Vietnam is where old and new exist side by side, making it one of the most special countries to visit in Southeast Asia. This slender country, shaped like an elegant ‘S’ on the world map, offers everything from misty mountains and emerald rice fields to golden beaches and bustling cities. It is a place where tradition and progress walk hand in hand, creating experiences that feel both timeless and fresh. At the heart of this incredible country is Hanoi, the lively capital where old traditions and modern life come together.
With its centuries-old temples, charming French colonial buildings, and bustling street markets, Hanoi tells stories at every turn. Walking through these tree-lined streets with old colonial buildings feels like stepping into the past. But Hanoi today has a lot more to offer than just history. It is the cultural soul of Vietnam.
This blog is your guide to experiencing the best of Hanoi, whether you are here for a few days or more.
No matter what you like – learning about history, trying real Vietnamese food, or enjoying busy streets and local markets – Hanoi has something you will enjoy.
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Hanoi is beautiful in every season. Spring brings warm weather and blooming flowers, summer has refreshing rains, fall has cool air and clear blue skies, and winter is chilly but charming.
Here is what to expect throughout the year in Hanoi.
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Hanoi has both old and new things to see. The charm of the city lies in its well-preserved history, beautiful architecture, and green spaces that provide a perfect balance to the busy streets.
Walk through ancient streets with small shops, relax by peaceful lakes, and explore museums to learn about the history of Vietnam. Each area of the city feels different.
Built-in 1070 in Hanoi, The Temple of Literature is a tribute to Confucius and the first university in Vietnam. This ancient site features stunning Vietnamese architecture, beautiful gardens, and courtyards that once served as a centre for Confucian learning. The complex features a picturesque lake, five courtyards, the Well of Heavenly Clarity, and a bell tower.
You can explore the pavilions, admire traditional Vietnamese design, and experience the spiritual ambience. While there is no strict dress code, dress modestly. Admission cost is 30,000 VND. It is open from 8 AM to 5 PM in winter and 7:30 AM to 6 PM in summer.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square is the final resting place of the beloved leader of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. Inspired by Lenin’s Mausoleum in Russia it was built during 1973 -1975. This large grey stone building holds Ho Chi Minh’s body in a glass case, even though he wanted to be cremated.
The mausoleum was built to withstand floods, bombings, and earthquakes. It is open Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday, with seasonal hours. Entry costs is 25,000 VND. You must dress modestly, stay silent, and follow strict rules, including no photography inside. Since its opening in 1975, the mausoleum has become a cultural and historical symbol of Vietnam, attracting millions of visitors.
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Hoan Kiem Lake, also called Sword Lake, is a beautiful freshwater lake in the heart of Hanoi. The lake is surrounded by busy streets in the Old Quarter, making it easy for visitors to explore Vietnamese buildings, food, and culture. You can walk around the lake, enjoy traditional Vietnamese culture, and explore nearby landmarks like the Red Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple.
Turtle Tower, standing in the middle of the lake, adds to its charm. The lake is especially lively on weekends when the nearby streets turn into a pedestrian zone with music, games, and street performances. The lake remains mysterious with stories of an ancient turtle still living in its waters. With its scenic paths and vibrant atmosphere, Hoan Kiem Lake offers a peaceful retreat in the busy city of Hanoi.
Ngoc Son Temple or the Temple of the Jade Mountain is a famous spiritual site on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. To reach this temple, you will have to walk through the HUC Bridge. It is a striking scarlet bridge with 32 columns that connects the mainland to the temple. Ngoc Son Temple features traditional Vietnamese architecture, intricate carvings, and historical relics.
The temple is rich in symbols, with gates displaying Chinese characters for happiness and prosperity. Inside, you can see altars, statues, and the preserved remains of a giant turtle linked to local legends. Admission cost is 20,000 VND. It is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. With its serene setting, cultural significance, and beautiful design, Ngoc Son Temple is a must-see in Hanoi.
The Hanoi Opera House is a cultural landmark in downtown Hanoi, located at August Revolution Square. Built by the French in 1911, it resembles the Palais Garnier in Paris and features classic French architecture with grand columns, crystal chandeliers, and a luxurious interior. The building has three main areas: the front hall with a grand staircase, the mirror chamber for ceremonies, and the performance hall with over 500 seats.
Originally for Western-style performances, it now hosts local and international concerts, operas, ballets, and official events. You can admire its architecture, watch performances, or take guided tours. Tour prices range from 120,000 to 400,000 VND, and tickets for performances vary. The Opera House is open daily, but hours depend on events. Booking in advance is recommended.
