Hanoi

DESTINATIONS vietnam hanoi

Hanoi

If Saigon is the frenetic, commercial heartbeat of Vietnam, then verdant and historic Hanoi is the sedate, intellectual soul of the country. Its leafy boulevards, serene lakes, and sweeping white French colonial architecture set the scene as tourists and locals go about their business at a pleasingly civilised pace.

The City

Most travellers base themselves in the central Hoan Kiem District, in the vicinity of Hoan Kiem Lake, whose pathways and surrounding greenery are the site of much activity as dawn breaks. Don’t be surprised to see graceful schools of tai chi-ers moving as one as the sun rises, and Hanoi health fanatics doing jogging laps before work. Northwest of the lake is the legendary Old Quarter with its winding alleyways and hundreds of quaint shops, guesthouses, galleries, and places to eat. Tourists flock to local establishments, open long after the doors have shut elsewhere in the city. It’s also crammed with temples and monuments to ponder over between eating and shopping. Ba Dinh District, to the west of the lake, is the place to head for a little historic enlightenment – The Mausoleum, the Museum of Ho Chi Minh and the Hanoi Old Citadel all reside there. The Old French Quarter, south of the lake, will transport you back to the days before the French realised that the Vietnamese were a force to be reckoned with. Upscale restaurants, hotels and embassies now occupy the stunning white villas.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

With a one-of-a-kind mix of ancient history and modern charm, the vibrant capital of Vietnam promises an unforgettable adventure for every traveller. Start your exploration at Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis surrounded by the bustling Old Quarter. Here, you can visit Ngoc Son Temple, stroll along tree-lined paths, and witness the traditional morning tai chi sessions. The Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets brimming with shops, street food vendors, and historic architecture, where each street specialises in different trades, offering a unique glimpse into Hanoi's rich cultural tapestry. For a deeper dive into Vietnamese history, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. For contemporary experiences, enjoy the nightlife in Tay Ho District and savour Hanoi's renowned street food scene, from pho to banh mi.

Old Quarter

Every corner of Hanoi's Old Quarter offers a unique and immersive experience that invites travellers to uncover the heart and soul of the city's ancient charm. Get lost in its narrow alleys lined with centuries-old buildings, where roadside stalls and bustling markets offer tantalising street food delights and handcrafted souvenirs. Discover hidden temples and pagodas …

Halong Bay

Hanoi is the ideal gateway to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Vietnam's crown jewel. Embark on a scenic cruise along the emerald waters, weaving through thousands of limestone islands and islets adorned with lush greenery. Explore hidden caves and grottos, paddle through secluded lagoons by kayak, or simply unwind on deck, …

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Marvel at intricately crafted puppets as they come to life on a shimmering stage of a water-filled pool, depicting age-old tales of rural life, mythical creatures, and historical legends at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Water puppetry is a long-established and prestigious artwork in Vietnam, especially in the northern parts of the country. Experience beautiful …

Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)

Nestled in the heart of Hanoi, the picturesque Lake of the Restored Sword, or Hoan Kiem Lake, captivates travellers with its beauty and rich cultural significance. According to the legend, Emperor Le Loi was gifted a magical sword by a divine turtle, which he later returned to the lake, earning it its evocative name. Today, …

Hanoi Street Food Tour

Embark on a delicious culinary adventure with this Hanoi Street Food Tour, led by a knowledgeable local foodie. Dive into the rich flavours that define Vietnam's capital as you sample a diverse array of dishes—from rice noodle soup with beef to snails and steamed pancakes. Whether you choose a lunch or dinner departure, you're …

Train Street

Train Street is a thrilling, unique, and a bit dangerous attraction in Hanoi. Curious travellers flock to this narrow alley, in the Old Quarter, to witness a train whizzing by just inches away from homes and cafés. Enjoy the adrenaline rush while sipping coffee at one of the quaint trackside cafés. Be sure to …

Full-Day Ninh Binh Tour from Hanoi

Embark on an exhilarating tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, where history and natural beauty intertwine harmoniously. Begin your adventure by visiting Hoa Lu, once the capital of Vietnam. Then, explore Mua Cave and take in views from the mountain above. Next, glide through the mystical Tam Coc caves on a scenic boat ride. For …

