31 Bests Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam (Part 2) - Best Travel Guide

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1. Attending a Hanoi street food tour

Hanoi is famous for not only a number of tourist sites, but also for its unique cuisine, especially those sold by the vendors. Once you travel to this city, do not miss the chance to join a Hanoi street food tour because you will have the chance to enjoy tasty dishes of Hanoi. This kind of tour may include local travel guide or not. Some try-worthy specialties are Bun dau mam tom (rice vermicelli with tofu and shrimp paste), Bun cha (Kebab rice vermicelli, Bun thang (Rice vermicelli with pork, chicken and eggs), Bun oc (Snail rice vermicelli), Banh duc (Vietnamese plain rice flan), Quay nong (Vietnamese cruller), etc. Normally, these dishes are affordable, thus, try to taste as many as possible.

Check our guide about Hanoi street food tour in here

2. Chilling in a Hanoi coffee shop

Coffee shop is not only where you enjoy coffee but also the getaways from the hustle and bustle of the daily life. In Hanoi, it is not too difficult to find a coffee shop at its every street and alley. If you are finding a place to work or you are interested in observing and watching the day passing by, you should choose some famous and kind of “mainstream” coffee shops, which are located right at some streets like The Coffee House, Cong Cafe, etc. But if you prefer more personal space, alongside with unique decoration, those deep into the alleys are definitely your ideal places. Music, or sometimes live music, is followed, as well.

Here are some highly-recommended coffee shops in Hanoi:

Cong Cafe

No. 39 Dien Bien Phu Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District

No. 101 Hoang Cau Street, O Cho Dua Ward, Dong Da District

No. 54 Hang Dieu Street, Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District

No. 35A Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District

No. 101 Tran Huy Lieu Street, Giang Vo Ward, Ba Dinh District

The Coffee House

56A Ba Trieu Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District

No. 259 Kim Ma Street, Kim Ma Ward, Ba Dinh District

No. 68 Hoang Cau Street, O Cho Dua Ward, Dong Da District

No. 160 Nguyen Khanh Toan Street, Quan Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District

No. 122 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Bui Thi Xuan Ward, Hai Ba Trung District

Tranquil Books & Coffee

No. 18B Nguyen Bieu Street, Quan Thanh Ward, Ba Dinh District

No. 5 Nguyen Quang Bich Street, Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Cu Xa Cafe

2nd Floor, Khuong Thuong Collective Quarter, Ton That Tung Street, Kim Lien Ward, Dong Da District

The Little Plan Cafe

No. 11 Phu Doan Street, Hang Bong Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Xofa cafe & Bistro

No. 14 Tong Duy Tan Street, Hang Bong Ward, Hoan Kiem District

3. Attending a cooking class

As mentioned above, Vietnamese cuisine is really surprising and it is such a pity not to try those delicious dishes when you come to Vietnam. However, learning to cook Vietnamese dishes may even seem more interesting, especially when you are a cooking lover. Recently, it is becoming increasingly familiar and there are many cooking courses offered to tourists, especially foreigners. Most classes involve market tours in order to bring you the experience to explore the Vietnamese local life.

Here are some highly-recommended cooking classes in Hanoi for you to choose:

Rose Kitchen

Address: No. 294 Kim Ma Street, Kim Ma Ward, Ba Dinh District

Tel: (+84) 1645 508 508

Email: info@rosekitchen.com.vn

Hanoi Cooking Centre

Address: No. 44 Chau Long Street, Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District

Tel: (+84) 243 715 0088

Email: info@hanoicookingcentre.com

Apron Up Cooking Class

Address: 3rd Floor, No. 66 Bat Su Street, Hang Bo Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Tel: (84) 942 606 486

Email: apronupcookingclass@gmail.com

4. Enjoying tea with friends

Tea has been a familiar piece of Hanoi culture. Normally, it is served in both hot and iced tea, but iced tea is more popular. Besides, lemon tea is a good choice in case you prefer something sweeter. Snacks like sunflower seeds and peanut candy are also available on the menu.

