What to do in Hoi An? The best tips, hotspots and sights
March 28, 2025
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What to do in Hanoi. Vietnam's bustling capital is a city where history, culture and everyday life come together perfectly. Centuries-old temples and colonial French architecture alternate with modern buildings and lively markets. The beating heart of the city is Old Quarter, wander here through the narrow streets full of mopeds, food stalls and small stores. Here you can taste the atmosphere of Vietnam, with street vendors and locals sitting on plastic stools along the sidewalk. Located in the north of the country, Hanoi is a great starting point for an unforgettable tour of Vietnam. Explore this authentic city with our best tips for what to do in Hanoi!
What to do in Hanoi?
Hanoi has a rich history that you can explore in places like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where Vietnam's embalmed leader is laid to rest. The Hỏa Lò Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton," also offers an impressive glimpse into the colonial and wartime periods of Vietnam. But there is much more fun to see and do in Hanoi.
1. Stroll the streets of the Old Quarter neighborhood
Old Quarter is the historic beating heart of the city. You will find a maze of narrow streets where history and modern city life come together beautifully. Originally a trading district, Old Quarter is still Hanoi's commercial center. Both during the day and in the evening, it buzzes with energy. There are many cozy little stores, street vendors with hats full of fresh fruit and an endless stream of mopeds maneuvering through the chaos. A fun fact to share is that every street in this neighborhood is named after the commodity originally sold there.
In between the bustle, you will also find French colonial buildings, colorful temples and hidden courtyards in this district. Explore the narrow streets on foot and be sure to take a seat at one of the terraces for a local Bia Hoi beer. At night, the district turns into a lively nightlife area where locals and travelers congregate.
2. Take a look at Hanoi Train Street
Hanoi Train Street is one of the most unusual and photogenic spots in the city. This narrow street is known for the train tracks that run right through a densely built-up residential area. Twice daily, a train races past cafes and houses just inches away. A spectacular sight that attracts many spectators.
In recent years, Hanoi Train Street has become increasingly popular. Many travelers wait along the train tracks, or on the terrace of a cafe, as the train thunders by. Since 2019, part of the street has been closed to prevent accidents, but you can still find great places where you can experience the spectacle up close.
It is extraordinary to see how the locals have arranged their daily lives around the rails. During the day, you see people cooking, hanging clothes and relaxing. As soon as the train approaches, they clear away their belongings in no time.
Tip: Want to visit Hanoi Train Street? Then go early in the day to avoid the crowds and check train schedules in advance so that you are at the right place at the right time.
3. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
One of the city's most beloved spots is Hoan Kiem Lake. The place where locals and tourists converge. Located in the center of Hanoi, this picturesque lake is an oasis of calm amidst the chaotic busy streets. For locals, it is not only a place to relax, but also an important cultural and historical landmark.
On the north side of the lake you will find the Ngoc Son Temple, a beautiful red temple. You can reach the temple via the bright red Huc Bridge. It is one of the famous sights in Hanoi. The temple is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00. You do pay an entrance fee for this.
The lake is especially popular early in the morning or in the evening. You will see many locals practicing tai chi here, jogging a lap around the lake and dancing to traditional music. These are the most fun times of the day to be here! On weekends, the streets around the lake are closed so the area is car-free. This makes it a bustling meeting place with music, games and very friendly atmosphere. So our tip is to visit Hanoi on weekends.
4. Visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh
The Mausoleum is a well-known and popular sight in Hanoi, this is of course because Ho Chi Minh's embalmed body is laid out here. You can visit the massive gray building, but keep in mind that you must be dressed appropriately. This means no flip-flops, tank tops and shorts. Outside the Mausoleum, you can also visit Ho Chi Minh's former residence and a small temple.
5. Visit Hoa Lo prison
Hanoi Hilton is the nickname of Hoa Lo Prison, one of the most impressive historical sites in Hanoi. The building dates back to 1896 and served as a prison for Vietnamese revolutionaries who resisted French colonial rule. Later, during the Vietnam War, American prisoners of war were detained here.
Part of the prison has been built up as a museum and you can visit. You can take a look inside the cramped cells and see various instruments of torture. The exhibition and stories give you an impression of how people lived here under harsh conditions. It is impressive and moving.
