What to do in Hanoi? 10 essential visits

Located in the Red River Delta, Hanoi is a city with an extraordinary heritage!

Want a change of scenery and originality? Direction Vietnam’s capital Hanoi! With its preserved architecture, street vendors, hundreds of temples and unique atmosphere, there is everything for a meal. an unforgettable journey. Here are 10 essential things to do in Hanoi to better organize your trip!

Get lost in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

A walk in Hanoi: get lost in the streets of the old quarter and feel the spirit of the Vietnamese capital. Covers more than 100 hectaresis a mess of small streets, beautiful temples, restaurants, shops and subway houses, narrow but very deep fronted. Consider pedicab if your legs are starting to get tired! The neighborhood is very suitable for this and your driver can take a shopping break…

Hanoi old town
The narrow streets of the old town ©DR

Watch a water puppet show at Thang Long

if good show This is the thing to do in Hanoi! Tracing the daily life of Vietnamese villagers, this representation is divided into several scenes, each showing a traditional event: farming, buffalo care, fishing, etc. Accompanied by stunning lighting effects and live music, this performance will introduce you to many legends of this mysterious land. Not to be missed if you are traveling with your family!

water puppet theater
Water puppet theater ©Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Flickr

Make a wish at Quan Thanh Temple

Quan Thanh temple built in the 11th century Vietnam’s largest bronze statue. All you have to do to make your wishes come true is to touch the foot of this huge statue. This statue dates from the 17th century and represents the guardian genius of the north.. As you continue your visit, you will notice many cult objects such as swords or spears.

Quan Thanh
Statue of Quan Thanh ©Joel Riedesel / Flickr

Walk to the night market

It’s hard to choose between the many markets to do in Hanoi! We recommend it for its atmosphere and originality night market every weekend. Located in the heart of the old town, this restaurant is open from 18:00 to 23:00 from Friday to Sunday. It also offers the opportunity to explore the authentic streets completely reserved for pedestrians in a completely different atmosphere of the day! Before returning you will find something to fill your suitcases: jewellery, clothes, paintings, crafts of all kinds… Are you feeling hungry? No problem, there’s something to snack on too!

Hanoi market
Street food at the night market ©DR

Relax at the One Pillar Pagoda

The real name of the One Pillar Pagoda is Chua Môt Côt. This temple was built in the 11th century., but it was part of a much larger group of houses of worship. What makes the architecture of the temple special is its lotus-like shape. He was erected in this way by order of the Emperor, because according to his dream, his son would be born in a lotus. it is a very peaceful placesurrounded by dense vegetation.

One Pillar Pagoda
One Pillar Pagoda ©DR

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

suitable for all ages, this museum particularly interesting and very well documented. Located in the middle of a beautiful green park, The museum’s collection includes more than 25,000 objects that will allow you to discover the habits and customs of many Vietnamese ethnic groups.. Traditional clothes, reconstruction of residences, musical instruments… colorful exhibitions that will reveal all aspects of the country… Must-do things in Hanoi!

Hanoi ethnological museum
Ethnological Museum ©Daderot / Wikipedia Commons

Take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

The epicenter of the old town, this enchanting lake is a landmark for lovers and practitioners alike. Thai Chi at sunrise. Surrounded by centuries-old trees, full of myths and legends, this place is very important to the locals. You can walk around but you can also go to Ngoc Son temple.Accessible via an old red wooden bridge, very photogenic. If you are looking for calm and serenity, this is the place to do in Hanoi!

Hoan Kiem
Le lac Hoan Kiem ©DR

Enter the Temple of Literature

This temple of literature Welcome mandarin princes and their sons and their education. It is characterized by huge green spaces as well as water basins. This university is filled with many symbols that remind students of the concepts of patience and humility. A very nice place to visit to understand the Vietnam of the past.

temple of literature
Temple of Literature ©Goran Bogicevic

Feast on typical Vietnamese food

Food lovers, gargottes and other restaurants tour in Hanoi is definitely a must! The richness of Vietnamese gastronomy will appeal to your taste buds. Here are a few examples to whet your appetite:

  • LePho: Typical Hanoi soup with beef or chicken. On the list of the world’s top 100 foods!
  • Le Bun Cha: Nuoc mam, charcoal-grilled pork rice vermicelli flavored with carrot and papaya
  • Le Bread : Famous Vietnamese sandwich inspired by French standards!
  • Le Cha Ca: Grilled fish stew with dill.
Pho soup
Pho soup ©DR

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

It was built to house the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Remains of the founding president of the Republic of Vietnam. If you are interested in Vietnamese history, you will be able to view visual and audio archival documents and discover key events before Vietnam was elected.

Ho Chi Minh shrine
Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum ©DR

Useful information

  • count to go to Hanoi 11 hours travel time from Paris Prefers direct flight.
  • formalities : Depending on the duration and type of travel, it may be necessary to obtain a visa or e-visa before departure to Vietnam. Check the entry formalities or do it directly by reading our article devoted to visas your visa application With RapideVisa.
  • In terms of accommodation, you will be spoiled for choice. in the old townA central place to visit all things to do in Hanoi!
  • You can easily move around the site by bus, taxi or pedicab. Even if it is ideal to use your feet to better feel the spirit of the city!
  • Hanoi is one of the cheapest cities in Asia… limited budget !
  • Beach climateWinters in Hanoi can be cool and rainy. The best period is April and May, and October and November.
Hanoi
Hanoï ©vinh.dav

The basics of Hanoi… and beyond?

A popular destination for travelers, Hanoi is one of the must-do during a trip to Vietnam. The multiethnic, preserved, lively and cheerful capital will delight anyone who sets foot there. Are you still hesitating? Marvel at these few photos and you will have one desire: Discover Hanoi!

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