Best things to do in Hanoi for Culture

There are many things to soak in the capital of Hanoi. Whether you seek museum hopping, art gallery visit or travel back to the past through historic sites, Hanoi has everything to entice you:

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake serves as the social hub of Hanoi, attracting tourists to the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple and Ly Thai To square. The serene atmosphere provides an ideal escape from the chaos of the bustling city, making it a popular spot for a leisurely stroll or early morning jog. The streets are closed to vehicular traffic during weekends, adding to the relaxed ambiance. Don't miss out on the chance to taste some of the city's finest egg coffee at Cafe Đinh, located on the north end of the lake.

Hanoi Opera

Located right at the heart of Hanoi, the Opera plays an important part in Hanoi`s history. It reflects the long history when the French colony started in the country, the architecture that has a link with the Opera House in Paris. 
Many famous singers both Vietnamese and foreigners choose the Opera as the first stage to perform in Vietna. 

Temple of Literature

If you are after the Hanoi culture, the Temple of Literature is a must. Nestled in the heart of bustling Hanoi, the Temple of Literature is a stunning and serene oasis surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens.
First established in 1070 and later opened as a university in 1076, the temple originally only catered to the aristocracy and the elite, but eventually extended its doors to gifted "commoners." The curriculum centered on Confucius's Philosophy, history, literature, and poetry, among other subjects.
Despite the tumultuous history of Vietnam, the temple has been exceptionally well-preserved. The courtyards hold intricate stone turtle steles engraved with the names and birthplaces of 1,307 accomplished graduates. These grand stones were encased in concrete and buried in sand during the Vietnam-American War, yet remarkably survived and remain in immaculate condition to this day.

Hoa Lo Prison

Originally constructed by French colonizers to detain political prisoners, the Hỏa Lò Prison later became infamous for housing American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War, among them Senator John McCain.
Erected in the late 1800s, the prison was colloquially known as Hỏa Lò, meaning "fiery furnace" in Vietnamese, due to the prevalence of wood stove shops in the neighboring vicinity as well as the inhumane treatment of incarcerated inmates.

Military Museum

Another museum that depicts a part of Hanoi`s history is the Military museum. Even if you are not a history enthusiast, you can still appreciate the Vietnam Military.  As you enter the open-air museum, you'll feel as though you've traveled back in time, with real-life weapons and artillery pieces lining the courtyard.
Explore the warplanes, tanks, rockets, bombs, and mortars (portable hand-operated weapons that fire off bombs). Seeing these war artifacts in person can be quite surreal, and the museum provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the Vietnam military and the various wars they have fought throughout their history.

Ethnology museum

Lying in the south part of the city, the Ethnology museum is a really kid-friendly site.  
Opened in 1997, this museum is dedicated to honoring Vietnam's 54 diverse ethnic groups. For those who have limited time but a strong interest in anthropology, the vast collection of 15,000 artifacts and 42,000 photographs on display provides a swift and comprehensive ethnographic tour of the country.
Additionally, the outdoor gardens feature life-sized replicas of traditional homes from some of Vietnam's most prominent ethnic communities.
Related article: Best Southeast Asia Museums

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh, affectionately called "Uncle Ho" by locals, was a revered leader of Vietnam, whose influence was felt across the country. He played a key role in Vietnamese politics as a Communist revolutionary leader, Prime Minister, and President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) until his passing in 1969.
In honor of his legacy, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1975 after Communist forces took control of the city. Despite his wish to be cremated upon his death, his body was embalmed, and a grand marble mausoleum was constructed to hold his remains.
A visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum often goes with One Pillar Pagoda, one of the most iconic Hanoi Travel Attractions. 

St. Joseph's Cathedral

St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi draws inspiration from Paris's iconic Notre Dame, with its entrance front featuring a Gothic-style square design that is almost identical. This historic church, which is the city's oldest, hosts weekly mass and attracts numerous visitors during Christmas time.
The cathedral's stunning height and beauty make it a distinctive landmark that stands out amid the city's usual buildings. The adjacent church square is a popular spot for photography and street foods.

Best for shopping in Hanoi

Shop at Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan market may not be the best place to shop but really worth a look. Along its four floors, there happen various stalls which sell everything from food to spice, shoes to souvenirs. You can easily find a souvenir to bring back home here! 
Indeed, prepare to negotiate as it is a part of Vietnamese shopping culture.

Hang Gai Street

Along this busy, narrow street you`ll find many shops ranging from silk to art. It is not hard to find a typical Vietnamese gift like a conical hat, Bat Trang ceramic pot, or some traditional Vietnamese tea. 

Best things to do in Hanoi for food & Cuisine

Cooking class

One of the most exciting things to do in Hanoi is to uncover its food scene. While many people choose a food tour to do so, a cooking class is just a perfect alternative. If you enjoy cooking or are eager to experiment with new flavors, a cooking class in Hanoi is an excellent activity to consider. You can select a class that suits your schedule, whether in the morning or evening and will be led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. During the class, you can visit a nearby market to discover fresh produce, learn about the ingredients, and then head to a local's residence for an exclusive cooking experience.

Hanoi train street café

Hanoi train street café is the answer to the quaint Bangkok train market. What makes this area truly remarkable, however, is that the train still operates on this track. As the train speeds by, the road is closed off for crossing. But when the train isn't passing through, visitors can stroll along the tracks, snap countless photos, or savor a cup of ca phe (coffee) or bia (beer) at a local cafe or shop house located on either side of the track. While train lines can be seen running past other streets in the city, Hanoi Train Street is the sole tourist hotspot of its kind, offering a unique and memorable experience that shouldn't be missed.

