Our guide below will help you navigate this bold city and provide suggestions for the best experiences in Hanoi for a truly unforgettable visit. Hanoi is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, and within minutes of setting foot in the city, you'll feel instantly captivated by its seemingly non-stop nature and bustling atmosphere.
It's often said that you'll remember Hanoi for a lifetime, even though it won't remember you for a second. After a few days in Hanoi, you'll understand why! The constant sensory stimulation and the simple act of crossing the road being an adventure might not be for everyone, but for many, you'll instantly fall in love with everything Hanoi has to offer.
1. Stroll Through the Old Quarter
Imagine bustling streets filled with everything you can think of—food, homewares, textiles, and art. The buildings adorned with street art make the Old Quarter a must-visit destination in Hanoi.
One of the best things to do in the Old Quarter is simply to walk around and soak it all in. If you're staying at a hotel in the area, you're in the perfect spot to start exploring. However, the Old Quarter is also easily accessible on foot from other parts of the city or by taxi.
We recommend starting your walk from anywhere in the Old Quarter and heading towards Hoan Kiem Lake. Along the way, you'll discover various little boutiques and street vendors, offering local specialties in food and drink.
Some of the best streets to explore include Hang Dao Street, Hang Duong Street, Hang Ma Street, and Hang Bac Street. A word of caution—keep an eye out for mopeds!
2. Train Street – one of must try experiences in Hanoi
Despite the controversy over allowing people so close to an active train track, and the numerous close calls, this area offers a unique experience. Small businesses selling food and drinks line either side of this narrow street. There isn’t much space to walk—just the tracks and a thin strip of rocky terrain on each side.
You can find the train schedule in advance to time your visit, and most bars in the area will have it listed. The tiny tables and folding chairs are set up right next to the tracks. You'll know when the train is approaching as everyone stands up, piles the furniture inside the storefronts, and ushers patrons to stand with their backs against the wall and arms tucked in.
The roar of the train grows louder as it approaches, passing within inches of your face. And just like that, the train is gone, and the tables are set back out. Be sure to check in advance, as authorities often try to close down Train Street. However, the locals typically reopen their businesses until the next time they're told to shut down.
3. Enjoy Some Bia Hoi
Evenings are often spent enjoying bia hoi, a nearly translucent beer served from large plastic kegs at almost every small street food spot. Sitting on tiny, uncomfortable chairs, we would frequently drink mugs of this light beer, one of quintessential experiences in Hanoi
In the Old Quarter, this beer is known as bia hoi. Brewed fresh daily, it doesn’t last long, but it’s a rite of passage into Hanoi's vibrant culture.
Find a seat at a modest street eatery and order what might be the cheapest beer you'll ever have. A glass costs around VND 20.000 vnd. However, pace yourself—drinking too much might have you paying for it the next day.
4. Experience a Hanoi Water Puppet Show
The Thang Long Water Puppet Show is a delightful experience and a must-see for anyone visiting Hanoi, especially first-timers. This charming performance has been running since 1969 and is now a cultural and artistic highlight of the city. Each show lasts about 50 minutes, with multiple performances throughout the day and evening.
Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form that has been practiced for over a thousand years and is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural identity. The talented artists perform plays based on myths and legends from Vietnamese history, making it a fantastic way to immerse yourself in ancient art and culture.
5. Explore Dong Xuan Market
Like many large markets in Asia, Dong Xuan Market is situated not far from the river. This massive market offers everything imaginable at wholesale prices. However, bargaining is common, and tourist pricing can be a factor, so remember that prices are often negotiable.
You could easily spend hours here, so it’s a good idea to have a plan to avoid getting too absorbed. You'll find a mix of cheap souvenirs and local handicrafts, but the main attraction is the fabric for making clothes. Look for handmade clothing, affordable apparel, and fresh produce in the areas outside the main market.
6. Experiences in Hanoi: Try Vietnamese Coffee
The coffee scene in Vietnam is vibrant and unique, making it a must-try experience when you're in Hanoi. For coffee lovers, Vietnamese Coffee is a delightful discovery. If you're a fan of espresso, you’ll appreciate its strong and aromatic qualities.
Vietnamese Coffee comes in various styles, incorporating ingredients like yogurt, butter, coconut, egg, condensed milk, and traditional drip coffee. It can be quite sweet, but the rich aroma and the overall experience—especially from a street vendor-offer a memorable and distinctive taste of Hanoi.
