The Best Things To Do in Hanoi

From the fascinating chaos of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, with its lively night market, French-influenced architecture, temples and pagodas, and zillions of motorbikes, to its more elegant French Quarter, the always mouthwatering Vietnamese food, delicious coffee, engaging and friendly locals, and more, there’s a lot to see and do in Hanoi. It takes time to see Hanoi’s soul through all the noise, hustle, and bustle, but before you know it, you will be completely charmed.

Best Things To Do in Hanoi

Hanoi Old Quarter

The Old Quarter of Hanoi is the city’s historic heart, a must-visit area and one of the top things to do. In the 13th century, this area was a cluster of residences, workshops, and craft cooperatives, all organized on streets named by trade specialty. And while some streets are still true to their roots, like Hang Theic, which means ‘tin goods street’, others have shifted to more modern products.

In the 20th century, when under French rule, French architecture was added to this area, giving it a touch of romance, which is part of its charm today.

Its weekend night market, which is popular with locals, starts at 7 PM. Filled with outstanding Vietnamese street food and cafes, wandering here makes a great evening.

How To Get To The Hanoi Old Quarter: Hanoi Old Quarter is located north of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hanoi French Quarter

Sometimes called a mini Paris, this is one of the most luxurious areas in Hanoi as during French occupation, many of the Vietnamese buildings here were replaced with French-style houses and villas. It’s also where you can find 5-star hotels, classy restaurants, and high-end shopping.

Hoa Lo Prison museum is one of the most visited attractions here, but there’s also beautiful St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Hanoi Opera House, and many charming shops and cafes.

How To Get To The Hanoi French Quarter: The Hanoi French Quarter is located southeast of Hoan Kiem Lake, spanning from Lo Su street in the north to Trang Tien in the south.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is another must-visit spot in Hanoi. This picturesque lake is popular with both locals and tourists, and a respite from the madness of the millions of motorbikes. Especially on weekend evenings, when roads are blocked off.

Early mornings you can see locals walking, jogging, or practicing Tai Chi. Later in the day, families will be out and about, as well as young couples dressed for selfies. In evenings, this area is especially beautiful, with Turtle Tower and the red bridge reflecting in the lake.

Don’t be surprised if students stop you, wanting to practice their English. it’s very common.

How To Get To Hoan Kiem Lake: Hoan Keim Lake is located just south of the Old Quarter.

The Temple Of Confucius (or Temple of Literature)

Van Mieu, or the Temple of Literature, is a temple dedicated to Confucius, sages, and scholars. Originally built in the 11th century, it also includes the Imperial Academy, Vietnam’s first university. Originally only providing education for royals, bureaucrats, and other wealthy citizens, it later opened to all.

Covering an area of 580,000 ft² (54,000 m²), this site has several courtyards, and is full of alters, shrines, and pavilions, making it definitely worth a visit.

How To Get To The Temple of Confucius: Temple of Confucius is located between Ton Duc Lang and Van Mieu Streets, about 1.25 miles (2 km) west of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Best Hanoi Museums

Visiting the museums in Hanoi is a great way to learn about the people and history here. This is something that’s especially important here, as many of us grew up with very different perspectives of the area from the Vietnam war.

Hoa Long Prison Museum

This is what remains of the prison for Vietnamese citizens during French occupation and American POWs during the Vietnam war. John McCain, one of the more famous people here, was imprisoned after shot down from his plane.

How To Get To Hoa Long Prison Museum: Hoa Long Prison Museum is located at 1 Pho Hoa Lo near Hai Ba Trung. It’s southwest of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Vietnamese Woman’s Museum

This museum focuses on the history, culture, and fashion of women in Vietnam. I was surprised to learn that many women enlisted in and played a strong role in both the war against France and the Vietnam war. Thousands signed up from 1945 to 1975, working as patrol guards, intelligence agents, propagandists, and military recruiters.

Vietnam has a long line of historically strong females, going all the way back to 40AD when the Trung sisters led a battle against the Chinese.

In fact, some researchers think ancient Vietnam was once a matriarchal society, something that may have changed with Chinese and European influence.

How To Get To the Woman’s Museum: The Woman’s Museum is located at 36 Ly Thuong Kiet street, south of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum

The Vietnamese National Fine Art Museum offers a great overview of Vietnamese art and its influences through the ages.

How To Get To The National Fine Art Museum: Located at 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc street, north of the Temple of Confucius.

