Introduction
As you know, Hanoi – The capital of Vietnam, is one of the must visit places when you make a trip to Vietnam. The capital city has preserved abundant values of Vietnam’s culture and history. So, do you know what the best things to do in Hanoi Vietnam are? If not, the following information we are going to share can give you a hand. Let’s take a look!
Hanoi General Information
Located in the North of Vietnam, Hanoi is known as the most ancient city in the world with many typical architectures up to centuries year old like the One Pillar Pagoda. Nevertheless, is Hanoi worth visiting?
The answer will be “yes”. First, the city is famous for its rich cultural aspects influenced by Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French features. Second, not only does the capital city have a lot of tourist attractions but it also has diversity in cuisine.
Plus, there are several renowned destinations near Vietnam’s ancient capital, such as Halong Bay or Mua Cave Ninh Binh. Those are the reasons why this city is chosen as the best place to visit in Vietnam.
How To Get To Hanoi?
We believe that you already know how to go to Hanoi. You can go to the capital city by plane, bus, or train. However, how many days should you spend in Hanoi? Which is the best one to be safe and cheap? We highly recommend you book a private car for the best service and a reasonable price to save money for unique things to do in Hanoi.
You can refer to booking our Hanoi Private Car for the most comfortable and safest journey. Moreover, our English Speaking driver will share you with many interesting places to discover useful information on the road.
Top 28 Best Things To Do In Hanoi, Vietnam
Hoan Kiem Lake – Top Thing to do in Hanoi
Firstly, as one of the top Hanoi best places to visit, no one does not know about Hoan Kiem Lake – an extremely famous lake located in the city center. Plus, Vietnamese often call it by other names like Sword Lake (in English) or Tả Vọng Lake. However, the lake has undergone different names in the past. It used to be called by the names: “Luc Thuy Lake” or “Thuy Quan Lake”.
Hoan Kiem lake has a freshwater flow and is surrounded by big trees around the riverside. That is the reason why this place is gorgeous as a picturesque masterpiece. Especially in autumn, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking when all leaves turn orange-yellow color.
Furthermore, it also has many interesting for you to figure out about the historically revered heroes, a giant golden turtle, and a magic sword. Therefore, do not forget to visit this place if you visit Vietnam’s capital city! And walking around Hoan Kiem Lake is the top thing we must do in Hanoi.
Ngoc Son Temple
Second, founded in the 19th century, Ngoc Son Temple has a strong connection with Tran Hung Dao – known as the military commander during the Tran Dynasty. The temple is built to memorize the greatest merits and victories of Tran Huong Dao. Most importantly, this commander lead the army to defeat Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century.
At first, it was called Ngoc Son Pagoda. However, according to Vietnamese culture, the pagoda is the holy place to worship Buhhism while this place is to show respect and gratitude to the historical commander. As a result, people have decided to name it “Ngoc Son Temple” instead of “Ngoc Son Pagoda” until now.
Shop At Dong Xuan Market
Third, Dong Xuan Market is situated in the center of Hoan Kiem District. The market originated from the French administration in 1889 and underwent so many renovated times till 1994. It is known as the indoor market with the largest scale roughly 4000 kiosks and traditional features. We ensure Dong Xuan market can be one of the top things to do in Hanoi for a week without boring.
The market has a bunch of different products shown and sold such as souvenirs, accessories, and clothing. Moreover, Dong Xuan Market offers you many delicious foods, especially fried products. You can buy some when visiting this market, shopping for some and bringing them back home as nice presents.
Joseph’s Cathedral
You can find St. Joseph’s Cathedral on Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District. St. Joseph’s Cathedral was inspired by the Gothic Revival church – a famous French architecture, at the end of the 19th century. Furthermore, the residents often call it by the name: the big church.
Moreover, it was constructed in 1886 by the French Colonial Government and is known as Roman Catholic Archdiocese’s cathedral in Hanoi. As the oldest church in Vietnam’s capital city, the church has shown its unique structure. Plus, it has attracted thousands of people and Catholics visiting annually.
