When arriving in Hanoi - the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam, international visitors will be immediately attracted by the blend of traditional and modern beauty. This city is not only famous for its beautiful natural landscapes, but also for its rich culture, history and unique experiences that cannot be found anywhere else. To fully explore the beauty and culture of Hanoi, here are things to do in Hanoi that visitors should try to have a new experience in this city.
25+ best things to do in Hanoi
Below, Sinhcafe shares with reader things to do in Hanoi. Based on that, you can build a suitable itinerary to experience the unique things to do in Hanoi.
Visiting President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
One of the first things to do in Hanoi is to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - the great leader of the Vietnamese people. The mausoleum is located in the historic Ba Dinh Square, where you can not only pay your respects to Uncle Ho but also have the opportunity to visit the stilt house where he lived, the fishpond and the Ho Chi Minh museum. In particular, you can also witness the solemn flag lowering ceremony at the end of the day, a ritual that reminds of patriotism and respect for the leader.
Go to Quang Ba Flower Market at night and early morning
Quang Ba Flower Market is located at 236 Au Co Street, Quang An, Tay Ho, where you can clearly feel the hustle and bustle of Hanoi at night. This is the largest flower market in the capital, supplying most of the fresh flowers for the whole city. When night falls, the market becomes more crowded and bustling with flower sellers and tourists. You should come to the market at night or early in the morning to experience the special atmosphere of a different Hanoi, both quiet but also full of life.
Shopping at Dong Xuan Market
Go to Dong Xuan market
Dong Xuan Market is one of the largest markets in the North, with a history of hundreds of years. This is the center for supplying and distributing a variety of goods, from clothes, shoes, handbags, etc. The buying and selling atmosphere here is always bustling, attracting locals and many foreign tourists to visit and shop. In particular, the food court at the market is also where you can enjoy many unique dishes of Hanoi.
Strolling around West Lake at sunset
West Lake becomes especially romantic when the sunset falls. The evening light reflects on the lake surface, creating a beautiful scene, making this place a familiar check-in spot for young people in the capital. Walking around West Lake at this time, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the peaceful space and admire the beauty of nature in the heart of the city.
Visit Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy
The Temple of Literature is a must-see destination on your journey to explore Hanoi. This is an important historical and cultural relic and a symbol of Vietnamese education and knowledge. When you come here, you will discover the ancient architecture of Vietnam's first university and learn more about the thousand-year history of Vietnamese culture.
Visit One Pillar Pagoda
Visit One Pillar Pagoda
One Pillar Pagoda is one of the typical cultural symbols of Hanoi, standing out with its unique architecture and long history. This thousand-year-old pagoda was built on a stone pillar, symbolizing the lotus flower, a symbol of purity and serenity in Buddhism. This is a tourist attraction that attracts many domestic and foreign tourists.
Sitting on a cyclo watching the city
One of the most iconic experiences of Hanoi is riding a cyclo around the city. While riding a cyclo, you can slowly observe the daily lives of Hanoians, feel the rhythm of the city, and admire the ancient streets.
Watch water puppetry
Water puppetry is a unique form of Vietnamese folk art and is a must-see when visiting Hanoi. The puppets are skillfully manipulated on the water, combined with traditional music and folk tales, will bring you an interesting and profound cultural experience.
Strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake in the early morning
Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake in the early morning is an ideal place for you to enjoy the freshness, peace and quiet of the capital. The fresh, cool air combined with the peaceful scenery around the lake creates a wonderful relaxing space. This is also a good time for you to observe the daily life of Hanoi people, from exercising to drinking tea and chatting.
Enjoy Hanoi Pho
If you are a foodie, Hanoi Pho is a dish you cannot miss. The traditional Pho dish with delicious broth, soft noodles and fresh beef or chicken has conquered many diners. A suggestion for you is to try Pho Thin, one of the famous Pho restaurants in Hanoi.
Enjoy Hanoi Bun Cha
Besides pho, Hanoi Bun cha is also a specialty dish that you should try when coming to the capital. This dish combines fresh vermicelli, fragrant grilled pork and sweet and sour fish sauce, creating a unique flavor that cannot be mistaken. Bun cha is not only loved by locals, but is also a favorite dish of many international tourists when coming to Hanoi.
