Hanoi – the best things not to miss.

Hanoi is the capital, the political, historical, cultural and tourist center of Vietnam. This thousand-year-old capital attracts tourists with its natural beauty, fascinating history, rich culture and gastronomy typical in the world.

French colonial monuments, street restaurants, traffic on the bustling streets, … are the first impressions of tourists in Hanoi. For most, Hanoi consists of all the interesting things to discover this city in their own way

When, What to do, What to eat, How to get around Hanoi?

Tradition Viet Travel invites you to read this article:

1. When is the best time to visit Hanoi?

The best time to visit Hanoi is autumn, from September to November because at this time, the rainy season is normally over. The weather is nice and not too hot, it is cool in the morning and evening, especially it is less humid. This helps tourists to easily discover the capital

If you like cooler temperatures all day long, come to Hanoi in the months of November and December. Visit the capital during this period, besides visiting famous sites, you could taste winter specialties in Hanoi

2. Things to do in Hanoi?

Walk around the Old Quarter of Hanoi

Hanoi is known with the Old Quarter or the 36 guild streets. Walking around to see the French architecture mixed with Vietnamese architecture, watching the traffic and the typical products of each district is a good experience for tourists

The pedestrian districts are open from 2016, they become a meeting place every evening of the weekend for citizens. Spread over these neighborhoods, there are folk games such as skipping rope, tug-of-war, box game (o an quan), … Beside this exciting atmosphere, there is music from various art groups such as violin, saxophone, …

Schedule: 19:00 Friday – 24:00 Sunday

Participate in water puppet shows

Water puppetry is a special traditional theatrical art, based on flooded rice culture. Under the creation of Vietnamese people, water puppets vividly illustrate Vietnamese agricultural activities, dances and legends

Tradition Viet Travel believes that it is worth to participate in these extraordinary shows to better understand Vietnamese culture and art

Address: Thang Long Theatre (57B, Dinh Tien Hoang Street) or Bong Sen Theatre (16, Le Thai To Street)

Price: from 100,0000 vnd to 200,000 vnd

Tasting good local beer

Taking a walk in the Old Quarter and ending with Ta Hien Street is a great experience. Ta Hien Street is known as the first street where foreign tourists visit when they travel to Hanoi. They come here to taste good beer and street food, they sit on the small plastic stool with glasses of fresh beer put at the table

It is also a destination to discover the nightlife of young people in Hanoi, come to this street to drink good beer. Every night, young Vietnamese and foreigners gather there to chat, drink good beer, it creates a lively atmosphere.

This street is also typical for its architecture, the French one on the right and the Vietnamese one on the left. Everything creates a perfect image

Address: Hanoi Old Quarter

Enjoy street food

Street food is very famous and it exists everywhere in this city. It is really varied. But how can tourists choose a good restaurant?

Choose the stalls where there are many locals coming, normally the food is good here, cheap and safe. Tasting street food is also a way to experience local culture

See the flag lowering ceremony at Ba Dinh Square

For two decades, the raising and lowering of the national flag has been held at 6 am and 9 pm every day at Ba Dinh Square. The ceremony is performed by 34 soldiers representing the first 34 members of the Armed Propaganda Brigade, which later became the Vietnamese People’s Army. In the middle of the square, there is a 29-meter flag tower.

Every day, many Vietnamese people come to this square to walk around and participate in this wonderful ceremony. It is an unforgettable experience for everyone. To see this ceremony, you need to be at Ba Dinh Square 10 or 15 minutes in advancee

Visit Quang Ba Flower Night Market

Quang Ba Flower Night Market is another beauty of Hanoi. It runs from 10pm to 6am the next day so after watching the flag lowering ceremony, it is a good idea to visit this market. You can take a tour of the market and buy some seasonal flower bouquets. It is great

Drink egg coffee.