Hanoi Weekend Night Market
If you travel to Hanoi, it will be a big loss when not discovering night markets here. There are many famous night markets such as the Old Quarter’s Night Market, Phung Khoang – Thanh Xuan Night Market, and Linh Nam – Hoang Mai Night Market. When you visit these night markets, you can get to know more about the life of people as well as the culture and customs here. If you would like to experience the best things to see in Hanoi, let’s get to Hanoi Weekend Night Market.
Have A Drink At The Hanoi Social Club
Hanoi Social Club is one of the interesting places to visit in Hanoi Vietnam for you to relieve stress and immerse yourself in a noisy atmosphere. It is situated at 6 Ng. Hoi Vu, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem.
This place is also known as a good restaurant with delicious food. Its space is absolutely chill and comfortable with good music. Moreover, people coming here are so hospitable and energetic. So, the club is truly one of the ideal things to do in Hanoi at night to recharge energy after hustle and bustle of life.
Check-In At The Old Quarter
Don’t you know what to do in Hanoi for 2 days? Let us show you! Hanoi Old Quarter is a good choice to explore. It is known as the oldest town with a history of up to 1000 years in the capital city. Moreover, it can be referred to as the integration spot between the past and present. It is a part of Hoan Kiem District, so you can get to this old town quite easily.
As soon as reaching here, you will feel the ancient vibe of the street, people, and transacting activities. There are many coffee shops on the sidewalks with a large number of libraries, bookstores, and art galleries. We ensure that you will not regret it when wandering around here.
The Hoa Lo Prison Museum
Hoa Lo Prison was originated by French colonists in Indochina when Vietnam still suffered from the war. The prison used to be the home of political prisoners and U.S. prisoners during the Vietnam War – known as Hanoi Hilton. This is also the best place to visit in Hanoi.
Take A Free Walking Tour
It is the best idea to take a free walking tour in Hanoi. You not only can admire the gentle beauty and gorgeous scenery of the city but also observe interesting things from the life of Vietnamese people.
You can go around and visit some bookstores, and explore historical values and culture. Or you can walk to Hoan Kiem Lake. Let’s sit near the riverside and feel the fresh atmosphere as well as admire nature here!
Most importantly, you will be overwhelmed if you visit Hang Gai, Hang Ma, Hang Bac, Hang Duong, and Ta Hien. These places have different unique features. For example, while Hang Mai is very famous for its silk and tailor-made clothing, Hang Ma has a reputation for traditional votive papers.
Come By The French Quarter
Known as the colonial French architectural legacy in Vietnam’s capital city, French Quarter is an attractive place to discover a bunch of yellow houses with red roofs as also green shutters. Everyone getting to this spot feels like they are standing in the tiny Paris with typical French buildings.
Moreover, streets are surrounded by big green trees with famous architecture and historical relics such as the Hanoi Opera House, National History Museum, and Joseph Cathedral.
Hanoi Opera House
Grand Opera House, located in the city center, is another name for the Hanoi Opera House. It was constructed by the French colonial administration in the period of 10 years from 1901 to 1911. Besides, this Opera House is one of the top 3 opera houses designed as well as the best places to visit in Hanoi Vietnam. It was built by the French government in Indochina.
The National Museum Of Vietnamese History
Located in Hoan Kiem District, the Vietnam National Museum of History was founded under French colonialism. The French School of the Far East was considered the museum an archaeological research institution.
From 1920 to 1932, the museum underwent many renovations and was redesigned by architect Ernest Hébrard. In 1958, the North Vietnam government bought it and turned it into artifact collections to preserve historical and traditional values as also eastern arts.
Vietnamese Women’s Museum
You can find the Vietnamese Women’s Museum on Ly Thuong Kiet Street. The museum is located near Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. It was under the operation of the Vietnam Women’s Union and officially opened in 1995.
More specifically, the museum is the place to show over 40,000 materials and artifacts. The collection expresses the life of Vietnamese women through every period, from the past to wartime and contemporary life.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
In 1973, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum began to build. The mausoleum construction was completed in 1975. Moreover, its architecture is influenced by Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow, so it possesses a lot of features that resemble Lenin’s Mausoleum.
