25 Incredible and Unique Things To Do In Hanoi

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It’s easy to feel sensory overload when it comes to a big Asian city like Hanoi, but if you take the time to explore and find opportunities to relax and watch the world go by, you’ll be OK. As with any big city, it can be difficult to know where to start. Which is why I put together this handy guide of the top 25 things to do in Hanoi, especially if it’s your first visit.

I found Hanoi such a fascinating and lively city. It was one of the noisiest, craziest cities I’ve ever visited with the most insane traffic. Yet despite the chaos there were little pockets of calm within the city, even in the most touristy areas. I also visited Ho Chi Minh City on my Vietnam adventure which I hear a lot of people actually prefer. But it was Hanoi that stole my heart.

25 Fun Things To Do In Hanoi

Reflecting on my time in Hanoi I wanted to capture the spirit of the city, and the culture of Vietnam. Yes, I’ll cover some of the big tourist attractions you will want to visit, but I also included some things you might not think about.

I’ll make sure to include some hidden gems you won’t want to miss, and the slower activities that will really make you feel at home in Hanoi. If you haven’t been to Vietnam before, you might want to check out my beginner’s tips to travel in Vietnam.

Walk around the old quarter

You won’t see a more traditional area than the simply named Old Quarter. It’s where I stayed, at the Sunline Paon hotel which I totally recommend – and offered complimentary breakfast.

The Old Quarter is the historic part of the city. Full of narrow bustling streets it is best seen on foot. Wander up and down streets that are grouped and named after the different trades they originally serviced.

A great place for shopping, browsing or just soaking in the Vietnamese culture. Also an incredible place for food. You can still see the hawkers of various trades on the street they are named after. Copper, bamboo, hats and cloth are just a few.

Drink a Vietnamese coffee

Did you even go to Vietnam if you didn’t drink a Vietnamese coffee? Italians: great coffee. Brazil: amazing coffee. But Vietnam? I didn’t see that one coming. Yet it’s all anyone talks about. There are coffee shops everywhere and you can’t leave the city without trying some delicious coffee.

I didn’t even like coffee before going to Hanoi. At 36 years old I drank my first full cup of coffee. And liked it. Sample some strong coffee with deliciously sweet condensed milk, or try a coconut coffee. The true Vietnamese specialty: egg coffee. Think custard and coffee, more of a dessert. It’s actually incredible.

Top Travel Tip: Ask for a half shot if you’re still getting used to coffee. It’s a good way to taste it without being too strong.

Ngoc Son Temple

If Hoàn Kiếm Lake is a change of pace from the dirty, crowded streets of the nearby Old Quarter, then Ngọc Sơn temple is a veritable oasis. The temple is built on a small island in the lake next to the Old Quarter, and is accessed by a beautiful red foot bridge.

You’ll have to buy your ticket to get through the colorful gates that lead to this peaceful island. But once you get on there, even though you’re still in the heart of Hanoi it’s easy to let the noise of the traffic wash away.

It won’t take you long to look around but you’ll get good views of the lake, and there are plenty of places for great photos.

Train Street

This was one of my favorite parts of Hanoi. I am aware of the controversy around letting people so close to an active train track. And the fact that there have been numerous near misses and not so near misses. But Train Street, as it’s affectionately called, is a unique experience.

Small business selling food and drinks are set up on either side of this narrow street where there is no real street part to walk on. Only the tracks and the sliver of rocky terrain on either side.

You can find the train schedule in advance to time your visit, and most bars there will have it listed. The tiny tables and fold away chairs are pushed ever closer to the track limits. But you’ll know when the train is on its way as everyone stands up, piles all the furniture inside the storefronts and ushers patrons to stand with backs against the wall and arms in tight.

The roar of a train grows louder and the train cars pass within inches of your face. And just like that, the train is gone, and the tables are back out. Check in advance as the authorities often try to close down Train Street. But it seems like the locals always reopen their businesses until the next time they get told off.

Hao Lo Prison Museum

Hao Lo prison is the infamous prison where many American POWs were detained during the Vietnam war. And before that the French colonists housed political prisoners.

There are story boards depicting the colorful history in maybe a more positive light than it actually was. But propaganda aside you might learn a thing or two and get a will definitely get a sense of what it was like to be there as a prisoner. Group this attraction with your visit to Train Street which isn’t far away.

