What to Do in Hanoi? 15+ Activities You Must Try as Travellers!

Hanoi is not only a thousand-year-old capital with a rich historical heritage but also an attractive travel destination where ancient charm meets modern life. Are you planning an upcoming trip to Hanoi and wondering what to explore? Don't worry! In this article, Joytime will reveal over 15 must-try activities in the capital so you can fully enjoy the beauty and excitement of this land. Let's explore with Joytime!

1. Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is like a maze of narrow streets, filled with historical imprints and unique architecture. This area is a harmonious blend of the ancient charm of moss-covered tiled houses and the bustling pace of modern life. If you have the chance to visit, be sure to try the following activities:

1.1. Stroll around the 36 streets

With its old architecture, narrow streets, and vibrant shops, wandering through Hanoi’s Old Quarter offers an authentic cultural and culinary experience.

What’s special about this activity? 

• Each street has its own unique character, reflecting the history and development of traditional handicrafts in ancient Thang Long. You will feel the “soul” of the capital.
• Witness skilled artisans meticulously crafting exquisite products, from silver jewelry and votive paper to preserved sweets and silk items.
• The Old Quarter is an ideal place to find unique souvenirs that embody Hanoi’s cultural identity.

General information:

Strolling through Hanoi’s Old Quarter lets you immerse yourself in the city's unique atmosphere. - Image source: Joytime

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• Set aside at least half a day to explore the Old Quarter properly.
• Wear comfortable shoes for long walks.
• Be cautious with traffic and keep an eye on your belongings.
• Explore the small alleys to discover unexpected surprises.
• Carry a map or use a navigation app to avoid getting lost in the labyrinth of streets.

Currently, Joytime offers a Hanoi City Day Tour with a well-organized itinerary covering the most iconic spots, you can check it out.

1.2. Enjoy street food

Hanoi’s street food scene is a symphony of flavors, colors, and sounds - a must-try experience to fully embrace the "soul" of the capital. If you're wondering where to eat in hanoi vietnam, this journey through simple street vendors and small roadside eateries will introduce you to a diverse and unique culinary world.

What’s special about this activity? 

• Enjoy an authentic dining experience by sitting on small plastic stools along the sidewalk, savoring hot dishes while observing daily life.
• Hanoi’s street food is not only delicious but also affordable, catering to all types of travelers.

General information:

Eating banh mi on the sidewalk while watching the city go by is a must-try in Hanoi. - Image source: Pexels

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• Try different dishes like pho, banh mi, com (young rice), and sticky rice to appreciate Hanoi’s culinary diversity. Don’t hesitate to taste something you’ve never heard of before!
• Ask locals for recommendations on the best eateries - they often have great suggestions.
• Bring cash, as many street food vendors don’t accept card payments.

Are you a food lover looking to explore Hanoi through its authentic street flavors? Check out Joytime’s 3.5-hour Hanoi Street Food Tour, guided by knowledgeable locals who will take you to the city’s best culinary spots.

1.3. Drink egg coffee

Egg coffee is a unique and iconic Hanoi beverage — a bold yet delicate combination of rich, bitter coffee and the creamy, aromatic texture of whisked egg yolks with condensed milk.

What’s special about this activity? 

• The smooth, velvety egg foam melts in your mouth, blending perfectly with the mild bitterness of coffee, creating a warm, sweet, and irresistible flavor.
• Sitting in a quaint coffee shop, sipping hot egg coffee while watching the bustling streets is a relaxing and very "Hanoi" experience.
• Egg coffee not only tastes amazing but also warms your body, making it the perfect drink for Hanoi’s chilly winter days.

General information:

Enjoying egg coffee while chatting with friends is an experience not to be missed in Hanoi. - Image source: Facebook Tun Luvfood

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• Visit well-known and long-established cafes to get the most authentic egg coffee taste.
• Sip it slowly to appreciate the layers of flavors blending together.
• If you're not used to the taste of egg, try the iced version of egg coffee.

