Top 10 Best Things To Do In Hanoi (You Should Not Miss)

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, offers a multitude of things to do in Hanoi and is renowned not only for its long history, rich identity, and traditional culture but also for its beautiful customs, friendly people, captivating scenery, and delectable cuisine that cannot be found anywhere else. Let’s dive into Vietnam Motorbike Tour Expert‘s suggestions about the top 10 things to do in Hanoi in the following article.

Join Hanoi Short Motorbike Tour – The best things to do in Hanoi

Motorcycles are the most popular form of transport in Vietnam, this vehicle making it easy for many people to move on busy streets throughout the day. Therefore, participating in north vietnam motorbike tour is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. It helps visitors feel like they are living like locals and get close to the culture here.

Besides, when joining a Hanoi Short Motorbike Tour, visitors can also go through many different streets, witness the daily life of people and feel the atmosphere of traffic jams while waiting for red lights. At such times, they can stop and enjoy drinking coffee with milk or sip iced tea by the roadside together.

Joining a motorbike tour will help you to take unique photos, and capture all the impressive moments of the people in the capital. Not only that, the feeling of going on a tour will be much more comfortable than sitting in a car or having confusion about where to go during the trip.

Explore the old town

Hanoi Old Quarter is definitely a must-visit attraction when traveling in the capital for most tourists. Coming to the old town, you will have the chance to admire the beauty of the architecture, quiet lifestyle, and culture of the landscape and people here. There are plenty of things to do in Hanoi Old Quarter, such as exploring the vibrant street markets, tasting the local street food, visiting historical landmarks like the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake, and immersing yourself in the rich history and traditions of the city.

The area of Hanoi old town will start from the east – Tran Nhat Duat and Tran Quang Khai then end in the west – Phung Hung Street to the south is Hang Thung – Hang Gai, Hang Bong, and Cau Go streets, to the North, is Hang Dau. The special here is each street is named after an item that is sold on the street.

Visit Ho Chi Minh mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a cultural work of profound significance to every Vietnamese.  This is where President Ho Chi Minh rests in peace, he’s an outstanding leader of the nation, a world cultural celebrity. Around Uncle Ho’s mausoleum – the center in the mausoleum complex is Ba Dinh Square, Presidential Palace, Uncle Ho’s stilt house…

Opening hours of Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum:

• April to the end of October: 7:30 am – 10:30 pm.

On Saturday, Sunday, and other public holidays, the mausoleum is open from 7:30 – 11:00.

• November to the end of March: 8 am – 11 am.

For Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the mausoleum is open from 8:30 – 11:30.

Notes and dress rules:

• Dress politely, and not wear skirts or pants that are too short.
• Gentle attitude, walking softly, talking quietly without causing noise or disorder, and lining up in order when entering the mausoleum. Remember to remove your hat and put your hands outside the pockets when entering the mausoleum. 
• You can bring phones and cameras, but you are not allowed to take pictures or record in prohibited areas, especially inside the mausoleum.
• Children 3 years and older are only allowed to enter the mausoleum.

Enjoy the morning mist in Hoan Kiem Lake early in the morning

Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake, is well known as the heart of Hanoi. It offers a variety of things to do in Hanoi. This is not only a place for people to go for a walk and relax, but also associated with the locals in many aspects of cultural history.

This place is a popular spot for locals to exercise and enjoy the morning in Hanoi. Besides joining and meeting new friends, you will have the opportunity to watch the sunrise and mingle with the morning mist in the capital of Vietnam. Moreover, Hoan Kiem Lake offers a range of activities and attractions, including visiting the Ngoc Son Temple, strolling across the iconic red bridge to the Turtle Tower, and exploring the beautiful Thap Rua (Tortoise) Tower.

On weekends, there will be a crowded walking road with many attractive activities such as street music, and folk games around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Watch the sunset at West Lake

In Hanoi, watching the sunset of West Lake is one of the many things to do in Hanoi and a specialty that not everywhere can have. Along Thanh Nien Street, the side of West Lake is one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset because it faces the direction of the sunset.

In the afternoon, you don’t need to find the most beautiful place; you just need an open and spacious location where you can comfortably immerse yourself in the ecstatic West Lake sunset. Watching the sunset over West Lake is one of the most emotional experiences here, where you can confide in the lake, the sunset, and the wind and clouds.

If you want to capture pictures of the sunset at this place, it’s best to arrive after about 5 p.m., as this time offers the most beautiful view. However, be prepared for crowds, as many young people and elders gather here for exercise and to enjoy the romantic and sweet ambiance in the bustling and vibrant city.

To avoid the crowds and ensure you find a good spot, you can come here earlier to have fun and then wait to watch the sunset. Around West Lake, you will find many cafes, food carts, and places that sell snacks. So, you don’t have to worry about not having anything to sip on while chatting with family, friends, or loved ones.

