What To Do In Hanoi?
Hanoi. The capital city of Vietnam. The home of one fo the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World. It is a dynamic city steeped in history and culture. It’s known for its ancient architecture, vibrant street life, and delicious cuisine.
Home to iconic landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi offers a rich blend of tradition and modernity, making it a captivating destination for visitors.
In this post, we will share with you the best 10 things to do in Hanoi that you must do. This will serve as your Hanoi itinerary – ranging from historical places to pagodas and even a street to watch trains go pass just inches away from you!
This is going to be an exciting adventure for sure.
So keep reading!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
10 Things To Do in Hanoi, Vietnam
HOAN KIEM LAKE
Location: Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake, nestled in the heart of Hanoi, is a serene oasis amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. Visitors can take leisurely walks around the lake, admiring the scenic beauty or even catch up with your friends.
This place is majestic and always filled with locals and tourists. This is also where you can visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island within the lake. Which leads us to our next location…
NGOC SON TEMPLE
Location: Ngoc Son Temple
Address: Located at the islet in Hoan Kiem Lake
Ngoc Son Lake is located on Hoan Kiem Lake’s eastern side. It adds to the charm of the area with its tranquil atmosphere and lush greenery. Visitors can explore the historic Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to Confucian and Taoist philosophers, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
It’s a very popular attraction within the area because of its historical and spiritual significance. This temple has two sections, with the internal devoted to worshipping Tran Hung Dao and Van Xuong De Quan.
So if you’re a devotee this is the place for you, and if you’re a person that wants to sightsee then this is a place for you as well.
HUC BRIDGE
Location: Huc Bridge
Address: Located at the islet in Hoan Kiem Lake
The picturesque Huc Bridge, also known as the Morning Sunlight Bridge, is an iconic landmark spanning Hoan Kiem Lake. Crossing this red-painted wooden bridge offers breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings, making it a popular spot for photography and leisurely strolls.
This is the famous red bridge in Hoan Kiem Lake that connects the city to the temple that’s in the middle of the lake – Ngoc Son Temple. It says at night it will get lit up and the bright colour will magnify at night.
It says it was built in 1865 during the reign of Tu Duc. ‘Huc’ means a place where light can be held, collected, and condensed’. There’s a huge historical significance that this bridge represents throughout the history of Hanoi. It had undergone a couple fo restorations to make it as beautiful as how we see it today.
The first three on our list are in the same area, so it’s very easy to visit each one of them – within walking distance. So make sure you put that in your Hanoi itinerary!
LONG BIEN BRIDGE
Location: Long Bien Bridge
Long Bien Bridge is an emblem of Hanoi’s resilience and history, spans the Red River, and provides panoramic views of the city skyline.
Walking or cycling across this iconic bridge offers a unique perspective of Hanoi’s urban landscape and its vibrant river life.
You can book a tour from Klook, whereby, your local tour guide will hitch you on their scooter and tour you around the city of Hanoi.
One of the first locations is Long Bien Bridge where they will share the historical value of the bridge.
This bridge was built to deliver goods from one end to another. Unfortunately, during the war, it was bombed and had undergone reconstructions as to what we see today. Underneath the bridge is the Red River – the biggest river in Hanoi. Where many locals enjoy their afternoon to chill and relax to escape the summer heat.
HANOI CERAMIC MOSAIC MURAL
Location: Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural
Stretching along the Red River dyke, the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural is a remarkable display of artistry, featuring intricate ceramic murals depicting Vietnam’s history, culture, and folklore.
This artwork stands 1.7 meters tall and 3,850 meters long, holding the record for the world’s largest ceramic mosaic of the Guinness Book of World Records!
Visitors can admire the vibrant artwork and stroll along the riverbank, enjoying the creative expressions of local artists.
You can easily spot them on the road if you’re in a taxi or motorbike.
I was amazed by it since the first day that I arrived. Little did I know that this mural holds the record for the world’s largest ceramic mosaic.
You can simply drive past this ceramic mural when you’re going around and about the city. It’ll really capture your eyes and makes you wonder, ‘how long is this mural?’
Better check that off in your Hanoi itinerary!
TRAN QUOC PAGODA
Location: Tran Quoc Pagoda
Address:46 Đ. Thanh Niên, Trúc Bạch, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội, Vietnam
This said to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, exudes tranquility and spiritual serenity with its elegant architecture and serene surroundings on the shores of West Lake.
Visitors can explore the pagoda’s intricate shrines, towering pagodas, and lush gardens, immersing themselves in centuries-old Buddhist traditions.
While doing the motorbike city tour of Hanoi, the local guide will share with you their religious beliefs and what each level of the pagoda represents.
