Top Things to do when you traveling in Hanoi

Both stubbornly traditional and forward-looking, bustling Hanoi largely resisted the light-speed advancements that are sweeping across the rest of the nation, and the city often confounds first-time visitors. This list of the top things to do when you travel in Hanoi can help you hit the ground running and make perfect sense of the best that Vietnam's most historical city has to offer.

1. Go on a walking tour of the city

One of the best ways to get acquainted with any city in the world is to go on a walking tour. Go on a half-day or a full-day tour, and take in some of the best sights around the city. You will take an orientation tour of Ha Noi and take a cyclo ride (pedicab) around the ancient quarter of Ha Noi. It is a fascinating way to get the first look at this peaceful and beautiful city.

The Old Quarter is a business centre and also a very prominent spot among tourists.
Located in Ba Dinh district near the business area, Hanoi's Old Quarter is the city's busiest attraction, and it’s an unmissable attack on the senses.

Hanoi - Old Quarter

This mystical city is also known for its cuisine, silk, buzzing nightlife and cultural diversity.

Watch a water puppet show
Vietnamese water puppetry originated in the 11th century in the flooded paddy fields of the Red River Delta, and visitors shouldn't miss this unique local form of art when in Hanoi.

Relax at Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) from a legend.
This is the only lake in Vietnam that is home to an iconic tortoise.

"In ancient times circulated a story that claimed the Heavenly sent Emperor Ly Thai To a sword with magical properties. He used that sword to banish the Chinese from Vietnam.

Following the end of the Vietnam War, a giant golden turtle took the sword and escaped to the depths of Hoan Kiem Lake to return the sword to its divine owners thus earning its name, the Lake of the Restored Sword."

Hoan Kiem Lake

If the Hoan Kiem Lake itself isn’t enough to peak your interest, then make sure to visit the Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda surrounded by the Hoan Kiem lake.

The pagoda was built in memory of the 13th-century figure Tran Hung Dao, a brave military leader who fought against the Yuan Dynasty.

The island on which the pagoda was built is known as Jade Island and is accessible by the famous Rising Sun Bridge at the edge of the French Quarter.

The bridge is built out of wood and colored red in a classical Vietnamese fashion.

The pagoda and lake are probably the most famous places to visit in Hanoi. It’s one of those places where you just come to lay down, relax and enjoy the blissful quiet.

Ngoc Son Temple (Source: Collected)

2. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the resting place of the revolution leader Ho Chi Minh, who was the President of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

In addition to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, learn more at the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

The two attractions are within a short walk of each other. At the Ho Chi Minh Museum, you can see documents, films, and objects about the famous leader.

3. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Thang Long Imperial Citadel

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel was built in the 11th century by the Ly Viet Dynasty, marking the independence of the Dai Viet. One of 8 world heritage sites in Vietnam, Thang Long is a temple complex at the center of Hanoi.

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel(Source: collected)

4. Visit One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar Pagoda is a spiritual and cultural symbol of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. With special features in its structure along with historical values, the temple will surely be a real eye-opener for tourists.

Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda (Source: Collected)

Emperor Ly Thai wanted the pagoda to be built as the lotus blossom and that’s why it was built on a single pillar. The lotus blossom also symbolizes enlightenment in Buddhism.

5. Wander the theme streets of Hanoi and enjoy street food

Vietnamese are the most proud of their food and it is being sold on each corner; both in restaurants and on the street (street food) You’ll see street food in Hanoi everywhere you look; stalls on the sidewalk along the side of the road with often plastic blue stools around where they sell local food. Every street food stall is specialized in a certain dish and everything is freshly made. Eating at one of the stalls is often very tasty and a great local experience.

Enjoy with Pho

As one of Vietnam's most beloved culinary treasures, Pho Hanoi holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors alike.

Hanoi - Pho Vietnam

Bun cha Hanoi - The best specialty in Vietnam cuisine

It’s safe to say that Hanoi is a culinary paradise with millions of dishes from traditional to novelties, from food stalls to luxurious restaurants. One of the most outstanding dishes must be “Bun Cha” (grilled pork and rice noodle with mixed fish sauce) - which is in the top 10 most attractive street food in the world. No wonder the US ex-president Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain chose Bun Cha to have for their dinner when visiting Hanoi. Your Hanoi city tour trip is not fully completed without enjoying this delicious savory!