Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, and somehow I always thought Ho Chi Minh City was the capital before I went. Once I arrived, Hanoi immediately felt like the right place to start my trip. The city is busy, full of history, and at the same time very alive, with scooters everywhere, low plastic stools on the sidewalks, and coffee and street food on every corner. It took me only a few hours to feel that mix of chaos, culture, and local life that I liked so much here.

In this blog I share my favorite things to do in Hanoi, together with a few Hanoi travel tips on how to get there, where to stay in Hanoi, and what I liked eating and drinking along the way. For me, Hanoi is a city where three nights works really well. It gave me a good first feeling for Vietnam and eased me into the trip in a natural way. I mostly just walked a lot, saw a few main sights, drank a lot of coffee, and left enough time in between. That worked best here.

How to travel to Hanoi

Most people arrive in Hanoi by plane. Noi Bai International Airport, or HAN, is about 28 kilometers from the city center. I arrived via a stopover in Bangkok, which worked well for me, and once I landed it was quite easy to get into the city. Depending on traffic, the ride to the Old Quarter usually takes between 40 minutes and one hour. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or private transfer to your hotel. I found Grab very useful in Vietnam because it made that first ride simple and clear, especially after a long flight.

Download the Grab app before your trip, so you can book your first ride from the airport without any hassle.

If you are already traveling through Vietnam, Hanoi is also easy to reach by train. The train is a comfortable option for longer routes, and I especially liked that you can save time with a night train. Popular routes connect Hanoi with places like Hue, Da Nang, and Sapa.

If you book a night train, I would choose a soft sleeper for a bit more comfort on the journey.

Long distance buses are another practical option, especially if you are traveling on a budget or want more flexibility. Vietnam has a very wide bus network, and many routes are easy to book in advance. Around busy travel periods like Tet, I would definitely not leave this until the last minute.

I booked most of my trains and buses in Vietnam via 12Go Asia. It is an easy way to compare routes, times, and prices, and I would usually choose a VIP bus or soft sleeper for a bit more comfort.

Where to stay in Hanoi

I stayed in the Old Quarter, and for me that was the best area to start. This is really the heart of Hanoi, where you feel the city right away. You can walk to many sights, there are cafés and restaurants everywhere, and it stays lively from early morning until late evening. For first time visitors, I really think this is one of the best areas to stay in Hanoi. I stayed at H-Hotel L’Art and really liked it. The location was very central, the style felt warm and boutique, and the service was excellent. Comfortable inside, with all the noise and life of Hanoi just outside the door. That balance worked very well for me in a city like this.

You can book my favorite hotel H-Hotel L’Art in Hanoi here if you want to stay in the Old Quarter as well. I loved it very much! The location is perfect in the heart of the Old Quarter, walking distance of a lot of attractions. The price is good, style and service are top notch. I would highly recommend this hotel, just like others it has a 10 review!

Ten things to do in Hanoi

1. Book a bike tour

One of my favorite things to do in Hanoi was a bike tour. There is a lot to do in this city, but seeing it by bike was such a fun way to start. As a Dutch person I always like cycling, but here it felt like a different level because the streets are so busy and full of life must of all challenging. For me, a bike tour was one of the easiest ways to get a first feel for Hanoi. You see more of the city in a short time, while also learning a bit about daily life and local habits. I also wrote a separate blog about this bike tour in Hanoi, because it was such a fun way to explore the city.

Book your bike tour on one of your first mornings in Hanoi. It helps a lot with getting a feel for the city for the rest of your stay.

2. Visit Tran Quoc Temple and West Lake

Tran Quoc Temple was one of the places I really wanted to see, and I am glad I went. It is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi and sits on a small island by West Lake, which already makes it feel calmer than some of the busier sights in the center. I loved the smell of incense, the lake views, and the quiet corners around the temple.

The temple dates back to the sixth century, which is quite special when you walk around and look at the details. The main pagoda is the real eye catcher here, with its many layers rising above the grounds. I also liked that there is more to see than only one building. There are spaces for offerings and incense, a small museum area, many symbols in the walls, and even a beautiful old tree that is worth noticing as well.

It was quite busy during my visit, but I still liked the atmosphere very much. I also liked combining the temple with a slower walk or bike ride around West Lake. That gave me a different side of Hanoi, one that felt more spacious.

Dress respectfully here and cover your knees and shoulders before entering any temple in Vietnam. Entry to Tran Quoc Temple is free and open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

Around The West Lake are several coffee shops to get your daily shot of caffeine!

To walk around the lake its 12 km, it’s so perfect to do that by bike!

