10 Amazing Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam

The most popular saying about Hanoi is that you will remember Hanoi for a lifetime, and it won’t remember you for a second. The constant continuity and everything going at a faster pace, you will instantly fall in love with so many things to do in Hanoi. 

So, if you are in the mood to book your Vietnam tour packages, don’t forget to know about the best things to do in Hanoi! 

10 Things to Do in Hanoi

1. Take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake

It is also known as Luc Tuy Lake due to its green color all the year. Also, it is at the intersection between numerous popular streets in the Old Quarter which you will love exploring. 

Also, try some exceptional restaurants in Vietnam around the lake after you are done exploring the place. It is very easy to reach Hoan Kiem Lake by foot from most hotels in the Old Quarter and by bike, taxi, etc from other areas. 

2. Visit the Old Quarter

Some of the best streets where you can roam around are Hang Dao Street, Hang Duong Street, Hang Ma Street, and Hang Bac Street. 

As you explore, you’ll find tiny shops selling everything from traditional crafts to modern fashion, and the food is a highlight—don’t miss the famous pho or a tasty banh mi! The Old Quarter is also home to charming old buildings and pagodas, mixing the old with the new, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Hanoi.

3. Taste Hanoi’s Best Food

Quite simply, you can enjoy eating food here, and is definitely one of the best things to do in Hanoi. You can try Pho, the traditional noodle soup, Beef or Tofy, Banh Mi, Ben, and summer rolls. 

Let your tastebuds hit on something different like vegan and vegetarian options. So, get ready to taste the most amazing food in Hanoi! 

Suggested read: Things to do in Vietnam

4. Know More About Hanoi’s Art Scene 

5. Visit the Temple of Literature

Not only it is so stunning to look around, but has a significant history as well. It was founded in 1070 and then became the first university in Vietnam until it was later closed after being open for over 700 years due to colonialism.

6. Take an overnight trip to Ha Long Bay

While you choose your tours, you should know that you can only visit Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay through a tour, as it is a very protected area. 

Plan your day tours, overnights, and longer tours on small, medium or larger boats. Usually, it takes 3 hours by car to get to Ha Long Bay where you will board your board and most tours will collect you from Hanoi itself. If you are visiting this place, it is definitely one of the best things to do in Hanoi. 

7. Visit Hanoi Train Street Differently

Instead of simply waiting for the train to pass, why not take your time to discover the local life around the area? Visit one of the cozy cafés and enjoy a drink while chatting with locals, or walk through the neighborhood to see how families have adapted to living so close to the tracks. Always remember to follow safety guidelines and enjoy this iconic spot from a respectful distance, ensuring your visit is both fun and responsible.

8. Enjoy a Hanoi Water Puppet Show

If you are here to attend, it will take around 50 minutes to finish a show, so you can plan your day accordingly. It is a fantastic way to enjoy ancient art – water puppetry is very traditional in Vietnam and is tied to the cultural identity very strongly. 

Now, it has been a thousand years for these puppet shows to go on. 

Suggested read: Vietnamese food 

9. Visit The Hanoi Market

What’s unique about this? You can also find sellers offering kumquat iced tea and fruit dipped in chili powder. There is also a big focus on the barbeque – where you can also choose skewers already pre-prepared with different meats, fish and vegetables. 

This Hanoi market happens on every weekend from Friday to Sunday, 6 Pm until 12 am, but it is always best to head down later after 8 pm to know about the best ambiance. 

10. Try Vietnamese Coffee