The List of 21 Popular Things To Do In Hanoi, Vietnam

After arriving if your first question is what to visit in Hanoi, then start your trip with a visit to the Old Quarter. It is a place to explore, shop, and enjoy.

You can see some of the different ways the street food vendors prepare and cook the food. Cover the paper street, chicken street, or beer street. The architecture of the place is of colonial time dating back a while.

Be careful with the traffic as it is absolute chaos but highly recommend Hanoi Vietnam attractions, especially around Christmas. If you love the hustle and bustle of a city, you will love Old Quarter.

Built in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, a railway track passes within inches of houses, cafes, and shops. The site is a very lively one; locals live and work near the railway lines.

The trains pass through several times a day with everyone having to vacate the area, then go back to their normal business. It has gained significance as a tourist point of interest owing to the exciting experience of watching a train pass close up.

But sometimes authorities close the area due to the growing number of tourists arriving in the area. So it is necessary to check the train timetable in advance to choose the best viewing platform.

A good museum that reveals the history of residents, their traditions, buildings, and houses. Visiting the museum attentively and strolling around, indoors and out, takes roughly 2 to 4 hours.

The exhibitions are quite interesting and offer dramatic information about the existence of different ethnic groups in Vietnam. This particular presentation is coherent and comprehensive containing genuine artifacts and replicas of native dwelling places.

It is a rewarding visit that helps you better understand the country's cultural diversity. The garden is also incredibly nice with all the different types of houses. Check the ticket prices at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology website.

Should you happen to be in Hanoi, do not fail to watch this water puppet show. They are played at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre which is located in a strategic position.

There are many unique factors in this show. It is performed in water, features captivating storytelling with characters and artists live on stage, and showcases impressive coordination between puppeteers.

Moreover, the live music adds to the vibrant energy which in turn creates an unforgettable experience. The colorful puppets and the water setting make it one of the must-have things to do and see in Hanoi.

This is a deeply moving and fascinating site. The Hoa Lo Prison was originally owned by the French to imprison the Vietnamese.

You will see the places from where they escaped through the tunnels. During the Vietnam War with America, the prison became a place to hold the Americans. The exhibits are so well laid out and easy to read.

The atmosphere is both somber and informative, giving visitors a chance to understand the struggles faced by those imprisoned there. A must-visit for anyone seeking to understand the nation's strength and spirit.

Hanoi is any food enthusiast's dream and the city simply loves its street foods. Among the crucial tastes is Banh Mi which can easily be tasted at Banh Mi 25.

This delicious sandwich is a crispy baguette filled with different kinds of proteins such as pork, chicken, or tofu. Another famous dish is Pho available at Pho Bat Dan. This is Vietnam's well-known noodle soup consisting of meat stock, rice noodles, and beef or chicken sippets together with herbs.

But also don't miss out on other Vietnamese delicacies like Bun Cha which is charcoal-grilled pork with noodles and green herbs.

Located approximately two hours away from Hanoi, the majestic views of Ha Long Bay are captivating with limestone islands dotting the horizon. It is a perfect spot to drift through the waters, taking in the sights.

The towering karsts and tranquil waters offer a romantic setting. And exploring the bay sparkles some cultural and artistic inspiration. Each moment feels like a postcard.

You will enjoy various activities and tours, from kayaking in hidden lagoons to exploring enchanting caves. Cruise services are provided by many companies including Peony Cruise, Swan Cruise, Phoenix Day Cruise, and others. They offer services daily, half-day, or during a certain period.

This significant site has a history of over 1000 years old. This place was the ancient capital when it was transferred to Hanoi in the1100s.

The Citadel itself is nice and worth visiting but the thing that makes this place special are the governmental rooms and bunkers used during the war. It gives you a sense of danger and organization.

It is similar to what one would find in London at the Churchill War Rooms. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long of quite huge so you will need at least two hours to explore the area and take photos. There are monuments and museums inside.

A great market to buy souvenirs and affordable clothes and bags. This indoor market is also surrounded by a myriad of different shops, food stalls, and restaurants.

If you are up to shopping hard, this is the place for you. This is a wholesale market also catering to retail purchases. The ground floor is where you will find all sorts of souvenirs.

The main market is closed at night but there are lots of vendors selling items outside the market at night. So if you want to experience a different night market than the one held at Old Quarter, this one would be a perfect choice.

It is intended for Confucian scholars. It is not only a symbolic panorama of Vietnamese building design but also a tribute to the education system.

The intricate carvings and stone tablets document the wisdom of scholars from centuries past. This helps to learn about the rich intellectual heritage of this country. The temple also hosts the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university.

With the help of an audio guide, you will enhance your experience and understand the significance of this temple. One can also wander through the serene courtyards which are surrounded by lush gardens and ancient structures.

This architectural marvel fully epitomizes neoclassical architecture. The ornamentations and large-columned fronts take you directly into an ancient era.

Both the inside and outside are grand. From the fine chandeliers to comfortable couches and other royal-looking furniture and wonderful interior decoration. There is nothing like going to watch a show with great sound and environment.

