What Are The Unique Things To Do In Hanoi? Know The Attractions And Activities
We are deep into 2025, and Hanoi tourism is experiencing a period of growth with great improvements and evolutions. The Vietnamese capital has managed to achieve a great tourism boost in 2025.
I was just checking out a travel report on Vietnam Plus. It says that Hanoi has welcomed a massive 7.3 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025. Also, the revenue generated in this period has been approximately 30 trillion VND.
The Municipal Department of Tourism has further confirmed an 11.3% revenue increase in comparison to the same period in 2024.
Furthermore, the Hanoi Department of Tourism has introduced new products in the second quarter to take the figures even a few notches higher. These tourism offerings are:
- Tours to Ha Mo in Dan Phuong District and Exploring Its Historical and Cultural Relics
- Southern Thang Long Heritage Route, including Thuong Tin, Phu Xuyen, and Thanh Tri districts
- Community-Based and Cultural Tourism with a Special Focus on the Phu Commune of the My Duc District.
Moreover, there have been campaigns such as “Hanoi – A Safe and Attractive Destination” and “Hanoi – Come to Love.” So, this is the ideal time if you want to explore the unique things to do in Hanoi and learn what is Hanoi famous for.
What Are The Most Unique Things To Do In Hanoi?
With an ancient soul and an amazing food scene, Hanoi has many unique things to do. Let’s explore.
1. Take A Guided Scooter Tour
Do you want to discover the best stories and anecdotes about Hanoi? Take a guided scooter tour and see the city from a different perspective.
2. Have The Bun Cha That Obama Likes
If you are a foodie, a visit to the Bun Cha Huong Lien must be on your itinerary. You will love the combination of broth, grilled pork, and rice noodles.
3. Drink Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is love! And you can have the best at the Cong Caphe. Cong Caphe is a coffee chain.
Along with the best concoction of coffee, coconut, and chocolate, Cong Caphe also offers free Wi-Fi.
Digital nomads, anyone?
4. Visit The Tran Quoc Pagoda
The oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda, remains open from 7:30 AM to 6 PM every day.
Originally, it was called Khai Quoc Pagoda, and it was built by the Early Ly Dynasty in 541.
5. Visit The Temple Of Literature
Are you wondering, “What Are The Best Cultural Experiences To Try In Hanoi?” Plan a visit to the Temple of Literature.
The Temple of Literature was built in 1070 as a university, and it was dedicated to Confucius. The building has a traditional Vietnamese architecture, and you will have to pay VND 70000 to enter the temple.
The temple remains open from 8 AM to 5 PM.
6. Visit The Imperial Citadel
You will have to pay an entry fee of VND 30000 to enter the Imperial Citadel. It has been the seat of politics in Vietnam for almost 13 centuries.
Today, you can explore the buildings in the citadel and find many Vietnamese artefacts here. Moreover, the Imperial Citadel is open from 8 AM to 5 PM.
7. Watch A Show At The Hanoi Opera House
The French colonial administration erected the Hanoi Opera House between 1901 and 1911. It is the biggest theater in Vietnam, and it stands out thanks to its Neo-Classical French architecture.
8. Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral
The Neo-Gothic style of St. Joseph’s Cathedral in the Hoan Kiem District is a prominent landmark in Hanoi.
Completed in 1886, it is one of the oldest churches in Hanoi, and it is the “cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi.”
Moreover, the cathedral celebrates Saint Joseph, the patron saint of Vietnam.
9. Try The Best Street Food
Can you miss Banh Mi, Pho, and Bun Cha in Hanoi? This is the magic of Hanoi street food, and you must try it!
10. Enjoy A Day Trip To Ninh Binh
The “Ha Long Bay on land” or Ninh Binh is just a 2-hour journey away from Hanoi. It has beautiful limestone mountains and a riverine landscape.
Further, the temples and pagodas here are a telltale of the rich culture and history of Vietnam.
11. Visit The Perfume Pagoda
Located at a distance of 70 km from Hanoi, Perfume Pagoda is an important landmark in the cultural and historic landscape of Vietnam.
The shrines here are built into a limestone mountain. Moreover, the boat ride on the Yen Stream to reach the Perfume Pagoda is an unforgettable experience.
12. Cruise At Halong Bay
It’s a sin to be in Hanoi and miss a day trip to Halong Bay. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will love the limestone karsts, emerald waters, floating villages, and secret caves here. It is an ideal destination for kayaking and swimming.