2. Visit Famous Historical and Cultural Sites

Hanoi is like a living museum with countless historical and cultural landmarks. Each site tells a story of heroism, serving as a testament to Vietnam’s rich heritage and traditions. If you have the chance to visit, don't miss these activities:

2.1. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the final resting place of Vietnam’s beloved leader, President Ho Chi Minh. This imposing structure symbolizes the nation's gratitude and respect for him. As one of the most significant landmarks in Hanoi, it’s also considered one of the best things to do in Hanoi for anyone looking to delve into the country’s rich history and honor the legacy of its founding father.

What’s special about this activity? 

• Admire the unique architecture of the mausoleum and learn more about Hanoi’s cultural significance.
• Visiting the mausoleum is a deeply meaningful and emotional experience for both Vietnamese citizens and international visitors.
• Explore the Ho Chi Minh Museum to gain deeper insights into his life and revolutionary contributions.

General information:

Visiting Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is a spiritually significant experience. - Image source: Kinh Te Do Thi Newspaper

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially during holidays and weekends.
• Dress modestly and respectfully (shirts with sleeves, and pants or skirts covering the knees).
• Do not bring food, drinks, cameras, or phones inside (you can store them at designated areas).
• Maintain absolute silence and follow orderly queues. Do not talk or make noise inside the mausoleum.
• Consider combining your visit with nearby attractions like the Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

2.2. Pray for luck and request calligraphy at the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám) is not only an important historical and cultural site but also a symbol of the Vietnamese tradition of learning and academic excellence. Visitors come here to pray for luck in their studies and careers, as well as to request calligraphy from skilled calligraphers, hoping to bring good fortune into their lives.

What’s special about this activity? 

• Explore the ancient and majestic architecture, which embodies traditional Vietnamese architectural styles.
• Discover the Doctoral Steles, which honor those who passed imperial examinations in the past, symbolizing Vietnam's deep respect for education.
• Pray for success and peace in academic pursuits, exams, and work.
• Request meaningful calligraphy from expert calligraphers at the Temple of Literature.

General information:

The Temple of Literature has green spaces and solemn, ancient architecture - Image source: Wiki

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• Wear respectful and modest clothing when visiting the Temple.
• Keep the environment clean and avoid touching displayed artifacts.
• If you want to request calligraphy, choose a reputable calligrapher and discuss the meaning of the character you wish to receive.

2.3. Explore The Thang Long Imperial Citadel

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a vast historical site that bears witness to the rise and fall of Hanoi through multiple Vietnamese dynasties. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.

What’s special about this activity? 

• Explore the remnants of ancient palaces, including foundation stones, fortress walls, and wells from the grand palaces of the Lý, Trần, and Lê dynasties.
• Learn about the evolution of history and architecture through different periods.
• Visit the museum within the complex, which displays numerous excavated artifacts that provide insight into ancient Vietnamese life and culture.

General information:

The unique architecture at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel bears a strong historical imprint - Image source: Facebook Hoang Thanh Thang Long

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• Follow the site map to ensure you don’t miss any key areas.
• Read the information boards and watch introduction videos to understand the history and architecture of the citadel better.
• The complex is large, so bring water and sunscreen if visiting on a hot day.

2.4. Visit Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison is a special historical relic, once used to detain Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers during the French colonial period and later American pilots captured during the war.

What’s special about this activity? 

• You will have the opportunity to see the dark prison cells, torture instruments, and personal belongings of the prisoners, vividly recreating the harsh life inside the prison.
• This relic is a testament to the indomitable will and unyielding spirit of the Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers in the struggle for national independence.
• Visiting Hoa Lo Prison helps you gain a deeper understanding of the difficulties and losses that our nation has experienced in the past.

General information:

Hoa Lo Prison is a historical relic that testifies to the indomitable will and unyielding spirit of our nation - Image source: Lao Dong Newspaper

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• Take the time to carefully read the information and view the artifacts to better understand the history of the prison and the moving stories of those who were once detained here.
• You should spend at least 2-3 hours to be able to visit all the exhibition areas and learn thoroughly about the history of the prison.
• Hoa Lo Prison is often crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. If possible, visit on weekdays to avoid overcrowding.
• Do not touch the exhibits and do not make noise in the prison area.
• You should take a tour to have a guide introduce you in detail to the history and artifacts.