The area around Hoan Kiem Lake and St. Joseph’s Cathedral where you can admire the great views and talking with friends, tasting every sip of your tea, is the most famous and ideal for this kind of drink. It is not too difficult to come across a group of friends talking together over some lemon tea and sunflower seeds on a summer night, or some elderly men sitting in a narrow side of pavement, sipping their hot tea on a typical Hanoi cold day. Those simple things make this city “Hanoi” in its own way.

5. Observing the whole city from a high building

Have you ever wondered how Hanoi looks like from a high view? The answer is that it is amazing and you absolutely should give a try! Hanoi is a capital city with many skyscrapers. Once you stand on the terrace of a high building and observe it, the city is like a universe with a thousand stars shining. Also, you will have the chance to admire the sky which you can hardly see when you are on the streets. Then grab your buddies and spend a while chilling with stars and cloud. Lotte Observation Deck is the most highly-recommended one.

6. Making friends with the locals

Many travelers are interested in making friends with the people they met on the journey. As a matter of fact, meeting the locals helps you understand deeply the culture of the place, as well as provide you authentic and memorable experiences. Hence, do not hesitate on talking to a girl you met at a pub or a coffee shop, the guide or the host family. Traveling is not greater then.

7. Making yourself at home at a Hanoi homestay

Homestay has become a popular choice of accommodation for travelers because of their convenience, low price, and warm space the hosts bring up. As a tourist city, there are a number of homestays in Hanoi, which offer a wide range of service levels for you to choose. It is absolutely great to have a meal and talk with the hosts and acknowledge the ordinary life with those very local friends or else, chilling in the well-decorated room in a Hanoi cold day is really worth your while. Recently, many people in Hanoi choose this kind of accommodation as their ideal getaways to relax on weekends.

Here are some highly-recommended homestays in Hanoi:

Mong Hanoi

Address: No. 4/9 Hong Ha Street, Hoan Kiem District

Tel: (+84) 944 191 409

Email: monghanoi2gmail.com

Ca Homestay

Address: Alley 121, Da La Street, Truong Dinh Street, Hai Ba Trung District

Tel: (+84) 1279 293 109

Facebook: Ca Homestay

8. Hopping on a cyclo tour around Hanoi

Cyclo, as you may not know, is called Vietnamese “bicycle taxi”. Although it is faster and more convenient to travel by other means of transports, taking a cyclo tour around Hanoi may be an unforgettable experience when you are in Hanoi. A typical tour usually lasts 1 hour, providing you a ride around the Old Quarter of Hanoi or other must-sees like Hanoi Opera House, Hanoi Citadel, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, etc, as well as the close-up views of Hanoi and stories by the rider. You can easily find many riders in the area of The Old Quarter and make a deal with them to arrange a tour. However, it is our advice that you should book a tour from some operator in order not to be over-charged.

This is the highly-recommended cyclo tour operator in Hanoi:

Hanoi cyclo tours

Address:

No. 52A Long Bien 1 Street, Ngoc Lam Ward, Long Bien District

No. 74 Hang Bac Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Tel: (+84) 243 993 1368

Price: from VND 220,000/person (there are discounts if you travel in a team)

Email: hanoicyclotour@gmail.com

Website: hanoicyclotours

9. Immersing yourself in an art gallery

Vietnam is home to a huge number of art works, most of which bear the distinct features of Asian culture. Visiting Hanoi - the land of Vietnamese traditional values - art spaces like galleries should not be missed.