Is Hanoi Worth Visiting For Tourists? Is It Safe?
Yes, Hanoi is worth it, and it is a safe place to visit. Currently, Hanoi is struggling with the impact of Storm Wipha. However, it is slowly getting back to normalcy as travel disruptions and flight cancellations are now less frequent.
However, Hanoi is considered a generally safe tourist destination with a low violent crime rate and a safety index of 68.
Having said that, the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Vietnam has reported increasing cases of thievery and pickpocketing in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Furthermore, there have been warnings against unlicensed taxi drivers, and the advisory asks you to keep the following phone numbers handy.
- For Contacting the Police, Dial 113
- Dial 114 for Fire
- Call an Ambulance by Dialling 115
- Report a Traffic Accident by Dialling 113
Also, here is an insider report on various aspects of tourist experiences in Hanoi and how safe they are.
| Hanoi Tourism Experience | Safety Risks |
|---|---|
| Taxis and Public Risks | Medium (Stay careful about petty scams by unlicensed drivers.) |
| Pickpockets Risk | High |
| Natural Disaster Risk | Medium |
| Terrorism | Low |
| Mugging | Low |
| Risks for Women Travelers | Low |
| Scams | Medium |
| Overall Risks | Low |
Which Part Of Hanoi Is Best For Tourists? (For A Safe Experience)
If you are a first-timer in Hanoi and you want a safe experience, you can plan your travel activities around these corners of Hanoi.
- Hanoi Old Quarter
- Hanoi French Quarter
- Hanoi West Lake
| Best Hanoi Areas for Tourists | Things to See |
|---|---|
| Hanoi Old Quarter | Bach Ma Temple Ngoc Son Temple Hoan Kiem Lake Hang Gai Street Temple of Literature Hanoi Flag Tower Vietnam National Museum of History |
| Hanoi French Quarter | Hoa Lo Prison St. Joseph’s Cathedral Hanoi Opera House Trang Tien Plaza Thang Long Imperial Citadel French Colonial Buildings |
| Hanoi West Lake | Tran Quoc Pagoda The West Lake Water Park Quang Ba Flower Market Tay Ho Palace Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Hanoi Old Quarter |
What Are The Interesting Things To Do In Hanoi At Night? Is Hanoi Good For Street Food And Night Markets?
Hanoi is safe at night, and especially the Old Quarter Area becomes alive after the sun goes down. Especially, the night market on On Quarter Street is a must-visit destination on weekends.
On other days, you can try the following interesting things to do in Hanoi at night.
- Socialize and enjoy your favorite drinks at Ta Hien Beer Street.
- Visit the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and enjoy a traditional water puppet show.
- Spend some moments of introspection by the Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Visit the Quang Ba Night Flower Market.
- Enjoy a walk across the Long Bien Bridge and enjoy the views of the city.
- Or, just wander along the Old Quarter Street and explore the restaurants and shops there.
Is It Safe To Walk At Night In Hanoi? Dream And Travel Tips For A Safe Night Experience In Hanoi
Yes, Hanoi is safe at night.
However, as a tourist, you must avoid the alleys of Hanoi at night. Having said that, the overcrowded places also pose the risks of theft and scams.
Also, only ride licensed taxis or book rides from trusted apps such as Grab for a safe ride at night.
Is Hanoi A Walkable City?
The answer is, “It depends,” based on the area of Hanoi you are in. For example, the Old Quarter area is very walkable, especially at night. The Hoan Kiem Lake area is also great for strolls.
However, Hanoi usually struggles with massive traffic problems, and the sidewalks are narrow.
So, taking the bus service or exploring the local metro can be a more convenient and reasonable option to explore Hanoi.
You can even take taxis or book a ride from Grab, as I just mentioned.
What To Skip In Hanoi?
You must skip these common mistakes when you are trying the best things to do in Hanoi.
1. Keeping Your Activities Limited To The Old Quarter And The French Quarter Areas
You must not restrict your movement in the French Quarter and Old Quarter areas. There are unique places to explore, such as Sapa and Cho Gioi.
Cho Gioi is the go-to place if you want to know the stories of the Vietnam War and buy some interesting second-hand stuff as souvenirs.
