Hanoi Tourism: Things to do in Hanoi| Attractions, Eateries and FAQs

It’s really simple. It’s ancient. At the same time, it is modern. Full of chic cafes and architecture. From its vibrant nightlife to the bold flavours found in the streets. Hanoi Tourism is about discovery; seeing, hearing and tasting. Hanoi can be mesmerizing, beautiful and extravagant. Filled with local gems, this place is sure to leave you spellbound. Come here without any expectations and you will be filled with a memory to cherish for your whole life. Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and also a hub for tourism.

With over a thousand years of history, Hanoi is one of the oldest cities in Asia. Hanoi has undergone many name changes such as “The City of Soaring Dragon”, “Thang Long” and The Eastern Capital”. The best way to explore Hanoi is to walk through its streets and witness the century-old architecture which has the influence of Chinese and French culture to modern-day trends. Hanoi is caught between the old and the new.

It has more than 145 districts. Hanoi is clearly and distinctively divided into two zones. The old quarter and the new quarter (French quarter). The old quarter is a tourist favourite spot. It features the old and original Hanoi. The traditional architecture and culture can be seen up to this day. The new quarter is also known as the French quarter. It was used by the French when they colonized Vietnam twice.

Hanoi Tourism: Best Things to Do in Hanoi

Hanoi is famous for its mixed architecture and influence. The Old Quarter is a must-visit site which you should not miss. The train street in Old Hanoi is a tourist hub. If you want to catch a train passing then be sure to check the timing and arrive at that time.  As for the latest update, this street is now officially closed to tourists due to an incident. But the train still passes through the backyards of the family homes there. The businesses which are running there now are mostly illegal. So plan wisely.

Hanoi Tourism is just incomplete without enjoying the Nightlife of the City

Hanoi comes to life at night. You can visit tourist places in the morning but the nightlife in Hanoi is a totally different scene. It seems as if the city has finally awakened. When night comes people flock to the markets and corners. The beer-drinking culture is very prominent. Everybody from locals to foreigners is welcome here to join and enjoy drinking side by side sitting on a plastic stool. Even if you’re not a drinker you’ll sure enjoy it here. You can go cafe hopping, enjoy the famous “Ca Phe Trung” (coffee with egg) and even shop at the night markets. If you want to experience Hanoi from the sky then make sure to visit the Đài Quan sát Sky Walker lotte tower Hà Nội (Lotte Observation Deck).

Hanoi is all about food, shopping and attractions.

Let’s look at some of the best places to visit in Hanoi: Attractions in Hanoi

1. St. Joseph’s Cathedral

It is one of the oldest churches in Vietnam. It was opened in 1886 in the name of Joseph who was the patron saint of Vietnam.

2. Temple of Literature

This is the first University of Vietnam built in 1070. It was made to educate the ministers and members of the Royal family. It has different shrines and temples.

• Timings: 8 a.m to 5 p.m on all days of the week.

3. Hoa Lò Prison

It is a prison-turned-museum. It was used during the French Colonization and Vietnam War for keeping political prisoners in check.

• Timings: 8 a.m to 5 p.m on all days of the week.

4. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

It is the burial place of the Vietnamese War Revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh.

• Timings: 07:30 a.m to 07:30 p.m on all days except Monday.

5. One Pillar Pagoda

It is a Buddhist Pagoda situated in the Ba Dinh District. It is considered to be one of the two iconic temples’ of Vietnam.

• Timings: 7 a.m to 6 p.m on all days of the week.

6. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

This Citadel is a series of buildings and a palace for the Lý emperors. It was built in 1010. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Timings: 8 a.m to 5 p.m on all days of the week.

Also see:

31 Best Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam Tourism

How to get around to reach the top 21 Destinations in Vietnam

Some more places to visit in Hanoi

Now foodies let’s get started on our epic food tour in Hanoi: Eateries and Cuisines in Hanoi

Vietnam has no rules when it comes to food. You can have anything at any time. You must have heard about Ca Phe Trung which is the Vietnamese special Egg Coffee. Let’s go and check out some of the other dishes.

1. Bahn Mi – It is a kind of baguette with a crisp crust and soft texture filled with various ingredients such as meat, green onion, mayo, pickled vegetables etc.

2. Banh Cuon – It is a freshly made steamed rice roll stuffed with pork and vegetables.

3. Bun Rieu – It is a rice noodle soup flavoured with tomatoes, shrimp paste, fish sauce and a meat broth.

4. Xoi Xeo – This recipe is of sticky, soft and chewy rice with mung bean and crispy fried shallots. It is a classic breakfast for many Vietnamese people.

5. Banh Xeo – It is a stuffed rice pancake/crepe.  It is made of rice flour, water, and turmeric powder.

Some other dishes to have in Hanoi are Bun Cha, Cha Ca, Rau Muong, Cao Lau, Goi Cuon, Bun Bo Hue etc.

FAQ on Hanoi Tourism =》

Q1. How to pronounce Hanoi?

Ans. The spelling of Hanoi is generally pronounced separately as Ha and Noi. Now we all know how to pronounce “Ha” but confusion arises when it comes to “Noi”. Try pronouncing “Noi” with a “Y” as in “Boy” and there you go.

Q2. How to reach Hanoi?

Ans. There are regular flights available from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore to the Noi Bai International Airport. If you want to take a cruise then you have to board a cruise in Singapore which will take around 10 days to reach Ho Chi Minh City. It is about 1,642.7 km away from Hanoi. There are various trains, buses, cars as well as domestic flights available to reach Hanoi from Ho Chi Minh City.

Q3. How to travel in Hanoi?

Ans. There are various options for you to travel around Hanoi. There are many buses, private cars, taxis, motorcycle taxis, and bicycle rickshaws or you can rent your own scooter or bike.

Q4. Where to shop in Hanoi?

Ans. The Hanoi Weekend Night Market which takes place from Friday to Sunday every week from 8 p.m to 11 p.m, Dong Xuan Market, Hang Gai Street, Hang Da Street, Metiseko, Bat Trang Ceramic Village, Quang Phu Cau Incense Village etc.

Q5. What to do in Hanoi at night?

Ans. You can go around cafes and restaurants. If you want to visit places at night then you might go to the Hanoi Opera House, Bia Hoi Corner, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, Hoa Kiem Lake etc. I think this would’ve satiated your curiosity. Try these and make sure to comment and tell us about your experience in Hanoi.