Top 10 Best Activities to Do in Hanoi

Hanoi, the vibrant millennial capital of Vietnam, enchants with its harmony between ancestral traditions and dynamic modernity. Rich in its historical heritage, unique culture and renowned gastronomy, the city promises visitors an authentic and immersive experience at the heart of Vietnamese culture. Whether you are passionate about history, fine food lovers or explorers seeking emblematic places, Hanoi has something to satisfy every desire. Discover the 10 best activities to do in Hanoi to fully experience this fascinating city full of contrasts.

1. Exploring the Old Quarter

A corner of Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a true journey into the past, where every street tells a story and preserves ancestral traditions. Composed of 36 emblematic little streets, each specialized in a craft or type of commerce, the quarter immerses you in the very essence of Hanoian life. You will discover a fascinating blend of ancient houses with colonial architecture, centuries-old pagodas and small shops overflowing with artisanal products. At every corner, vendors offer hand-woven fabrics, bamboo objects and unique souvenirs that capture the soul of the city. Traditional cafés, hidden in corners, offer the ideal setting to taste the famous Vietnamese coffee while observing the surrounding hustle and bustle. Immersing yourself in the Old Quarter means embracing the history, culture and daily life of Hanoi’s inhabitants, while finding authentic treasures to take home.

2. Strolling Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake, symbol of Hanoi, is a haven of peace steeped in legends

Hoan Kiem Lake, the true spiritual heart of Hanoi, is an oasis of peace amidst urban hustle and bustle, and is one of the activities to do in Hanoi for an immersion in local culture. This emblematic place, surrounded by large trees and flowering gardens, invites relaxation and contemplation. A stroll along its shores, especially early in the morning, allows you to observe inhabitants in their wellness routines, particularly while practicing tai chi in the soft light of dawn. At the center of the lake, connected by a charming red wooden bridge, stands the Ngoc Son temple, a sanctuary dedicated to Vietnamese geniuses and heroes. Visiting this peaceful temple, you can admire beautifully decorated altars and enjoy the surrounding calm, far from the bustle of the city. Hoan Kiem Lake embodies both the spirituality and culture of Hanoi, and a stroll here is a privileged moment to soak up the soul of the capital.

3. Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an emblematic place in Hanoi, honors the Father of the Nation in a solemn and respectful atmosphere

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an emblematic and deeply symbolic place for Vietnamese people. Located in the heart of Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam’s independence, this imposing mausoleum pays tribute to the man considered the Father of the Nation. A visit here is one of the best activities to do in Hanoi to immerse yourself in national history. You can pay your respects by observing the preserved body of the leader, in a solemn and respectful atmosphere. Nearby, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house reveal his modest lifestyle, reflecting his values, far removed from the privileges of office. The Ho Chi Minh Museum, meanwhile, traces the major milestones of his life and political journey, offering a valuable key to understanding Vietnam’s modern history. This visit is an immersion in Ho Chi Minh’s legacy and a gateway to understanding the ideals that shaped contemporary Vietnam.

4. Visiting the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature, one of the activities to do in Hanoi, is a prestigious historical site that embodies the profound respect Vietnamese people have for education and knowledge. Built in the 11th century in homage to Confucius, this temple was Vietnam’s first university, where scholars trained in Confucian classics and prepared for imperial exams. Walking through the five successive courtyards, you will discover richly decorated pavilions, imposing gates and peaceful basins surrounded by manicured gardens. The stone stelae, supported by sacred turtles, bear the names of ancient graduates, symbolizing the importance of academic excellence in Vietnamese culture. Furthermore, the 82 stelae of the Doctors of the Temple of Literature have been recognized by UNESCO as documentary heritage and inscribed in the Memory of the World register. This temple offers a haven of serenity in the heart of Hanoi, where you can perceive the wisdom of past centuries and admire remarkable traditional architecture.

5. Tasting Local Cuisine

Bun Cha (rice vermicelli with grilled pork) is a must-try dish in Hanoi

Hanoi is a true paradise for food lovers, where every dish tells a story rich in traditions and unique flavors. The city is renowned for its emblematic specialties, such as pho, a fragrant noodle soup often accompanied by thin slices of beef or chicken, and bun cha, a dish based on grilled pork served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs and a slightly sweet sauce. Also not to be missed is banh mi, a Franco-Vietnamese-inspired sandwich, filled with meat, fresh vegetables and herbs in a crispy baguette. For an even more immersive experience, participate in a guided food tour, one of the activities to do in Hanoi to discover the locals’ favorite places, from bustling markets to hidden small shops. By tasting local flavors, you will immerse yourself in Vietnamese culinary culture, which combines freshness, balance and finesse. It is an unmissable sensory experience for every traveler.