Here are some highly-recommended art galleries in Hanoi:

Nguyen Art Gallery

Address: No. 31 Van Mieu Street, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District

Tel: (+84) 243 747 6001

Email: order@nguyenartgallery.com

Opening hours: 08:30 - 18:30 Monday to Saturday

CUC Gallery

Address: A4703 (Floor 47), Keangnam Hanoi Tower A, Duong Dinh Nghe Street, Nam Tu Liem Ward, Tu Liem District

Tel: +84 24 6252 3111

Email: contact@cucgallery.vn

Opening hours:

Green Palm Gallery

Address: 15 Trang Tien Street, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District

39 Hang Gai Street, Hang Gai Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Tel: (+84) 243 9364 757

Email: info@greenpalmgallery.com

Opening hours: 08:00 - 20:00, Monday to Sunday

10. Having a night out at bars

As for Hanoi nightlife, the city’s lively bars are where you can enjoy the great tunes of music, taste a cocktail, or meet up with some nice local friends. Most of the bars conveniently situated in Hanoi Old Quarter and easy to get access.

Here are some highly-recommended bars in Hanoi:

O’Leary’s Sports Bar Hanoi

Address: No. 38 Ba Trieu Street, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Rockstore Hanoi

Address: No. 61 Ma May Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District

11. Taking photos with the Ao dai

Ao dai - the national costume of Vietnam - is a highlight in Vietnamese fashion, which follows both traditional and temporary styles, symbolizing for Vietnamese feminine beauty. Traveling to Hanoi, you can easily get yourself a set of Ao dai by buying or renting to take beautiful photos. Hoan Kiem Lake, Long Bien Bridge and some attractions of Hanoi are the ideal places to capture your moments.

12. Buying gifts for family and friends

Hanoi isa real huge shopping mall. Once you travel to this city, you will be immersed of not only the wide range of specialties, but also the local cultures here. It is quite obvious that everyone who travels loves to buy gifts for their family and friends after their trip. You will have the chance wandering in some crowded streets of Hanoi Old Quarter, getting inside local markets to find suitable gifts for the ones you love. Price is dependent on things you want to buy

13. Buying Flowers From A Peddler

Hanoi is well-known for the “12 flower seasons”. Every time in Hanoi, you can easily find a peddler riding a bicycle selling cut-fresh flowers. It could be the lotus or a bunch of tiny daisy. That could be such a sweet gift for your girlfriend or your wife.

14. Learning to bargain in a local market

Bargaining is truly a part of Vietnamese culture that you can easily see when going to markets. Though some local people consider it as a way of entertainment, we think that it is a necessary skill for foreign travelers when coming to Vietnam in order not to be overcharged. You should bargain each price in the markets, but remember to do it with politeness and humour. Walking away and acting as if you do not want that object anymore is a tool of bargaining. However, sometimes do not expect anyone to accept your price. It is just a shopping experience.

15. Having a massage in a spa

Massage is a way to relax after traveling hours. In Hanoi, there are many spas offering Vietnamese, Thai and Swedish massages. It is fairly easy to find one!

Here are some highly-recommended spas in Hanoi:

Hanoi La Belle Spa

Address: No. 92 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Tel: (+84) 978 392 399

Opening hours: 09:00 - 23:00

Marguerite Spa

Address: No. 68 Ma May Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Tel: (+84) 243 926 2464

Opening hours: 09:00 - 23:00

Serena Spa

Address: No. 299 Au Co Street, Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District

Tel: (+84) 243 996 8866

Opening hours: 10:00 - 21:00

16. Exploring Hoan Kiem walking street

Hoan kiem Walking Street, which is opened only on the weekend, is one of the most favourite getaways of people from all walks of life in Hanoi. Thanks to the nice location around Hoan Kiem Lake, this walking street is spacious enough for many kinds of entertainment, such as: folk games, jogging, street music performance, portrait drawing, etc. Have a good time when walking around the lake and playing Vietnamese folk games in Hoan Kiem Walking Street!

