Hanoi is a vibrant city, rich in tradition and cultural treasures. It literally has SO MUCH to see that it can be a very daunting task, planning your itinerary. BUT fear not, as I have put together your complete guide to the BEST things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam!
A trip to Hanoi Vietnam is not complete without a side trip to the nearby Ha Long Bay region. A 3hour drive from the bustling city of Hanoi will give you access to the Ha Long Bay region, including Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island.
By far one of the best ways to explore the thousands of islands, caves and bays is by a luxury cruise.
Below you will find the 2 x cruises that we went on, and I would highly recommend either or BOTH! They both were very unique of each other and offered something very different.
Capella_Cruisesvisit Lan Ha Bay and the boat, the suites and the scenery are breathtaking!
🚢Boat Features: Oasis Infinity Pool 9m Slide Balconies Spirit of the Sea Lounge 5 star dining in Harmony of the Seas restaurant Fitness room Day Spa Huge Ocean Sky Deck!
⚓ Attractions: Lan Ha bay, Halong bay, Frog Lagoon, Dark & Bright Cave
🔖 Activities: Swimming, Kayaking, Water sliding, Cave-visiting by bamboo boat, Joining cooking demonstration, Drinking in Happy Hour, Cigar / Poker Room, Tai Chi and Karaoke Room
Find out MORE about our FULL EXPERIENCE on this LUXURY Cruise from Halong Bay to Lan Ha Bay here:
Bai Tu Long bay is less well-known and more beautiful than its neighbor, Halong Bay!
Bai Tu Long Bay, has 5000 islands and offers equally stunning landscapes without the crowds. The bay is an ideal destination for those who are looking for a more authentic and less crowded experience making it a must-visit destination for travelers to Vietnam.
This Bay has many attractions to visit and during our 2n/3d cruise with Indo China Junk we visited Vung Vieng fishing village, Da Xep Geology Park, Thien Canh Son cave and experienced a BBQ lunch on a private beach exclusively for Indochina Junk guests. We also enjoyed kayaking through the bay, cooking classes, Tai Chi and squid fishing.
Another option would be to book a group tour that includes BOTH Ninh Binh and a Luxury Halong Bay Cruise (like the one below). Both these destinations are what I consider MUST SEE places in Hanoi!
Ninh Binh
This for us, was one of our TRIP HIGHLIGHTS, and definitely, if time allows, deserves 1-3 days to full explore. Ninh Binh is often called the Halong Bay of the land. It has a vast system of waterways and caves and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Getting to Ninh Binh to or from Hanoi
A shared transferfrom Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes approximately 2-2.5hours.
Getting to Ninh Binh to or from Halong Bay
Ashared transferfrom Halong Bay to Ninh Binh takes approximately 2.5-3hours.
What I loved about the Hang Lan Bungalows was their location! Right in the heart and biking or walking distance to many of the regions highlights. The bungalows were right on the water too!
🌟Mua Cave – hike to the top at sunrise or sunset… incredible! 🌟Lotus Lake & Boardwalk at the Mua Cave complex (these will be in full bloom in May-June) 🌟Tran An boat tour (MUST) 🌟Bich Dong Pagoda at Tam Coc 🌟Boat trip at Tam Coc 🌟Hire a bike to explore the local area and rice fields 🌟 Pho co Hao Lu – Beautiful river area with a Pagoda & lantern boats
Ban Gioc
Another side trip that can easily be made from Hanoi is Ban Gioc Waterfall. Ban Gioc Waterfall one of the 4th largest waterfalls in the world, Explore Tiger Cave, Angel’s Eyes Moutain and then take in all the landscape of the countryside from Ban Gioc Pagoda. Best way to visit is with a group and guide as it is a longer trek from the city.
Ninh Binh is known as the Halong bay of the land, and while I think it deserves 2-3 days to explore all its beauty, it can be reached and the highlights seen in a day trip from Hanoi, like this one below:
Quang Phu Cau Incense Village is definitely one of the BEST things to do in Hanoi and is one of the longest standing incense farms dating back over 100s and spanning over 300 families.
How to get there: It’s about 1-1.5 hours from Hanoi so I suggest going with a tour. This also includes an English speaking guide, as well as a tour of the village, behind the scenes of the making of the incense sticks, plus entry fees and transportation from the Hanoi old quarter.
Cost: Our tour cost was: $72aud which included entry of approx $8, an English speaking Guide, as well as a second stop (and VIP seating) at Train Street and a beverage.
🚖 Private transport (grab or taxi) + entry you’d expect to pay similar ($30 each way) which is why a tour is probably easier 🫶🏻
Best time to visit: Early to avoid lots of people and the heat.
For something very different, and INSTAGRAMABLE you can arrange a private tour to a small fishing village of Hung Yen, where for centuries they have perfected the almost dying art of fish trap crafting. Then, discover Ban Yen Nhan, famous for its unparallelled soy sauce. Both are incredible spots for photo opportunities and immersing into Vietnams traditions and culture.
Downtown Hanoi
Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem District) Hanoi
Step into the historic Old Quarter, where narrow streets are lined with ancient tube houses and traditional shophouses. This area is known for its vibrant street markets, where you can shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and try authentic Vietnamese street food like pho (noodle soup) or bun cha (grilled pork with noodles).
One of the most popular MUST SEE places in Hanoi is the bustling night market in the Old Quarter. Narrow streets transform into a bustling carnival of stalls selling everything from handicrafts and clothing to souvenirs and street food. The atmosphere is electric, with lantern-lit alleyways and a constant buzz of bargaining and laughter. Nearby, Dong Xuan Market extends the excitement with its sprawling indoor and outdoor sections, offering a deeper dive into Vietnamese culture through local delicacies and traditional goods.
Beer Street Hanoi
Located in the heart of Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, Beer Street (Ta Hien Street) is a vibrant hub of nightlife and socializing that draws locals and tourists alike. This iconic street is famed for its lively atmosphere, where rows of bustling pubs, bars, and street-side eateries spill onto the pedestrian-friendly lanes.
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Situated in the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake, is a serene oasis amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. The lake is surrounded by leafy trees and is a popular spot for locals practicing tai chi in the early mornings. Across a picturesque red bridge lies Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, a 13th-century military commander. The temple’s architecture and peaceful ambiance make it a must-visit.
Street Food Adventure
Finally, no visit to Hanoi would be complete without indulging in its world-renowned street food. Wander through the city’s alleyways and vibrant markets to savor dishes like banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), and egg coffee—a unique Hanoi specialty. Don’t miss out on the bustling night markets where you can sample a variety of local delicacies.
Luxury and Affordable Hotels in Hanoi with rooftops
Best Area to Stay in Hanoi? 100% The Old Quarter! It’s right in the heart of downtown Hanoi, full of shops, local restaurants and close to everything!!
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