Best Things To Do in Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi was honestly one of my favourite places while in Vietnam. Since it was my first time in South-East Asia I really didn’t know what to expect, but this vibrant city surpassed anything I could’ve imagine. Reading about it I saw a lot of people that mentioned they did not enjoy it and I am still baffled as to why. From rich history, to amazing food, to colourful nightlife and some of the best coffee I’ve ever had, Hanoi stole my heart!
How to get to Hanoi
Being the capital city of Vietnam, its airport is really well connected so you can choose to fly in here and make it your first stop. If it is not you’re first destination in Vietnam you can easily book a train, a bus or a flight from other cities. The best way to book bus/train tickets online in Asia in general is by using 12GoAsia.
Getting around Hanoi
The main ride sharing app used in Vietnam is Grab and the prices are really good. It works the same way as other major ride-sharing apps such as Uber or Bolt (both of these are unavailable in Vietnam).
Top Things To Do
1. Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh was a strong advocate for Vietnam’s Independence and the founder of the Vietnamese Communist Party. Although his wishes upon his death were to have a simple burial, the people of Vietnam loved him so much that disobeyed him for the very first time and decided to built this mausoleum. Inside the mausoleum, you can see the preserved body of Vietnam’s beloved leader inside a glass case.
The entrance is free and make sure you dress appropriately (no tank tops, shorts, skirts etc) otherwise you will not be able to go inside. Inside the mausoleum photography is strictly forbidden and if you have a camera with you they will ask you to leave it inside a locker and you will get it back when you exist.
Opening hours: Seasonal:
- April 1st to October 31st: 7.30 a.m – 10.30 a.m (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 7.30 a.m – 11.00 a.m)
- November 1st to March 31st of next year: 8.00 a.m – 11.00 a.m
- The Mausoleum is closed on Mondays
2. One Pillar Pagoda
Inside the same complex as the mausoleum you will find the beautiful One Pillar Pagoda. It was built in 1049 and was designed to resemble a lotus flower rising up from the pond. However, the original Pagoda was destroyed in 1954 by the French soldiers. The current Pagoda was rebuilt on the original model at the instructions of Ho Chi Minh, hence its location inside the complex.
Visiting is free and it is the perfect spot for reflection and photography.
3. Temple Of Literature
Built in 1070, The Temple of Literature was Vietnam’s first university. Its beautiful architecture and the lush gardens that surround it make it a nice place for a stroll to escape the loud city.
If you want to enter the gardens you will have to purchase a ticket that costs 30,000 VND (~US$ 1.30).
4. Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is a bustling neighbourhood, a maze of beautiful narrow streets, each dedicated to a specific trade. It also makes the perfect place to go out in the evening as you will find everything from traditional restaurants to clubs and bars. It is also a good place to go for souvenirs.
5. Train Street
Ah, the famous Train Street. The Train Street is a narrow street lined with cafes and restaurants. What makes it a popular destination is that you can go enjoy a drink while the train passes literarily just inches away from the terraces.
Good to know: You can only enter if you are invited by the coffee shop keepers which is not difficult just sit around and someone will approach you. Do not enter without being invited or you will risk people shouting at you to leave and telling you it’s not allowed.
Below you can find the times that the train passes through, although you can just ask a local when’s the next train as I’m not sure if these times vary.
- Weekdays: 7pm, 7.45pm, 8.30pm, 10pm.
- Weekends: 9.15am, 11.20am, 3.20pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 7pm, 7.45pm, 8.30pm, 9pm, 11pm.
6. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
While in Hanoi book a ticket to watch the ancient art of water puppetry. While there are many locations in Vietnam where you can watch a water puppet show, this one is the most famous one and for good reason. The show is accompanied by live folk music and it tells captivating stories of rural life and mythology. Make sure to pickup an audio guide so you can hear listen to the stories in your own language while you watch the show.
There are around 4 to 5 shows per day and ticket prices vary from 100,000 VND (~US$ 3.90) to 200.000 VND (~US$ 7.60) depending on which seats you choose.
The weekly show timetable is displayed in front of the theatre and try to buy tickets at least a day in advance.
Good to know: You can only pay in cash
7. Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Located just next to the theatre, Hoàn Kiếm Lake makes the perfect place to spend the afternoon taking a leisurely walk around and red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple
8. Day trip to Ha Long Bay
Make sure you include at least a day trip to Ha Long Bay while you’re in Hanoi. The stunning beauty of limestone pillars rising from emerald waters is a sight to behold. We did a 4-hour boat tour, but depending on how much time you have you choose to do a longer tour or even book an overnight cruise.
To get to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi you can book a bus transfer here. We chose a VIP Van transfer and the drive took about 2 hours with a short break for food and drinks.
Good to know: Depending on the tour you choose there might be some additional charges so make sure you read the description carefully. In out case the tour didn’t include the port tax, but it was clearly stated in the tour description.
9. Try Vietnamese Coffee
Drinking coffee in Vietnam is definitely part of the experience. While the coffee is amazing all around the country, in my personal opinion, Hanoi has the best selection. Whether it’s a strong, drip-filter coffee or a sweet and creamy egg coffee, each cup was a delightful experience.
Our favourite place was A Coffee in the Old Quarter
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