Things To Do
in Hanoi
Hanoi, the vibrant capital city of Vietnam, is renowned for its centuries-old architecture reflecting influences from Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French cultures. The city is the heart of Vietnam's political, cultural, and historical landscapes, featuring the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, bustling Old Quarter, and the grandeur of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Its streets are a symphony of sights, from street markets and motorbikes to traditional performances, offering an immersive experience into Vietnamese life and heritage.
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Xin lỗi" - Sorry
- "Tạm biệt" - Goodbye
- "Bạn khỏe không?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast of Pho at a local eatery. Take a leisurely stroll through the bustling streets, admiring French colonial architecture.
Visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple for a touch of tranquility. Explore the various shops and boutiques in the Old Quarter, perfect for souvenir hunting.
Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views. Conclude your day with a water puppet show for a unique cultural experience.
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay respects to the nation's father. Explore the nearby Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda, both significant historical sites.
Discover the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, showcasing the diverse cultures of Vietnam. Spend some time at the beautiful outdoors surrounding the museum.
Dine at a local restaurant specializing in Hanoi cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely evening walk around the city center, taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical landmarks and traditions
- Delicious and diverse street food scene
- Vibrant atmosphere with bustling markets and lively street life
- Affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including nearby lakes and mountains
- Traffic congestion and limited public transportation options
- Pollution and noise can be overwhelming in the city center
- Language barrier for non-Vietnamese speakers
- Extreme weather conditions, including hot summers and cold winters
- Limited availability of certain Western amenities and services
Best Activities in Hanoi
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the lush greenery, diverse flora and fauna, and scenic landscapes in the Ba Vi National Park. Enjoy hiking trails and refreshing waterfalls in this beautiful natural area.
Take a leisurely bike ride around the picturesque West Lake, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and vibrant local culture. The 17km circumference offers plenty of scenic spots and interesting sights.
Experience the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay by joining a kayaking tour. Paddle through caves and lagoons, and marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty.
Embark on a trekking adventure in Sapa to discover the terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. The region offers a range of trekking routes for all levels.
Tours
Uncover the best of Hanoi with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Hanoi
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque lake in the heart of Hanoi with a beautiful red bridge and views of the Ngoc Son Temple
The largest lake in Hanoi offering panoramic views and a relaxing atmosphere
An iconic bridge with stunning views of the Red River and the bustling cityscape
A peaceful spot to capture the beauty of lotus flowers and enjoy the tranquility of nature
Food in Hanoi
Hanoi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of flavorful broth, rice noodles, herbs, and choice of meat. Visit Pho Gia Truyen for an authentic experience.
Must-Try!
Grilled pork served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce. For an excellent Bun Cha, visit Dac Kim in the Old Quarter.
A Vietnamese sandwich with various fillings such as pork, pate, and fresh vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors. Sample the best Banh Mi at Banh Mi 25.
A Hanoi specialty of grilled fish marinated in turmeric and dill, served with rice noodles, peanuts, and herbs at Cha Ca La Vong.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Hanoi better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore this bustling market offering a wide array of street food stalls serving local delicacies, snacks, and fresh produce.
Indulge in a culinary adventure with an abundance of food stalls offering Vietnamese street food, from Banh Mi to Bun Cha, and everything in between.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Hanoi, it is polite to greet others with a slight bow or a nod. Handshakes are also common, but it's best to let the other person initiate physical contact.
Respecting elders is an important cultural norm in Hanoi. It is customary to address older individuals with appropriate titles and to show deference in behavior.
When dining in Hanoi, it's respectful to wait for the host or the eldest person to start eating before you begin. It's also polite to leave a little food on your plate to indicate that you have had enough.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Hanoi with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Hanoi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a widespread practice in Vietnam, including Hanoi. However, in some upscale restaurants and hotels, a 5-10% service charge may be included in the bill. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers or at local eateries.
In Hanoi, cash is still widely used for everyday transactions. However, major establishments accept credit cards, and ATMs are readily available. It's advisable to carry sufficient cash for small purchases and in local markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Hanoi.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit with pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and traditional Tet festival celebrations.
Hot and humid weather with occasional heavy rain. Good time for outdoor activities and festivals.
Mild weather with clear skies, ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city.
Cool and dry weather, perfect for enjoying Hanoi's famous street food and cultural events.
Hanoi at Night
Hiking in Hanoi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located about 60 km west of Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park offers stunning mountain views, diverse flora and fauna, and several hiking trails that vary in difficulty.
Approximately 80 km from Hanoi, Tam Dao is known for its cool climate, dense forests, and scenic trails. Hikers can enjoy the beauty of waterfalls and panoramic vistas.
While a bit farther from Hanoi (around 315 km), Sapa is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts, featuring terraced rice fields, ethnic villages, and trekking routes up to Fansipan, Vietnam's highest mountain.
Located around 90 km from Hanoi, Nui Coc Lake offers beautiful landscapes and hiking trails around the lake and through nearby hills.
About 100 km from Hanoi, Hoa Lu offers historical sites alongside hiking opportunities in the surrounding limestone mountains and valleys, with the scenic Tam Coc area nearby.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Hanoi through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Hanoi by plane.
The main international airport serving Hanoi, located approximately 45 kilometers north of the city center.
Located in Hai Phong, about 120 kilometers southeast of Hanoi, serving both domestic and international flights.
A planned international airport being developed in Dong Anh District, Hanoi, expected to become a major hub in the future.
Located in Vinh City, approximately 300 kilometers south of Hanoi, serving mainly domestic routes with some international flights.
A proposed international airport in the North Central region, about 250 kilometers from Hanoi, intended to ease congestion at existing airports.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group, comprising over 85% of the population in Hanoi.
A significant minority group in Hanoi, primarily comprising ethnic Chinese who have been present for centuries.
One of the largest ethnic minorities in Vietnam, primarily found in the northern regions, including Hanoi.
An ethnic group closely related to the Vietnamese, living predominantly in mountainous regions but also in Hanoi.
An ethnic minority group, mostly located in southern Vietnam, with a small presence in Hanoi.
An ethnic minority group in northern Vietnam, some of whom reside in the Hanoi area.
A variety of smaller ethnic groups and expatriates from various countries.
The Soul of Hanoi
Discover the essence of Hanoi through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football, known as soccer in some countries, is the most popular sport in Hanoi, with numerous local clubs and a passionate fan base.
Badminton is widely played in Hanoi, both recreationally and competitively, with many local tournaments and a strong following.
Basketball has been growing in popularity in Hanoi, especially among the youth, with many schools and clubs promoting the sport.
Volleyball is a popular team sport in Hanoi, played in schools, universities, and local clubs, with regular competitions.
Table tennis is a favored indoor sport in Hanoi, with many enthusiasts participating in leagues and casual play.
Various forms of martial arts, including Vovinam and Taekwondo, are practiced widely in Hanoi, emphasizing discipline and physical fitness.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hanoi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Hanoi embraces vegetarian and vegan diets, with many restaurants offering plant-based alternatives. Check out Minh Chay for a variety of vegan dishes.
While traditional Vietnamese cuisine heavily features rice, be cautious of soy sauce and wheat-based noodles. Opt for rice-based dishes and verify ingredients with restaurant staff.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Hanoi with these cultural adventures.
