Top Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam

Looking for a city that has got….a serious character? Killer food? And a nightlife that’ll keep you out till sunrise? Look no further, Hanoi is calling your name. It’s raw, real, and way more than just a pitstop on your Southeast Asia trip. Dive in with this no-BS guide to the top things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam – everything a backpacker needs for a good time.

Contents

Get Lost in the Old Quarter

First things first: Old Quarter. Picture narrow streets packed with scooters, street vendors, and locals doing their thing. Each street sells something different, like silk on one, herbs on another. Just walk around, grab a bowl of noodles, and let the Old Quarter vibe pull you in. This is Hanoi’s heartbeat – chaotic, loud, and absolutely awesome. This is where Hanoi feels the most alive, and it’s definitely a must on the list of top things to do in Hanoi.

Wander through the vibrant maze of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, photo courtesy of Canva

Stuff Your Face with Hanoi Street Food

You can’t say you’ve been to Hanoi without trying a bowl of Pho—the noodle soup everyone’s heard of. Still hungry? Grab a famous Banh Mi from Banh Mi 25, packed with fresh herbs and crispy pork. And don’t forget the Egg Coffee, a must-try that you’ve probably seen on Instagram. It’s coffee topped with whipped egg. It sounds odd but tastes amazing. The street food alone is one of the top things to do in Hanoi.

Enjoy the ultimate street food experience with a bowl of Pho and more, photo courtesy of Canva

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

This one’s serious but worth it. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is where Vietnam’s most famous leader rests. Ho Chi Minh is a huge deal here, so visiting his mausoleum is kind of like a rite of passage. The place is super strict, so be mindful. No shorts, no talking, no phones allowed. If you want a deeper look at Vietnam, this one should be on your list of top things to do in Hanoi.

Honor the past at the revered Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, photo courtesy of Hans-Jürgen Weinhardt

Chill Out at Hoan Kiem Lake

Need a break from the madness? Head to Hoan Kiem Lake in the center of town. This spot is peaceful, with locals doing Tai Chi and a great view of the water. Check out Ngoc Son Temple on the lake’s tiny island. According to legend, an emperor gave a magic sword back to a turtle here. Yep, a turtle. It’s weird, but it’s Hanoi.

Find peace by the serene waters of Hoan Kiem Lake, photo courtesy of trung do

Experience the Adrenaline on Train Street

Train Street is a tiny alley with a full-sized train track running down the middle. The train comes through close enough to touch, and everyone clears out to let it pass. Grab a coffee, wait for the train, and watch it zoom by – it’s wild. Just make sure to check first before going, as it sometimes closes. Is it one of the most unforgettable top things to do in Hanoi? A solid yes.

Get up close with the action on Hanoi’s famous Train Street, photo courtesy of Canva

Get Cultured at the Temple of Literature

One of the coolest historic sites is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s very first university, built back in 1070. Walk through the peaceful courtyards and snap some pics of the ancient architecture. It’s a nice breather from the busier parts of town and a solid spot to get some zen.

Step into history at Hanoi’s Temple of Literature, photo courtesy of Canva

Have a Beer at Bia Hoi Corner (Junction)

Bia Hoi Corner is where locals and travelers gather at night to drink fresh, light beer for about 25 cents a glass. It’s loud, casual, and a lot of fun. Just find a plastic stool and jump in. For nightlife, this is one of the top things to do in Hanoi – no fancy stuff, just good times.

Grab a seat, a beer, and soak in the street buzz at Bia Hoi Corner, photo courtesy of Canva

Learn Something at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Curious about Vietnam’s diverse cultures? The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is where you’ll find out about all 54 ethnic groups in the country. The outdoor area has life-sized replicas of traditional homes, and the whole place is like a quick crash course in Vietnamese culture. Up for something different? This is worth a visit and one of the top things to do in Hanoi.

Uncover the stories of Vietnam’s ethnic groups at the Museum of Ethnology, photo courtesy of DHN

Day Trip to the Perfume Pagoda

Want to know more about Vietnam’s culture and religion? Just two hours from Hanoi is the Perfume Pagoda, a stunning temple complex. It’s a bit of a journey, starting with a boat ride through green hills and rivers, then you either hike or take a cable car to the temples. The view’s insane, and it’s one of the more chilled-out spots to explore around Hanoi.

Embark on a scenic journey to the enchanting Perfume Pagoda, photo courtesy of Canva

Test Your Haggling Skills at Dong Xuan Market

For souvenirs and just about anything else, hit up Dong Xuan Market. This massive indoor market has clothes, electronics, random souvenirs, and tons of street food. Bargaining is expected here, so bring your game face and go for it.

Bargain your way through Dong Xuan Market’s endless aisles, photo courtesy of Canva

Bonus: Watch a Water Puppet Show

Alright, hear us out – a Water Puppet Show might sound cheesy, but it’s actually pretty cool. The puppets perform on a water stage, telling Vietnamese folk stories with a lot of color and noise. Head to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre for a classic Hanoi experience.

Be mesmerized by Vietnam’s water puppet performance, photo courtesy of Canva

Wrap-Up: Hanoi Has It All

Hanoi’s a wild, beautiful mess, and that’s why it’s worth every second. Whether you’re trying street food, catching a beer at Bia Hoi Corner, or watching the train go by, these top things to do in Hanoi show you the city’s real side. Pack your bags, brace yourself, and let Hanoi take you on one unforgettable ride.