Remember to take a reusable water bottle with you on your travels, like this one from FastTech

Visit the Harry Potter cafe

If there’s one thing I learned pretty quickly about Hanoi, it’s that they love their themed cafes. Within minutes of leaving the Sunline Paon Hotel on day one we had discovered Always, the Harry Potter inspired café in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The decorations alone will make you think you’ve died and gone to Hogwarts.

But with drinks named after various potions and spells you’ll be throwing your Galleons at the cashier faster than you can say Felix Felicis. Oh, and did I mention they have Butterbeer.

With both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, it’s as delicious and sickly sweet as it should be. Keep an eye out for the secret entrance to the Ministry of Magic! Here’s how to find the cafe.

Heritage House in the Old Quarter

Want to really get a sense of what it was like to live in Hanoi at the end of the 19th Century? Then a cheap ticket to visit the Ancient House (or Heritage House) at 87 Mã Mây Street is your best chance. I would suggest getting there for when it opens around 8:30am like we did as we had the place to ourselves.

The old house is modestly decorated with antique furniture and ceramics from the time. There are quiet courtyards shedding a bit of light around this rather dark former home. And although it won’t take long to look around, it’s a beautiful property and really well taken care of.

Shop ’til you drop

Cheap clothes, cheaper souvenirs. Gift buying is going to be a cinch in Hanoi. For a fraction of your travel budget you can find unique items that might be ten a penny on every Hanoi street corner but are worth stocking up on.

Pack light for your trip to Vietnam as you’ll be spoiled for choice with cheap dresses, shirts, scarves and shoes. Remember how the Old Quarter has a street named after every trade? Spend some time bargaining away for some kitchen items to take home or a silk scarf or two that pack really easily in your carry on.

Have a bowl of Phở

Noodles in broth with vegetables or meat. Sounds simple. It is, but it’s also incredibly delicious. The flavorful broth that is served with this rice noodle dish is what really makes the dish.

As part of our cooking class we made broth from scratch (keep reading to find out more). It was a quicker version of the time and effort that goes into a well cultivated Vietnamese broth, but it was still hands down one of the best I’ve ever tasted.

You can find phở in most restaurants for an incredibly cheap price so eat as much as you can while you’re here.

Top Travel Tip: Ask for Pho Chay if you’re vegetarian as most places have a vegetable and non-meat broth option.

Presidential Palace

If there’s one person who’s always going to have the nicest house no matter what country you’re in, it’s the President. Vietnam is no exception.

The Presidential Palace Historic site is an amazing place to spend an hour or so. The bright yellow buildings built around a tranquil lake complete with koi fish are really pretty.

Discover President Ho Chi Minh’s private residences and classic car collection just a short distance from the mausoleum where he now lies (keep reading to learn more about that). I actually really enjoyed looking around the palace and its well manicured grounds. Another nice escape from the busy streets.

Take a tuk tuk ride

Nothing is more fun or more terrifying that submitting to a tuk tuk ride through the streets of Hanoi. Thrust into the seats at the front of the pedalo vehicle, we swerved through the traffic of the Old Quarter where the only rule about traffic is that there are no rules.

After finally managing to open my eyes, we tore past bikes, cars and pedestrians up and down the tiny streets.

The exhilarating ride concluded at our hotel where I got out and tried to stand on my still shaking legs. But you won’t have an experience like it. Take a short ride at least once.

Top Travel Tip: Agree on a price first to avoid being taken advantage of at the end of your journey.

Drink some bia hoi

When I lived in China I spent most evenings drinking an almost translucent beer that was served from large plastic kegs at almost every small street food establishment. Sat on chairs that are smaller than any person finds comfortable, we would knock back mugs of this light beer all the time. I didn’t think I’d experience that again.

In Hanoi’s Old Quarter this beer is called Bia Hoi. It’s produced daily, and barely lasts longer for multiple reasons, but it’s a rite of passage into Hanoi culture.