Temple Of Literature

Temple Of Literature, built in 1070 under Lý Thánh Tông’s dynasty, can be found about ten minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake. The temple is one of the oldest sights in Hanoi and is dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius (Khong Tu). Six years later, it was founded as Vietnam's first university. The building is …

Cooking Class

Why settle for just savouring the local cuisine when you could learn the ins and outs of Vietnamese cooking and bring some of the country’s culture with you? Join a cooking class at a local villa, where you'll receive expert guidance and hands-on experience crafting traditional dishes. Before getting your hands dirty, dive into the …

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is the final resting place of the revered Vietnamese revolutionary leader and President Ho Chi Minh. It is Hanoi's number one tourist attraction and an important historical site. It was built within two years, from 1973 to 1975, and its design draws inspiration from Moscow's Lenin Mausoleum. If you're lucky …

One Pillar Pagoda

The 11th-century wooden shrine, revered for its fertility and healing properties, was burnt by the French in the 1950s and is now replaced by a concrete one and is still a popular destination. To honour the symbol of purity in Buddhism, the pagoda is built to look like a lotus …

Ngoc Son Temple

Located on an island at the north end of Hoan Kiem Lake, this peaceful temple site pays homage to scholars and war heroes. Its most notable feature is the preserved turtle carcass, intricately tied to the lake's mythology. Accessible via a traditional Vietnamese-style red bridge, this site is among the most visited temples in …

Ho Chi Minh Museum

This museum honours President Ho Chi Minh who is considered to be a Vietnamese hero. It holds a collection of his letters and military orders that explain the Communist Party’s early days to the …

Vietnam National Museum of History

Spanning around two thousand years of Vietnamese history, the museum offers a meticulously curated journey through the country's rich heritage. With over 7,000 artefacts displayed across two floors, visitors can explore everything from prehistoric relics to contemporary …

Vietnam Women's Museum

Discover the rich and empowering history of Vietnamese women at the Vietnam Women's Museum. Through interactive exhibits, visitors delve into various facets of women's lives, spanning from cultural traditions to wartime heroism and modern-day challenges. From traditional ao dai dresses to multimedia displays, the museum offers an immersive experience, highlighting the vital role women …

Hoa Lo Prison

Constructed by the French in 1896, this prison was taken over by the Vietnamese in 1954 to house prisoners of war. The original guillotine room and stories told by the ex-inmates themselves make this a gruesome but compelling …

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Set against a backdrop of lush gardens and traditional architecture, this first-class museum offers travellers a fascinating journey through the country's rich cultural mosaic. With over 50 ethnic groups represented through its exhibits, visitors can explore intricate artefacts, traditional costumes, and interesting displays that showcase the customs, rituals, and daily life of Vietnam's diverse …

St Joseph's Cathedral

St Joseph's Cathedral is one of the sights that still remains from the French colonial time. Built in the late 19th century in the neo-Gothic style, this architectural masterpiece boasts soaring spires, intricate stained glass windows, and a serene interior adorned with ornate …

Cuc Phuong National Park

Situated in Vietnam's Red River Delta, Cuc Phuong National Park, the country's first national park, beckons travellers with its natural splendour and ecological significance. As the largest nature reserve in Vietnam, Cuc Phuong boasts unparalleled biodiversity, making it a vital sanctuary for a wide array of plant and animal species. Despite its nearly three-hour …

Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum

Housed in a 1930s French colonial building, the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum showcases the rich tapestry of Vietnamese artistic heritage. Spanning various epochs and mediums, from paintings and sculptures to traditional arts like religious sculptures, folk paintings, and ceramics, the museum offers an interesting journey through the nation's cultural …

Dining

Hanoi restaurants tend to centre around Vietnamese with Asian fusion or European fare, particularly French and Italian. You are more likely to find international dining in the Hoan Kiem District but for local authentic flavours (and Hanoi’s famous Pho noodle soup dish) head to the Old Quarter street vendors.