17. Visiting Quang Ba flower market

Quang Ba night market is one of the most atmospheric market in Vietnam. This is a local and authentic experience when you travel to Hanoi. Quang Ba flower market has 2 sessions: from 2 a.m to 4 a.m and from 4 a.m to midday. Usually, the most lively part is from 2 a.m to 4 a.m. Though this market may be a little sensory assault, that is one of the most appealing parts of Vietnamese local markets.

Address: Au Co Street, Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho Ward

18. Visiting One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar Pagoda is one of the 2 most iconic temples of Vietnam. Built in the Ly dynasty ,the temple resembles a lotus blossom, which is a symbol of purity in Buddhism. The temple is made of wood, situated on a single stone pillar, which makes its name. One Pillar Pagoda is a unique architectural symbol of Hanoi.

Address: Chua Mot Cot Street, Doi Can Ward, Ba Dinh District

19.Visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Hanoi. Situated on a small island on West Lake, Hanoi, the pagoda is famous for its history and becomes the icon of Hanoi today. Not only a place of worship, Tran Quoc Pagoda also attracts visitors for its cultural background and symbolic architecture.

Address: Thanh Nien Street, Yen Phu Ward, Ba Dinh District

Opening hours: daily from 07:30 to 18:00

Entrance fee: free

Tel: (+84) 243 8293 869

20. Visiting Vong village

Vietnamese young green rice, or Com, is a rustic specialty of Vietnam, especially Hanoi. In Hanoi, Vong Village, which is located in Dich Vong Hau Ward, Cau Giay District, is the most well-known to produce this kind of super fresh treat. Vong Village includes 4 smaller villages: Vong Tien, Vong Hau, Vong So, Vong Trung but Com is only made in only 2 villages Vong So and Vong Hau. The best time to visit Vong Village is in the autumn which is the Com season.

21. Visiting Bac church

Cua Bac Church, which is built in 1932, is a lovely site for walking located under the shades of big trees in Phan Dinh Phung Street. The church’s architecture is a perfect combination of French and Vietnamese features. Today, besides St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Ham Long Church, Cua Bac is a major church of Hanoi.

Address: No. 56 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Quan Thanh Ward, Ba Dinh District

22. Exploring Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural

If you are into exploring the artistic side of this city, Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural should be on your bucket list of must-go places in Hanoi. After being continued to build for the Millennial Anniversary of Hanoi, This ceramic mosaic mural has an amazing length, zipping along Yen Phu major roadway and is listed in Guiness Book of World Record as the largest ceramic mosaic.

23. Experiencing Bao Son Heaven Park

Bao Son Heaven Park is the biggest park in the northern region of Vietnam. Besides the fact that it has a number of sea animals as well as rare species, this park offers many ways of entertainment which recall us of Vietnamese traditional cultures. Spend a day at Bao Son Heaven Park and you will find yourself totally relaxing.

Address: Km+200, Le Trong Tan Street, An Khanh Commune, Hoai Duc District

Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00

24. Having a motorbike tour to Ba Vi National Park

Today, many young Hanoians travel to Ba Vi National Park on weekend to take their soul to the nature. In Ba Vi, you can climb the mountains, take photos, visit some famous sites, and even relax in beautiful and convenient villas. It is such a great experience to travel by motorbike from Hanoi to Ba Vi National Park due to its adventurous but exciting journey.

25. Taking a tour to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi

Halong Bay, which is situated 180 kilometers from Hanoi, is a scenic spot in Vietnam that you should not miss. As the increasing demand for traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay, the traffic system has been upgraded in the recent years. Hence, there are available tours on any period of the year. There are different types of tour to Halong Bay from Hanoi: tour for family, tour for couple, tour for backpacker, etc. The price of each tour depends on the season you travel, different tour operators, and the means of transports.

Here are some highly-recommended to Halong Bay from Hanoi tour operators

Halong Bay Tours

Address: No. 72 Hang Trong Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Tel: (+84) 243 577 2907

Email: info@halongbaytours.com
Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00, Monday to Saturday

26. Taking a tour to Sapa from Hanoi

Sapa is one of the must-go destinations in the list of travelers in Vietnam for its beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views.