Nevertheless, it still has typical aspects of Vietnam’s architecture. Situated in the center of Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the resting place of President Ho Chi Minh – The Vietnamese proud.
Military History Museum
What to do in Hanoi Vietnam next? Vietnam Military History Museum was founded on 17 July 1956. It has a reputation for being one of seven national museums in the S-shaped country with an area of up to 12,800 m2. The museum is located in Ba Dinh Square, near Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Lenin Park. Hence, it is very convenient for you to visit all at the same time.
- If you would like to know more about Hanoi and historic sites here, you can take into consideration booking our Hanoi City Group Tour- Full Day. We will bring you to experience the best things to do and see in Hanoi
See A Water Puppet Show
One of the interesting art forms of Vietnam is water puppet shows. Here, you can enjoy this show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. The theatre is at 7B P. Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi.
The opening time is from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Culture Pham Travel ensures the water puppet show is one of the interesting things to do in Hanoi City.
Relax At Lake Tay Ho (West Lake)
The West Lake – or known as Lake Tay Ho, is very famous in Hanoi. It is renowned for being the biggest freshwater lake in the capital city. There are a lot of green gardens around, which creates a breathtaking and fresh atmosphere. Besides, famous hotels and villas are located near Lake Tay Ho. You can discover them and take some beautiful photos to save memories here.
Enjoy Hanoi Street Food
Hanoi has diversity in cuisine and there are several delectable dishes for you to try, especially street food cuisine. When visiting here, do not miss tasting Bun Cha Hanoi, Pho Hanoi, Banh Mi Hanoi, Nem Cuon, Bun Rieu, etc.
We ensure that you will be really into good food in Hanoi and want to visit it once more times for your next trips. Maybe, you will find out the tastiest dish and list it on the list of what to eat in Hanoi when traveling next time.
Taste The Vietnamese Food Tour
Because of the rich cuisine, not only can you make a Hanoi street food tour, but you also plan for a food tour to experience Vietnamese food in Hanoi. As the most ancient city in Vietnam, you can find any dishes here in Hanoi, from the North to the Center and the South of Vietnam. It is incredible to try bun moc, bun bo, or banh beo here.
However, we still recommend you eat specialties to feel the original flavor of the city like Bun Cha Hanoi – a must try food in Hanoi. There are a lot of restaurants in Hanoi Vietnam to enjoy Bun Cha – one of the most famous food. Let’s choose restaurants which has opened for a long history time! They are the best places to eat in Hanoi famous food.
Admire The View At Sky Lotte Observation Deck
If you would like to admire the panoramic view of a dynamic city, you should come to Sky Lotte Observation Deck. Let’s come to 54 P. Lieu Giai, Ngoc Khanh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội! You will see a contemporary skyscraper.
After that, do not hesitate and go to 65 floors! There is an observation deck for you to see the breathtaking view through glass windows and glass floors. This is an ideal spot to admire the sunrise and sunset. This is truly one of the top things to see in Hanoi.
Explore The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Thang Long Imperial Citadel is known as a complex of historic imperial buildings. It is located in the city center on 19C Hoang Dieu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hà Nội.
The Imperial Citadel was built in 1011 and recognized as a historical site by UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. When visiting here, tourists can witness the typical changes in every historical period of Hanoi generally, and Vietnam particularly.
Visit The Temple Of Literature
The Temple Of Literature can be found near Thang Long Imperial Citadel from the south. The temple has existed for over 1000 years. Moreover, it is known as one of the most top-rated tourist attractions in Hanoi due to its picturesque scenery.
Van Mieu (The Temple of Literature) contains cultural values and unique architecture. Additionally, it also has a strong connection with Confucius.
Attend A Cooking Class
Next, when you feel bored and would like to experience something interesting, taking a cooking class at Hanoi is a useful way to boost energy. You can go to Hanoi Cooking Centre. There are a bunch of cooking classes for you to join and learn how to cook Hanoi dishes.