On the other hand, Sapa is the place to trek to from Hanoi to experience the Northern Mountains of Vietnam and meet the unique local culture here. Get ready for the ultimate adventure experience in Vietnam.
2. Drinking Tap Water
You must not drink water from public taps. Tap water in Hanoi has a high risk of containing bacteria and other contaminants.
3. Being Casual About Tourist Scams
Once again, you cannot ride unlicensed taxis or cabs in Hanoi. You will be charged unreasonably. At the same time, there can be other scams such as snatching your money and mobile phone.
Furthermore, many scammers offer free Vietnamese donuts. You must not try them.
So, overall, it is about being a little cautious with your every move.
4. Visiting Hanoi At The Wrong Time
The summer season and the Vietnamese New Year, or Tet, are the worst times to visit Hanoi. In the summer season, the temperature in Hanoi hovers around 42 degrees Celsius.
Furthermore, the facilities and hotels remain closed during the Vietnamese New Year. The spring season, from March to April, and the fall season, from September to October, are the best times to visit Hanoi.
Is Hanoi An Expensive City?
Yes, Hanoi is an expensive city to live in or travel to if you compare the costs with other cities and areas in Vietnam. Even in 2023, the 2023 Spatial Cost of Living Index (SCOLI) from the General Statistics Office (GSO) ranked Hanoi as the costliest city in all of Vietnam.
However, if you compare Hanoi with other major South Asian tourist destinations, it is an affordable place to travel to and live, thanks to the following factors.
- Hostels and Budget Accommodations
- Affordable Street Food
- Low Average Cost of Living
Overall, the average cost of a trip to Hanoi is between $8000-$15000 per person.
Are There Any Free Things To Do In Hanoi?
Yes, there are many free things to do in Hanoi.
- Join a free walking tour in Hanoi.
- Take a walk around the West Lake and Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Enjoy live music at night at Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street
- Indulge in the unique spirit of the Hanoi Train Street
- Practice Tai-Chi at Hoan Kiem Lake
- Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Visit the local pagodas and temples
How Is Hanoi Promoting Rural Tourism For A Sustainable Future? Hanoi Tourism Is Changing For The Better
Hanoi is famous for its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and rich history. However, currently, Hanoi is planning to promote its diverse rural ecosystem through the latest rural development program.
The prime minister’s Decision No 922/QĐ-TTg in August 2022 has been the guide for rural tourism development in Hanoi. Following the issuance of this decision, the suburban districts of Hanoi are now promoting:
- Local handicrafts
- Agricultural products
- Local Culture
In this context, some notable examples have been the “experiential tourism in Bat Trang Pottery Village of Gia Lam District, the community-based tourism in the Duong Lam Ancient Village of Son Tay Town, etc.
Furthermore, Hanoi has recognized 42 tourist destinations, and 21 of them have rural or agricultural assets. So, Hanoi is really looking to rural tourism to build a sustainable tourism future.
In this context, Mr. Ngo Van Ngon, Deputy Chief of the Standing Office of the Hanoi New-Style Rural Development Programme Coordination Office, says,
“Rural tourism is not just a new direction for economic development; it also provides an opportunity to preserve cultural heritage and natural landscapes in alignment with new rural development goals. In many localities, people have transitioned from traditional farming to tourism services, leading to higher incomes and improved living standards.”
Unique Things To Do In Hanoi: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about things to do in Hanoi.
Yes, you can explore many major attractions in Hanoi in 2 days. The places you can visit during these two days are:
Hanoi Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem Lake
Thang Long Water Puppet Show
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum
Hanoi Train Street
The Temple of Literature
You can watch a traditional water puppet show in Hanoi at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
It is located on the Hoan Kiem Lake shores and the address is 57B P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội. You can contact Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre at +84 24 3824 9494.
Cafe Giang, Cafe Pho Co, and Cafe Dinh are some of the best places to try Vietnamese coffee in Hanoi.
Yes, you can take a day trip from Hanoi. The best way is to take a cruise from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
Perfume Pagoda Festival or the Huong Pagoda Festival, Giong Festival, Lim Festival, Reunification Day, and National Day are major local festivals in Hanoi.
These festivals have local folk dances and unique cultural events.
Yes, three days are enough in Hanoi if you want to explore the Vietnamese city at a relaxed pace. Also, with a 3-day itinerary, you can plan a trip to Halong Bay and Ninh Binh.