3. See Train Street once

Yes, Train Street is touristy. And yes, I still think it is one of the things to do in Hanoi at least once. It really is a tourist hot spot, but it is also funny to see in real life because you are so close to the tracks and everything is built around this narrow strip of railway.

I saw the train pass twice and actually liked watching it from a small bar a bit higher up. It gave me a better look at the whole scene, with the lights, cafés, and people moving out of the way at the last moment. It does feel slightly unreal to sit that close to a moving train, so I would really listen well to the locals when they tell you where to stand.

Ask your hotel what time the train is expected. That saves you from waiting around too long.

I was lucky to see two passing trains during my evening walk in the area. The first time I was sitting very close to the train in the more open area, there were only buildings on one side. The second time I went up a little bar to see it coming from a higher viewpoint. I liked that to be honest.

Warning: It feels unnatural to stay so close to a moving train, so be careful and listen to the locals where to stand and not to stand!

You can almost touch the train, which makes a loud noise as well when passing the streets. Great experience and the street is a full attraction with lights, entertainment, bars and shops. Great to see in real life instead of the Instagram!

4. Use Hanoi as a base for the north

I also liked Hanoi because it works very well as a base for northern Vietnam. From here, it is easy to continue to Ninh Binh, Sapa, Cat Ba, or Halong Bay. That makes Hanoi a very logical first stop if you are traveling through the country from north to south.

I would not do Halong Bay as a rushed day trip from Hanoi. For me, that area deserved more time. An overnight cruise or a few nights based in Cat Ba felt much more relaxed. I share more in my separate blog about my cruise to Halong Bay and my stay in Cat Ba.

5. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple

I returned to Hoan Kiem Lake more than once. The lake itself is peaceful compared to the rest of the city, and I liked the mix of locals, tourists, and couples taking photos around the water. During my stay, a lot of people were dressed up beautifully for Tet photos, and that made the whole area feel extra lively and local. I share more about Tet in Vietnam in my separate blog about this special time of year.

The red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple is one of the best known views in Hanoi, and I thought it was worth seeing. What I liked here is that there is also a story behind it. The temple is linked to the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake and the famous turtle, which makes this stop a bit more interesting than just the view. It is an easy place to slow down for an hour.

The lake itself is also known as a place where locals come for morning tai chi and evening walks, which adds to the atmosphere around it.

If you plan to visit the temple, dress respectfully and cover your knees and shoulders.

6. Go shopping in the Old Quarter

I am not someone who shops all day, but I still liked walking through the Old Quarter and the markets. There are shops everywhere, from souvenirs and market stalls to outdoor gear and clothes. Because Hanoi was the start of my trip, I did not want to buy too much and carry it through the rest of Vietnam, although I did buy a jacket because it was a bit chilly in January.

I liked browsing around, especially in the evening when the area felt extra busy. During Tet there were also many stands selling decorations and flowers, which made the streets even more colorful. If you enjoy markets, Dong Xuan Market is worth a look as well. It is busy, local, and good for a mix of souvenirs, clothing, and snacks.

 Bargaining is common, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for the best price

7. Taste local Vietnamese food

A big part of Hanoi for me was simply eating my way through the city. I had my first real Vietnamese meals here, and it was such a good start to the trip. Tiny restaurants, plastic stools, busy kitchens, and people eating at all hours of the day, it all felt very local and very Hanoi to me. One thing I liked in Hanoi is that you can go from a very simple local place to a more comfortable restaurant quite easily. That mix worked well for me, especially in the first days of the trip.

Street food is part of the experience, but choose places that look busy and well used. That usually feels like the safer option.

After my long stroll I went back to the lake to have lunch at Lake View Side Restaurant, great location and great food. Perfect to watch everybody stroll and be entertained by the lake.

My hotel recommend Cai Mam Bistro close to the Night Market as well. Real traditional restaurant in the heart of the city, with great service and delicious food. They have a lot of vegetarian and vegan options too!

I liked the smaller local places in the Old Quarter, but Banh Mi 25 is also worth trying once. The line can be long, but it moves fast and it is worth it for a quick lunch. I also trusted hotel tips and reviews a lot in Hanoi, which worked well for me. They have little shops across the street where you can wait for our order and enjoy you French Baguette with local ingredients for only 40k VND / 1,6$.

There are too many restaurants and street food stands. I trusted the local recommendation and googled reviews. Just go out and try!

Warning: It could be a lottery, you could get sick of the street food, so be careful.

