Top 10 things to do in Hanoi that you should not miss

Uncover Hanoi's Hidden Gems: Top 10 Must-Do Activities While Visiting

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, boasts a history spanning over a millennium. Known by various names such as Thang Long (Ascending Dragon) and Dong Do (Eastern Capital)….. it officially adopted the name Hanoi in 1831, derived from its location "inside the river" – the Red River. Like many global cities, Hanoi thrives with activity, being the second largest city in Vietnam with a population of 8 million and a bustling motorbike culture.

Yet amidst its lively atmosphere, Hanoi captivates visitors with its rich local cultures, colonial architecture, picturesque lakes, and storied history. It's widely regarded as one of the most fascinating cities in Asia.

When visiting Hanoi, immersing yourself in the city's top attractions and experiencing local life is essential. Dive into our blog for the "Top 10 Things to Do in Hanoi," where we uncover hidden gems and help you plan an engaging journey through Vietnam's captivating capital like a true local.

1.Experience Early Morning Activities with Locals: Long Bien Fruit Market & Quang Ba Flower Market

Experience Hanoi like a local by participating in their daily routines: join morning exercises by tranquil lakes, starting your day with healthy activities like Tai Chi, yoga, jogging, or biking in the serene early morning, away from the hustle and bustle of motorbikes and traffic. It's a perfect opportunity to appreciate the peaceful beauty of Hanoi at dawn.

For a truly authentic experience, explore traditional markets that come alive from midnight until morning, such as Long Bien fruit & vegetable market or Quang Ba flower market.

These markets operate wholesale, offering a glimpse into the daily trading rituals that kickstart the bustling business day. Vendors rise early to exchange a variety of goods, loading them onto motorbikes bound for other markets or setting up stalls in their residential neighborhoods. Picture yourself in a vibrant marketplace filled with beautiful flowers emitting irresistible scents—a haven for photographers and flower enthusiasts alike. This is one of Hanoi's hidden gems that should be at the top of your itinerary. Experience this unique morning in Hanoi with our guided tour!

>>>>>> For this experience at : Good Morning Hanoi

2. Try Must-Tasted Breakfast in Hanoi: Pho (Rice Noodle Soup) and Egg Coffee

After enjoying some healthy exercise and a leisurely stroll through local markets, it's time to savor a traditional Vietnamese breakfast and a cup of coffee! In the mornings, locals typically enjoy a light meal of bread, porridge, or Pho (rice noodles with chicken or beef). When in Hanoi, don't miss the chance to try Pho, a renowned dish best sampled at a reputable local eatery.

Pho Gia Truyen on 49 Bat Dan Street is highly recommended for its flavorful beef noodle soup, attracting long queues of eager patrons. Join the line patiently to experience this beloved Hanoi delicacy firsthand

Rice noodle with beef in Pho Gia Truyen

Continue with the taste of the unique local coffee experience in Hanoi with "Egg Coffee at Giang Café," a specialty found nowhere else but in this city. This delightful drink combines drip coffee, condensed milk, and a whipped raw egg yolk, resulting in a creamy texture with hints of crème brûlée flavor. To savor this original egg coffee, visit Giang Café nestled in the cozy ambiance adorned with family photos, tucked away in an alley at 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street in Hanoi's Old Quarter

Original Egg Coffee in Giang cafe

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3. Stroll Around the lesser-known Alleys of Hanoi's Old Quarter

Continuing the journey through Hanoi, take a fascinating stroll to explore the 36 ancient streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Established as the city's bustling hub when Hanoi became the capital in the 11th century, these streets have evolved from trading silk, cotton, and herbs to modern-day products and services. Yet, the Old Quarter retains its charm with colonial architecture and well-preserved shop houses.

Named after the goods they once traded, streets like Hang Duong for sugar, Hang Ma for votive papers, and Hang Bac for silver and jewelry, among others, offer a glimpse into Hanoi's rich commercial history.

Strolling through this bustling business hub, where motorbikes crowd both roads and sidewalks, requires navigating the streets carefully. Learning from local experiences of crossing Hanoi's bustling thoroughfares will help you adjust seamlessly. The walk also takes you through narrow, quiet alleys, secret courtyards, vibrant sidewalk dining scenes, and glimpses into the daily lives of Vietnamese families, whose homes often open directly onto the street. While exploring Hanoi's Old Quarter, don't miss Dong Xuan Market, Vietnam's oldest and largest marketplace.

4. An Insight of Vietnam’s Modern History by Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Complex

A trip to Hanoi isn't complete without visiting the Ho Chi Minh complex, which includes Ba Dinh Square, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's house, One Pillar Pagoda, and Ho Chi Minh Museum. This expansive complex honors the great leader of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, who spearheaded the country's struggle for freedom and independence against French and American forces.