2.5. Discover the architecture and check in at Co Loa Citadel

Co Loa Citadel was the capital of Au Lac under King An Duong Vuong, an important historical relic with a unique architecture of three interlocking ramparts built of earth. This place not only holds historical value but also has peaceful natural scenery, suitable for exploration when visiting Hanoi.

What’s special about this activity? 

• Admire the unique ancient citadel architecture.
• Learn about the legend of My Chau - Trong Thuy, hear the tragic love story and the lesson about vigilance in history.
• Visit the An Duong Vuong Temple and other relics in the ancient citadel area.
• Unlike the bustle of the city center, Co Loa Citadel offers a quiet space, ideal for relaxation and historical exploration.

General information:

Unique ancient citadel architecture at Co Loa Citadel - Image source: Vietnam Business Magazine

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• Before arriving, learn about the history, architecture, and legends related to Co Loa Citadel to better understand the value of the relic and gain a deeper insight into what you are visiting.
• The weather in Hanoi can be quite hot in the summer. Therefore, you should choose to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
• You should choose comfortable, neat clothing suitable for the weather, and wear comfortable shoes for walking a lot in the Co Loa area.
• You should rent a bicycle to comfortably explore the ramparts and relics inside.

3. Participate in Cultural Experiences in The Capital

Hanoi is not only charming for its historical relics but also hides unique cultural experiences, deeply imbued with the identity of the Trang An people (Hanoians). Try participating in the activities below, you will surely feel more deeply about the rhythm of life, customs, and soul of the capital's residents:

3.1. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake to admire Turtle Tower

Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake, is a green gem in the heart of Hanoi, associated with the legend of King Le Thai To returning the sword to the Golden Turtle God. Strolling around the lake is a relaxing activity that helps you feel the peaceful and ancient beauty of the capital. For anyone wondering what to do in Hanoi City, a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake is a must, offering both a serene escape and a deep connection to the city’s rich cultural heritage.

What’s special about this activity? 

• Gaze at the mystical Turtle Tower, a distinctive symbol of Hanoi, carrying profound historical and cultural stories.
• Hoan Kiem Lake, with its shady green trees, vibrant flower beds, and calm water surface, creates a relaxing space ideal for strolling and breathing fresh air.
• Visit historical sites such as Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, and the Le Thai To Temple.
• Observe the daily life of Hanoians in the early morning and late afternoon.

General information:

Hoan Kiem Lake has shady green trees and a calm water surface, creating a relaxing space - Image source: Joytime

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• You should wake up early to enjoy the fresh air and watch the sunrise over the lake.
• You can stop by the cafes along the lake to enjoy a drink while admiring the scenery.
• You should walk slowly to fully enjoy the beauty of the lake.

For those arriving or departing from Hanoi, you might also find information about food in hanoi airport useful for your travel plans.

3.2. Check in at St. Joseph's Cathedral

Hanoi's Grand Cathedral (also known as St. Joseph's Cathedral) is an ancient and magnificent Gothic architectural work built during the French colonial period. With its solemn and ancient beauty, this is one of Hanoi's most famous "check-in" spots that you should not miss.

What’s special about this activity? 

• Admire the unique Gothic architecture of the cathedral and "check-in" for virtual living (take photos for social media).
• Visiting the cathedral helps you understand more about the religious life of a part of the Hanoi people.

General information:

The unique Gothic architecture of Hanoi's Grand Cathedral - Image source: Facebook GIAO XU HAM LONG

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• You should dress politely and modestly when entering the cathedral.
• The best time to take photos is in the early morning or late afternoon when there is beautiful natural light.

3.3. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a place that vividly and diversely preserves and displays the culture, customs, costumes, house architecture, musical instruments, and other aspects of life of the 54 ethnic groups across Vietnam.

What’s special about this activity? 

• Discover the cultural diversity of Vietnam through unique artifacts and original-scale reconstructed models of traditional houses.
• Learn about unique customs such as festivals, wedding ceremonies, traditional crafts, and the unique and richly distinctive cultural features of the Vietnamese ethnic groups.
• The outdoor area of the museum displays various types of stilt houses, communal houses (Nha Rong), and tomb houses, built according to the original designs, providing a visual understanding of the traditional architecture of the ethnic groups.