Grab a chair on the street at a questionable looking eatery and order the cheapest beer you might ever drink. A glass of beer is approximately VND 10,000-15,000. That’s around 50 cents. But cut yourself off after a couple unless you want to pay for it the next day.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Next to the Presidential Palace is the President himself. Ho Chi Minh died in 1969, but similar to China’s Mao Zedong, Ho Chi Minh was embalmed and put on display so that Vietnamese nationals can visit to pay their respects.

This is the most surreal activity I did in Hanoi, and one I initially didn’t want to do. But my friend wanted to go so I relented. All bags are confiscated, you check them in and collect them later. You must line up to go into the mausoleum one small group at a time.

There is no talking permitted even in the line (I got shushed by a military guard) and when you walk through the cold mausoleum you are not permitted to stop. No photos are allowed. You simply file in and around the yellowed, almost wax-like body of Ho Chi Minh within his glass box without stopping and back outside.

The process to get in is longer than the time you’ll be in there. It’s an eerie experience and one that demands a great deal of respect for the former leader who is still worshipped by the people. Follow the rules and you’ll be OK.

Stock up on Vietnamese snacks

Back to happy things! Is there anything better than being let loose in a grocery store in a foreign country? My favorite travel activity is to raid the sweets and snacks aisle in a supermarket. I can’t be the only one.

In Vietnam you will find Circle K convenience stores which will become your stockpiling location of choice. Mostly because if you’re ever too hot, their air conditioning will cool you right down.

Also, they are on every other street so you’ll be there all the time. Using mostly packaging graphics that are only partially relevant to the contents you can try to guess what you’re eating. That’s the fun part. Don’t discount unusual treats, you might just find your new favorite snack.

Temple of Literature

On your Hao Lo Prison and Train Street day you might want to include the peaceful scholarly almost 1000 year old Temple of Literature. The temple is dedicated to the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. I was really interested in seeing this place as I lived in Shandong province in China where Confucius was from and even visited his hometown of Qufu.

The temple was beautifully ornate and in such a serene environment that it’s no wonder this was a popular place to study. One of my favorite things about it were the gorgeous decorated doors and looking down on the red-roofed buildings from the higher floors of the temple.

Cooking class

If you want to know about everything that we cooked and ate (including recipes) then you can read my Hanoi cooking class post here.

I will say that everyone should do a cooking class in Hanoi. It’s a great introduction to the Vietnamese foods that you will encounter on your trip, and it’s a really fun activity.

We met some great people, ate food I wouldn’t have thought about ordering on my own, and even got to visit the local market. There we learned the right ingredients to make the most authentic Vietnamese food. Cooking classes are my new favorite thing.

Top Travel Tip: Arrive on an empty stomach and wear light clothing items as Vietnam is already hot, and the kitchen gets even hotter!

Water Puppet show

Other than the mausoleum experience, this is probably the next most inexplicably unique activity we did in Hanoi. Water puppet theater is a traditional Vietnamese show that tells stories using puppets and, you guessed it, water. It has to be seen to be believed.

If you ever ask anyone if they went and they say “yes, it was good” with a straight face, don’t believe them. They didn’t go. Because if they did, they would have a lot more to say.

The confusion, the hilarity of the stories and trying to figure out what’s going on. You’ll be dissecting your experience for days after. Tickets are reasonably priced and I would recommend buying ahead of time like I did. The show will last about an hour with a brief intermission. You’ll love the show, and the puppeteers do a really good job.

Trấn Quốc Pagoda

This towering Buddhist temple can be seen as you drive around Hanoi. It’s the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th Century so it’s well worth a visit. The views of this pagoda are unique as, much like Ngọc Sơn temple, this pagoda is on an island.

But in the much larger West Lake. I know that in Asia you can get a “templed out” feeling, but this one is rather unique. Plus it’s located very close to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum that it’s really convenient if you’re visiting that.

Dong Xuan Market

As with many large markets in Asian, Dong Xuan is located not far from the river. This gargantuan market sells everything you can possibly thing of at wholesale pricing. Although bargaining and tourist pricing is still a thing so remember that the price is usually never fully set until you agree on it.

You can probably spend hours in here, so try to have a plan and don’t get sucked in too much. You’ll be able to find cheap souvenirs as well as more local handicrafts. But it’s the cloth for making clothes that is the big draw here. Look for some handmade clothing, cheap apparel and the areas outside with fresh produce.

