Things to do in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam
Known to be Asia’s most pulsating capital city, Hanoi will captivate your heart with its dynamic vibes! The blend of ancient and contemporary is prominent everywhere you go, so brace yourself for an energetic city that will keep you on your toes.
Home to boulevards, baguettes, and bars, here are the top 9 things to do when in Hanoi, that will get you planning your next vacation to the northern part of Vietnam!
🚀 1. Explore the Old Quarter
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is known as the 36 streets for 36 trades/guilds that included silk, bamboo, silver, brass, basket, paper, and so much more. Get lost in the intricate labyrinths of the Old Quarter, manoeuvre through the haphazard traffic, indulge in the Vietnam’s culinary flavours, and spot some unique artworks and souvenir shops! If time permits, catch a Water Puppet show, a unique performing art of northern Vietnam.
🚀 2. Walk along the Train Street
Hanoi’s most Instagrammed spot, the Train Street is a must visit when you are in the capital city. Homes, cafes, restaurants, and bars line the railway track. Stay here for as long as long as you like, to get the perfect picture for the #trainstreet hashtag. And if you’re in time, watch the train pass you by through this narrow street in Old Quarter!
🚀 3. Visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda
First built during the 6th century, the Tran Quoc Pagoda is Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple located on a small island near the southeastern shore of the West Lake. Entry is free!
🚀 4. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Being Hanoi’s most visited attraction, the HCM Mausoleum is the resting place of the Vietnamese Revolutionary leader & President Ho Chi Minh, where his embalmed body is placed (which goes to Russia for maintenance during the 2 months of the Mausoleum’s shutdown). Expect to learn a lot about Vietnamese History while you are here. Around the complex, you can also check out the Ho Chi Minh Museum and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House where he lived intermittently between 1958-1969. Entry to all these attractions are free!
🚀 5. Check out the One Pillar Pagoda
The One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi is the most unique pagoda in the world. It rises from one pillar in the centre of a square shaped lotus pond, where the Goddess of Mercy is worshiped. The pagoda is located across the HCM Mausoleum. Entry is free!
🚀 6. Visit the Temple of Literature
Not only a Confucius temple, but also the first university of Vietnam established in the 11th century, the Temple of Literature has five courtyards and is an impressive landmark for scholars who would come here to relax amidst the lush green trees and manicured lawns. This place makes for a great spot for graduation photos! Entry ticket is VND 30,000 (USD 1.3) for adults and VND 15,000 (USD 0.65) for students/elderly.
🚀 7. Capture Hoan Kiem Lake’s beauty
Hoan Kiem Lake is the most beautiful lake in Hanoi, also known as Lake of the Restored Sword. Around the lake, the three main sights to see include the Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, and the iconic Tortoise Tower, all of which glisten beautifully at night. Early in the morning, at 6am, join the local residents to practice traditional t’ai chi.
🚀 8. Visit the French Quarter
Located on the southern side of the Hoan Kiem Lake, the French Quarter area of Hanoi is worth a visit if you are keen to check out some proud-looking French era buildings. From the Opera House, to Sofitel Metropole, the enormous Post Office, Hanoi People’s Committee Building, and the Supreme Court.
🚀 9. Adore all the lanterns and lights in the city
No trip to Vietnam is complete without admiring the gorgeous lanterns that light up the country. Hanoi is always incredibly lit at night, thanks to the myriad colourful lanterns, string lights, glistening buildings, street decors, and so much more!
Keen to explore beyond Hanoi when visiting Northern Vietnam? Check out what Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa have to offer!