According to our guide, this pagoda has 11 levels and which means 11 challenges you have to face when you pass away. Around the Pagoda, you can find 14 tombs of the head monks resting place.
You can further enjoy the place as they have a temple that you observe and learn the difference between a Pagoda and a Temple. Also, learn the different kinds of Karma as illustrated from the Illustrations of the Law of Karma.
It’s a very fascinating place if you’re into Buddhism or want to learn more about different religions/cultures.
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
Location: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
Address: 1 Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is a solemn monument dedicated to the revered leader of Vietnam’s independence struggle. Visitors can pay their respects to Ho Chi Minh by viewing his preserved body inside the mausoleum and exploring the surrounding Ba Dinh Square, which holds significant historical importance.
This spot wasn’t inside our Hanoi itinerary, however, it would be fascinating to be inside that mausoleum. It’s a highly recommended tourist spot to visit. So make sure to add that in to your Hanoi itinerary.
HANOI TRAIN STREET
Location: Hanoi Train Street
Address: 3 P. Trần Phú, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Train Street is a narrow residential alley in the heart of Hanoi, that offers a unique experience as trains pass through the bustling neighborhood just inches away from homes and shops.
Visitors can witness this remarkable sight, capture memorable photos, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the street.
This is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hanoi where you can have your coffee and have a huge train pass by inches away from you in broad daylight. There are cafes and tiny chairs and tables (that Vietnam is famous for) laid out on either side of the train tracks. People sipping coffee and having some snacks as they wait for the big moment.
This reminded me so much of a similar concept in Bangkok, Thailand.
There are specific timings for the train to come as per Vietnam Is Awesome website.
Monday – Friday: 7:00 PM; 7:45 PM; 8:30 PM; and 10:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 6:00 AM; 9:00 AM; 11:20 AM; 3:20 PM; 5:30 PM; 6:00 PM; 7:00 PM; 7:45 PM; 8:30 PM; 9:00 PM; 11:00 PM
PRO TIP: If you’re planning to book a tour, make sure to choose to wear Vietnam’s traditional clothes, Ao Dai. Your local guides will help you take loads of pictures or videos to make sure your trip is memorable.
So you can do other things while you wait for the main event.
- Take Instagramable photos with traditional Vietnamese costume
- Dine in and try their local Vietnamese cuisines
- Enjoy the popular Vietnamese coffee
For our Klook Tour, we opted for the tour with rental of the traditional costume which was worth it.
Make sure to mark a star **** on this place on your Hanoi Itinerary. So you won’t miss this one out!
PHUNG HUNG MURAL STREET
Location: Phung Hung Mural Street
Address:27 P. Phùng Hưng, Hàng Mã, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Phung Hung Mural Street is a vibrant outdoor art gallery adorned with colorful murals depicting scenes from Vietnamese folklore, daily life, and culture.
Visitors can wander along this atmospheric street, marveling at the creativity of local artists and immersing themselves in Hanoi’s burgeoning street art scene.
And to end our perfect Hanoi Motorbike Tour, we went to our last destination where the whole wall was filled with murals that depict the different aspects of Vietnamese life. It’s a great way to see the artistic side of Vietnam.
Some of the art installations were made from recycled metal scraps. It’s amazing to walk on these streets where you see – not only tourists – but also locals taking pictures with the murals.
Amazing experience it had been!
HANOI NIGHT MARKET
Location: Hanoi Night Market
Address: Hang Dao Street, Hang Ngang Street, Hang Luoc Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Located in the bustling Old Quarter, comes alive after sunset with rows of stalls selling a variety of goods, street food, and souvenirs.
It will come alive and visitors can explore the lively atmosphere, sample delicious Vietnamese street food, and shop for unique handicrafts and trinkets while soaking in the vibrant energy of the market.
They closed off several streets to give way for the night market stalls. When we were there we asked around what time the weekend night market starts and many of the local sellers said it was around 7 p.m. till late.
Better prepare your bartering skills and make sure to put this in your Hanoi itinerary!
CONCLUSION
Well, there you have it – I hope you’ll get some ideas on what are the things to do in Hanoi. I hope it comes in handy with your Hanoi itinerary. I this would answer your question, ‘What to do in Hanoi?’ Cause I had the same question before visiting this wonderful place.
For sure, Hanoi has more things to offer and explore. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
What are your favorite places to visit in Hanoi? I would love to know!
Also, I hope you’ll get some ideas on places to visit in there.
You will enjoy your time here for sure – submerging in their natural beauty, culture, food, and people.
How many days in Hanoi are you planning to stay?
Give Hanoi a try and discover more places that will amaze you!
See the below video for the video format!
Go out and explore!
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