General information:

Discover the cultural diversity of Vietnam at the Museum of Ethnology - Image source: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• The museum has a large area, so spend at least 2-3 hours to visit thoroughly.
• Hire a guide or use an audio guide to get more detailed and in-depth information about the artifacts and cultures.
• Don't miss the outdoor exhibition area, which is a special highlight of the museum.

3.4. Watch a water puppet show

Water puppetry is a unique and ancient Vietnamese folk art form, usually performed on water with wooden puppets controlled by talented artists behind a screen. When you come to Hanoi, you definitely should not miss the opportunity to see this art form if you want to learn more about the capital's culture.

What’s special about this activity? 

• Enjoy lively and humorous performances about rural life skillfully and colorfully recreated through wooden puppets.
• Discover the ingenious puppeteering techniques of the artists as they control the puppets to move flexibly on the water surface.
• Experience a unique traditional cultural aspect of Vietnam.
• Water puppet performances are often combined with traditional folk music, creating an artistic space rich in Vietnamese identity.

General information:

Watch a water puppet show to admire Vietnam's unique folk art form - Image source: Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• You should book tickets in advance, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season, to ensure good seats.
• Choose tickets with seating in the middle or near the front for the best view.
• Read the synopsis of the performances beforehand (usually provided at the theater) to better understand the story while watching.

3.5. Cycle around West Lake

West Lake, known as the largest natural lake in Hanoi, is an ideal destination to relax and enjoy the fresh air. To fully experience the capital, try renting a bicycle and leisurely cycling around the lake – it's a great way to explore nature and human life here. If you're wondering what is there to do in Hanoi, cycling around West Lake offers a peaceful and immersive way to take in the beauty of both nature and the local culture.

What’s special about this activity? 

• Enjoy the fresh air and natural scenery with a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
• You will cycle on lakeside roads shaded by green trees, admiring ancient villas and vibrant flower gardens.
• Visit cultural and spiritual sites around the lake such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, Tay Ho Temple, and Quan Thanh Temple.

General information:

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Cycling around West Lake is a worthwhile experience in Hanoi - Image source: bike2school.vn

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• Stop at spots with beautiful views to take photos and admire the scenery.
• You can combine cycling with trying local specialties along the lake such as West Lake shrimp cakes and snail noodles (bun oc).
• Research bicycle rental locations and rental rates in advance to choose a reputable place with the best prices.

3.6. Take photos at Quang Phu Cau Incense Village

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village is a small village in the outskirts of Hanoi famous for its traditional incense (nhang) making craft. The bright red bundles of incense are tied into round flower-like shapes, creating an extremely impressive and unique scene that attracts many photographers and tourists to visit and take pictures.

What’s special about this activity? 

• Admire the brilliant beauty of the "incense flowers" artistically arranged, creating a vibrant and impressive red sea.
• You will have the opportunity to observe the manual incense-making process, from selecting raw materials to dyeing and drying the incense.
• This is an ideal place for you to create artistic and impressive photos, deeply imbued with traditional cultural imprints.
• Unlike the bustle of the city, the incense village offers a quiet and peaceful space.

General information:

Poetic scenery at Quang Phu Cau Incense Village - Image source: Pexels

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• The best time to take photos is in the early morning or late afternoon when the natural light is good.
• You should ask permission from the locals before entering their workshops to take photos. Respect the local people and do not affect their work.

3.7. Stroll through the streets of Hanoi at night

Hanoi at night puts on a shimmering and magical beauty. Strolling through the streets at night is an interesting experience for you to feel the vibrant pace of the capital after a long day, enjoy attractive street food, and shop at bustling night markets. If you're wondering what to do in Hanoi City after dark, these lively activities offer a perfect way to immerse yourself in the city's energy and charm. 

What’s special about this activity? 

• Feel the bustling and lively atmosphere in the Old Quarter at night.
• Enjoy nighttime street food with attractive snacks such as pho cuon (fresh spring rolls with beef), nem lui (grilled minced pork skewers), banh trang tron (mixed rice paper), sweet soup (che)...
• The Old Quarter night market (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and Dong Xuan night market are ideal places for you to find souvenirs, clothes, accessories, and many other items at affordable prices.