My favorite part of the market was walking past giant bins of spices which both smelled and looked amazing. Fresh star anise and cinnamon sticks will be good for any cooking enthusiast or spiced latte drinker!

Take a Hop On Hop Off Bus Ride

Hanoi is rather big as I’ve already mentioned. To orient ourselves a little better we decided to go full foreign tourist and purchase a hop on hop off bus ticket online.

It turned out to be a great way to get to know the city, learn a little history about Hanoi and ride in a vehicle that was unlikely to be taken out by another erratically driven vehicle like tuk tuks or taxis.

I would recommend the bus tour if you’re only here for a short time, or if you want to see a few of the further away activities in one day. We used it on our visit to the Prison and the Temple of literature.

But we also got to see some of the other attractions that we didn’t have enough time to visit up close. Now I know where to go next time I visit Hanoi.

Find a cute cafe

There are a never ending supply of kitschy cute cafes in Hanoi. You already know where to find a good Butterbeer but how about Parisian style cafe, or a military chic themed cafe? My favorite cafe during our visit has to be The Note Coffee.

Each drink comes with a nice little post it note. And there are post its on each table so you can write inspirational messages, quotes or fun notes and stick them to any wall or the furniture. Read more about The Note Coffee experience here.

Check out some architecture

Hanoi is a large city, full of modern skyscrapers that loom over traditional buildings in various states of disrepair. The mash of old and new is a sight you’ll get to know well as you traverse the city.

From the ancient heritage house in the Old Quarter and the French colonial inspired architecture that’s all around the city there are plenty of beautiful old buildings to photograph.

But mixed in are some newer buildings as modern, mostly glass skyscrapers are quite literally on the rise. Hanoi is not anywhere close to being as modern a city as the southern Ho Chi Minh City which is trying to cater increasingly towards the more luxury traveler. So I preferred the charm of Hanoi’s older buildings and recommend just wandering the streets to take in some of the lovely buildings.

Try some local street food

I’m all about the food when I travel and Hanoi is no different. Finding little hole-in-the-wall places to try local food is part of the fun of traveling. And there are plenty of good places and local dishes to find in Hanoi.

Search for some phở to get you started. Or grab a banh mi sandwich to go. This popular snack is where Asian flavors meets French baked bread it’s so good.

Try vegetarian options using egg or cheese instead of meat. The best snack I found though was bánh rán, a donut like treat made with condensed milk and a sugary outside. You can get sesame covered ones too. They are all delicious.

Top Travel Tip: Avoid the sellers walking down the street with trays. They will overcharge you and they are not as good as those freshly made in the small shops along the streets.

Take a trip to Halong Bay

If you are in Hanoi you’ll likely want to get out of the city at least once. One of the most popular options is Halong Bay where you can take a cruise onto the bay either for the day or overnight.

There are many different companies all offering similar services but with varying degrees of luxury. Some of the boats look like they might not make it in the water more than an hour, others are better taken care of.

Top Travel Tip: do your research in advance and don’t cheap out on this activity. Read more about my Halong Bay experience here. But this is an amazing trip in a beautiful region if not a little touristy. But completely worth doing.

Sit and watch the world go by

Hanoi is fast paced, hectic and chaotic. Pause for more than a second on a street and you’ll either be run over or whisked away with the crowd.

So to really enjoy Hanoi, and to get a real sense of why this city is so awesome (and it really is), you need to stop for a breather. But somewhere safe.

Pick a nice cafe on a street corner, European style, and sip your drink or have lunch as you watch the craziness of Hanoi swirl around you. The sounds, the smells, the ever flowing traffic will all become that little more apparent if you simply relax and enjoy them.

The best things to do in Hanoi

I really loved my time in Hanoi. It wasn’t enough time and it makes me realize that I can’t wait to go back. There are so many things to do in Hanoi whether you want historic sites, cultural experiences or one of a kind adventures. The people of Hanoi I found to be very friendly. We were well taken care of everywhere we went.

Hanoi is very busy and a big city, so it’s important not to cram too much into a day. Take the time to sit and relax, pick a nice hotel and enjoy the facilities, and take a day trip or get out of the city if you can. But don’t miss this amazing city in this incredible country.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What are your favorite things to do in Hanoi? Which of these will you be putting on your list?