8. Visit the Night Market

If you are in Hanoi over the weekend, I would walk through the Night Market in the Old Quarter. I liked it mostly for the atmosphere. The streets fill up with people, lights, stalls, snacks, and all the small things that make Hanoi feel lively after dark. You will find clothes, souvenirs, bags, and little gifts, but for me it was more about wandering than shopping. During Tet, the market atmosphere felt even more festive.

Go in the evening with no fixed shopping list. The Night Market is more about the atmosphere than shopping with a mission.

9. Try Vietnamese coffee

Coffee in Hanoi felt like an activity on its own. I loved seeing locals sitting on tiny chairs outside cafés, talking, watching the street, and slowly drinking their coffee. It made me want to do the same, and of course I did. What I liked in Hanoi is that coffee is not only about the drink. It is also about sitting down, watching the street, and taking a break in between all the movement of the city.

Try your first egg coffee in Hanoi, but do not stop there. Coconut coffee became one of my favorites in Vietnam.

The famous Vietnamese Egg Coffee (ca phe trung) is made by beating an egg yolk with sweetened condensed milk for 10 minutes until it’s fluffy and creamy. This eggy substance is then poured on top of hot espresso, or iced coffee. I had my first Egg Coffee at this Hoan Kiem Lake, the recommended and first and best Egg Coffee Ca Phe “Café Dinh.” On the small balcony you have a nice view, but more important the taste of the famous egg coffee was a real treat! This café is old and traditional in an old building and dark inside. If you like to go to a hip and happening go and check out the Phe La Café, this a Vietnamese chain with all trendy cafes, I went to the Tong Dan near the Hanoi Opera House.

Another coffee I loved is the Salted Coffee, Vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk topping it with a salty cream! But my favorite is Coconut Coffee!! In the warm temperature  this drink is the best. Coconut Coffee (ca phe dua) consists of coconut milk blended with condensed milk and ice cubes until it achieves a smooth texture. Some roasted coconut flakes on top and enjoy!

10. Make time for a little self care

A massage in Hanoi is a very good idea, especially after a long flight or a full day of walking. Around the Old Quarter and French Quarter you will find massage places almost everywhere. I also booked a manicure and pedicure at the start of my trip, which felt like a nice bit of self care after all the travel. It was one of those small things that made the start of the trip feel a bit more organized.

The Pea Nail Room near the Train Street, did a really good job! My nails were so hard and strong that they lasted a long time! And the price is very cheap compared to nail-specialist here in the Netherlands. So a good tip to start your travel in a stylish way!! In the Old Quarter and French Quarter you can find a massage salons on almost every corner of the street. Check out which location you feel attracted by and relax for 300.000 Vietnamese Dong per hour (9 USD). Perfect to get a foot massage after a long walk, through the streets of Hanoi! I mostly did a full body massage.

My final thoughts on Hanoi

Hanoi pulled me in quite quickly. It is busy, loud, and full of movement, but it also has quiet corners, lakes, old temples, and so many little moments in between. I liked that contrast a lot.

If you are wondering what to do in Hanoi, I would keep your plans here quite simple. Walk, eat, drink coffee, add a few highlights, and leave room to look around. That is when I liked Hanoi most, and for me that is also what this city is good at. It feels like a city that gives you a strong first feeling of Vietnam right away.

FAQ Hanoi, Vietnam

What are the best things to do in Hanoi for first time visitors?

For first time visitors, I would focus on a mix of highlights and local experiences. A bike tour, Tran Quoc Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake, Train Street, Vietnamese coffee, and the Old Quarter are some of the best things to do in Hanoi when you first arrive.

How many days do you need in Hanoi?

For me, three nights worked really well. That gave me enough time to see a few of the best things to do in Hanoi, drink a lot of coffee, and settle into the city without rushing.

Is Hanoi worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely. Hanoi has a lot of character, and I think it is a great place to start a Vietnam itinerary because you get history, food, local life, and a lot of energy right away.

What is the best area to stay in Hanoi?

For first time visitors, I would stay in the Old Quarter. It is lively, central, and for me it was the easiest base for seeing the main highlights and enjoying the city on foot.

Is Train Street safe?

Train Street is one of the most famous things to do in Hanoi, but I would be careful there. Listen to the locals, do not stand too close to the tracks, and check the train time in advance.

What is the best time to visit Hanoi?

That depends on the kind of trip you want, but I liked visiting in January. It was a bit cooler, which worked well for walking around the city, although I did need a jacket in the evenings.

Enjoy your travels in Hanoi! Where are you heading next? Cat Ba and Halong Bay Cruise or Ninh Binh?