Old Quarter

Hanoi's Old Quarter is the perfect place to explore traditional Vietnamese food. From steaming bowls of pho to crispy banh mi sandwiches and savoury bun cha, you'll find an assortment of authentic (and affordable) Vietnamese dishes to tantalise your taste buds. Wander through the bustling streets lined with food stalls and tiny eateries, and you'll …

La Badiane

Bathed in soft light, La Badiane's classy interior features a checkered floor, a high ceiling, and historical photos that tell tales of Hanoi's past. Indulge in their French-inspired cuisine, where bold flavours and expertly combined seasonings tantalise the taste buds with every bite. And for the perfect finale to your meal, be sure to …

The Gourmet Corner

Located on the 9th floor of La Mejor Hotel & Sky Bar, The Gourmet Corner exudes sophistication with its abundant natural light pouring in through floor-to-ceiling windows, its elegant Indochina-inspired decoration, and the best of all, its stunning views of Hoan Kiem Lake, making it the perfect place to indulge in authentic Vietnamese delicacies …

El Gaucho

El Gaucho is an elegant Argentinian steakhouse renowned for its menu of high-end classics featuring succulent Angus beef and seafood delights. Here, steaks are cooked to perfection, ensuring a mouthwatering experience with every bite, while vegetarians can enjoy a selection of equally enticing options. Imbibe in excellent cocktails crafted to perfection, all within the …

Hanoi Taco Bar

An exciting destination for Latin-Vietnamese fusion cuisine where to relish high-quality and well-balanced dishes in the city's Old Quarter. Each dish is cooked to perfection, combining Mexican influences with Vietnamese, plus fantastic cocktails are also served by the friendly …

Al Fresco's

This restaurant is raved about by Westerners who miss home cooking. Al Fresco’s serves huge, tasty portions of ribs, burgers, steaks, pizza, and …

Red Bean

When dining at Red Bean, you will get the chance to experience modern Vietnamese cuisine cooked with high quality and innovative ideas without losing the authentic Vietnamese …

Jacksons Steakhouse

If you need a break from the local food, then Jacksons Steakhouse is a good option if you are into meat. They serve the best cuts of beef from the USA, Australia and New Zealand, which you will need to pay more for but definitely worth it. An extensive wine list is offered to …

Namaste Hanoi

Namaste's owner Mr. Gopi is truly passionate about Indian cooking, which is clearly shown on the menu and the quality of every dish. Everything from mouth-watering curries of the north to hot and spicy soups of the south is served …

Cafés

Because of its French colonial history and the fact that the locals love their coffee, Hanoi has a wide selection of cafés. Just about every block has a coffee shop, everything from a simple local café to a Western-style venue. The Vietnamese truly like to experiment with their coffee. So when visiting Hanoi, make sure to try the egg coffee as well as the coconut coffee. Both are highly appreciated among tourists and locals alike.

Cafe Phố Cổ

Cafe Phố Cổ is one of Hanoi's best-kept secrets—literally. Tucked away at the back of a silk shop, this hidden gem is definitely worth the search. Once there, try the delicious egg coffee (coffee topped with beaten egg white) and enjoy it on the rooftop with an amazing view over Hoan Kiem …

The Note Coffee

Inside this small café, hundreds of love notes are posted on its walls. Enjoy a delicious coffee while reading them, or why not write your own and contribute to the …

S'Patisserie

A French café with an amazing lake view over Ho Hoan Kiem, S'Patisserie is a great place to visit for fresh pastries accompanied with hot or iced coffee. The avocado mousse cake is another delight which is highly recommended and should not be …

The Hanoi Social Club

This little artsy café is located in a quite back street and is on two floors with a cosy and relaxing ambiance. A place to visit for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Regular music events are also hosted here to entertain their …

Maison de Tet Decor

Tucked away in a corner of West Lake in Hanoi, you will find this delightful hidden gem. This charming French villa with a serene atmosphere offers an outstanding range of organic and gluten free Vietnamese and European food and delicious house roasted coffee. Most of the products comes from organic farms and is well …