Bia Hoi

Bia hoi is a type of Vietnamese beer station that is really part of Hanoi's drinking culture. The Bia Hoi - the restaurant is often an open air where you can talk loud, cheer and get fun with friends. For the first-timer, try to seat at Ta Hien Street to experience this atmospheric site. 
Related article: Best Cities for Street Foods in Asia

Top destinations for a day trip from Hanoi

Day trip to Halong Bay

When it comes to the idea of where to go for a day out of Hanoi, the very first answer is Halong Bay. It is very understandable as Halong Bay is so famous that all travel guides recommend exploring its turquoise waters, striking islets, and awesome caves. Since it has been titled the World Unesco Heritage, there are more and more things to soak up in Halong and many of them can be done within a day trip from Hanoi. 
Read our guide for Top things to do in Halong Bay
 

Day tour to Ninh Binh

One of the most impressive Vietnam Travel destinations, Ninh Binh has scenic rice paddies, a wealthy national park, unlike bird valley, and a remarkable ancient capital. If all that does not appeal for a day trip then think about Mua cave where you can get an incredible Instagram photo. 
Undoubtedly, it is not a lack of adventurous activities like motorcycling or jungle trekking. 

Mai Chau valley

Reaching Mai Chau takes about 3 hours but it is a really enjoyable journey. This is home to the friendly Thai hill tribe who set their life in a picture-perfect valley. 
Embarking on a day tour to Mai Chau, you can explore the less-visited community of Mai Ha, trek through the photogenic rice paddies and learn about the fascinating traditional local traditional works. 

Day trip to Tam Dao

Located just 1.5 hour's drive from Hanoi, this charming town is a favorite destination among hip locals. Boasting an array of quaint coffee shops, trendy accommodations, and a distinctly European ambiance, it offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. As you venture into the town, you'll notice an instant drop in temperature, and be surrounded by stunning natural scenery, as the Tam Đảo National Park is nearby.
The top travel spots of Tam Dao are the mesmerizing Silver Waterfall and Sky Gate viewpoint.

Hanoi Unique Travel Experiences:

Snake village

Located about five miles east of the city center, Le Mat Snake Village is the ideal place to try the local delicacy of snakes. The villagers have been catching and cooking snakes for generations, as they believe it increases men's strength and virility. Give yourself encouragement to taste, and you`ll be surprised by its flavors.

See Hanoi at night on a motorbike

Curious to see another side of Hanoi? Book a night motorbike tour now. This experience shows not only the diverse evening food scene but also the life that you hardly see during the daytime. From chaotic street markets to the quiet pagoda, there are so many things to be captivated by. 

---

 

Hanoi Travel Information 2023 - 2024

Hanoi is fast changing. We have updated the newest travel information for Hanoi to make sure you`ll plan your travel easily

Is Hanoi a safe city?

Hanoi is a safe destination. Although the traffic is busy and chaotic, the city is well known to be secure. 
There is a special hotline for any tourism matters while you travel in Hanoi at (+84.4) 6663 7879

How many days should I spend in Hanoi?

3 days is good to explore all the best of Hanoi. During 3 days, you can explore the most iconic sites, sample the most delicious Hanoi foods and even check out one of the day trips like Halong Bay or Ninh Binh.
In case you do not have time, keep 2 days of your itinerary for Hanoi. 

What are the best Hanoi foods?

I am sure you may hear about Pho or Nem if you ever once ate in a Vietnamese restaurant overseas. You`ll find it even better in Hanoi simply because it is the place where these foods are made originally. The list of Hanoi foods is quite long but some not to be missed are : Bun Cha, Cha Ca, Nem Cua Be, Che...

Do I need a visa to visit Hanoi?

Visitors from many countries Europe, and Australia now can enjoy travel to Hanoi within 14 days without a visa. For a longer stay, you can apply for a Vietnam visa through the official website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt
All that you need to complete the visa procedure is: your passport which should be valid for at least 6 months, basic travel information about your plans like arrival date, and departure date and pay your visa fee of $25. 

What is the best way to travel in Hanoi?

Taxi is not so expensive in Hanoi. It could be one of the good choices when you want to move around inside the city. 
Grab is a very common application that you should consider when traveling here too. This application has a fixed price for any trip no matter how the traffic is. 
For traditional navigation inside the old quarter, take a Cyclo. Make sure you bargain. 
Like Mandalay Myanmar, Hanoi is full of motorbikes. It comes as no surprise that riding a scooter or a motorbike could a very exciting way to see Hanoi too. 

What is the weather like in Hanoi?

Hanoi exhibits two distinct four seasons. 
Springtime lasts from Feb to April with the average temperature from 23 to 28 degrees.
May to August is summer with temperatures from 30 to 38 degrees.
September to November witnesses the temperature from 22 to 28 degrees
The winter period has the lowest temperature of around 6 degrees and the highest of around 22 degrees. 

Is it necessary to take a guided tour in Hanoi?

To learn about Hanoi's history and culture above its surface, we recommend you to book a guided tour. This option often comes with a private tour guide, driver, and all-included services such as entrance fees and sometimes meals as well. 

What about the wifi in Hanoi?

Wifi is accessible mostly everywhere in Hanoi. Most of restaurants and shopping centers offer free wifi. 

How far is the airport from Hanoi city?

The distance between Hanoi and its airport is 28km. It takes about 45 minutes to travel from one side to another.