Things to do in Hanoi for first-time Travelers
Explore the area’s serene temples, historical sites, and delicious food and coffee!
Things to do in Hanoi for first-time Travelers. The city of Hanoi is rich in tradition because it has served as the historical capital of Vietnam for more than a thousand years. As a reminder of its illustrious past as a colonized country by both the Chinese and the French, you may discover here old temples and pagodas coexisting with French colonial structures. As a result of the Vietnam War, some even display American influences.
It can be overwhelming to try to explore every inch of Hanoi because of the city’s kaleidoscope of cultural influences. Nevertheless, take your time to explore the city’s numerous temples and museums, eat some street cuisine or drink some Vietnamese coffee, or watch a traditional water puppet show. Discover how to maximize your time with these must-do activities in Hanoi by reading on!
Hanoi attractions not to be missed!
1. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is where you may see Uncle Ho.
Ho Chi Minh, also known as “Uncle Ho” by the locals, was the first Communist leader of Vietnam, and this massive, towering structure serves as his ultimate resting place. The tomb, which is situated in the heart of Ba Dinh Square and was inspired by Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow but features distinctive Vietnamese architectural features, was where Ho recited the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945.
You can visit the mausoleum to witness Ho’s embalmed body in a glass case, but keep in mind that taking photos and videos is absolutely forbidden. There is also a rigid dress code that prohibits the wearing of shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless shirts. In the morning, you can also see the “changing of the guard” event.
Note: The mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, so do plan your visit accordingly!
2. Take a stroll at Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake, which is in the heart of Hanoi, is popular with both locals and travelers seeking a respite from the city’s bustle. Legend has it that Emperor Le Loi was given a miraculous sword by Heaven to expel the Chinese from Vietnam in the 15th century. This lake is also known as the Lake of the Returned Sword. After he had triumphed in battle, a huge golden turtle seized the sword and slithered out into the lake’s depths to give it back to its divine masters.
3. Enjoy the peace of Ngoc Son Temple.
Ngoc Son Temple, also called the Temple of the Jade Mountain, is located in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake and is the most popular temple in Hanoi. General Tran Hung Dao, a national hero who expelled the Mongols in the 13th century, is honored at this historical and religious site that was constructed in 1841 and enlarged in 1865. It is located on a small island in the lake’s northern region and is connected to the lakeshore by the eye-catching red Welcoming Morning Sunlight Bridge.
You can observe monks praying while taking in the aroma of their burning joss sticks because the temple is still in use as a place of worship. You should be ready to take selfies with the bonsai trees, exquisite statues, and even a preserved huge turtle because it is a setting fit for Instagram! There is a nominal entrance fee of VND30,000 and the temple is open daily from 8am to 6pm.
4. Endless Shopping in Old Quarter.
Another popular tourist spot is the historic Old Quarter, which is only a short distance from Hoan Kiem Lake. Numerous stores offering wonderful street food and gifts may be found here. The streets are named for the products that were historically manufactured there, and some stall owners continue to sell those same products now.
5. Shop for souvenirs at Dong Xuan Market
On the northern fringe of the Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market is housed in a four-story Soviet-style structure. The biggest indoor market in Hanoi was established in 1889. Locals can buy fresh fruit and dried items on the ground floor’s popular wet market section. T-shirts, handmade items, and other souvenirs are offered for sale at lower prices (read: wholesale pricing!) on the upper levels.
After doing a lot of shopping, you can dine on some regional specialties. Enjoy unique foods like fried frog and duck blood soup (tiet canh). However, because it might get busy, stay on the lookout for pickpockets and take good care of your possessions.
Also read: Hanoi, Vietnam Travel Guide
6. Drink some delicious Vietnamese coffee.
If you are tired of shopping or walking around Hanoi, why not pop into a café for some Vietnamese coffee (ca phe)? It’s one of the most sought-after things to do in Hanoi for a relaxing and calming afternoon. Ca phe is prepared in its own distinct style: coarsely ground beans go into a French drip filter (Phin) which sits on top of the cup. A thin lid weighs down the beans, hot water is added to the Phin, and the coffee slowly trickles into the cup. Sweetened condensed milk is then added to finish off the drink.