Check our guide about Sapa in here

Here are some highly-recommended to Sapa from Hanoi tour operators

Day Tours Hanoi

Address: No 1/160 Hao Nam Street, O Cho Dua Ward, Dong Da District

Tel: (+84) 243 759 3333

Sapa tour from Hanoi

Address: 2nd Floor, No 8 Ma May Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District
Tel : (+84)2 4 3722 8767
Email : info@sapatoursfromhanoi.com

27.Taking a tour to Trang An from Hanoi

Trang An Eco-tourist site is situated in the area of 3 districts: Hoa Lu, Gia Vien and Nho Quan of Ninh Binh Province. It has become more and more popular in the tourist map for its stunning caves, as well as many tourist attractions such as Tran Temple and the limestone mountains and rivers. Trang An is easy to get to from Hanoi

Here are some highly-recommended to Trang An from Hanoi tour operators:

Day Tours Hanoi

Address: No 1/160 Hao Nam Street, O Cho Dua Ward, Dong Da District

Tel: (+84) 243 759 3333

Deluxe Vietnam Tours

Address: Suite 208, No. 4 Cong An Collective quarter, Da Sy Ward, Ha Dong District

Tel : (+84) 984 819 645 / (+84) 243 3119 887

Email: deluxevietnamtours@gmail.com

info@deluxevietnamtours.com

28. Taking a tour to Tam Coc from Hanoi

Tam Coc, which is located in Ninh Binh Province, about 90 kilometers far from Hanoi, has recently become one of the most famous tourist sites in Vietnam. Since the short distance from Hanoi to Tam Coc, there are more and more tours to Tam Coc from Hanoi

Here are some highly-recommended Tam Coc from Hanoi tour operators:

Tam Coc Tours

Address: No. 242H Minh Khai Street, Minh Khai Ward, Hai Ba Trung District
Tel: (+84) 934 282 001
Email: info@tamcoctours.com

29. Taking a tour to Mai Chau from Hanoi

Mai Chau is a remote mountainous town which is located in a rural valley whose towering cliffs, laid-back atmosphere, and unique culture attract visitors in the recent years of Hoa Binh Province.

Here are some highly-recommended to Mai Chau from Hanoi tour operators:

Khanh Sinh Tour

Address: No. 26 Lo Su Street, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Tel: 024.3926 2499/ 3926 1718

Email: info@khanhsinh.com

Day Tours Hanoi

Address: No 1/160 Hao Nam Street, O Cho Dua Ward, Dong Da District

Tel: (+84) 243 759 3333

30. Taking a tour to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi

Cat Ba Island, which is located in Hai Phong, has recently become one of the most ideal destination in the North Vietnam. Coming to Cat Ba Island, you will have the chance to explore its fantastic and untouched natural charms: the beautiful beach, gorgeous limestone pillars. Also, its diverse culture will definitely give you memorable experiences.

Check our guide about Cat Ba Island in here

Here are some highly-recommended to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi tour operators

Vietnam Package Tours Company - Madam Moon Travel Office

Address: No. 17 Hang Hanh Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Opening hours: 06:00 - 23:30

Good Morning Cat Ba Vietnam Company

Address: No. 13 Hang Huong Lane, Hang Ma Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Tel: (+84) 243 2373 186

31. Taking a tour to Huong pagoda from Hanoi

Perfume Pagoda, or Chua Huong, is located at the center of a sacred site featuring a maze of main Buddhist temples built in the cliffs of Huong Tich. Every year, not only Buddhists but also travelers come to visit the Buddhism symbol of Vietnam to worship, as well as explore the distinct cultural features here. As the high demand of tourists, there are many tours from Hanoi to Perfume Pagoda for you to choose.

Here are some highly-recommended to Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi tour operators: