Hanoi, Where To Go, What To Eat & What To Do.

Welcome to Hanoi, the heart and soul of Vietnam, where ancient traditions blend harmoniously with modern urban living. This bustling city, known for its rich history and diverse culture, offers a plethora of experiences for every type of traveller.

Top Things to Do in Hanoi

Explore the Old Quarter: Begin your journey by wandering through the charming streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This historic neighbourhood is a labyrinth of narrow lanes, each named after the specific trade it used to host. Embrace the energy of the local markets, indulge in street food, and shop for unique souvenirs.
Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Located in the heart of the city, Hoan Kiem Lake is a serene oasis amidst the urban chaos. Cross the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, perched on an islet in the lake, and bask in the tranquillity of this cultural landmark.
Explore the Temple of Literature: Discover Vietnam’s first national university and a symbol of Confucianism in Hanoi. The Temple of Literature, with its well-manicured gardens and historical significance, provides insight into the country’s scholarly past.
Watch a Water Puppet Show: Experience the traditional art of water puppetry at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This captivating performance, accompanied by live music, narrates Vietnamese folk tales and legends. There are 2 water puppet theatres named “Thang Long” and “Lotus” .
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Pay respects to the former Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh and learn about his life and contributions to the country’s history.
Hoa Lo Prison Museum: Immerse yourself in the haunting history of Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton.” This museum sheds light on the life of Vietnamese revolutionaries during the French colonial period and American prisoners of war.
Take a Cyclo Ride: Embrace the local way of transport by taking a cyclo (three-wheeled bicycle taxi) ride around the city. It’s a leisurely and unique way to explore Hanoi’s vibrant streets.
Weekend Night Market (Friday-Sunday): Taking place in the heart of the Old Quarter, this night market stretches from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market. It is a bustling affair with various stalls selling a wide range of products.
Visit the Ethnology Museum: Gain insight into Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which houses exhibits on their traditions, customs, and cultures.
Sample Street Food: Indulge in Hanoi’s delicious street food, such as Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha, and Egg Coffee, from various stalls and vendors scattered throughout the city.
Quan An Ngon: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. A favourite among tourists and locals alike, Quan An Ngon features a wide selection of Vietnamese dishes in a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Hanoi

The best time to visit Hanoi is during the autumn months from September to November and the spring months from March to April. During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

Avoid the summer months (June to August) as Hanoi experiences high temperatures and occasional heavy rainfall. The winter months (December to February) can be chilly, especially in the evenings, but it’s still a popular time for tourists.

What to Eat in Hanoi

Hanoi offers a diverse array of delectable dishes that are a must-try for every food enthusiast. Some of the must-eat foods include:

Pho: A quintessential Vietnamese dish, Pho is a flavourful noodle soup made with either beef (Pho Bo) or chicken (Pho Ga). You can find delicious Pho at street food stalls and restaurants throughout Hanoi. Some popular places to try Pho include Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan Street) and Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc Street).
Bun Cha: This famous Hanoi specialty features grilled pork served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu Street) is known for serving the dish that former U.S. President Barack Obama tried during his visit to Hanoi. Bun Cha Dac Kim (1 Hang Manh Street)
Banh Mi: A delicious Vietnamese sandwich filled with various options like grilled pork, cold cuts, pate, and fresh herbs. Banh Mi 25 (25 Hang Ca Street), Banh Mi 25 (25 Hang Ca Street) and Banh Mi Pho Hue (118A Hue Street) are popular spots for Banh Mi in Hanoi.
Bun Thang: A traditional noodle soup made with shredded chicken, thin omelette slices, mushrooms, and herbs. Bun Thang Hang Hom (11 Hang Hom Street) is a well-known place to enjoy this Hanoi delicacy.
Cha Ca: A unique fish dish made with turmeric-marinated fish, cooked tableside, and served with rice noodles, peanuts, dill, and shrimp paste. Cha Ca Thang Long (21-31 Duong Thanh Street) is a renowned restaurant specializing in Cha Ca.
Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung): A must-try beverage in Hanoi, Egg Coffee is strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy egg yolk mixture. You can find excellent Egg Coffee at Café Giang (39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street) and Cafe Dinh (13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street).
Nem Ran (Spring Rolls): These crispy fried or fresh spring rolls are filled with minced pork, shrimp, herbs, and vermicelli, best enjoyed with a dipping sauce. Try Nem Ran Ho Tay (1 Duong Thanh Street) for delicious spring rolls.
Xoi (Sticky Rice): A popular breakfast option, Xoi is sticky rice served with various toppings such as shredded chicken, fried shallots, and mung bean paste. Xoi Yen (35B Nguyen Huu Huan Street) is a famous spot for Xoi in Hanoi, a well-known eatery for sticky rice with various toppings.
Com (Green Rice): Unripe rice kernels steamed and served with grilled pork or chicken and various toppings. Com Ga Ba Anh (98 Hang Trong Street) is well-known for its Com Ga (chicken rice).
Che: A delightful Vietnamese dessert made from a variety of ingredients such as beans, fruits, jelly, and coconut milk. Che Tran Hung Dao (8B Chan Cam Street) offers a wide selection of Che.
Banh Cuon Gia Truyen (14 Hang Ga): Serves authentic and delicious Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls).
Tiem Com Ga (36 Hang Cot): A popular spot for Com Ga (chicken rice).
Bun Bo Nam Bo (67 Hang Dieu): Specializes in Bun Bo Nam Bo, a tasty beef noodle dish
Thuy Ta Ice Cream (35 Trang Tien): Offers refreshing and delightful ice cream in a beautiful setting.

Hanoi Nightlife

As the sun sets over Hanoi, the vibrant city transforms into a captivating nightlife destination. From bustling night markets to lively bars and clubs, Hanoi offers a diverse array of night-time activities that cater to every taste and preference. In this blog, we will delve into the enchanting nightlife of Hanoi, exploring the entertainment options, popular bars and clubs, and the lively night markets that come alive after dark.