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Do more than just look at famous places in Hanoi. Experience Hanoi like a local! From soaking in the local atmosphere at traditional markets to experiencing the vibrant nightlife at bustling street corners, Hanoi offers something for everyone.
Whether exploring artistic neighbourhoods, enjoying cultural performances, or sipping coffee at a cosy café, every experience in Hanoi feels special and unique.
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater in Hanoi displays traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, an art form dating back centuries. Puppeteers stand in waist-deep water behind a screen, using bamboo poles to move handcrafted wooden puppets across the water stage. Performances tell Vietnamese folklore, history, and rural life stories, accompanied by live traditional music with drums, flutes, and cymbals.
You may not understand Vietnamese, but you can enjoy the entertaining stories, lively music, and amusing puppet movements. The theater runs five shows daily and the tickets cost is 100,000 VND. The experience is magical and educational, making it one of the top things to do in Hanoi.
Coffee in Hanoi is more than a beverage—it is a cultural experience that reflects the city’s rhythm and attracts both locals and tourists. The coffee scene in this city is diverse, with traditional and modern cafes offering unique flavours and settings. Traditional coffee shops serve unique Vietnamese brews like egg coffee, iced coffee with condensed milk, coconut coffee, and more.
The Old Quarter is great for exploring cafes, with many close together and easy to walk to. The coffee experience in Hanoi often includes leisurely people-watching from sidewalk seats. The Vietnamese coffee culture is all about slowing down and savouring the moment. Whether in a trendy espresso bar or a classic Vietnamese coffee shop, taking time to enjoy coffee in Hanoi is an essential experience.
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The Old Quarter in Hanoi is a maze of narrow streets filled with life and history. It has been around since the 15th century and has 36 streets, each named after the goods once sold there, like silver, bamboo, silk, and decorations. Walking here feels like an adventure, with surprises around every corner—hidden temples, busy markets, and the delicious smell of street food.
The air is filled with the scent of incense, the sound of blacksmiths working, and calls from fruit sellers. You will find hidden temples, delicious street food, and souvenirs in this area. The lively morning markets are also a must-see. For a true experience, take a cyclo ride through this historic area, where old traditions and modern life come together.
Hanoi is a paradise for street food lovers. Everywhere you go, delicious smells fill the air, and there is always something new to try. More food stalls pop up after sunset, making the streets even livelier with delicious smells and busy crowds. Hanoi is famous for pho, a fragrant noodle soup loved by locals and visitors.
Beyond pho, you must try dishes, like beef noodle salad (bun bo nam bo), steamed rice-paper rolls (banh cuon), and grilled pork with noodles(bun cha). Street food in Hanoi truly comes alive at night. As the sun sets, the streets fill with food stalls, simmering pots, sizzling meat, and bicycles stacked with fresh fruit. It is an experience you will not forget!
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Hanoi is more than just a busy city full of traffic. When night falls, the city comes alive with lights, music, and energy. Locals say the best time to explore Hanoi is at night, and they are right! You will find three main party areas – Bia Hoi Junction in the Old Quarter, the more upscale West Lake Area, and the Historical Center with a mix of venues.
If parties are not your thing, and instead prefer a quieter evening, worry not. Watch a show at the Opera House, the Hanoi Central Circus, or the famous Water Puppet Theatre. Alternatively, you can explore the weekend Night Market that transforms the Old Quarter streets into a colourful shopping and eating paradise.
Here you can buy souvenirs, and traditional Vietnamese items like conical hats, and enjoy street performances while tasting local food. Hanoi’s nightlife is exciting, diverse, and ready to be explored!
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As the sun sets over the ancient streets of Hanoi and the evening hum of motorbikes fills the air, you will understand why this captivating city has stolen the hearts of so many travellers. The flavours, sights, and sounds create memories that cannot be captured in photographs alone. Its rich history, lively streets, peaceful lakes, and busy markets create memories that stay with you even after you leave. The best way to experience its beauty without any hassle is by choosing our Vietnam tour packages, which take care of everything from accommodation to guided tours. These carefully designed packages handle the logistics while giving you time to discover the hidden gems in Hanoi at your own pace. Get ready to discover this enchanting city in Southeast Asia.
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I graduated in commerce from Bombay University and run a family-owned business where we believe in transparency, trust, knowledge distribution and provide quality tours to our customers. According to me “Customers are our brand ambassadors and employees are our biggest Strength”. I also believe that “Travel brings knowledge, Knowledge brings opportunity and Opportunity brings prosperity”. With God’s grace was awarded the “Best Female Entrepreneur of India” by Tourism awards Gujarat. And currently, I am actively involved in key decisions and itinerary staff management in the travel industry.
