15 Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam's Captivating Capital
The moment I stepped out of my taxi in Hanoi, I was hit by the sensory overload that makes this city so uniquely captivating. I spent three days exploring Vietnam's capital during Tết celebrations, which meant many tourist attractions were closed, but it gave me a completely different perspective on the city.
My absolute favourite thing to do was sipping coffee on Train Street – yeah, I know, it's very touristy, but I loved it so much I went twice! It's the kind of experience you'd just never find in Europe.
What struck me most about Hanoi was how walkable the centre is, despite it being quite a large city with sprawling suburbs. The vibe was chaotic but charming, especially with the constant stream of scooters zooming around. I visited during Vietnam's winter, and while it was mild, the cloudy skies added a misty atmosphere to this fascinating city.
Contents
- About Hanoi
- How to Get to Hanoi
- Things to Do in Hanoi
- Practical Tips for Visiting Hanoi
- Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Hanoi
- Conclusion
About Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city, boasts over 1,000 years of fascinating history. Founded in 1010 as Thang Long (Ascending Dragon), it's one of Southeast Asia's oldest capitals and has served as Vietnam's political centre for most of its history. The city bears the marks of Chinese occupation, French colonialism, and the American War, creating a captivating blend of architectural styles and cultural influences.
Most visitors need at least 3-4 days to properly experience Hanoi's highlights, though you could easily spend a week exploring its hidden corners. While it's definitely on the tourist trail as one of Vietnam's major destinations, Hanoi offers a more traditional Vietnamese experience compared to the modernized Ho Chi Minh City in the south. The compact Old Quarter, with its narrow streets named after the goods once sold there, sits alongside French colonial buildings, peaceful lakes, and ancient temples.
How to Get to Hanoi
Hanoi is usually either your first or last stop in Vietnam since it's located in the far north and has a well-serviced international airport. Noi Bai International Airport handles flights from major Asian hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, and Hong Kong, as well as domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh City (2-hour flight, around 1,000kVND (38€)) and Da Nang (1.5-hour flight, approximately 800kVND (30€)).
If you're already travelling within Vietnam, overnight trains and buses are popular options. From Ha Giang in the north, expect an 8-hour bus journey costing around 300kVND (11€). Vietnam's night buses are somewhat legendary for their tiny sleeping compartments, but they're a budget-friendly way to travel.
For a more comfortable experience, the reunification railway connects Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City, taking around 36 hours for the full journey, though you can hop on and off at various points. I'd recommend booking transport a few days in advance during peak season (December-February), as routes can fill up quickly.
🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: A Complete Guide to Hanoi
Things to Do in Hanoi
Hanoi offers a wonderful mix of cultural sites, historical landmarks, and authentic Vietnamese experiences. From peaceful temples to bustling markets, the city provides both relaxing and exhilarating activities for every type of traveller.
Explore Train Street
Without a doubt, my absolute favourite Hanoi experience was visiting the famous Train Street. Twice! This narrow residential street has houses built incredibly close to active train tracks. What makes it special is the cafés that have popped up along the tracks, where you can sip Vietnamese coffee while literally sitting inches from where trains pass by. When a train approaches, café owners quickly move tables and customers aside, creating an exhilarating experience unlike anything I've ever seen.
To find the main section, look for Trần Phú street, though there are actually several train street sections throughout the city. You can find times online when a train is guaranteed to pass through, but I didn't find it lined up at all. Both times I went we didn't have to wait for too long, and the people running the bars and cafes know when the next train is coming. There's no cost to enter, although of course it's only polite to buy a drink (and they'd probably kick you out if you didn't!).
Wander Around Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi's Old Quarter is the beating heart of the city and a perfect place to immerse yourself in local life. The 36 streets, each traditionally named after the goods once sold there, create a fascinating maze to explore. I spent hours getting happily lost among the narrow streets, discovering tiny shops selling everything from traditional crafts to modern souvenirs.
The architecture is a captivating blend of ancient Vietnamese temples, French colonial buildings, and modern structures. Street food vendors line the sidewalks, offering delicious snacks for just a few thousand dong. The best approach is simply to wander without a strict agenda – you'll discover charming cafés, hidden temples, and local life that guidebooks can't capture.
Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
The small Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) sits like a peaceful oasis in the middle of Hanoi's chaotic streets. According to legend, Emperor Le Loi was given a magical sword by a golden turtle to drive out Chinese invaders. After victory, the turtle reclaimed the sword in these waters, giving the lake its name.