One of the exciting activities of cooking courses here is going to the market and exploring the energetic vibes here. You will buy some ingredients to prepare your dishes. Also, you can learn how to bargain when going to Vietnamese markets. If you do not know where to go, a cooking class is one of the best Hanoi places to visit.
Taste Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Most importantly, if you travel to the capital city of Vietnam, do not miss Vietnamese egg coffee! As one of the most famous drinks in Vietnam, egg coffee can make you be over the moon with special flavors mixed between greasy eggs and bitter black coffee. Visitors can easily find it on the streets.
Honestly, drinking a hot cup of Vietnamese egg coffee is the easiest answer to the question “what to do around Hanoi?”. Especially, it is one of the best things to do in Hanoi in December when the weather turns cold.
Drink Bia Hoi
Additionally, how could we come to Vietnam but not drink a cup of Vietnamese beer? There is a famous beer type called Bia Hoi – which means fresh beer. Bia Hoi is a nice choice for you to be a true Vietnamese. Particularly, the taste is super good when drinking a cup of Bia Hoi and eating some Vietnamese foods.
Make A Trip To Halong Bay
Halong Bay can be referred to as the heaven of Vietnam. Located in the Nothern of Vietnam, about 163 kilometers (101 miles), it possesses a glamorous beauty that can melt anyone’s heart with emerald waters and a large number of limestone islands.
Besides, Ha Long Bay is covered by rainforests with green trees and a fresh atmosphere. Hence, if you have enough time, it is possible for you to book our Hanoi to Halong bay private car to discover this beautiful bay in Vietnam!
Go Trekking in Sapa
What if we make a trip to Sapa from Hanoi? It will be a wonderful idea. Sapa – a small town in the Hoang Lien Son mountains, has a reputation for its stunning landscapes of the highland. Furthermore, there are different tourist attractions to discover such as Hmong Village, Phang Xi Pang peak with 3,143m in tall, and Sapa Silver Waterfall.
- If you are interested in Sapa, you can refer to our Sapa Private Tour 3 Days to get the best schedule or book our Hanoi To Sapa By Private Car Transfer for a safe journey to Sapa.
Perfume Pagoda
The pagoda is located about 65 kilometers from Hanoi. It is a bug complex of Buhhist pagoda in Huong Son, My Duc, Hanoi. Chua Huong (Perfume Pagoda) has ancient architecture and typical Buhhist features. Visiting Chua Huong is truly the best thing in Hanoi to do.
Plus, there are Yen Springs with stunning lotuses and Huong Tich Cave. They are very beautiful, so you can come and discover them after worshiping inside the pagodas. Furthermore, the Perfume River Holiday will be celebrated and last for 3 months. This holiday is one of the top things to see in Hanoi Vietnam to get to know more about Vietnam’s religion.
Attend Pottery Classes
Do you want to try your hand at pottery? There are many Hanoi pottery classes for you to join and experience conventional Vietnamese pottery. For example, you can attend pottery class in Hanoi Old Quarter by authentic Bat Trang.
Moreover, this is one of the wonderful things to do in Hanoi Old Quarter. Here, the artisans will show you how to make lovely pottery and they are willing to share you with useful knowledge as well as interesting stories.
Where To Stay In Hanoi, Vietnam
If you do not know where to stay in Hanoi, Vietnam, let’s refer to the list below to choose a suitable:
- For luxury and enjoying Hanoi nightlife, we recommend you live in hotels near West Lake (Tay Ho) such as InterContinental Hanoi West Lake or Sheraton Hanoi Hotel.
- For budget travelers, let’s live in the area of the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem District)! There are some good hotels at a reasonable price like Hanoi Marvellous Hotel Spa and Hanoi Pearl Hotel.
- For family, Ba Dinh is the most suitable place. You can try living in Hanoi Anise Hotel & Spa or Hanoi 3B Premier Hotel.
Conclusion
To sum up, we have just introduced to you all the best things to do at Hanoi. We hope that our article can provide you with the most efficient information to know what to do in Hanoi for 4 days or what to do in Hanoi for 5 days. Culture Pham Travel wishes you the best Hanoi trip!
