Explore the wonders of Vietnam’s capital city
Rich history. Diverse culture. A delicious food scene. Hanoi is a city not to be missed.
Hanoi is famous for its incredible architecture, mouthwatering culinary delights, ancient pagodas, atmospheric markets and vibrant nightlife. It’s a melting pot where history meets modernity. Get lost in the magic of what this wonderful city has to offer.
How to spend a day in Hanoi
Your Vietnamese dream
With so many things to do in Hanoi, where do you begin? Kickstart your day walking the ancient streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, admire the architecture and shop at the many craft stalls. Once you’ve built up an appetite, grab some phở and bún chả from the local street food vendors. With a full belly, head over to Hoan Kiem lake and explore the Ngoc Son Temple. Finish the day with a traditional Vietnamese Puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Then enjoy a roadside fresh beer and head into Hanoi’s nightlife.
Top 5 things to do in Hanoi
See the best of the city
The buzz and bustle of Hanoi is impossible to ignore, and if you’re flying into Hanoi for the first time, knowing where to go and what to see means kick-starting your vacation as soon as possible, Explore these must-visit Hanoi attractions and take in the best of the city.
Old Quarter
Where the action happens
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is made up of 36 streets showcasing Vietnamese architecture, street food, green spaces and shops. Wander through the ancient streets to find coffee shops hidden away in secret alleyways, roadside bars with fresh beer on offer, food stalls with delicious Vietnamese specialities and vendors selling silk fabrics, jewellery and handmade crafts.
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Peace and tranquillity
Escape the crowds and head to Hoàn Kiếm lake, just minutes away from the Old Quarter. Take a seat and breathe in the beautiful and tranquil surroundings. You’ll see the sacred Ngoc Son Temple on a small island on the lake – walk the bridge to its doors to enjoy its Vietnamese architecture and cultural history.
Temple of Literature
Beautiful and historic
The site of Vietnam’s first national university, the Temple of Literature honours the country’s finest scholars. This important cultural and historic landmark is also a rare example of well-preserved traditional Van Mieu architecture. Wander through the five courtyards and absorb the tranquil surroundings steeped in Vietnamese history.
Hanoi Opera House
Grand architecture
A symbol of Hanoi’s past, this magnificent building was built during the early years of the 20th century. The Opera house is now one of Hanoi’s cultural centres holding concerts, art shows and dance performances. There’s no better experience than enjoying a performance in this architectural wonder.
Street Food Tour
Sample the flavours of the city
Soak up Hanoi’s culinary delights with a guided street food tour. Follow your local Hanoi food guide to eat like the locals and discover hidden food gems. You’ll sample dishes like Lau (Vietnamese hotpot) and Hanoi-style barbeque. Plus, you’ll learn some local history too.
Get to know the real Hanoi
You need around three days to really see the best of Hanoi. Once you’ve ticked off the main attractions, we recommend a trip to see these spots to really get to know the real Hanoi. You’ll get out of the city to the coast too.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Historic and poignant
Visit the final resting place of Vietnam’s visionary leader. Ho Chi Minh played a vital role in shaping the course of Vietnam’s history, leading the country towards independence. The building is home to Ho Chi Minh’s preserved body and was built to honour his memory and legacy. It attracts visitors from all over the world and is a site of pilgrimage for Vietnam’s citizens.
One Pillar Pagoda
One of the city’s most iconic temples
Built on a single pillar rising out of a square shaped lotus pond, the One Pillar Pagoda looks like a lotus flower emerging from the water’s surface. Not only is it a beautiful sight to take in, it’s also one of Hanoi’s most iconic temples. It was built in 1049 by Ly Thai Tong (a king of the Ly dynasty), to honour Queen Quan Am Bo Tat when she gave birth to their prince. It’s free to visit too.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Unique and intriguing
Make your way to this famous cultural attraction to take in a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre was recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. You’ll find the theatre in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Just make sure you book tickets in advance as shows are known to sell out quickly.
Dong Xuan Market
Pick up a bargain
Dong Xuan is one of the largest markets in the city, selling everything from local fresh produce to souvenirs and textiles. Stroll to Dong Xuan Street in the Hoan Kiem District to find the market – it’s open seven days a week from 6am to 7pm. Bartering is part of the culture in Vietnam and traders will expect you to haggle.
Train Street
Watch trains whizz by
This unique residential street in the Old Quarter is an active train track. Many of the houses have been converted into coffee shops so you can sip your coffee whilst watching trains whizz past a few feet away from you. It’s not an official tourist attraction, so you’ll need to be careful when the trains fly by.
Ha Long Bay
Get out on the water
Roughly 170km from Hanoi, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site you simply have to explore. Famed for its crystal-clear waters and towering limestone cliffs topped with lush rainforest, it’s a popular day trip from Hanoi. The only way to see it is from the water on a guided tour with the chance to hop in for some kayaking. Watch the sunset before you head back to the city.
Hanoi Hotels
There are many hotels in Hanoi city. These are four of our favourites:
Grand Plaza Hanoi Hotel
All-out luxury
This 5-star luxury Hanoi Hotel is perfectly located at the heart of the city. There’s an indoor pool, spa, fitness centre, hairdressers and even a casino, as well as five onsite restaurants serving a variety of cuisines.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Classic and historic
Just 160m from the Hanoi Opera House and 500m from Hoan Kiem lake, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel has been a landmark in the city since 1901. This grand hotel today boasts a spa and fitness centre. It’s still home to Hanoi’s first ever French restaurant – Le Beaulieu.
Super OYO Capital O 387 Bach Duong Hotel
Budget-friendly
Located away from the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter in the Cau Giay District of Hanoi, this budget-friendly hotel is ideal for a quieter stay in the city. There’s an onsite restaurant and you’re just an 18-minute walk from the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
L7 West Lake Hanoi by Lotte
5-star and family-friendly
This 5-star hotel in Hanoi is well-equipped to look after the whole family. There’s an outdoor pool that’s heated year-round and a dedicated kids’ club. Adults will love the fitness centre, sauna and garden too.
Hanoi Costs
Hanoi is much cheaper than home. During your trip, you can expect to pay:
Accommodation in Hanoi: Around 300,000 VND per night for a budget hotel. Luxury hotels can start from 1,500,000 VND
Hanoi Cuisine: A meal at a local restaurant may cost around 50,000 – 200,000 VND
Drink: A local beer usually costs about 10,000 – 20,000 VND
Transport in Hanoi: A one-way ticket on local transport costs around 7,000 VND
The Old Quarter buzzes with action night and day. The temples are tranquil. The people welcoming and the culture unique. Hanoi: what a city!
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