“It’s coffee and add egg?” This is the question I hear very often when I talk about this drink. Yes, the main ingredients are coffee, egg and condensed milk. Known as “cà phê trứng”, egg coffee is a great must-try when you are in the capital. You can taste it in almost every cafe

Recommended cafes: Café Giảng (39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street), Café Lam (60 Nguyen Huu Huan Street), Café Dinh (13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street),….

3. What to visit?

Here are some sites that you should not miss when you discover the capital of Hanoi.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Located in the center of the capital, Hoan Kiem Lake is associated with an important history. Around Hoan Kiem Lake, there is a diverse historical architectural complex, becoming a must-see place for anyone traveling to Hanoi

Landmarks in the lake area: Turtle Tower, Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, Brush Tower, Hoa Phong Tower,…

Address: in the middle of the Old Quarter. Opposite the Water Puppet Theater

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is surely a site you can’t ignore. Located at Hung Vuong Street – Dien Bien Phu, it is also a place to keep the body of President Ho Chi Minh. In addition, there is a very beautiful and large Ba Dinh Square where President Ho Chi Minh declared the birth of the country, the botanical garden and the stilt house where Uncle Ho lived for eleven years before his death and the Ho Chi Minh Museum is next door, preserving many of his memories

Address: 17, Ngoc Ha Street

Hours: 7:30-11:30, except Monday morning and Friday morning

Entrance fee: 40,000 vnđ / person

One Pillar Pagoda

Being the largest Buddhist center in Vietnam, Hanoi has many ancient pagodas but the most famous is the One Pillar Pagoda. It has a special architecture like lotus flower

Address: Next to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Botanical Garden

Opening time: 6:00 – 18:00 daily

Entrance fee: Free

Tran Quoc Pagoda

This is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, it was built in the middle of the West Lake. It is very famous with the Buddha Tower. It is really a site not to be missed when you visit the capital.

From Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you can go there on foot (10 minutes walk) through Quan Thanh Temple.

Address: 46 Thanh Nien Street, Truc Bach, Tay Ho, Hanoi

Schedule: 7:30-11:00 and 13:30-17:30

Entrance Fee: Free

Temple of Literature.

Built in the 11th century, the Temple of Literature consists of 2 main parts: one is the Temple of Literature, a place of worship for the sages and saints of Confucianism, the other is Quoc Tu Giam which is considered the first university in Vietnam, dedicated to the children of kings and aristocrats, then extended to the most intelligent commoners

Currently, the Temple of Literature is a place where students come to pray for luck in their studies, work, especially before exams in the hope of good grade

Address: 58, Quoc Tu Giam Street

Opening hours: 7:30 – 18:00 (Monday to Friday), 8:00 – 21:00 (Saturday and Sunday)

Entrance fee: 70,000 dong / person

Vietnam Museum of Ethnography

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnography is one of the most interesting museums in Hanoi. It consists of 3 parts on 13,200 m2 indoors and outdoors you will discover the 54 ethnic groups officially recognized in Vietnam + other ethnic groups from Southeast Asian countries.

It gives you a general view of ethnic groups in Vietnam through clothing, traditional houses, objects and landscapes

Address: Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Quan Hoa, Cau Giay, Hanoi

Hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Entrance fee: 40,000 vnđ / person

Vietnam Women’s Museum

Just a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, the Vietnam Women’s Museum celebrates the history and achievements of Vietnamese women. Spread over five floors, the museum is divided into three sections: women in the family, women in war, and women’s fashion.

Discover the diverse experiences of Vietnamese women, from rice farmers and service workers to entrepreneurs and mothers. Learn about daily life, including marriage, family, fashion, and life-changing rituals. The museum also features exhibits on women’s roles in Vietnam’s wars.

Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Street

Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Entrance fee: 40,000 VND

Hanoi’s Old Quarter

It can be said that Hanoi’s reputation was built upon its 36 guilds streets. Originating as a neighborhood outside the imperial citadel, the quarter has been bustling for centuries with artisanal and commercial activities.