Sitting and eating at a roadside restaurant
Hanoi is famous for its typical street food stalls and street vendors. When you come here, try eating at a small street food stall to fully experience the atmosphere and flavors of Hanoi. Street food such as Pho, Bun cha, Banh mi or Cha ca will give you an unforgettable impression, helping you feel the closeness and authenticity of life here.
View Hanoi from above
Seeing the whole view of Hanoi from above is an experience worth trying. You can go to high-rise cafes such as Lotte Center or other high-rise buildings to have a panoramic view of the capital. In the evening, Hanoi is brilliant with sparkling lights, creating a lively and colorful picture.
Walk around the old town
Hanoi Old Quarter is a place that preserves traditional cultural values and is the heart of the city. When walking around the small alleys of the Old Quarter, you will feel the slow, peaceful pace of life, in contrast to the hustle and bustle of the modern city. The ancient houses, traditional craft shops, and long-standing eateries will take you back to the past, where Hanoi still retains its ancient beauty.
Take a double-decker bus to explore the streets
Take a double-decker bus to explore the streets of Hanoi
An interesting way to explore Hanoi is to take a double-decker bus. This is a special tourist service that helps visitors easily visit famous places in the city without having to worry about finding their way. From the upper deck of the bus, you can comfortably admire the streets, parks, and prominent architectural works without having to limit your view.
Participate in the flag lowering ceremony at Uncle Ho's mausoleum
The flag lowering ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum takes place every day at 9 pm. This is a solemn ceremony, showing respect and gratitude to the great leader of the nation. Participating in this ceremony, you will feel the sacred atmosphere when witnessing the Vietnamese national flag being lowered in the shimmering light.
Walking on Long Bien bridge
Long Bien Bridge is a historical witness of Hanoi, built in 1898. Walking on this ancient bridge, you will feel the majesty of the Red River and understand more about the ups and downs that the bridge has gone through. This is also an ideal place to take photos, preserving memorable moments of your journey.
Enjoy coffee on the train street
Enjoy coffee on the train street
Hanoi Train Street is a famous destination for international tourists. You can sit at small cafes near the train tracks, sip a cup of coffee and experience the thrill of the train passing right in front of your eyes. This will definitely be an unforgettable memory when coming to Hanoi.
Try egg coffee
Egg coffee is one of the specialties that cannot be missed when coming to Hanoi. Made from egg yolks, sugar, milk, and coffee, this drink brings a special, rich and fragrant flavor. You can go to Giang Cafe - considered the most famous egg coffee shop to enjoy this drink.
Drinking lemon tea at the Cathedral
Hanoi Cathedral is a prominent architectural work and a gathering place for young people. Around the Cathedral, there are many cafes with a direct view of the church, very suitable for you to sit and enjoy lemon tea - a popular drink and a strong cultural feature of Hanoi.
Go to Hoan Kiem Lake walking street
Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street is a place where tradition and modernity meet. This is a favorite destination for Hanoians and tourists on weekends. Here, you can participate in many fun activities, street art performances and enjoy the green space around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Going out at Ta Hien night street
Going out at Ta Hien night street
Ta Hien Street is the most vibrant place in Hanoi at night. This small street is famous for its beer bars, where visitors can sit and sip drinks and immerse themselves in the bustling, joyful atmosphere of Hanoi at night. This is a meeting place for many people, especially foreign visitors.
Walking around Phung Hung mural street at night
Phung Hung Mural Street is an attractive destination for those who love art. The murals here depict familiar images of old Hanoi, painted vividly and colorfully. Walking on this street in the evening, you will feel the harmony between art and life, creating a unique cultural picture.
Every corner, every road in Hanoi carries its own stories, rich in history and culture. Hopefully, the above suggestions will help you have an interesting and meaningful journey to explore the capital.
How to get around Hanoi
With a well-developed transportation system, visitors have many options to move around the city. Below are popular means of transportation that you can refer to when exploring Hanoi.