7. Discover Hanoi with a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
To get a better sense of surroundings, you can choose to embrace your tourist side and bought a hop-on hop-off bus ticket online. This decision proved to be an excellent way to explore the city, gain insights into Hanoi’s history, and travel in a safe, reliable vehicle compared to the unpredictably driven motorbikes and taxis.
We highly recommend the bus tour if you're short on time or want to cover several distant attractions in a single day. During your visit, you can reach the Prison Hoa Lo and the Temple of Literature. Additionally, the tour gave us glimpses of other fascinating sites that we couldn’t fully explore due to time constraints. Now, you have a clearer idea of where to go on your next visit to Hanoi.
8. Savor the Local Street Food in Hanoi
When we travel, sampling the local cuisine is a top priority, and Hanoi is no exception. The joy of discovering hidden gems and hole-in-the-wall eateries is a highlight of any trip, and Hanoi offers a wealth of delicious options.
Start your culinary adventure with a bowl of phở, a quintessential Vietnamese dish. Or, grab a banh mi sandwich, where Asian flavors meet French baguettes in a delightful fusion.
For those seeking vegetarian choices, look for options featuring egg or cheese in place of meat. One of the most favorite finds was bánh rán, a donut-like treat made with condensed milk and a sugary coating. They also come with a sesame seed crust and are absolutely delectable.
Top Travel Tip: Be wary of street vendors carrying trays of food as they walk around; they tend to overcharge, and their offerings aren't as fresh as those made in the small shops lining the streets.
9. Explore Long Bien Bridge & Market: A Historic and Cultural Experience in Hanoi
Long Bien Bridge, an iconic landmark stretching across the Red River in Hanoi, Vietnam, is steeped in history. Constructed during the French colonial era, this remarkable structure has withstood the tests of time, playing crucial roles in both the Indochina War and the Vietnam War.
Today, Long Bien Bridge offers visitors a unique opportunity to stroll across its length, absorbing breathtaking views of the river and the bustling cityscape of Hanoi. Walking along this historic bridge, you can feel the weight of its past and the stories it holds.
Adjacent to the bridge is the lively Long Bien Market, a haven for those looking to dive into the heart of Hanoi's vibrant local culture. The market buzzes with activity as vendors sell a plethora of goods, from fresh produce to handcrafted items. It’s also a fantastic place to sample a variety of street foods, allowing you to savor the authentic flavors of Vietnam.
Exploring Long Bien Bridge and Market provides a rich experience, blending historical significance with the everyday life and culinary delights of Hanoi. Whether you’re a history buff or a food enthusiast, this destination promises a memorable and enriching adventure.
10. Explore Traditional Villages Around Hanoi: A Journey into Vietnamese Heritage
Visiting the traditional villages surrounding Hanoi is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the rural charm and rich cultural heritage of Vietnam. These villages offer a unique glimpse into traditional Vietnamese life and craftsmanship, each known for its distinctive artisanal specialty.
Bat Trang Village: Renowned for its exquisite ceramic pottery, Bat Trang has been producing high-quality ceramics for over seven centuries. Here, you can watch skilled artisans at work, shaping and painting intricate designs on pottery. Visitors can also try their hand at making their own ceramic pieces, gaining a deeper appreciation for this ancient craft.
Quang Phu Cau Village is famous for its traditional craft of incense making. This vibrant village is a sensory delight, with streets lined with colorful incense sticks drying in the sun. Visitors can observe the intricate process of creating incense, from shaping the sticks to adding fragrant scents, and experience a unique aspect of Vietnamese cultural heritage.
Xuan La To He Village, located near Hanoi, is known for its traditional craft of creating Tò he—colorful figurines made from rice dough. These intricate and whimsical sculptures, often depicting animals, flowers, and folk characters, are crafted with great skill and creativity. Visiting Xuan La offers a charming glimpse into this unique Vietnamese art form, providing a delightful experience for both children and adults.
Exploring these traditional villages around Hanoi not only allows you to see the meticulous craftsmanship up close but also supports the preservation of these invaluable cultural practices. Each village provides a unique and enriching experience, showcasing the diverse and vibrant heritage of Vietnam.
Hanoi is bustling and expansive, so it's crucial to pace yourself and avoid overloading your schedule. Allow time to sit back and relax, choose a comfortable hotel to enjoy its amenities, and consider taking a day trip or exploring areas outside the city. However, be sure to experience the charm and vibrancy of this remarkable city within this incredible country.
