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The Best Things to Do in Hanoi
Written by Nick Rudd
Hanoi’s got it all – rich history, mouthwatering food and just the right amount of action.
A city where old-world charm and modern energy collide in a mix of culture, history and flavour, Hanoi is sure to have you hooked from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re here for a short stopover or visiting for longer, Vietnam’s capital offers boundless things to eat, see and experience. Read on to discover our pick of the best things to do in Hanoi.
The best things to do in Hanoi: food and drink
Dine your way across the Old Quarter
Hanoi’s streets are a foodie’s paradise, where the sizzle of street food mingles with the aroma of age-old recipes. Start your culinary adventure in the Old Quarter, where Pho Gia Truyen serves up some of the best Northern-style pho, Vietnam’s legendary noodle soup. If you want to take it up a notch, turn to Michelin-starred teahouse Tầm Vị for elevated classics served in a nostalgic setting.
Visit a café on Train Street
Check out Train Street, where residential homes are squeezed right up against active train tracks, creating a truly unique city scene. Just be sure to visit when no trains are passing, so you can safely wander around and grab a coffee at Railway Tuan Cafe or one of the many cosy eateries.
Savour a traditional tea ceremony
Looking for something more intimate? Treat yourself to a private Vietnamese tea ceremony, where a skilled tea master will guide you through the art of tea appreciation in a serene setting. It’s not just about the drink; it’s a journey through Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, one sip at a time.
The best things to do in Hanoi: art and culture
Explore an ancient university
The Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, stands as a testament to Hanoi’s reverence for education. Stroll through its courtyards and admire traditional architecture that inspired scholars for nearly a thousand years.
Enjoy a night at the opera
For a more contemporary take on Vietnamese design, head to the Hanoi Opera House. This impressive colonial building puts on everything from traditional Vietnamese opera to contemporary dance and cirque shows. If you time your visit just right, you might even catch an awesome water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre—a one-of-a-kind Vietnamese art form that brings legends to life right on the water.
Explore Hanoi’s emerging art scene
If you want a peek into Hanoi’s growing art scene, swing by spots like Manzi Art Space or The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre. These hubs highlight up-and-coming Vietnamese artists and give you a fresh look at the country’s evolving culture.
The best things to do in Hanoi: events
Experience a traditional festival
If you can, try to time your travels to coincide with one of Hanoi’s traditional festivals. The Mid-Autumn Festival (September–October) turns the city into a wonderland of lanterns and mooncakes. If you’re visiting in spring, don’t miss the celebration of Tết (January–February), Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, when the city explodes with feasting, flowers and fireworks. Other traditional festivals include Gióng (January), celebrating the victory of Thánh Gióng, Vietnam’s mythic defender, and the incense-filled Perfume Pagoda Festival (January–February).
The best things to do in Hanoi: day trips
Discover West Lake’s hidden gems
Beyond the well-trodden tourist paths lies a world of authentic experiences, with every neighbourhood revealing its own unique charm, and West Lake is no exception. Known for some of Hanoi’s best views, the area has a thriving coffee culture. Cafés like Maison de Tet Decor offer bold Vietnamese brews and delicate egg coffees, inviting you to relax by the water. Standing majestically against the lake is Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s oldest temples, adding a touch of history to the enchanting landscape.
Explore the wonders of Ha Long Bay
Journey to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like stepping into a dream. As you sail through the tranquil bay, venture into hidden caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), where giant stalactites hang from cathedral-like ceilings, or drift on a bamboo boat through Luon Cave, a gateway to a peaceful lagoon encircled by towering cliffs.
Tam Coc’s scenic landscapes
If you have time to venture further afield, the areas surrounding Hanoi are just as magical. Check out the Tam Coc countryside on a full-day private tour and explore what’s known as ‘Halong Bay on land’. Float through emerald waters, past stunning limestone formations and lotus ponds in a traditional sampan boat, bike through rice fields and stumble upon ancient temples tucked away in the hills.
Discover ancient ruins
For a quieter escape, take a trip to Ba Vi National Park, just a 90-minute drive from Hanoi, for lush forests, misty mountains and ancient ruins. It’s the perfect spot to soak up fresh air away from the hustle of the city, with epic mountain views and routes fit for amateurs to experienced trekkers.
Discover Hanoi
