Best things to do in Hanoi
Find out more about those top places in Hanoi
Hanoi Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Must-See Sights & Things to Do in Vietnam’s Charming Capital
If someone ever tells you to skip Hanoi while exploring Asia, politely nod… then ignore them completely. Tucked in northern Vietnam like a cultural treasure chest with motorbike horns for a soundtrack, Hanoi is one of the most charming and budget-friendly places to visit in Asia. Think Parisian architecture meets steaming bowls of pho—all for the price of a fancy coffee back home.
Things to Do in Hanoi: A Mix of History, Culture, and Pho Real Good Food
Start your Hanoi sightseeing adventure at Hoàn Kiếm Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Legend has it there's a mythical turtle living in the lake, which, frankly, just adds to the charm. Stroll across the red-painted Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, and don’t forget to snap a few photos for your “I found serenity in Hanoi” moment.
Next, channel your inner history buff at Hoa Lo Prison—a sobering yet fascinating museum nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War. If walls could talk, these would probably have a podcast deal by now.
Another top attraction that shouldn’t be missed is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Come pay your respects to “Uncle Ho” in one of the most important landmarks in Vietnam. Pro tip: dress modestly, and don’t try to out-smile the very serious guards.
More Places to Visit in Hanoi That Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List
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The Old Quarter – A maze of narrow streets where every turn reveals a noodle shop, a hidden temple, or a scooter zooming by like it’s auditioning for Fast & Furious: Vietnam Drift.
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The Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first national university, now a serene spot perfect for quiet reflection or pretending you're a scholar.
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Dong Xuan Market – Ideal for shopping, snacking, and wondering how you suddenly own three new silk scarves.
Unique Things to Do in Hanoi for Extra Travel Kudos
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Watch a Water Puppet Show – Yes, water puppets are a thing. It’s weird, it’s charming, it’s Vietnamese tradition at its finest.
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Join a Street Food Tour – Let a local guide you to the city's best street eats without falling into tourist traps. Think grilled meats, bun cha, and egg coffee, oh my!
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Drink “Bia Hoi” with the Locals – This super cheap fresh beer is practically a rite of passage. Find a plastic stool on a street corner and enjoy a pint for less than a dollar. Bonus points if you learn a drinking toast in Vietnamese.
Day Trips from Hanoi: Because the Adventure Doesn’t Stop
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Halong Bay – A UNESCO World Heritage site just 2.5 hours from Hanoi, known for its limestone karsts, jade waters, and overnight cruises that feel like a dream sequence.
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Ninh Binh – Often dubbed “Halong Bay on land,” this peaceful area is perfect for boat rides through rice paddies, visiting ancient temples, and hiking to stunning viewpoints like Hang Múa.
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Perfume Pagoda – A spiritual day trip set among limestone mountains and lush rivers. You’ll take a boat ride, hike (or cable car) to a cave temple, and maybe even discover inner peace.
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Bat Trang Ceramic Village – A fun and artsy half-day trip just outside the city where you can watch (or try!) traditional pottery making—and maybe even bring home a very wobbly souvenir.
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Duong Lam Ancient Village – A quiet countryside escape with preserved architecture and cobbled alleyways. It’s like time travel, but with better food.
Why Hanoi Should Be Your Next Travel Obsession
Hanoi is a city where every scooter tells a story, every meal is a memory, and every alleyway hides a surprise (hopefully a good one). From its historic top attractions to its energetic markets, peaceful lakes, and wild traffic ballet, Hanoi offers a rich blend of old and new—and you don’t need a billionaire’s budget to enjoy it.
So pack your stretchy pants, sharpen your chopstick skills, and get ready for a journey that’s equal parts thrilling, affordable, and unforgettable. This Hanoi travel guide barely scratches the surface, but consider it your official invitation to explore, eat, and get wonderfully lost in Vietnam’s capital.
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Hoa Lo Prison
This is the number one stop for every tourist coming into Hanoi for the first time. Nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by The United States Prisoners of War (POWs) during the great American War. Originally built by the French to house Vietnam prisoners, the Hoa LO prison will mostly likely give you chilling thought of scenarios of torture and hard conditions suffered by prisoners when it was still active. It also includes a French guillotine used for executions, that is something you don’t see every day.
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Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
If you are in the mood to see something, that you might never experience in other countries, then heading over to Thang Long Water Puppet theater is the best action to take. The Show is done with high skill as it involves controlling puppets over water. Each show tells a story about the history, myths and legends of Vietnam.
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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The Mausoleum was set up to immortalize the great Vietnam leader Ho Chi Minh a former president of the communist party of Vietnam. Also, called the “Uncle Ho” museum by locals, it features sections showing different stages of his like; from his birth to his death. In the Central Hall is the embalmed body of Uncle Ho, for visitors to pay their respects. It is usually kept under high surveillance at all times.
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Hoan Kiem Lake
If you are searching for a serene location to spend evenings during a visit to Hanoi, the Hoan Kiem Lake is highly recommended. Getting its name which means “Lake of the Restored Sword” from the folklore that a sword with magical powers was sent to heaven to Emperor Ly Thai To that helped him banish the Chinese from Vietnam. The Lake is also home to “the great tortoise” but it is only seen sporadically.
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Temple of Literature
Established in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, it is dedicated to Confucius and set up to educate exceptional students in Vietnam. It is considered the first University of Vietnam and initially admitted only members of the royal family, before loosening its policies to accommodate students with spectacular academic results. Till this day it still retains most of its historical cores, in terms of architectural design. Tourists are always welcome to take a tour at the temple.
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Chim Sao/Hanoi Social Club
It is practically impossible to visit Hanoi without wining and dining in one of the numerous cafes and restaurants in the city. Two of the high recommended spots are Chim Sao and Hanoi Social Club. Chim Sao gives a more traditional vibe while the latter doubles with as a hub for artists. Both offer the best of Hanoi delicacies and provide a serene spot to relax after a long day’s work.
