What to do in Hanoi to Immerse in a Thousand-year-old Culture
Discover Hidden Heritage at the Temple of Literature
One of the most popular things people usually do when they set foot in Hanoi is to visit the Temple of Literature, the first national university of Vietnam. Established in 1070, this architectural marvel serves as the symbol of the nation’s long tradition of education and scholarly pursuit. Visitors can stroll through five picturesque courtyards, admire the ancient architecture, and see the stone stelae mounted on turtle backs that record the names of the most prestigious and successful scholars of Vietnam’s ancient history. This is usually the first destination for visitors as the Temple’s location allows people to easily visit and move around Hanoi.
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Daily
- Ticket Price: 30,000 VND (~$1.25 USD)
- Location: No. 58, Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da ward, Hanoi
Explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Leaving the Temple of Literature, another excellent item on your list of what to do in Hanoi is exploring the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Citadel offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnamese imperial dynasties, with historically significant artifacts, archeological finds, and the famous D67 Tunnel used during the Resistance War against America. It is a powerful experience to walk the grounds where ancient royalty once governed. You can immerse yourself in this atmospheric environment and build a strong connection with the city’s historical depth.
- Opening time: 8:00 – 17:00
- The standard entrance fee: 100,000 VND
- Location: 19C Hoang Dieu, Ba Dinh ward, Hanoi
Pay a Visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Besides the two aforementioned historical sites, visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. This monument is the final resting place of the revered revolutionary leader, “Uncle Ho” (Ho Chi Minh). It proudly stands in Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence in one of the most important moments in Vietnam’s history. Visitors can view the leader’s embalmed body, but must remember to be respectful, dress appropriately, and maintain silence to pay respect to one of the most solemn locations in the country.
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Opening time:
- Hot Season (April 1st to October 31st):
- Weekdays: 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
- Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
- Cold Season (November 1st to March 31st of the following year):
- Weekdays: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
- Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
- The standard entrance fee: Free for all
- Location: 2 Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh ward, Hanoi
Enjoy a Traditional Water Puppet Show
After having visited the historic sites, visitors can treat themselves to unique, joyful cultural experiences, and among the most important cultural things to experience in Hanoi, the truly special art of water puppetry is also a must-do. This ancient performance originated in the Red River Delta’s rice paddies. Accompanied by traditional live music, puppets glide across a water stage, telling stories of ancient Vietnamese life, folklores and legends. This mesmerizing and lively form of entertainment is also suitable for all ages, making it a wonderful activity for families travelling to Vietnam.
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Opening time:
- Monday to Saturday shows: 13:45, 15:00, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30, 20:00, 21:15
- Sunday shows: 09:30, 13:45, 15:00, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30, 20:00, 21:15
- The standard entrance fee: 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND
- Location: 57b Dinh Tien Hoang street, Hoan Kiem ward, Hanoi
What to Eat in Hanoi
Taste Hanoi Through Its Street Food
In your curated journey through Hanoi, you need to have a culinary adventure in the Old Quarter’s vibrant streets. A bowl of Phở in Bát Đàn street, or a signature dish of Bún Chả at Cửa Đông street are incredibly affordable, typically costing between 30,000 to 70,000 VND (approximately $2.5) per person. No matter what hotel you stay at, as long as you are in the Old Quarter, you can enjoy authentic, budget-friendly meals just minutes away from your own bed.
Try an authentic egg coffee at a hidden café
And it’s not just the street food, the city’s renowned for the unique invention of Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee). This iconic drink features strong, aromatic Vietnamese coffee topped with a frothy layer of whisked egg yolk and condensed milk. Seek out a hidden café in the Old Quarter—many are accessed by unassuming doorways or narrow staircases. These special coffees are typically priced between 30,000 VND and 50,000 VND. Or you can go to the popular places like Café Giảng at 39 Nguyen Huu Huan street for a more crowded and bustling experience. No matter where you go, even if the coffee tastes different, the unique and inherently “Hanoian” taste will resonate and stick with you.
Join a local cooking class
If Hanoi’s cuisine has captivated you, move beyond tasting by joining a local cooking class to immerse yourself more deeply in the capital’s food culture. This accessible activity lets you learn traditional techniques firsthand. Popular choices like the Red Bean Mã Mây Cooking Class begin with a market visit for fresh ingredients before you prepare dishes such as phở or spring rolls – skills that become delicious souvenirs. It’s a fun, hands-on activity to do in Hanoi for both individuals and families.
Best things to do in Hanoi to live like locals
Take a Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake
To experience the lifestyle of a true “Hanoian”, visitors can themselves take a relaxing stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. As the “heart” of the city, the lake is where locals and foreigners alike gather to exercise, socialize, or just immerse themselves in the moment, surrounded by people who also have deep feelings and connections with this beautiful city. On weekend evenings, the streets surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake are pedestrianized, turning the area into a vibrant “festival” of cultures, sports, and local life, and joining in is one of the most immersive activities you can do in Hanoi.
Watch the Sunset at West Lake
For a peaceful escape from the Old Quarter, explore West Lake (Hồ Tây). This large lake is one of the best areas for tranquility in Hanoi, offering wide promenades and scenic views. Visitors can rent a scooter to circle the perimeter or find a lakeside café to relax and catch the sunset. The area also provides charming, often luxurious accommodations and excellent international dining, catering to visitors seeking a premium experience away from the city’s hustle.
Best things to do in Hanoi to Explore Hanoi’s nightlife
When night falls, the city comes alive in an entirely different and distinct way, making it an enticing “event” for visitors to experience. Head straight to the famous junction between Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen, where travelers and locals perch on tiny plastic stools, sipping bia hoi (fresh beer), eating peanuts, and talking to each other. For a more sophisticated evening, explore the chic bars and lounges found near the Old Quarter. Most spots are open until after midnight, allowing you to immerse yourself in a unique nightlife experience. The local culture of dining out and socializing in cafés creates a vibrant scene you won’t see anywhere else.
Relax at a Boutique Spa
After exploring the city, a spa break is the perfect way to relax in Hanoi. For a high-quality, rejuvenating experience, choose a reputable Hanoi boutique hotel spa. La Spa Lakeside offers an accessible, ideal retreat near Hoan Kiem Lake. A traditional Vietnamese foot treatment is an excellent choice to recharge your feet and prepare for your next day of sightseeing.
Perfect Place to Stay in Hanoi – Hanoi Best Boutique Hotel
Located in the best area to stay in Hanoi, Hanoi La Siesta Premium Lakeside is Hanoi best boutique hotel for explorers seeking a refined, peaceful stay in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle. Luxurious touches, such as polished wood and bespoke furnishings, define the immersive retreat experience. The lake-facing Suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, offering poetic panoramas of Hanoi where the city’s rhythm harmonizes with your own. This boutique hotel is located just a few steps from Hoan Kiem Lake and minutes from the Old Quarter, making it the perfect place to stay if you want to move around the city and do all the recommended exciting activities in Hanoi.