The opera house also hosts other cultural functions for example operas, ballets, concerts, as well as theatrical performances. This place is among the Hanoi Vietnam places to visit due to historical and architectural merit.

One can hardly get bored by the array of coffee shops in Hanoi as there are so many specialized places. Cafe Lam offers the popular Vietnamese dish egg coffee for breakfast.

Blackbird coffee is another classic if you are looking for more of a contemporary coffee shop where good espresso coffee is served. If one wants to get a place, which is both a bookstore and a cafe, Tranquil Books and Coffee should fit the bill.

Also, do not forget to taste something extraordinary! Minh Cafe also prepares durian coffee, which is good for those who dare to try it.

The lake is very easy to visit when in Hanoi. It is located just in the corner of the Old Quarter and is best seen early morning or late afternoon.

The lake is absolutely beautiful at night time with its amazing lights and people walking. In the morning the area is filled with locals of all ages. It is also full of cafes restaurants and places to sit and take in the wonderful view.

You may also rent a tuk-tuk and move around the surrounding country. Altogether, this is rather a place to spend time and be surrounded by people.

A beautiful spiritual place near the Old Quarter. It is one of the most historical and oldest temples in Hanoi and survived WWII.

The temple has fabulous architectural design, and a beautiful atmosphere and it also has immense historical and cultural importance. Also, it is located in the middle of the lake on a small area of the land; so, seeing the noise and lights of the city is rather impossible for it.

The exhibitions are free although they welcome any forms of contributions. One is not allowed to wear t-shirts, shorts, and sleeveless shirts, as well as slippers inside. This is a measure of respect for the temple and its religion for the Buddhists.

A great way to gain a better understanding of the traditions of the region is to attend a Vietnamese cooking course. Here, you can observe various types of fresh herbs and spices to suit Vietnamese cuisine with special taste.

An excellent location to go and take a class is the Apron Up Cooking Class. One has to pay $32 for a three-hour cooking service that comes with the preparation of five different meals inclusive of Pho and Spring Rolls.

You can get advice for your recipe as well as consult chefs who are ready to tell a secret method inherited through generations. Lastly, you get to eat your delicious concoctions at the end of it too!

There are many small galleries and art spaces in the city providing an opportunity to view both classic and contemporary art. While walking through the Old Quarter of Hanoi pay special attention to the pieces of public art which depict typical Vietnamese scenes and values.

One good way of getting hooked on the art scene is by attending a workshop. Some activities for example are learning to paint on silk or pottery, and are times shared with locals in a warm environment.

Some organizations such as Hanoi Art Tours organize a guided visit to art studios and introduce the artists. Do not overlook Manzi and Tadioto, which are a cafe and gallery in one.

Tourists visiting Ha Long Bay and Trang An have the opportunity to explore caves within a short drive from the city. One of the attractions is Sung Sot Cave or Surprise Cave.

There you can view giant rocks and stones at unimaginable structures. You can take a bamboo boat and go further to some corners and everything you see is wonderful and quiet nature.

The next great choice you should consider is the boat tour in Trang An, also known as 'Ha Long Bay on land.' Here, there are boats for rent, which let you sail through many vane and grotty passages.

Visiting this site is often seen as a pilgrimage for many Vietnamese. It houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh.

He was the revolutionary leader and former president who played a key role in Vietnam's fight for independence. The mausoleum exudes a solemn and respectful atmosphere and one must follow a strict dress code to enter.

Shorts are allowed so long as they reach and cover the knee. Same for skirts but the arms and shoulders must be covered. For tourists, this historical and cultural site provides a deeper understanding of the respect and admiration the Vietnamese have for their leader.

As early as 6.30 AM, you can always see the locals congregate at the Hoan Kiem Lake. They go there to giggle, to extend, and to take some drops of fresh air in.

It always helps to get up to something that will put a smile on your face. The sessions are conducted with lots of energy with instructors making sure everyone puts on a laughing face. No tricks and no skills are required, other than bringing your sense of humor and wanting to have a good time.

This joyful activity not only makes you happy but also relieves your stress. Furthermore, everybody is friendly, which makes it ideal for social interaction.

These classic scooters are ideal for moving around the crowded areas of Vietnam's capital city. Riding the Vespa or the Minsk gives a vantage point to view Hanoi and its scenic beauty like riding in the Old Quarter or by the lakes.

A few companies also arrange for an escorted tour and show you areas that most tourists may not get a chance to access. You may also taste several Vietnamese dishes including pho or banh mi at the exhibition's food outlets.

Tours begin in the morning or the afternoon, thus making it possible to plan for.

Starting from your entry the staff and reception are very warm and hospitable. There are several rooms and all of them are large and well-executed to fit the needs of different clients.

The Capella Hanoi is furnished in cooperation with the artistic performances inspired by the composer, artist, and performer. It makes one feel every corner has been so designed that it gives the feeling of a different period while encompassing all the comforts of the present world.

Dining here is a highlight. The hotel has two restaurants; Koki is among them and is a Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant. Other self-serve that the hotel provides are a gym, spa, and pool.