The top 10 things to do in Hanoi.
Welcome to Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam! With its ancient history, colorful culture and delectable cuisine, Hanoi is a destination not to be missed in your trip through Vietnam!
1. Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets, colorful markets and ancient temples. Explore the lively streets, sample local delicacies like banh mi (we got it at Bahn Mi 25) and fresh fruit juices, and browse for unique souvenirs and handicrafts at the many stalls and stores. After time, have lunch at “Bun Cha Huong Lien,” a local restaurant known for its delicious bun cha (roasted pork with noodles).
2. Hanoi Train Street
Be sure to visit Hanoi’s famous Train Street! A narrow street where the train runs daily through the busy streets of Hanoi. Along the track are several tents and houses of locals. Enter the search term “224 Le Duan” or “Kham Thien” on Google Maps.
3. Lake Hoan Kiem
Escape the crowds with a visit to picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city. Stroll along its picturesque shores, admire the elegant Red Bridge leading to the Ngoc Son Temple, and enjoy the beautiful views of the tree-lined promenades. After your walk, enjoy delicious Vietnamese food at “Bun Bo Nam Bo,” a local favorite known for its refreshing noodle dishes.
4. Lotte Center Hanoi
See Hanoi from a different height. The Lotte Center in Hanoi is a towering symbol of modernity and luxury in the city. One of the tallest buildings in Vietnam, this skyscraper offers not only offices and living spaces, but also a luxury shopping mall, an observation deck and several restaurants. You can take the elevator all the way to the top and get a 260-degree view of the city!
5. The Note Coffee
The Note Coffee in Hanoi is a charming and colorful cafe known for its unique decor of thousands of post-it notes left by visitors from all over the world. The interior is plastered with post-its with messages and wishes, making for a very cozy atmosphere. They serve everything from coffee to smoothies!
6. Hanoi Night Market
Hanoi’s night market stretches along Hang Dao Street from Hoan Kiem Lake to Dong Xuan Market. Here, from Friday to Sunday night, you can find a wide range of products, from local snacks and traditional Vietnamese food to clothing and handmade souvenirs. The market is an excellent place to soak up the local culture, score great souvenirs and enjoy the lively cozy atmosphere.
7. Ta Hien Street
A popular destination for locals and tourists alike, this street is known for its lively atmosphere and range of local beers. Once night falls, the narrow streets fill with people enjoying cold beers and street food. The bars and pubs along Ta Hien Street offer a range of drinks, but the local favorite is undoubtedly the “Bia Hoi,” a fresh and inexpensive draft beer brewed on site.
8. Hanoi’s water puppet theater.
Experience the traditional art form of Hanoi’s water puppet theater, a unique performance in which wooden puppets are brought to life on the water. Enjoy the colorful performances, lively music and fascinating stories told by the puppets. After the performance, enjoy a delicious meal at “Cha Ca La Vong,” a historic restaurant known for its Cha Ca (grilled fish with herbs).
9. Hanoi’s literary temple complex.
Explore the serene surroundings of Hanoi’s Literature Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that celebrates Vietnam’s rich literary history. Admire the temples’ beautiful architecture, tranquil courtyards and well-preserved steles honoring ancient literary works. After your visit, enjoy a refreshing cup of Vietnamese coffee at “Cong Caph,” a trendy cafe with a retro atmosphere and delicious coffee. Be sure to try an Egg Coffee too!
10. The Temple of Literature
Visit the Temple of Literature, one of Vietnam’s oldest universities and an important symbol of the country’s intellectual heritage. Explore the beautiful temple grounds, admire the mosaic-covered pagodas and learn more about its rich history. After your visit, enjoy a refreshing cup of green tea at one of the nearby tea houses.