The view of Ho Chi Minh mausolem

Visiting this site on weekends may require a morning dedicated to queuing, but it offers invaluable insights into Ho Chi Minh's revolutionary cause and Vietnam's modern history. Please note, the Mausoleum is open only in the mornings and closed on Mondays and Fridays. It undergoes maintenance and remains closed during September and October, allowing flexibility in planning your visit accordingly.

5.Experience Authentic Local Street Foods at Hanoi's Most Famous Food Stalls

Indulge youselves in the culinary paradise of Hanoi's vibrant street food scene, where locals flock for their daily meals. Start your day with the iconic Pho for breakfast, and venture into other renowned dishes for lunch like Cha Ca La Vong (Grilled Fish at 14 Cha Ca Street), Bun Cha Ha Noi (Grilled Pork in sweet and tangy broth with fresh herbs and rice noodles, famously enjoyed at Huong Lien Restaurant on 24 Le Van Huu Street—visited even by former US President Obama), or Banh Cuon Gia Truyen Thanh Van (Thanh Van's Rolled Rice Cake at 14 Hang Ga Street). Don't forget to pair your meals with a refreshing glass of Bia Hoi, Hanoi's famous draught beer

>>>>>>>You may also like : Top 10 delicious street foods you should not miss in Hanoi

Huong Lien Grilled Pork

6. Enjoy a Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Dating back to the 11th century, Water Puppetry is a unique art form originating from Vietnamese farmers in the Red River Delta. Watching these puppet shows provides a fascinating glimpse into daily peasant life, legends of Hoan Kiem Lake, and the cultural significance of mythical amimals like dragons, unicorns, turtles, and phoenixes. While there are several theatres in Hanoi offering water puppet shows, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre at 57b Dinh Tien Hoang Street stands out for its numerous daily performances. Located on the edge of Hoan Kiem Lake, near the iconic red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, it's advisable to purchase tickets in advance to secure your seat and experience this hidden treasure of Hanoi city.

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long theatre

7. Engage in Exciting Dances and Traditional Games Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake, situated in the heart of Hanoi, is a must-visit spot for anyone traveling to the city. It attracts both locals and tourists, especially on weekends when the surrounding streets are closed to traffic, making it a delightful place for a leisurely stroll. Visitors can enjoy local games like tug of war and chess, as well as music performances and dances.

For those who enjoy exercising, the lake is a popular spot for joggers, with many starting as early as 5 a.m. You'll also find people practicing yoga, tai chi, and aerobics, making it an excellent place for a workout or simply to observe Vietnamese daily life.

Additionally, Hoan Kiem Lake is a favorite among students looking to practice their English with foreigners. Engaging with them provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about their lives and aspirations while helping them improve their language skills. Joining in the activities around Hoan Kiem Lake is indeed a lot of fun and a unique way to experience Hanoi.

8. Discover Vietnamese Culture at the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a highly acclaimed attraction, praised by Tripadvisor, and a must-visit in Hanoi. Established in the 11th century as the country's first university, it offers deep insights into Vietnam's feudal education system, which was based on Confucian philosophies. This visit will enrich your understanding of the significant influence of Confucianism on Vietnamese culture. Additionally, you can marvel at the ancient Vietnamese architecture of the temple and the stone stelas mounted on the backs of turtles, honoring the esteemed PhDs of that era.

While the temple no longer functions as a training center, it attracts numerous students who don colorful traditional dresses for graduation photos. It is a common practice for students preparing for important exams to visit the Temple of Literature to pray and rub the tortoise heads for guidance and luck. This experience offers a fascinating glimpse into Hanoi's cultural traditions.

Graduation photos in the Temple of Literature

9.Enjoy Healthy Biking Along West Lake's Tranquil Paths and Sunset Views in Hanoi

If you're interested in biking and enjoying the sunset in Hanoi, one of the best routes is cycling around West Lake, the city's largest freshwater lake. You can join a guided biking tour or rent a bike from a local shop for an adventurous ride. The route features quiet, scenic roads that pass by small parks, historic villas, sparkling temples, lotus ponds, and restaurants. You can cycle at a leisurely pace, stopping to visit local temples, enjoy coffee, or take beautiful photos of the sunset and lotus ponds. This hidden gem of Hanoi offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Relaxed biking on the West Lake Hanoi

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10. Shop at Hanoi's Open-Air Night Market: Chances for Big Discounts

During your visit to Hanoi, if you enjoy shopping, make sure to reserve your evenings on weekends for the Hanoi Night Market. This bustling market opens at 7:00pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, stretching 3km along Hang Dao from the lake to Dong Xuan Market. Traffic is blocked during this time, transforming the streets into illuminated stalls offering a variety of discounted local and Chinese goods. It's a wonderful experience to stroll through the market, browsing and purchasing souvenirs and affordable clothing.

