Things to Do in Hanoi | 9x must sees and fun day tours

Hanoi, you will love it or hate it… If you like cities and a bit of hustle and bustle, then I can guarantee you that you will love Hanoi! The traffic is chaos, you can find it on every street corner streetfood, shops that all offer the same thing, street art, rooftop bars and restaurants, markets and so much more! Hanoi is an incredibly lively city where you can really feast your eyes on everything. As far as I'm concerned, Hanoi is an attraction in itself! It is a must to spend at least 2 days during your travel route through Vietnam.

Things to Do in Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the second largest city in the country. So plenty to see! Like I said, Hanoi is an experience in itself. I spent more than a whole day just wandering around the city center, where you come across all kinds of things. There are not many sights outside of Hanoi itself, but I still have a few for you that I can definitely recommend!

Also read: Singapore | 10 must-sees in the cleanest city in the world

Tip: Return flights to Vietnam have run out this page from Skyscanner can be found from 599 euros.

1.Hanoi Old Quarter

old quarter is the must see historic city center of Hanoi. This district used to be the residential, production and trade center, where each street was specialized in a specific type of production or trade. This is very nice to see. When you walk into a street you immediately know which 'street' you are in. For example, you have a street where ALL shops sell everything for the kitchen and, for example, a street with only cleaning products. Literally every shop sells the same thing.

How should you choose, I always wonder?! I personally thought Hanoi Old Quarter was the nicest neighborhood in Hanoi. There is most to see here and when you walk through here you really experience the local life of Vietnam. Be careful where you walk, here too the traffic is chaos, organized chaos, that is!

Tip:: when you want to cross the street, check a good moment first and then walk calmly across the street, even if there is traffic coming from all sides. You will notice the traffic moving around you. During your first days in Vietnam this will be exciting, but after a few days you don't know any better.

2.Hanoi Trompe L'Oeil Murals

The famous works of art can be found on the Phung Hung Street, not far from Hanoi Old Quarter. You will find a dozen works of art here, all of which are located in the same street. All works of art show something of the daily life of the Vietnamese. Because of the 3d elements you can take nice pictures with it and thus 'blend' with the locals! This is both a fun must see and must do!

3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum op Ba Dinh Square is one of the most visited attractions in Hanoi. It is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam's most iconic and popular leader. In Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, his body is kept in a glass coffin. It is prohibited to take photos or videos during your visit. You can leave your camera in the lobby in the mausoleum. Visiting Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum is free.

4. Train Street of Hanoi

It is unbelievable (and even more so for us Dutch) how the train rushes past in the narrow street train st. Along the track you will find several shops and cafes, all of which take into account that the train will pass twice a day. Unfortunately, these cafes have been closed for some time to ensure the safety of tourists. You can still walk across the track (provided there is no train coming of course). Check the current train times in your accommodation in advance.

5. Tran Quoc Pagoda & Hoan Kiem Lake

De Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on the Hoan kiem lake. another must see attraction in Hanoi. It is located a bit outside the Old Quarter city center, but within walking distance. Even if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake is a nice place to relax. If you don't have enough time in Hanoi, I would skip this attraction, because unlike the other activities, it is further away.

6. Drink Vietnamese Egg Coffee

You wouldn't say it, but Vietnam is, na Brazil, the biggest coffee producer of the world. A real coffee country, and you can see that everywhere in daily life when you are in Vietnam. Vietnam is known for its Egg coffee (cà phê trung), or egg coffee. In short, coffee with egg. Now you're probably thinking: 'he bah', but believe me it is surprisingly tasty, a must taste! Your Vietnam trip isn't complete if you haven't tried Egg Coffee.

7. The note coffee

I thought it was the nicest cafe in Hanoi The note coffee. Why? Because it is really different and a really fun experience. The café is literally and figuratively covered from top to bottom with colored sticky notes. You will find inspiring messages from travelers that they want to leave to other travelers, but also messages that travelers leave to their loved ones. In addition to coffee and juices, the café offers delicious pastries that you will not find everywhere in Vietnam and of course you will receive a sticky note with a personal message.

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8. Day Tour to Halong Bay

Are you short on time during your Vietnam itinerary? Then you can also choose to take a day tour from Hanoi to a must see Halong Bay. You will then depart in the morning and you will travel approximately 2 to 3 hours before arriving at the port. Keep in mind that a day tour from Hanoi to Halong Bay can be very busy. A better and cheaper alternative is to visit Halong Bay from Cat ba island.

Tip:: Find a provider that visits Lan Ha Bay instead of Halong Bay. This bay looks the same but is less touristy.

9. Continue your journey to Tam Coc

Another must see during your Vietnam itinerary: Tam Coco. This gem and perhaps the most beautiful thing you will see in Vietnam. Tam Coc is also called Halong Bay on land. Check out the photos below and you will immediately understand why!

Also read: The 12 Most Beautiful National Parks in Vietnam | From Jungle to Beach

Where to Stay in Hanoi

Hanoi has a lot to offer when it comes to hostels or hotels. The accommodations are cheap and have a good rating. Something that doesn't often go together. Make sure you find a nice accommodation in it old quarter† Everything can be seen from here on walking distance and besides, this is the nicest and coziest place to be.

Click Read for accommodations, prices and availability.

Also read: 10x what to do in Hoi An, the coziest city in Vietnam