Motorbike
Motorbikes are the most popular means of transport in Hanoi, especially for tourists who want to freely explore the city. Using a motorbike, you can easily weave through crowded streets, explore small alleys and experience the daily life of the locals. Motorbike rental prices range from 120,000 to 200,000 VND per day, depending on the type of motorbike and rental location. Traveling by motorbike offers flexibility and initiative, helping you easily visit famous tourist attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, or further away, traditional craft villages around Hanoi.
Motorbikes are the most popular means of transport in Hanoi
Taxi
If you are traveling in a large group or with your family, a taxi is an ideal choice. Taxis are everywhere in Hanoi, with many reputable taxi companies such as Mai Linh, Vinasun, or G7. Traveling by taxi is not only safe but also convenient, especially when you need to go to far away places. However, taxi fares may be higher than other means of transport, but in return, you will have comfort and privacy throughout the journey.
Technology car
With the development of technology, tourists can now easily book a car through mobile applications such as Xanh SM, Grab, or Be. Technology cars are a combination of convenience and affordability. With just a few steps on the application, you can call a car to any location in the city. Technology cars are suitable for those who want to move quickly without having to worry about finding a parking space.
Bus
If you want to save money and have a comfortable time, the bus is the ideal means of transport to explore Hanoi. The city's bus network is very developed, with hundreds of routes running through most important locations. The fare per trip is only 7,000 VND, suitable for the budget of many tourists. However, buses can be quite crowded during rush hour, and you need to know the schedule and routes to travel in the most convenient way.
In general, each means of transport in Hanoi has its own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your needs and personal preferences, you can choose the appropriate means of transport to have an interesting and complete journey to explore the capital.
Read more: Nightlife in Hanoi: Perfect time to explore the hidden beauty of Hanoi
Suggested Hanoi itinerary
To have a complete and full tour, planning in advance is essential. If you do not want to waste time arranging by yourself, Sinhcafe's Hanoi tours with detailed schedules and full support will be the ideal choice. Below is a suggested itinerary to explore Hanoi that you can refer to.
Temple of Literature
Start your journey with the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, the first university in Vietnam. This is a historical relic and a symbol of traditional education. You will admire the ancient architecture, stone steles engraved with the names of doctors and learn about the history of Vietnamese education through the ages. The Temple of Literature is also a place to honor learning and is visited by many tourists, especially young people, to pray for luck in their studies and careers.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda
Next, visitors should visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people. Visiting the mausoleum, you will feel the solemn atmosphere and respect for President Ho Chi Minh. Right next to the mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique architectural work shaped like a lotus rising from the water. The One Pillar Pagoda is not only a spiritual and cultural destination you cannot miss.
Quan Thanh Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple
After that, take some time to explore the Hoan Kiem Lake area. First, you can visit Quan Thanh Temple, one of the four most sacred temples of ancient Thang Long. Next, take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the city. Don’t forget to visit Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the middle of the lake, where you can pray for health and peace.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
In the afternoon, you should spend time visiting the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This is where artifacts about 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam are displayed and preserved. The museum helps you better understand the culture, customs, and lives of ethnic groups across the country. The outdoor exhibitions with vividly recreated stilt houses and communal houses will bring you interesting and new experiences.
Flower Market and Bach Ma Temple in Old Quarter
At the end of the tour, visit Hanoi's Old Quarter, where traditional culture and the hustle and bustle of modern life are preserved. In particular, the flower market in the Old Quarter is where you can admire beautiful and colorful flowers. Bach Ma Temple, one of the oldest temples in the Old Quarter, is also an ideal stop to learn about the religious culture of Hanoi people.
This tour is designed to take you to the best things to do in Hanoi, giving you a comprehensive view of the history, culture and life here. Note that all tour prices are calculated in USD per person, and there will be additional charges on national holidays. Choose a suitable itinerary to fully enjoy the beauty and charm of Hanoi.
Discovering Hanoi tours at Sinhcafe not only brings visitors great experiences but also helps you understand more deeply about the history, culture, and people here. With a scientifically designed schedule, dedicated support from a team of professional tour guides and attractive destinations, Sinhcafe is committed to bringing you a memorable and meaningful journey. Let Sinhcafe accompany you on the journey to discover Hanoi, so that every moment in the capital of a thousand years of culture becomes an unforgettable mark in your heart.