I have been living in Vietnam for eight months now. I’m currently based in Hai Phong, Vietnam, which is located about 2 hours from Hanoi. I visit Hanoi often because of my love for the food and the city atmosphere. There is heated debate over which is better, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh. I prefer Hanoi, and I will give a little insight into why in this article. After visiting this cultural hub many times, I’ve compiled this list of must-dos in Hanoi.
1.) EXPLORE THE OLD QUARTER
The old quarter has many pagodas, temples, and historical sights. I love it because the architecture tells a story with a history that spans over 2,000 years. You can spend hours wandering through the old quarter, getting a glimpse into the past. The old quarter was once a place where artisans gathered, and each street was dedicated to a different trade. The street names in the Old Quarter originate from the craft that was specific to that street. To this day, many of the streets still specialize in that trade. As you explore, you might notice that the houses are long and narrow. This was used as a tax-saving method because, for centuries, the width of the property determined how much you would pay in taxes. The winding streets are bustling with motorbikes and tourists. Take a load off and find a small street food vendor for a drink or quick bite as you watch the surroundings pass.
Here are some notable buildings & spots in the Old Quarter:
- Train Street
- Buddhist Pilar one Pagoda
- Saint Joseph Cathedral
- Hanoi Grand Opera House
- Presidential Palace
- Hotel Sofitel Metropole
2.) WATCH A WATER PUPPET SHOW
Watching a water puppet show is a must-do while in Vietnam. If you are staying in the Old Quarter, you will find many theatres offering these shows there. The water puppet shows are said to have originated in the 11th century in the Red River Delta. The shows are in Vietnamese but are still highly entertaining for foreigners. If you want to understand the show fully, you can get an audio guide in your language. The puppet shows tell a fascinating story of rural traditions and village folklore. Additionally, you will find men and women dressed in customary Vietnamese clothing playing different traditional musical instruments during the show.
Where to Check it out:
Thang Long Water Puppet Show 57B, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
3.) SHOP TILL YOU DROP
In Hanoi, you can find diverse shops to fulfill all of your shopping needs. In the Old Quarter, you will see many shops offering the same kinds of bags, shirts, and trinkets. In most shops, the amount is negotiable if there is no price marked. Don’t be afraid to haggle, but always keep a smile on your face and be polite. The local markets are also great places to find souvenirs and deals; I recommend checking out a few. If you are looking for high-end shops, Hanoi has plenty of those. You can find those in the more prominent shopping malls.
Here are some of my favorite shops:
- Collective Memory
- Cerender Ceramic Shop
- Zo Project
- Chan Co Cong-Vintage Store
- Indigo Store
- Weekend Market- Hang Dao Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
4.) VISIT BA TRANG POTTERY VILLAGE
This is one of my favorite things I’ve done in Hanoi. If you want to explore this small village, it’s only about 20 minutes from the Old Quarter. You will be able to tap into your creative self. You can learn how to throw a bowl on a pottery wheel, paint your ceramics, and then take them home as a souvenir. We paid 50 VND, which is about $2, to make a one-piece and paint it. If you want to get your item fired, you can pay 50 VND more and pick up your piece in two days. After you finish making your masterpiece, you can check out the local shops. Each shop has unique ceramic pieces such as vases, candleholders, bowls, mugs, and tea sets.
5.) INDULGE IN SOME AMAZING CUISINE
Hanoi has an incredible variety of cuisines. You can find amazing local and international foods here. From street food to high-end restaurants. Hanoi has it all.
Here are some of my favorite places to grub:
- Bao Wow
- Bun Bo Nam Bo Bach Phuong
- Lifted Coffee & Brunch
- Pizza 4P’s
- Hanoi Taco Bar
6.) FIND YOUR ZEN AND ATTEND AN ARIEL YOGA CLASS AT OM FACTORY
Vietnam can be a bit loud and stressful with the constant zoom of motorbikes and sounds of karaoke on every corner. Keep calm, and do some yoga. I always wanted to try an aerial yoga class, so I figured why not try one in Vietnam at an affordable cost. I did a drop-in class for around 50 VND ($2USD). The lesson I attended was in English and suited all levels. The instructor was kind and patient when explaining the moves and supported me when I had trouble positioning myself. Taking the aerial yoga class was such a fun and exhilarating experience. After the class, we were given time to take photos, making for a great memory. When I tried to book online, the price for drop-in classes appeared to be a lot more expensive. I messaged the studio on Facebook messenger, and they scheduled a place for me, and in the end, I paid a way better price.
Where to Check it out:
Hanoi OM Factory 135-137 Bùi Thị Xuân, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội 100000
7.) CAFÉ HOP
There are a plethora of cafes in Hanoi. You can find local joints and corky spots that will make for the perfect Instagram photo. Typically, you won’t pay more than $2-5 for a drink and dessert. I highly recommend indulging in world-renowned coffee and tea while taking a quick break.
Here are some of my favorite spots for a quick coffee/tea break:
- The Note Coffee
- Café Giang
- Joma Bakery
- Baked by Julia
- Nona Café & Boardgame
8.) HANG OUT BY HOAN KIEM LAKE
Hoan Kiem Lake surrounds Ngoc Son Temple, which was built to commemorate 13th-century military leader Tran Hung Dao. In the middle of the lake, you will find Turtle Tower, which is a meaningful landmark for locals; ask a local to tell you the legend of the tower. At Hoan Kiem Lake, you will find all types of activities going on. During the day, It’s a relaxing place for people to watch. You will find locals doing Tai Chi and yoga, and I even once saw a group of locals doing a massage train. At night, you will find young children riding on small electric cars, hip hops, dance groups, karaoke, you name you will probably see it.
Where to check it out:
9.) DISCOVER THE MANY CULTURAL GROUPS OF VIETNAM BY VISITING THE ETHNOLOGY MUSEUM
The Ethnology Museum allows you to learn about the 54 different ethnic groups of Vietnam. The culture, customs, and even languages vary among these various groups. The collection of artifacts, traditional handicrafts, and displayed research helps preserve the cultural heritage. The museum also offers activities with some of these communities, such as performances of traditional crafts, folk art, water puppetry, and folk games.
Where to check it out:
Nguyễn Văn Huyên, Quan Hoa, Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội 100000
10.) HIT UP THE QUANG BA FLOWER MARKET
Visiting the flower market is a great way to see more of the authentic Vietnamese experience. It’s loud, it’s busy, and it’s bustling. The flower market begins at 2 a.m. and lasts till sunrise. The market is vibrant; you will find all kinds of fresh-cut flowers, such as lavender, chrysanthemums, lilies, and roses. Take in the sounds, smells, and sights as you wander through the market. Not only will you find flowers, but you will also find some food stalls. I HIGHLY recommend grabbing a bite to eat here. I had a Vietnamese pancake made with fried pho noodles, topped with seasoned beef & sautéed onions. It was mouth-watering.
Where to check it out:
236 Âu Cơ, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội 100000
Well, that’s a wrap. I hope some of my suggestions can make your next trip to Hanoi incredible!
Thanks for reading, and safe travels!