Cafe Giảng

Nestled in a hidden corner of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Cafe Giảng is an iconic spot that draws locals and tourists alike with its legendary egg coffee. Despite coffee shops now offering variations, Café Giảng claims to be the originator of this unique concoction. Using a blend of raw egg yolk, robusta coffee, condensed milk, …

Om Hanoi: Yoga & Cafe

Everything cooked here is 100% natural and the food is cooked with joy, passion and love with a creative touch. The menu offers a great selection of veggie and vegan options. Om Hanoi is a small café in the French quarter, down a small alley and for sure worth a visit. While you are …

Bars & Nightlife

Hanoi has only recently come to grips with the concept of nightlife past 10 pm, and the result is pockets of activity dotted around the city. Most tourists head for the bustling Bao Khanh Street in the northwest of Hoan Kiem, where late-night hangouts and bars huddle together, which attracts the locals just as much as out-of-towners. There aren’t a huge amount of actual nightclubs in the city, but the handful you do come across are riotous affairs that stay open until the small hours and pump up the volume.

Bia Hoi Corner

Bia Hoi Corner, located in Hanoi's Old Quarter at the crossroads of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen Streets, is a popular gathering spot where locals, expats, and tourists meet every night for a good time. As evening falls, the streets come alive with hundreds of people sitting on colourful plastic stools with a …

Binh Minh’s Jazz Club

Live jazz music is organised every night at 21.00, making it a great place where to chill out while sipping a cocktail. The club is located in the heart of the Old Quarter and has both indoor and outdoor seating area. Also serving food if you would feel …

Hanoi Rock City

Founded in 2010, Hanoi Rock City (HRC) is a independent live music venue, where to listen to original music or simply enjoy a drink in the friendly and dynamic bar. Every weekend events are hosted here while during the week it has more of a quiet vibe. For upcoming events check the website …

Hero Club Hanoi

Dance the night away at this industrial-style nightclub with party-loving locals and expats to the tunes of deep house to hip-hop and R&B. International DJs are regularly visiting Hero Club Hanoi to keep up the loud and fun party atmosphere. The club is located ten-minute taxi ride from downtown Hanoi. …

Infinity Club

This is a local favourite in Hanoi´s vibrant clubbing scene where the city’s stylish party-goers head for to have a fun night out. With a spacious dance floor, impressive lighting, affordably-priced alcohol, local Dj spinning hip-hop, house, trance and electro, you cannot just go wrong …

R & R Tavern

Originally started in 1995 on Lo Su, R & R Tavern is one of the longest serving music bars in Hanoi and is now located Nghi Tam Street. A great place where to catch up with friends in a laid-back and hippie-influenced atmosphere. Every Friday they host live music and Sunday is open mic …

Sunset Bar

Sunset Bar is the place to head for when it comes to cocktails and its stunning lakeside setting. Sip a cocktail at this cosy outdoor terrace with plush daybeds where you can chill out and admire the amazing sunset with West Lake as a backdrop. This is a beautiful designer spot where to enjoy …

King Pirates Pub

With a relaxing laid back atmosphere, King Pirates Pub is a charming place where to enjoy reasonably priced cocktails and other beverages, all served by the friendly crew. If you are looking for a fun night out, then come aboard at this themed pub with lots of personality and walk out as a …

Shopping

If you love shopping, Hanoi won't disappoint. Renowned for its bustling markets and colonial shophouses, the city offers a wide array of authentic silk, local crafts, and souvenirs. Fashion enthusiasts will also find plenty of boutiques and shopping malls featuring both local and international brands. The traditional markets scattered throughout Hanoi are perfect for finding unique gifts to take home. For the most diverse selection of Vietnamese souvenirs, pay a visit to the Hoan Kiem Lake area and the Old Quarter. When it's time to escape the afternoon heat, Hanoi's shopping malls provide a cool respite. TASCO Mall, one of the largest in Vietnam, is a must-visit for an extensive shopping experience. Trang Tien Plaza, known for high-end fashion, boasts all the well-known brands. Whether you're exploring lively markets or indulging in the luxury of modern malls, one thing is certain: you won't leave Hanoi empty-handed.