Vietnamese Food

Vietnamese food is one of the freshest and healthiest in the world, using very little oil and lots of fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices. Most dishes contain a balance of 5 competing flavors, spicy, sour, bitter, salty and sweet, all working together to provide incredible balance and vibrant flavors. Some of the most famous Vietnamese dishes include Pho soup (pronounced ‘fa’), Bahn mi sandwiches, Bun Cha, and sticky rice. Wether you choose to try street food, cafes, or restaurants, you can’t go wrong. It’s all excellent, and very affordably priced.

Vietnamese Coffee

Another must-do in Hanoi is to try the Vietnamese coffee. It’s great! Even the coffee where I stayed, which is usually the worst coffee possible, was amazing. There are coffee shops on pretty much every street corner, which are charming in themselves. If you stop at one, you will likely find yourself engaged in a conversation with a local.

Vietnamese coffee is served is a variety ways, but many locals were drinking it on ice. This is called ca phe da, or cafe da. The idea is to savor it while the ice slowly melts.

The Vietnamese People

The young people I came in contact with were very friendly and liked talking to tourists, not only to practice their English, but also because it’s part of their culture to be social. The older generations may not seem as friendly at first, but, if you gave a warm smile, they will warm up too, albeit slightly more warily.

This is great as you get to understand their culture better, and you start to feel not only like you’re welcome, but at home. It’s part of the charm of the city, so defiantly one of the best things to do in Hanoi. This also really comes in handy if you get lost, as you’ll readily find several people to help you. Even the taxi drivers helped me find where I was going once I told them I preferred to walk, which is virtually unheard of anywhere else in the world!

How To Cross the Street In Hanoi

Motorbikes are kings of the road here. They roar chaotically about the streets, somehow dodging all the pedestrians and each other. You even see them riding on the sidewalks, and the wrong way near the sidewalks, which means traffic can be moving in 4 directions on the street. Even more on a corner!

Crossing the street in the midst of all these bikes is an art. The trick is to not stop at all. Just trust that you will make it to the other side, and miraculously, you do. The bikes literally just drive around you.

It’s a little un-nerving, but there’s really no other option. Before long, what seems like a mass of honking chaos, soon feels like part of a big cohesive traffic scheme. You even start appreciating the constant honks, as the motorbikes are just trying to warn you.

Best Day Trips From Hanoi

Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay is an UNESCO World Heritage site of almost 2,000 limestone ‘mountains’ in the Gulf of Tonkin. Ha Long means “bay of descending dragons”. Legend is that these mountains were created by dragons that spewed jewels and jade to thwart aggressors.

Although you can enjoy the area as a day trip, an overnight cruise allows you time to see more of the area. It also lets you catch both a sunset and sunrise in the bay.

How To Get To Halong Bay: Halong Bay is 105 miles (170 km) east of Hanoi. If not taking an organized tour, you can visit via bus, train, taxi, or private car. The train is usually the cheapest, but takes about 7 hours. Buses vary in price and time depending on route, but generally take 3-4 hours. Visit 12Go.Asia to see detailed options and costs.

Best Time To Visit Halong Bay: The best time to visit is March to June and again in October and November. It’s best to book in advance, especially during peak season. Make sure, however, to check the weather before you book.

Sa Pa

Sa Pa is in the mountains 223 miles (350 km) north of Hanoi. Also known as the ‘Tonkinese Alps’, this mountainous valley, carved with stepped rice fields, is visually stunning. It’s also home to five ethnic tribes, making it an ideal place to book a homestay and learn about the culture, as well as a base for trekking.

As it’s beautiful, and well known, it’s touristy and can get fairly crowded. Also, if booking a tour here, make sure to ask how the tour benefits the locals here. The locals should always be treated with respect. Never as a side show.

How To Get To Sa Pa: The night train to Lao Cai, the nearest city to Sa Pa, is 7-8 hours. It usually leaves in the evening and arriving early in the morning. From there you can catch a taxi the 24 miles (38 km) to Sa Pa. Visit 12Go.Asia for more details.

Want More of Vietnam?

Although a bit touristy, Hoi An is a very popular stop in Vietnam. This is one of the few port towns left standing after war, showcasing life 200 years ago. It’s mix of colorful shophouses, French colonial houses, and Chinese temples, adorned with bright silk lanterns, is enchanting.

Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon, is the biggest and most populous city in Vietnam. You can visit the War Remnants museum, to see a different side of the war, as well as Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace, and learn more about the history of Vietnam. From here, you can take a day trip to the fascinating maze of rivers in the Mekong Delta.

And to help plan your trip, see the Vietnam Travel Guide. It covers the top highlights, how to get around, best time to visit, safety, scams, and more.