Quick answer: Hanoi delivers 20+ must-do experiences across history, food, neighborhoods, and culture. Here are the best things to do, ranked.
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital – chaotic, atmospheric, ancient. Old Quarter, lakes, pho, scooters everywhere. This guide ranks the top 20 things to do.
1. Hoan Kiem Lake
Central lake with temple on island.
2. Old Quarter walk
36 streets, each named for trade once practiced there.
3. Train Street
Train passes inches from cafes, but recently restricted.
4. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
View Uncle Ho’s preserved body.
5. Temple of Literature
Vietnam’s first university, 1070 AD.
6. Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)
French colonial prison, American POWs.
7. Water Puppet Show
Centuries-old Vietnamese art form.
8. Pho Bo at Pho Gia Truyen
Iconic morning pho.
9. Bun Cha at Huong Lien
Obama and Anthony Bourdain ate here.
10. Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang
Hanoi specialty drink invented here.
11. Long Bien Bridge sunset
French-era bridge across Red River.
12. West Lake
Larger residential lake.
13. Vietnamese Women’s Museum
Surprisingly excellent.
14. Ngoc Son Temple
Pagoda on Hoan Kiem Lake.
15. Day trip to Halong Bay
2-3 hours away. Overnight cruise recommended.
16. Day trip to Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
Inland ‘Halong Bay’ – karst landscapes.
17. Day trip to Perfume Pagoda
Sacred mountain temples.
18. Cooking class
Half-day Vietnamese cooking.
19. Bia hoi (fresh beer) crawl
$0.50 fresh beer at intersection bars.
20. Night market (Hang Dao)
Friday/Saturday/Sunday night.
Plan Your Trip
FAQs
How many days do I need?
4-5 days lets you cover the major sights without rushing.
What is the best month to visit?
Shoulder season (spring/fall) usually balances weather, crowds, and price.
Is it walkable?
Most central areas are. Public transit covers the rest.
Is it expensive?
Mid-range: $130-220/day. Use our cost calculator.
What should I not miss?
Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter walk are top must-sees.
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