6. Sipping a Coffee or Beer on Train Street

Enjoying coffee just meters from the tracks on Hanoi’s Train Street, a unique and adrenaline-filled experience.

Visitors can sit just meters from the tracks, savor their drink and experience a thrill as the train approaches. Tables and chairs are temporarily moved to let the convoy pass, in a choreography orchestrated by the inhabitants. This experience, which combines local traditions and strong emotions, offers a unique immersion in the hustle and authenticity of Hanoi, a must-see stop for those seeking unusual and unforgettable moments.

7. Exploring the Vietnam Museum of Ethnography

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnography offers a fascinating journey through the cultures and traditions of the country’s 54 ethnic groups.

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnography is an essential stop to better understand the cultural richness and ethnic diversity of the country. Designed to celebrate Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, the museum offers fascinating exhibitions of traditional costumes, ancient musical instruments and artisanal objects that bear witness to the unique lifestyles of each group. The outside of the museum is equally impressive, with life-size reconstructions of traditional dwellings, such as stilt houses or longhouses, which illustrate the architecture and habitat of different ethnicities. This immersion in local cultures offers a unique perspective on the traditions, beliefs and craftsmanship of Vietnamese communities, allowing visitors to appreciate Vietnam’s diversity beyond its capital. It is an enriching visit for anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of the country and its inhabitants.

8. Attending a Water Puppet Show

Attending a water puppet show, a unique experience that blends art and Vietnamese legends.

Immerse yourself in traditional Vietnamese art by attending a water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Unique in the world, this ancient art, dating back to the 11th century, is practiced in shallow pools, where puppeteers, skillfully hidden behind a curtain, animate wooden figures that seem to literally dance on water. These performances, enriched by live music and folk songs, tell local legends, mythological stories and scenes from Vietnamese peasant life. The visual and sound effects, combined with the puppeteers’ dexterity, create an engaging and poetic spectacle, appreciated by both adults and children. Attending a water puppet show is one of the activities to do in Hanoi for an immersion in an artistic tradition that deeply embodies the imagination and soul of Vietnam.

9. Shopping at Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market is perfect for discovering local commerce and finding unique souvenirs.

Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest covered market, is a must-see stop for those looking for activities to do in Hanoi and wishing to immerse themselves in the vibrancy of local commerce while taking home a piece of Vietnamese culture. This vast, bustling and colorful market offers an extraordinary variety of products: vibrant fabrics, artisanal souvenirs, local spices and typical food products. Walking through its corridors, you will discover bright fabrics, traditional clothing and artisanal objects that illustrate Vietnamese craftsmanship. Food enthusiasts can also find authentic ingredients to recreate Vietnamese flavors at home. A visit to Dong Xuan Market is a cultural immersion where haggling is part of daily life, and where every exchange with vendors happens in a friendly and warm atmosphere. It is without exaggeration the ideal place to soak up local life and discover unique souvenirs that will remind you of your stay in Hanoi.

10. Participating in a Vietnamese Cooking Class

Our clients experience a unique experience preparing Banh Cuon in our cooking class

For a complete immersion in the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine, nothing is better than participating in a cooking class. Under the guidance of local chefs, you will learn to prepare emblematic specialties such as Pho (noodle soup), banh xeo (crispy Vietnamese crêpe) and Banh Cuon, also called Vietnamese dumplings. These delicate rice crêpes, filled with meat and mushrooms, are served with fresh herbs and a nuoc mam sauce, an unmissable delicacy of Vietnamese gastronomy. The class usually begins with a guided tour of the local market, where you will have the opportunity to select fresh ingredients while discovering the subtleties of Vietnamese spices and herbs. In the kitchen, you will learn traditional techniques to prepare these dishes, guided by passionate experts. It is an interactive and warm experience that allows you to take with you a part of Vietnamese culture, ready to be shared and enjoyed.

By exploring these 10 activities to do in Hanoi, immerse yourself in the full cultural, historical and gastronomic wealth of this unique city, where traditions and modernity intertwine harmoniously. Hanoi captivates all travelers seeking authenticity and discovery. Whether you stroll through the streets of the Old Quarter, taste local delicacies or admire historic monuments, every moment spent in Hanoi is an immersion in the vibrant soul of Vietnam. Ready to live this adventure? Contact us to organize a tailor-made stay and enjoy every moment in Hanoi!