Enjoy Bun Cha

Bun cha is a familiar dish to those who have come and stayed in the capital. It is one of the popular things to do in Hanoi to try this local delicacy. The dish consists of three main parts: the dipping sauce, grilled pork rolls, and vermicelli. Whether a serving of bun cha is delicious or not is largely determined by the dipping sauce, which boasts a perfect balance of acidity, spiciness, saltiness, and sweetness, accompanied by a refreshing salad of green vegetables.

While bun cha can be enjoyed at any time of the day, it is particularly popular among Hanoians for lunch. This aspect of choosing the specific time to indulge in bun cha is considered one of the unique features in the “food art” of the local people, a tradition that has been cultivated for centuries. So, don’t miss the opportunity to savor this iconic Hanoi dish and experience the culinary delights that the city has to offer.

Watch the street on a cyclo – Fun things to do in Hanoi

Seeing and enjoying the scenery of the old town by Cyclo is one of the popular things to do in Hanoi and something that any visitor should experience once when traveling to Hanoi. Sitting on a cyclo, you will be able to immerse yourself in the culture and daily life of the capital.

Cyclos have become an iconic symbol of the thousand-year-old capital, and this traditional mode of transportation allows you to enjoy the fresh and peaceful atmosphere of the old town. However, it is important to be cautious and negotiate the price before you depart. Each cyclo follows its own route, so it’s advisable to check the destinations and discuss them with the cyclo driver to ensure a more convenient trip. This way, you can explore the charming streets of Hanoi’s old town, witness the vibrant street markets, and admire the unique architecture and cultural landmarks that dot the cityscape.

Drinking beer on Ta Hien Street

You will hardly find any place that is like Ta Hien. This vibrant street is a must-visit spot when looking for things to do in Hanoi. Ta Hien’s unique charm lies in its lively and bustling atmosphere that comes alive every night. The pavement shops and beer bars, located close together, offer a delightful array of delicious street foods that are typical of Hanoi, leaving an unforgettable impression on anyone who visits this place.

Ta Hien beer has become an unmistakable feature that sets it apart from anywhere else in Hanoi. It represents the soul of the capital, acting as a hub for young and energetic souls to connect. The humble and unpretentious pavement beer bars hold a special place in the hearts of diners here, offering a relaxed and authentic drinking experience.

In addition to the beer, Ta Hien Street is also a great destination for food enthusiasts. The pavement dishes that captivate diners include fried spring rolls, lemongrass chili chicken feet, french fries, cheese sticks, and street taro. Exploring the street food scene here allows you to taste a variety of delectable treats and indulge in the culinary delights of Hanoi.

Enjoy sidewalk iced tea and coffee – popular things to do in Hanoi

Street food culture is one of the vibrant things to do in Hanoi. Sitting and enjoying food while laughing and talking, while watching the bustling crowd of people pass by, has long been associated with the entertainment and socializing habits of the locals in Hanoi.

Another unique aspect of Hanoi’s culture is the iced tea and coffee culture. Pavement iced tea stalls can be found on almost every street corner, especially in the old quarter. A simple setup consists of a kettle placed on a long table, accompanied by cups, chewing gum, and bottles of red and green colored water. A few chairs and a small stool complete the scene. It has become a daily routine for Hanoians to sit on the sidewalk after breakfast and enjoy a refreshing cup of iced tea or coffee.

Additionally, Hanoi is known for its convenient and efficient services, such as hair cutting and motorbike repair. You will find middle-aged men with small signs, a pump, and a set of tools offering their expertise in giving you a perfect haircut or fixing your motorbike. These services can often be spotted on street corners, particularly near iced tea shops, around Hoan Kiem Lake or West Lake. It’s an interesting part of the city’s street life and adds to the vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi’s daily routines.

See Hanoi from above at the Landmark Sky 72 observation deck

Visiting the observatory is another exciting thing to do in Hanoi. The observatory is situated on a high floor, surrounded by transparent glass, providing visitors with a panoramic view of the bustling capital. During the evening, the cityscape transforms into a stunning sight, adorned with colorful high-rise buildings and busy streets bustling with people. This magnificent view will undoubtedly leave you with lasting impressions of Hanoi, a city that never fails to captivate.

With the help of binoculars, you can observe the picturesque scenery of West Lake and Truc Bach Lake with remarkable clarity. Moreover, the observation area is adorned with various virtual shooting angles, offering opportunities for breathtaking check-in photos and creating memorable moments during your visit. So, don’t miss the chance to experience the beauty and grandeur of Hanoi from the observatory, where you can witness the city’s vibrant energy and capture unforgettable views.

The above article is a summary of the top 10 things to do in Hanoi. Please save this checklist if you have the opportunity or are about to come here, Hope the above article provides enough knowledge you need. Please contact us immediately if you have any questions about Hanoi Short Motorbike Tour.

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