while watching Hanoi’s streets is unforgettable (Source: Collected)

Recommended places to enjoy egg coffee: Cafe Dinh (Dinh Tien Hoang Street), Cafe Giang (Nguyen Huu Huan Street), Cafe Pho Co (Hang Gai Street), All Day Coffee (various locations).

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4. Unmissable tours to explore Hanoi capital

For a seamless experience, visitors can opt for city tours organized by reputable travel agencies. Some of the most captivating tours include:

• Thang Long Imperial Citadel day and night tour
• Temple of Literature – Thang Long Imperial Citadel cultural tour
• Night tour featuring 3D mapping effects at the Temple of Literature
• Hanoi night cycling tour
• Cultural and wellness tour in Ba Vi and Soc Son districts
• Sacred Night tour at Hoa Lo Prison
• Night tour of Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake
• Literary tour at Vietnam Museum of Literature
• Cruise tour along the Red River
• Cyclo tour in the Old Quarter
• Hanoi food tour featuring local specialties

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5. Guide for your first-ever Hanoi trip

5.1. When to visit?

The ideal times to visit Hanoi are autumn (August – October) and spring (February – April) when Hanoi weather is pleasant. Autumn offers clear skies, cool breezes, golden leaves, and the fragrance of milk flowers, while spring brings warm weather and vibrant landscapes with all sorts of blooms.

You can visit Hanoi Vietnam City at any time of the year (Source: Collected)

5.2. How to get there?

Visitors can travel to Hanoi by flight, train, and coach. The city is home to Noi Bai International Airport, one of Vietnam’s busiest. Trains offer a scenic journey connecting Hanoi with other provinces, while budget-conscious travelers can opt for long-distance coaches.

For getting around the city, taxis, motorbikes, buses, and bicycles are convenient choices. A particularly charming way to explore Hanoi is by cyclo through the Old Quarter, on a vintage Vespa scooter, or via an open-top double-decker bus.

5.3. Where to stay?

Hanoi Vietnam City offers various accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. The Old Quarter features backpacker dorms for around 100,000 VND per night, while some upscale hotels can cost from 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 VND per night. You can opt for StaynFun, the first homestay brand of Vinpearl. StaynFun offers comfortable rooms at reasonable prices near Grand World and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park.

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5.4. What to buy as souvenirs?

Shopping in Hanoi is an essential experience, with plenty of meaningful souvenirs available:

• O mai (preserved fruits): You can choose from various fruits such as apricots, plums, ginger, and starfruit. They all come in a medley of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors.
• Com (green rice): A fragrant specialty of Hanoi, often enjoyed with mung beans and coconut water.
• West Lake lotus tea: A delicacy requiring a meticulous tea-infusing process, which results in an exquisite floral aroma.
• Van Phuc silk: Known for its softness, durability, and elegant colors, Van Phuc silk is ideal for making scarves, dresses, and accessories.
• Bat Trang ceramics: Handcrafted pottery with unique glazes and intricate designs, including bowls, cups, figurines, and wind chimes.

5.5. What to note?

Before embarking on your journey to explore Hanoi, make sure you are well-prepared with the following essentials:

• A camera, tripod, and power bank to capture the moments
• Season-appropriate clothing to ensure both great photos and comfort in varying weather conditions

While you are traveling in Hanoi capital, make sure to:

• Check the prices and negotiate before purchasing to avoid overpaying
• Set aside an emergency fund for unexpected costs such as vehicle repairs, lost documents, or last-minute itinerary changes due to bad weather
• Read reviews and check the operating hours of restaurants before visiting
• Research the local customs

Follow these tips to have the best time in Hanoi Vietnam City (Source: Collected)

As a city with over a thousand years of history, Hanoi Vietnam City is home to numerous cultural attractions. Visitors are encouraged to:

• Respect the regulations at each location such as no smoking or no photography
• Avoid touching exhibits
• Not litter
• Refrain from picking flowers or breaking branches
• Show respect at religious sites

Hanoi captivates visitors with its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Whether you are strolling through the Old Quarter, savoring a bowl of pho, or admiring ancient temples, Hanoi offers a truly unique experience. With its perfect blend of tradition and modernity, Hanoi leaves a lasting impression on every traveler.