General information:

Walking at night through the small streets of Hanoi is an interesting experience - Image source: Pexels

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• Be careful with traffic and take care of your personal belongings, especially in crowded places.
• You should bargain when shopping at night markets.

4. Shop for Souvenirs at Famous Markets

Shopping for souvenirs is an indispensable part of any trip, and Hanoi has countless great options for you to find unique gifts, deeply imbued with the capital's cultural identity, to give to relatives and friends or simply to keep as a memento of your trip, such as:

4.1. Visit Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market is not only the largest and oldest market in Hanoi but also a cultural and historical symbol of the capital. This place gathers wholesale and retail trading of countless items, from clothes, shoes, household goods to fresh food and specialties.

What’s special about this activity? 

• Dong Xuan Market has a large area with many different sections, selling all kinds of goods, meeting all the shopping needs of locals and tourists.
• You can find many items at affordable prices, especially if you buy in bulk; prices at Dong Xuan Market are usually very competitive.
• The area around the market has many delicious eateries with traditional Hanoi dishes, making it a great place to explore the best food in hanoi.

General information:

Dong Xuan Market sells many kinds of goods and meaningful gifts - Image source: Dong Xuan Market

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• The market is very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, so be careful to protect your personal belongings.
• Arrive in the early morning to best experience the wholesale trading atmosphere.
• Bargain when buying goods, especially when buying retail.

Are you looking for a unique souvenir imbued with Hanoi's identity but still unsure where to buy it? Visit Joytime's Souvenirs right away to choose exquisite gifts, from traditional handicrafts to modern items. You can directly choose and shop at the store or order online, and Joytime will deliver directly to your hotel.

4.2. Explore Hang Ngang and Hang Dao Streets

Hang Ngang and Hang Dao Streets are two famous and bustling pedestrian streets in Hanoi's Old Quarter, especially on weekend evenings. This area gathers many fashion stores, accessories, handicrafts, and souvenirs, attracting a large number of young people and tourists.

What’s special about this activity? 

• On weekend evenings, these two streets become pedestrian streets with no traffic, creating favorable conditions for shopping and strolling.
• The shops here sell a variety of clothes, bags, shoes, jewelry, handicrafts, etc., with many different styles and designs.
• On weekend evenings, you can enjoy music performances, dances, and other cultural activities taking place on the pedestrian streets

General information:

Hang Dao Street sells many handicrafts and meaningful specialty gifts - Image source: MyHanoi

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• The pedestrian streets are very crowded, so be careful to protect your personal belongings.
• Bargain when buying goods to get the best price.

4.3. Wander through Quang Ba Flower Market

Quang Ba Flower Market is the largest wholesale flower market in Hanoi, located on the shore of West Lake. The market operates mainly at night and early morning, gathering countless fresh flowers from famous flower-growing regions of the North. If you want to buy fresh flowers, this is a place you should not miss.

What’s special about this activity? 

• Experience the bustling and lively atmosphere of a wholesale flower market.
• Because it is a wholesale market, flower prices here are usually very cheap, especially if you buy in large quantities.
• Quang Ba Flower Market is an ideal place for you to take beautiful photos with countless blooming flowers.

General information:

Quang Ba Flower Market is an ideal shopping and check-in spot when visiting Hanoi - Image source: Tien Phong Newspaper

Tips/Advice for Travelers:

• You should arrive in the early morning to best feel the market atmosphere and have many choices of beautiful fresh flowers.
• Be careful with traffic when moving around the market during peak hours.
• Don't hesitate to ask for prices and choose the freshest and most beautiful flowers.

With more than 15 "must-try" activity suggestions when visiting Hanoi shared by Joytime above, we hope you have gained more interesting ideas for your trip. Whether you are a history lover, a food enthusiast, or simply want to seek new experiences, Hanoi will surely not disappoint you. Pack your bags and explore this charming capital right away!

In addition, if tourists want a smoother upcoming journey without worrying about plans or schedules, don't forget to choose Joytime to accompany you in discovering and experiencing the interesting stories about the culinary culture of this beautiful Kinh Ky land!