Both contemporary coffee shops with air conditioning and classic sidewalk cafés may be found in Hanoi. For the best of both worlds, head to Trieu Viet Vuong, commonly known as Coffee Street, which reportedly has the highest density of cafés per square meter in all of Vietnam. Definitely try Cafe Tho, a favorite among locals. Cafe Giang, which created the egg yolk and coffee concoction, serves egg coffee (ca phe trung) if you’re feeling very daring.
7. At Bun Cha Huong Lien, chow down like a president.
In 2016, when former US President Barack Obama visited Vietnam, famed chef Anthony Bourdain took him to this unpretentious restaurant where they enjoyed a meal of bún chả, which is grilled fatty pork served in broth with rice noodles and fresh herbs. This dinner combination will fill you up and satisfy you when paired with a cold Hanoi beer.
This table, where Obama and Bourdain sat, has since been preserved by the restaurant by being enclosed in a glass case. The “Obama Combo,” a set dinner made out of the identical meals that Obama ate, has also begun to be sold. Reviews are usually positive, and locals continue frequent the location despite the influx of tourists brought on by the buzz, which is often a good indicator. Why not give it a shot?
8. Learn how to make scrumptious Vietnamese food
If you love Vietnamese food and have a bit more time to spare, why not learn how to cook it yourself? You can check out Cookly, a website that allows you to conveniently book cooking classes online. These classes often take half a day and include a market tour at the beginning to shop for ingredients. Plus, most of its instructors are local chefs who will be able to teach you authentic home-style Vietnamese cooking. Who knows, you might find out that you’re a natural!
9. Get some respite from the city at the West Lake
The wealthier Tay Ho District is home to West Lake, Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake, which is about 15 minutes’ drive from the Old Quarter. The lake is a relaxing area to spend an afternoon when compared to the busy city center. A boat may be rented to transport you around the lake, or you can just stroll along the shore and take in the scenery.
On a tiny island in the middle of the lake, you may also visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, which is the oldest pagoda in Vietnam. Then, finish the day with a feast at one of the neighborhood seafood eateries along the lake’s southern shore.
10. Soak in the culture at the Hanoi Opera House
The Palais Garnier, one of the traditional opera houses in Paris, served as the inspiration for the construction of this lovely, yellow-hued opera theater in Hanoi, which was completed by the French in 1911. With its marble floors, copper chandeliers, and French murals on the ceiling, it is one of Hanoi’s most recognizable buildings and a prime example of traditional European design.
You may catch a variety of activities here, including art exhibits, concerts by the Vietnamese Orchestra, pop singers from the area, and even well-known classical performers, like violinist Hilary Hahn. This location is highly worthwhile if you’re a fan of architecture or are just interested in Vietnamese culture.
11. Wander inside the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Its historical and cultural significance to the nation was recognized in 2010 when UNESCO designated the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long as a World Heritage Site. It was constructed in 1011 by Emperor Ly Thai To, who also founded the city of Hanoi. For eight centuries, it was the political hub of pre-colonial Vietnam until the French demolished much of its buildings.
Be on the lookout for the remaining, well-preserved monuments, such as the 40-meter-tall flag tower, as well as a display room that features replicas of the citadel and artifacts from an earlier time period, dating back to the sixth century. History buffs should not miss this location, which is open every day but Monday.
12. Attend a performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Without seeing a water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese art form that dates back to the 11th century, no vacation to Hanoi would be complete. Farmers used to perform imaginative puppet shows in the flooded rice fields by standing in waist-deep water and manipulating the puppets to make it appear as though they were gliding over the water.
Large rods behind the screen are used by the puppet masters at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to manipulate the water puppets. It also includes a Vietnamese orchestra for musical accompaniment, contemporary fog effects, and ominous lighting to heighten the dramatic atmosphere. Watch how puppets recount legends and folktales from Vietnam while they dance and float across the water. When visiting Hanoi, you must go see this spectacle!
This ancient city may feel hard to navigate sometimes, but don’t get too intimidated! My advice would be to take your time and alternate exploring temples, museums, and shopping at markets. When you’re tired, make a stopover at its local eateries and cafes for some delicious street food and Vietnamese coffee. Certainly, there’s something here for every traveller!
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