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!
Table of contents
2 Day trips from Hanoi
Ha Long Bay:
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 Cruise
Booking link: Click here
Capella_Cruises visit 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
Indochina Junk Tour
Booking link: Click 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.
Bai Tu Long 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.
Halong Bay Cruise & Nihn Bihn
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!
Ban Gioc
Ban Gioc is another side trip that can easily be made from Hanoi. 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.
Day trips out of the City:
Ninh Binh
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:
Incense Farm – Quang Phu Cau
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.
Soy Sauce Making – Ban Yen Nhan
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.
Central 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).
Train Street Hanoi
There are two places to experience Hanoi’s Train Street: The Old Quarter section and the Lê Duẩn section.
They are both NOT the same experience. Old Quarter is now closed off and harder to access and you have to arrange with cafe owners to pay a premium to get a seat, and Lê Duẩn is a little easier to access, but has fewer cafes. The ONE thing they have in common is, nothing is guaranteed so it’s hard to get a GOOD SEAT and you’d normally have to arrive an hour before the trains….unless you book through a local guide like we did!
If you want the close seats then my suggestions is, you go with a guide.
We booked a day tour which included Train Street AND the Insense village!
Our guide had a special relationship with the cafe owners who had reserved us VIP seats right at the front and the closest position to the train.
The link to the tour we booked is below.
Weekend Markets (Friday & Saturday nights)
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.
Accommodation Suggestions:
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!!
- Affordable luxury:
- Something with a rooftop bar:
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