6. Admire St. Joseph's Cathedral
St. Joseph's Cathedral is an extraordinary building in central Hanoi, and probably reminds you of Notre-Dame in Paris. It is one of the oldest churches in Vietnam and a striking remnant of the French colonial period. You can take a look inside the church, but the atmosphere around the landmark is especially fun to take in. Many locals gather in the square to enjoy a cup of Vietnamese egg coffee.
Culinary hotspots in Hanoi
Hanoi is a gourmet paradise, and the culinary heart of Vietnam. Consider typical Vietnamese dishes such as phở (noodle soup) and bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles) that have their origins here. A very fun activity to do in Hanoi is a street food tour past the stalls of the Old Quarter.
Our favorite culinary hotspots in Hanoi are:
Restaurant New Day in Old Quarter - traditional Vietnamese dishes
Hanoi House Café near Saint Joseph Cathedral - a cozy cocktail bar
Công Caphe - the place where every coffee lover can indulge (order the Côt Dùa Cà Phê)
Bun Cha Nem Cua Be Dac Kim - insane street food and particularly delicious Bun Cha
Tip: Also, don't forget to drink a local Bia Hoi beer on one of the many corner terraces.
More inspiration for a trip through Vietnam
Dreaming of touring Vietnam? From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the magical Ha Long Bay and the rice fields of Sapa, Vietnam has it all! In our itinerary, we take you through the most beautiful places in the country!
Where is the best place to stay in Hanoi?
When traveling to Hanoi, there are a number of different neighborhoods you can consider booking a hotel. Of course, the entirely depends on your travel style and preferences. Our favorite district in Hanoi to stay in is Old Quarter because of its vibrancy, and the range of beautiful and cozy spots.
1. Old Quarter
It is the most popular place to stay because of its vibrant atmosphere. Here you will find many hotels, inns and cozy boutique accommodations. Many attractions are within walking distance and in the neighborhood you will find many restaurants, cafes and stores. If your budget allows it then the Hanoi Nostalgia Hotel & Spa a fine place to stay in the city. For travelers on a smaller budget, the Hanoi Backpackers Hostel a cozy place to stay.
2. Hoan Kiem
The Hoan Kiem district is just a bit quieter than Old Quarter, allowing you to enjoy city life here without being in the chaos. You'll find colonial buildings and charming streets like St. Joseph's Cathedral. A nicely located hotel is the Champton Hanoi Hotel with a beautiful rooftop terrace and pool.
What is the best travel period to visit Hanoi?
The best travel period to visit Hanoi is from September through April. This is, in fact, the dry season. During these months, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures around 20 degrees, and there is little to no precipitation. The months of March and April are extra nice with often warm spring weather and flowering trees in the city.
The summer months (May through September) can be hot and humid, with temperatures heading toward 30 degrees. You also have a chance of rain showers, but they are often intense and short.
Tip: For a unique cultural experience, Vietnamese New Year (Tết) is a fun time to be in Hanoi. This is celebrated in January or February. Incidentally, this is a more expensive period and many stores and restaurants may be closed.
How do you travel to and from Hanoi?
For most travelers, Hanoi is the starting point of their trip through Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City the end point, or vice versa. It is therefore advisable to book a return trip with a different starting and ending point. From the Netherlands, it takes about 14 to 16 hours of flying to get to Hanoi. KLM offers direct flights to Vietnam, but for the cheapest deals, check out Skyscanner.
Hanoi is a major hub in northern Vietnam and is often used as a hub to travel on to destinations such as Sapa, Halong Bay and Ha Giang. Getting around Vietnam is very easy with public transportation. You can generally book a ticket for a bus trip at any hotel or hostel. The night buses in Vietnam are ideal. But you can also consider traveling by train between some cities. Want to reserve your seat on the train or bus in advance? You can do this through 12GoAsia.
An unforgettable tour of Vietnam
Dreaming of a trip to Vietnam and want to discover the magic of Halong Bay, the rice fields of Sapa and the bustling streets of Hoi An? We would love to help you! From the north to the south, we will fully customize your dream trip. From transportation and accommodations to unique excursions and culinary experiences, everything will be arranged to perfection. Be enchanted by the ancient culture, breathtaking nature and lively atmosphere of Vietnam. Request your personal travel proposal now and experience Vietnam at its best!
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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