Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and a place with many historical and cultural facts- the perfect combination between the lifestyle of contemporary society and the traditional one. Its busy roads, calm lakes, and undiscovered attractions should indeed be explored by those who want to have a real Vietnamese experience. From trade centers to religious centers and temples to street markets – this guide to Hanoi will show you what you can expect from this very pretty town.
Places to Visit in Hanoi
Here’s a list of must-visit places in Hanoi for an unforgettable trip:
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple are some of the most important religious places in Hanoi. Hoan Kiem Lake is a pleasant oasis in the midst of the traffic of the city of Hanoi. It is vast, seeded with beauty by weeping willows, and covered with walking pathways- best for taking a stroll. On the island, there is the Turtle Tower worth visiting, and on the north side of the lake, the Ngoc Son Temple is located.
Guide to Hoan Kiem Lake:
- Open: Every day of the week but it’s best visited during the early morning.
- Travel Tip: Go early in the morning around sunrise to catch local people doing Tai Chi exercises by the waterside.
- Address: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
The Old Quarter
The Old Quarter of Hanoi, with its narrow and crowded streets, is filled with sellers, selling everything ranging from street foods to handicraft items. This district is famous for its 36 streets and all of the streets were devoted to trade since the time of its formation as a merchant area in the 15th century.
Guide to The Old Quarter:
- Open: Daily while the night market operates on weekends from 6 PM.
- Travel Tip: Enjoy a bowl of pho from a local street vendor for an authentic culinary experience.
- Address: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Vietnam’s tour is not complete without dropping by and visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – the tomb of the world’s most famous export of anti-colonial struggle. The great architectural creation is the mausoleum of Uncle Ho and it is the pride and spirit of the Vietnamese nation.
Guide to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum:
- Open: Tuesday to Thursday and weekends from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
- Travel Tip: Dress respectfully, as this is a national memorial. Photography is not allowed inside.
- Address: 2 Hung Vuong, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.
Temple of Literature
A temple dedicated to Confucius in Hanoi, the Temple of Literature, is the first university in Vietnam established in 1070. This site seems to be one of the most preserved and tranquil spots amongst the heaving bustle and jam-packed streets of Hanoi. It is now filled with acquitted courtyards and ponds, and numbering stelae that commemorate scholars.
Guide to Temple of Literature:
- Open: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
- Travel Tip: The temple is especially crowded with Vietnamese students before examinations.
- Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da, Hanoi.
Things to Do in Hanoi
Here are some activities to make your Hanoi experience even more memorable.
Take a Cyclo Ride
A good way to visit the crowded streets of the Old Quarter in Hanoi is by using a cyclo, or a Vietnamese, three-wheeled bicycle rickshaw. There are hundreds of things to look at in a city and the slow speed enables one to see people going about their normal business in the city.
Travel Tip: Bargain on the price since, cyclo drivers usually request higher fees from tourists, before beginning a trip.
Hanoi Night Market
The Hanoi Night Market holds many different attractions through the streets of the Old Quarter and is very much alive at night. Located in the suburbs, this market is open on weekends and it sells clothing, miscellaneous and food specialties. This is also an excellent place and one of the best tourist attraction sites to sample the exotic Hanoi nightlife.
Travel Tip: When it comes to shopping, bargain hard especially when it comes to clothes, jewelry, shoes, and other trinkets.
Visit a Water Puppet Show
Water puppetry is a style of trading show prevalent in Vietnam and especially in Hanoi. There is an onsite working water puppet theatre known as Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre with daily performances of ancient Vietnam folklore.
Travel Tip: For any of the tourist destinations, ensure that you buy your tickets way ahead, especially during busy periods.
Where to Eat in Hanoi
Hanoi will also bring about Vietnam’s traditional dishes that have always been famous around street food. Here are a few dining recommendations:
Bun Cha Huong Lien
Locally referred to as the eatery that hosted Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain, Bun Cha Huong Lien should top your list. It focuses on one of Hanoi specialties called Bun Cha, which is grilled pork with noodles and vegetables and served with a local sauce.
- Must Try: Bun Cha and spring rolls.
- Address: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
Cha Ca La Vong
Cha Ca is another well-known dish of Hanoi that includes fried fish marinated with turmeric and dill served with vermicelli noodles and peanuts. Among all the restaurants, Cha Ca La Vong is one of the oldest restaurants in the capital city of Vietnam and it serves this house specialty.
- Must Try: Cha Ca with all the condiments.
- Address: The elementary décor is at 14 Cha Ca Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Quan An Ngon
Quan An Ngon is an emblematic figure of local gourmet and probably the most sophisticated restaurant filled with street food. There are numerous Vietnamese specialties served here including the pho and the bun cha in a courtyard.
- Must Try: They have Pho, Banh Cuon, and Fresh Spring rolls.
- Address: 17 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
Hanoi has a savanna climate. It has annual precipitation and can be categorized into two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The best of the season is from October to April and the worst part of the season is from May to September due to hot dry winds. Slightly cooler conditions occur in the early spring from February to April and the early autumn from October to November are ideal with colorful blossoms.
How to Get to Hanoi
You can get to Hanoi by air through the Noi Bai International Airport which is about 30 km from the city center of Hanoi. It has enhanced and accessible linkages with other global cities.
Travel Tip: When you get there you can hire a shuttle bus or a taxi to the city center. Taxis and other services such as Grab are efficient and relatively cheap.
What Travel Experts Say
Hanoi is where one can fully experience a historic locality of Vietnam blending modern infrastructure, culture, and customs. Whether it is wandering by Hoan Kiem Lake visiting the Champa temple, or slurping on a bowl of pho on the sidewalk, there will be no boring moment in Hanoi.
It is suggested that travelers should consider at least 72 hours to see cultural and historical attractions in the city, as well as shop and taste the local food.
As we discover throughout this guide to Hanoi, its long history and nice atmosphere would definitely be a nice stop for every traveler visiting Vietnam.
FAQs
How many days in Hanoi is enough?
Three to four days in Hanoi is usually enough to cover the city's key attractions. This timeframe allows you to explore popular spots like the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Additionally, you’ll have time to savor Hanoi’s street food and experience its rich culture. With this amount of time, you can also take short day trips to nearby destinations such as the Perfume Pagoda or Bat Trang Pottery Village.
What to avoid in Hanoi?
While Hanoi is generally safe and welcoming, there are a few things to avoid. Be cautious of scams, especially with taxi drivers who may overcharge or take you on longer routes. It's advisable to use reputable services like Grab. Avoid drinking tap water, as it's not safe for consumption; stick to bottled water instead. When visiting temples and cultural sites, avoid wearing revealing clothing, as it's considered disrespectful. Also, be mindful of traffic and crossing streets, as Hanoi’s bustling roads can be overwhelming.
Do I need a guide in Hanoi?
You don't necessarily need a guide in Hanoi, as the city is fairly easy to navigate with maps and online resources. However, hiring a guide can enhance your experience by offering deeper insights into the history and culture of the city. A guide can also help you avoid tourist traps and recommend hidden gems. If you’re short on time or prefer a more structured itinerary, a guide can be a valuable addition to your trip.
Is it ok to wear shorts in Hanoi?
Yes, it's generally acceptable to wear shorts in Hanoi, especially during the hot and humid months. However, when visiting religious or cultural sites such as temples and pagodas, it’s best to wear more modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to show respect. In casual settings around the city, wearing shorts is fine, but dressing modestly is appreciated in more formal environments.
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