However, be mindful that the market attracts large crowds, creating an environment where pickpocketing can occur. Stay vigilant and keep a close watch on your belongings when visiting

Hanoi night market – beer corner

>>>>>> Excited to explore Hanoi city : Hanoi city day trip

Day Trips From Hanoi

1. Perfume Pagoda

Located 65km from the center of Hanoi, Chua Huong or Perfume Pagoda Complex would make a great destination for a day trip. Due to the unique shrine and temple setting inside of a karst structure, Perfume Pagoda has become the most famous religious site in Vietnam

The Perfume Pagoda day trip features a serene boat ride on the Yen Vi River, exploration of Huong Tich Grotto through intricate caves, and a visit to Thien Tru Pagoda. The scenery transitions from meandering rivers bordered by verdant rice fields to caves nestled within karst formations, creating a visually stunning experience.

Annually, the Perfume Pagoda Festival spans for 3 months, commencing from the first lunar month after Tet. While the festival atmosphere is incredible, it's advisable to avoid this period if you prefer to steer clear of crowds.

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2. Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park, a serene escape, is an ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts. Located just 50km from the city center with easy access, Ba Vi National Park promises breathtaking natural scenery.

Situated approximately 1200m above sea level, the park features a 12km road that winds through dense forests, leading to peaks like Vua Peak, Tan Vien Peak, and Ngoc Hoa Peak. From these mountain summits, visitors can trek on on steps to reach ancient temples and enjoy panoramic views.

Within the park, Tan Da Spa Resort offers a range of amenities including accommodations, hot springs, mud baths, and wet steam baths.

Admission fees are 60,000VND per adult and 30,000VND per child.

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3. Bat Trang Ceramics Village

Just 40 minutes from the heart of Hanoi lies Bat Trang pottery village, an ideal half-day trip destination. Established since the 14th century, Bat Trang stands as one of North Vietnam's oldest pottery villages.

Local artisans in Bat Trang blend traditional techniques with modern technology, showcasing a diverse range of pottery and ceramic products available at various price points. Visitors can even participate in hands-on workshops guided by skilled artisans, making it a perfect family or group activity, especially enjoyable for children.

Operating Hours: Daily from 08:00 to 20:00
Location: Bat Trang, Gia Lam, Hanoi

4. Duong Lam Village

Located 40km from Hanoi in Son Tay town, Duong Lam ancient village is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. This village epitomizes traditional Vietnamese life, rooted in agriculture and influenced by Buddhism.

Mong Phu village's gate stands as a pristine example of old-style Vietnamese architecture, with its characteristic red roof tiles, ancient banyan tree, surrounding paddy fields, and tranquil lotus ponds. The village layout resembles a fishbone, with narrow dead-end alleys that provide strategic advantages to its residents during times of external threats.

Duong Lam boasts nearly 1000 traditional houses, many of which are meticulously preserved and open to visitors. In addition to these houses, visitors to Duong Lam should explore Mia Pagoda, the communal house, and the village's ancient temples.

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5. Ninh Binh

Just 100 kilometers south of Hanoi lies Ninh Binh, an ideal day trip destination renowned for its stunning karst formations, limestone mountains, and vibrant local culture. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Trang An, Ninh Binh invites you to experience unforgettable activities such as boat rides in Tam Coc or Van Long, exploring Hang Mua and climbing Dragon Lying Mountain, and savoring delicious local delicacies

>>>> See typical Ninh Binh day trips from Hanoi : Mua cave – Trang An tourism complex day trip

These recommendations promise an enriching addition to your visit to Hanoi, a city renowned for its vibrant cultural scene and lively nightlife. However, there’s more to discover beyond these highlights. We welcome your thoughts and suggestions to tailor your Hanoi experience to perfection!

Hanoi Exploration with Golden Holiday Travel

We hope this guide to the "Top 10 Things to Do in Hanoi" helps you plan your upcoming trip to Vietnam's beautiful capital. As a local travel company,  Golden Holiday Travel team arre excited to welcome you and provide friendly assistance with valuable advice and support throughout your journey.

If you're looking for travel services such as Hanoi tour packages covering attractions like Sapa, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, and Ha Giang, or if you need tour guide services or private car rental with a driver to explore Northern Vietnam, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or reach us via WhatsApp at +84.988451530. Simply share your information or travel requirements, and our team of travel experts will promptly respond and cater to your travel needs.

We wish you a memorable journey in Hanoi!

Looking forward to seeing you in Vietnam!

Ban Vu Dinh – Sales executive