If you’re visiting Vietnam, it’s pretty obvious that Hanoi will be pretty high on your must do Vietnam list. Found in the north of the country, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is full of incredible experiences to discover for all those visiting the city and Vietnam. Read on to discover the best things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam or if you’re searching for more must do Vietnam experiences, read: First time in Vietnam: The best things to do in Vietnam for first-timers.
1. Hanoi Train Street
One of the most famous sights in Vietnam and especially Hanoi, the Hanoi Train Street is a must do for everyone visiting the city. You can find out how to find this incredible street and other important information here: How to get to the famous Hanoi Train Street
2. Hanoi Water Puppets
Dating back to the 11th century, the water puppets is an art form that you cannot leave Hanoi without experiencing. We saw the water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, found near the Old Quarter in the city, I was very impressed by the talent on display at this show. There are multiple viewings so you can add the water puppets into your itinerary quite easily.
3. Visit the Ngoc Son Temple
One of the best temples to visit in Hanoi is the Ngoc Son Temple. This is found near the touristy Old Quarter of the city (close to both the water puppet theatre mentioned above and the Note Coffee cafe mentioned below). As it is situated on a lake, you need to cross a bridge to visit, which adds to the experience. You can find out more about the Ngoc Son Temple here.
4. Hanoi Beer Street
Otherwise known as Ta Hien Street, the Hanoi Beer Street is a must do for those wanting to party, get among the atmosphere or enjoy a bit of night life. Full of locals and a lot of backpackers and tourists, sit down at the plastic tables and enjoy a beer or two. When I visited there were sports games on so there were televisions brought outside, which added greatly to the atmosphere. You can find Beer Street here.
5. The Note Coffee
If you’ve done your Instagram research into Hanoi, it’s likely you’ll have come across The Note Coffee. Here you can order a coffee, smoothie, cake or Banh Mi while reading the hundreds of post-it notes that have been written by visitors before you. Don’t leave without adding your own note to the wall. You can find The Note Coffee here.
6. Wander around the streets
One of the best things to do in Hanoi is simply wander the streets. Like a lot of Vietnam the traffic here can be a little crazy if you’re from a Western country so while you’re avoiding the motorbikes, enjoy exploring the different areas. I loved that Hanoi had different streets dedicated to different things – whether it be books, aluminium kitchenware, or fashion – you’re likely to find a street dedicated to it. When I visited it was close to the Lunar New Year, so there were many red celebratory items on display and for sale.
7. Hoàn Kiếm Lake
As mentioned above, the Ngoc Son Temple is situated on a lake, Hoàn Kiếm Lake to be exact, and the lake is a place to see in itself. With large pathways running around it, get up early one morning to walk the lake and soak in the Hanoi atmosphere. You can find Hoàn Kiếm Lake here.
8. Try the food
If you love Vietnamese food, you’ll find a few great options in Hanoi. My favourite restaurant in Hanoi was Noodle and Roll (Google Maps location here) which, in my opinion, had some of the tastiest food I had eaten in all of Vietnam (third photo below). However, other Hanoi cafe favourites were a small cafe found roughly here (first photo below) and The Note Coffee (second photo below).
9. Try egg coffee
You can’t leave Hanoi without trying egg coffee. Well, to be honest, you probably could leave without trying egg coffee but if you’re game you should give it a go! This Vietnamese drink is a combination of condensed milk, egg yolk and strong coffee. A lot of cafes in Hanoi will serve egg coffee and you can find out more about egg coffee here.
10. Day trip to Ninh Binh
And for those wanting to escape the city, a day trip to Ninh Binh is a very popular thing to do for those staying in Hanoi. As Ninh Binh is located about a 90 minute drive south of the capital of Vietnam, a day trip from Hanoi is very doable and Ninh Binh is easily one of the best things to do in Vietnam, as its scenery is absolutely stunning.
If you are interested in The best things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam, you may also be interested in:
- First time in Vietnam: The best things to do in Vietnam for first-timers
- How to get to the famous Hanoi Train Street
- How to get to the Golden Hands Bridge in Vietnam
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