Hanoi has an attraction to suit every taste and budget. From bustling marketplaces to beautiful murals, Hanoi qualifies as a shopper's paradise and a cultural kaleidoscope. Keep reading to find out what's in store within this intriguing city!
Good to know:
Hanoi traffic starts to become really crowded by 7 am and doesn't die down until around 9 pm.
Tour the city
During the summer months, the combination of the heat, humidity, and clutter of vehicles can create an incredibly stuffy atmosphere. Hanoi is ranked in the top 20 for air pollution, so be vigilant by wearing a mask or limiting walking to a certain extent at midday.
Local companies like Footprint Travel offer a selection of truly unique tours to show you a different side of Vietnam's marvelous capital. If you can muster the spirit to wake up at 4 am, you will be treated to the ceremonial changing of the honor guards, nocturnal animal gazing, early morning snacks at the thriving markets, and Tai Chi with locals at Hoàn Kiếm Lake. All this can be crammed into the hours before breakfast, giving you the rest of the day to take it easy.
If you are adamant about cramming as much into your day as possible, consider using Grab taxis as a means of commuting from one place to another in Hanoi. All the main attractions open by 8 am, but arriving for opening means sitting in intense traffic. A nice air-conditioned vehicle will alleviate most of the stress of getting around the city, and it is even possible to hire a driver for the full day.
The Old Quarter is the ideal place to spend the evening getting tanked up on cheap beer before proceeding to dive into some of Hanoi's best nightclubs. Entertainment venues (located in Tay Ho) are popular among the locals and expats, but for some of the finest electronic music in Hanoi, Savage Nightclub (also in Tay Ho) has been at the top of the charts for several years. This remarkable establishment welcomes you with a classy, loungey warm-up area. Once you've got a few drinks down, make your way into the other room for an intimate, deep set provided by one of Hanoi's finest.
Finish any night with a drink on Tạ Hiện Street for cheap beverages and fantastic eats. As there is still a curfew for most of Hanoi, these nighttime activities won't impact you getting a good night's sleep, and you can rinse and repeat the cycle the following day. For night owls, there are a few 24-hour coffee shops or a selection of after-hours nightclubs that require getting an invite.
Landmarks to explore in Hanoi
For a remarkable experience of that east-meets-west feeling, a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake will take an hour or two. Another Hanoi must-see is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a great family-friendly option. The vogueish West Lake (Tay Ho district) guarantees ample walking space, with over 17 km of tantalizing boardwalk.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, the Ancient House, St Joseph's Cathedral, Hoa Lo Prison, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, and Ngoc Son Pagoda offer fantastic insights into the architectural, cultural, and political history of Hanoi.
The best things to do with friends and family in Hanoi
If you have the chance to pop into the French Quarter, be sure to drop by the Opera House for some mesmerizing snaps and stunning performances.
Other event spaces that are popular include Kali - Mediterranean with a wide open space great for performances and a delicious menu and The 100 Beer Garden is a venue that hosts community meet-ups and monthly live music and markets.
Aeon Mall and the Vincom Centres can be a fantastic day out with family or friends. Whether you are looking to shop until you drop, watch a recent movie, play bowling, or kill some time in a games arcade, these complexes have you covered.
Hanoi markets
Long Bien Market is the go-to place for wholesale fruit and vegetables, perfect for the health-conscious expat. It is open from 6 am to 11 pm every day, and if you go regularly, you'll likely make friends with the vendors and begin to bargain on pricing. Visit the market any time you need fresh produce or a snack and a quick souvenir shop. We would also recommend going to the Quang Ba Flower Market for a late-night supper and watching as floral deliveries arrive and begin to be sold to wholesale clients.
On Hang Dao Street, you will find a night market, which is the perfect moment to get your hands on souvenirs for family and friends.
Playing in a sports team in Hanoi
If health and fitness are your thing, you will never need to wander too far to find a game of badminton or volleyball. Hanoians are very warm people, and many love the opportunity to practice their English, so chances are you will always be welcome to participate. There are also several sports teams that meet regularly in Hanoi, including American flag football, AFL, ice hockey, and Gaelic football.
Unique activities in Hanoi
If you are an adrenaline fiend and driving in Hanoi traffic isn't scratching your itch, consider a game of laser tag or paintball to get the juices going. Planet Laser in the Tây Hồ district will get the blood pumping. For a slower pace, many shopping malls include a cinema, often showing at least one English film, and a few have bowling alleys or arcades.
Leisure options for couples in Hanoi
Nothing says 'I love you' like a beautiful, fresh bouquet. Quang Ba Flower Market is the best place to take a partner and is a feast for the senses. From a rainbow of colors to the sweet perfume of fresh flowers, the appearance of Quang Ba Flower Market is somewhat gritty but will offer a rustic, magical experience for lovers. If you have a Hanoi Bucket List, this item should most certainly be ticked off during your stay. Peak times are between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., so this would be a perfect detour after a night on the tiles with your better half.
Another leisurely and pamper-heavy activity is booking an appointment for you and your better half at the spa. While Hanoi has lots of options to shine you up, we recommend the Onsen Spa experience as a truly unique Korean treatment. As a precaution in certain areas, everyone must be nude, but the spaces are separated by binary gender.
Environment-friendly activities in Hanoi
Although Hanoi is a labyrinth populated with rushing, overcrowded motorbikes, a great way to explore the city is with Hanoi Free Walking Tours. Quarterbacked by local students, this is a truly unique and unforgettable way of familiarising yourself with some of the most iconic parts of the Vietnamese capital. Should you wish to do your part for the local environment, check out Keep Hanoi Clean.
Eating out in Hanoi
Sampling as many street food vendors as possible is one of the best ways of integrating yourself with this exciting city. Taste the freshness in ingredients and see the pride on local store owners' faces as you take the first bite. The Old Quarter has streets dedicated to certain foods, meaning you might need to be rolled back to your hotel if you spend a day sampling everything available. Here are a few recommendations in and around the Old Quarter:
- Chicken Street Hanoi: the name says it all, but go here for amazing fried and grilled chicken served with ice-cold beer. You can find this on Ly Van Phuc Street.
- Bun Cha Street: Definitely one of the dishes Hanoi is known for. Head to Hang Quat Street and choose any stall you wish.
- Bít Tết: Not many tourists head here for the essential Vietnamese fry-up. A sizzling plate of flank steak, a fried egg, and crinkle-cut fries covered in gravy in a pure treat for breakfast. Explore Hoe Nhai Street, which is a little outside the old quarter but worth it.
Although street food vendors are scattered around the city, one of the best places for Western-style comfort food is Puku Cafe, which is open 24 hours a day, and Ma Xo Cafe with brunch and lakeside views.
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