4. What to eat?

Hanoi is considered a gastronomic paradise. Each dish has its own unique flavor, a perfect blend of traditional spices and ingredients. Vietnamese cuisine is healthy and balanced, with a combination of vegetables and meats. Tradition Viet Travel suggests the following specialties:

a. Pho: The Noodle Soup

Pho is the first dish you must try in Hanoi. There are many different types of pho, such as beef pho and chicken pho. Famous restaurants include Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc Street), Pho Bat Dan (49 Bat Dan Street), and Pho Suong (24B Trung Yen Street). In Vietnam, especially in Hanoi, pho is enjoyed year-round for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is a source of national pride.

b. Hanoi’s Bun Cha: Grilled Pork with Vermicelli

This dish is served everywhere in Hanoi, from upscale restaurants to small street food stalls. The ‘cha’ or grilled pork is prepared in two styles: ‘cha vien’, or minced pork meatballs, and ‘cha mieng’, or thinly sliced grilled pork. The accompanying dipping sauce is a blend of fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar, creating a sweet and sour flavor that is sure to please.

Recommended places to try bun cha:

– Bun cha Huong Lien: 24 Le Van Huu Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

– Bun cha Dac Kim: 1 Hang Mah Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

– Bun cha served on skewers: Crossroads of Nguyen Du and Ba Trieu Streets

c. Cha Ca: Hanoi’s Fried Fish

Cha Ca is a Hanoi specialty considered the soul of Hanoi’s cuisine. This dish is served at the table. Lang fish is fried in a pan with chives and dill, and is eaten with noodles, peanuts, and fish sauce or shrimp paste.

Recommended places to try Cha Ca:

– Cha Ca La Vong, 14 Cha Ca Street

– Cha Ca La Vong, 6B Duong Thanh Street.

d. Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls

Vietnamese steamed rice rolls (Banh cuon) are made from thin rice and tapioca flour crepes, filled with minced pork and black mushrooms, and often topped with fried onions. They are typically served with ‘cha que’ – Vietnamese pork sausage, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs like cilantro.

Vietnamese people often enjoy banh cuon for breakfast. This simple yet divine dish can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Recommended places to try banh cuon:

– Banh cuon Thanh Van, 14 Hang Ga Street

– Banh cuon Ba Hanh, 16B Tho Xuong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

– Banh Cuon Ba Xuan, 16 Hoe Nhai Street.

d. Banh Mi: The Vietnamese Sandwich

Like Pho or Bun Cha, you can find Banh Mi in almost every neighborhood of the capital. It’s a fast and affordable street food.

A fusion of French and Indochinese cuisine, the crispy baguette has been adapted to local tastes, becoming the king of street food in recent years.

Recommended places to try Banh Mi:

– Banh Mi Pho Co, 38 Dinh Liet Street

– Banh Mi Ba Dan, 34 Lo Su Street

– Banh Mi Bami Bread, 98 Hang Bac Street

– Duc Long Doner Kebab, 5H Luong Ngoc Quyen Street.

5. How to get around Hanoi?

Traffic in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi can be quite challenging for foreigners at first, but they usually adapt quickly. To get around Hanoi, you can:

Walk: For short and easy trips, walking is a great way to enjoy the atmosphere, see the architecture of houses, street food stalls, and interact with locals. It’s a pleasant and unforgettable experience.

Two wheels: You can use a bicycle or scooter to get around Hanoi. There are always many people on the road, so you need to be careful. If you are used to driving, a bicycle or scooter is a better choice.

Taxi/motorcycle taxi: If you are not used to driving, it is better to take a taxi. There are several taxi companies in Hanoi, and you can find them on every street corner. Each taxi is equipped with a meter, but you can negotiate the price before the trip.

Grab or Xanh SM: Alternatively, you can book a taxi or motorcycle taxi through the Grab or Xanh SM app. The price, route, and driver’s information are displayed, so there is no risk of overcharging.

Private car: If you are going to the outskirts of Hanoi where there are no taxis or motorcycle taxis, a private car is the best option. A professional and experienced driver will provide you with a pleasant experience, however, the price of a private car is higher.