Walking the 1.5km path around the lake takes about 30 minutes, but I found myself lingering much longer, watching locals practicing tai chi in the early morning or enjoying the cooler evening temperatures. Don't miss Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain) on a small island connected by the iconic red The Huc Bridge. Entrance to the temple costs 30kVND (1.15€).
Sample Vietnamese Coffee Culture
If you're starting your Vietnam journey in Hanoi, trying the incredible local coffee is a must. Vietnamese coffee is typically strong and often served with condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá) for a sweet, refreshing treat. For something truly special, seek out egg coffee (cà phê trứng) – a delicious concoction of coffee topped with a mixture of egg yolk and condensed milk that's more like a dessert than a beverage.
The Post-it Note Café was a quirky find near the Old Quarter, where visitors leave messages on colorful sticky notes covering the walls. For an authentic experience, try Cong Caphe, a Vietnamese chain with excellent coffee and a cool military-themed décor, or hunt down tiny sidewalk cafés where locals perch on small plastic stools to enjoy their daily caffeine fix for as little as 15kVND (0.57€).
Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum houses the preserved body of Vietnam's revolutionary leader in a glass case. It's a solemn, significant site for Vietnamese people, and visitors should dress respectfully (no shorts or sleeveless tops). The mausoleum is typically open from 7:30-10:30am Tuesday through Thursday and weekends, though it closes periodically when the body is sent to Russia for maintenance.
Entry is free, but expect to queue, especially on weekends. You have to go through light security to check any bags, cameras, and phones before entering, and you can't enter with bare legs or shoulders. The surrounding Ba Dinh Square and gardens make for a pleasant walk afterward, although it's very open so there's little to no shade.
Explore Tran Quoc Pagoda
Set on a small island in West Lake (Hanoi's largest lake), Tran Quoc Pagoda is Hanoi's oldest Buddhist temple, dating back to the 6th century. The peaceful 11-story pagoda offers a welcome respite from the city's hustle and bustle. I found the walk around West Lake to reach the pagoda particularly pleasant, with views across the water providing a different perspective of Hanoi.
Entrance is free, and it's open daily from 7:30am-6pm. Remember to dress respectfully as it's an active place of worship. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when you can catch monks performing ceremonies and avoid tour groups.
Visit the Temple of Literature
Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070, is a serene complex of courtyards, gardens, and pavilions dedicated to Confucius and scholars. I was impressed by the 82 stone stelae mounted on tortoises, which record the names and achievements of exceptional scholars from 1442 to 1779.
Entrance costs 30kVND (1.15€), and I'd recommend allowing at least an hour to explore properly. If possible, hire a guide (available at the entrance for around 100kVND (3.80€)) to explain the historical significance, as signage is limited. The gardens are particularly beautiful in spring when the flowers bloom.
Experience Beer Street
For evening entertainment, head to Ta Hien Street, nicknamed "Beer Street" for obvious reasons. This lively area in the Old Quarter comes alive after dark with plastic stools spilling onto the streets, serving cheap draft beer (bia hoi) for as little as 20kVND (0.75€) per glass.
I spent a fun evening here people-watching and chatting with fellow travelers and locals alike. The atmosphere is electric, especially on weekends, with food vendors serving delicious snacks like grilled meat skewers and fried rice to accompany your drinks. If you're feeling adventurous, try a "fresh beer" tour where you'll visit several local establishments to sample different brews.
Visit Hoa Lo Prison
Known sarcastically as the "Hanoi Hilton" by American POWs during the Vietnam War, Hoa Lo Prison was originally built by the French to house Vietnamese political prisoners. Only a portion of the original complex remains, now converted into a museum that primarily focuses on the Vietnamese experience under French colonial rule, with a smaller section dedicated to American pilots who were imprisoned there, including John McCain.
Entrance costs 30kVND (1.15€), and an audio guide (an additional 70kVND (2.65€)) offers helpful context. Allow about 1-2 hours for your visit.
See a Water Puppet Show
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre offers performances of this traditional Vietnamese art form, where puppeteers stand waist-deep in water behind a screen, manipulating wooden puppets that appear to dance on the water's surface. The shows typically tell folk tales accompanied by traditional music.
Performances last about 50 minutes and tickets cost around 100kVND (3.80€) to 200kVND (7.60€) depending on seating. It's worth booking in advance as shows often sell out, especially during peak tourist season. While admittedly touristy, it's a unique cultural experience that I found both entertaining and fascinating.
🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: Where to Stay in Hanoi
Practical Tips for Visiting Hanoi
Getting Around Hanoi
Walking is by far the easiest way to explore central Hanoi, especially the Old Quarter where the narrow streets are packed with vendors, scooters, and pedestrians. I wouldn't bother trying to figure out the public transportation system as it's quite easy to walk to most major attractions, and the traffic is honestly horrendous!
For longer distances, I recommend using Grab (Southeast Asia's equivalent to Uber) or asking your accommodation to book a trusted taxi. Many standard taxis will try to overcharge tourists, so stick with reputable companies like Mai Linh (green taxis) or Vinasun (white taxis with green and red stripes). I used WelcomePickups to book a transfer from the airport just before boarding my plane and found it reliable, easy to use, and reasonably priced at around 400kVND (15€).
If you're feeling brave, motorbike taxis (xe om) offer an exhilarating way to navigate the city's traffic for around 50kVND (1.90€) per short trip, but negotiate the price before hopping on.
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
Hanoi has distinct seasons, with hot summers (May-September) that can be incredibly humid and mild winters (November-March). I visited during winter, and while it was mild enough to explore comfortably during the day, I did need a light jacket in the evenings.
Spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November) offer the most pleasant weather with moderate temperatures and less rain. These shoulder seasons also mean fewer tourists and better prices on accommodation.
Tết (Vietnamese New Year) usually falls in late January or early February and offers a fascinating cultural experience if you know locals to celebrate with. However, be aware that many attractions, restaurants, and shops close for several days during this period, as I discovered during my visit. The Mid-Autumn Festival in September/October is another colourful cultural event worth experiencing.
Money & Costs in Hanoi
Hanoi is very affordable compared to Western destinations and even some other Southeast Asian cities. Budget travelers can get by on 500kVND-1,000kVND (19-38€) per day, including accommodation in a basic hostel, street food, and public transportation.
ATMs are plentiful in tourist areas, especially around the Old Quarter. The free ATMs are TP Bank and VP Bank, with several locations throughout the city. Otherwise, AgriBank only charges 22kVND (less than a euro) per withdrawal.
Most established restaurants, hotels, and shops accept credit cards but usually with a 3-5% surcharge. I found it easier to use cash for most transactions, especially at street food stalls and local markets. Always keep small bills handy for minor purchases and negotiating at markets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Hanoi
Is 3 days in Hanoi enough?
Three days in Hanoi is enough to see the main attractions and get a feel for the city. This timeframe allows you to explore the Old Quarter, visit key sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, enjoy local cuisine, and perhaps take a half-day trip to nearby attractions. If you want to include day trips to places like Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh, you'd need 5-6 days based in Hanoi.
What is Hanoi best known for?
Hanoi is best known for its well-preserved Old Quarter with 36 historical streets, delicious street food including pho and bun cha (famously enjoyed by Anthony Bourdain), egg coffee, historical sites reflecting Vietnam's complex past, and the unique Train Street experience. The city offers a more traditional Vietnamese atmosphere compared to Ho Chi Minh City, with a distinctive blend of Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French colonial influences.
How many days do I need in Hanoi?
Most travelers need 3-4 days to properly experience Hanoi without feeling rushed. This allows time to see the major attractions, explore different neighborhoods, sample various foods, and adjust to the pace of the city. If you want to include popular day trips to Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, or other nearby destinations, plan for at least 5-7 days based in Hanoi.
Is 2 days in Hanoi enough?
Two days in Hanoi is tight but doable if you're focused on seeing the highlights. You'll need to prioritize attractions and perhaps skip some of the museums or more time-consuming experiences. With 48 hours, concentrate on exploring the Old Quarter, walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting either the Temple of Literature or Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, and sampling local cuisine. You won't have time for day trips outside the city with this timeframe.
Conclusion
Hanoi captivated me with its perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern energy. From the heart-stopping excitement of Train Street to peaceful moments by Hoan Kiem Lake, Vietnam's capital offers experiences you simply can't find elsewhere. The city's walkable centre makes it easy to explore, allowing you to dive into its rich history, sample incredible food, and witness local life unfold on every corner.
What surprised me most about Hanoi was how quickly I felt comfortable navigating its chaotic streets and how warm the locals were despite the language barrier. Even during Tet when many attractions were closed, I never ran out of things to do. If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, make sure Hanoi features prominently on your itinerary – it provides an authentic introduction to this fascinating country that will stay with you long after you've left.
