If you’re travelling to Vietnam, it’s almost inevitable that at some point you’ll end up in Hanoi, the city being the country’s capital and a central hub for international flights. I’ll be honest, Hanoi is not for the faint of heart; it can be chaotic, busy, and loud, and isn’t the best place for those looking for nature adventures and tranquillity in Vietnam.
Still, there’s a lot to discover during your Hanoi itinerary, from 3D street art to the popular puppet theatre show, to Buddhist temples and markets. Hanoi is a good base for day trips as well, such as to the incense village, or even Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh. There are also a few activities that are overrated, in my opinion, and I explain why I skipped them below. So let’s dig into the best things to do in Hanoi, especially if you’re a first-time visitor.
Check out more Vietnamese cultural facts and etiquette (and what not to do).
Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Hanoi is the water puppet show (it was one of my highlights during my 3-week trip in Vietnam). Water puppetry was introduced by the Ly Dynasty and dates back over 1000 years. Back then, the shows were performed in actual rice paddies in northern Vietnam, but today it’s done on a smaller scale in a theatre.
The show focuses on customs and traditions like fishing, plus village folklore. The most popular water puppet show in Hanoi is at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
Insider tip: You should buy online to ensure you’ll get a spot at the popular show, but you will still need to go pick up the ticket at the office (address: 31 Hang Bac street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Ha Noi City), which isn’t at the same location as the theatre, though it’s very close. An alternative, if you don’t mind the risk, is to go to the theatre and try to get tickets on the day of the show. The line can be long, but it depends on the time you choose to go (I went on a late afternoon around 4 PM, and there was no line).
There are two main spots to see mural art in Hanoi:
Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake because of the legend, is a freshwater lake in the historical centre of Hanoi. Ngoc Son Temple (also known as Jade Mountain Temple) stands on a little islet on the lake.
To reach Ngoc Son Temple, you will walk by the Pen Tower and the Ink Slab, two stone structures, before reaching the iconic red footbridge, Thê Húc Bridge. Cross the bridge to get to Dac Nguyet Lau (Moon Gazing Pavilion), the entrance to the temple.
Insider tip: to avoid crowds and day heat, go early in the morning or late afternoon when the sunlight reflects on the bridge, making the red colour stand out even more. Make sure to dress appropriately (no revealing or tight outfits) and behave respectfully (no loud voices, no PDA).
Hanoi’s largest indoor market, Dong Xuan Market, is located in the Old Quarter and is where you’ll find everything from fresh produce to clothes to toys and gadgets. While fun for most, I found it a bit overstimulating and overwhelming, especially when everyone’s trying to sell you something.
Every Hanoi travel guide or content creator will tell you that you can’t visit Hanoi and not go to the train street. This activity consists of sitting at a cafe and feeling the adrenaline rush from trains driving really close to buildings. This has become one of the top Hanoi attractions, with the street lined with colourful cafes and charming shops. I happily skipped this because I personally didn’t see the appeal; it’s just a photo op spot, and a dangerous one.
Insider tip: This street was temporarily closed for a few years due to safety reasons and overtourism in the area disrupting local lives. It has apparently reopened in 2025, though I’m not sure if some parts are still closed off.
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a complex of historic buildings dating back to the year 1010, under the Ly Dynasty. It’s an important landmark that served as Vietnam’s political centre for over 13 centuries. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Hanoi’s top attractions.
A 20-minute drive (12 km or 7.5 miles) from Hanoi, Bat Trang Ceramic Village is a historic village of over 500 years, where you can visit a pottery museum, and even do a workshop and create your own ceramic pieces. It’s best to buy ceramics directly from the markets in Bat Trang or on their official website.
Just 10 km (6.2 miles) south of Hanoi, you’ll find the Van Phuc Silk Village, where you’ll see local artisans creating silk products, learn about silk weaving, and get to observe a more traditional way of life among banyan trees, communal houses and yards, and a charming setting.
Insider tip: November is the best time to go, during cultural week, when the village is colourfully decorated.
I don’t usually recommend food tours on lists of “best things to do” as it’s not a unique activity for any particular city. However, Hanoi is considered the food capital of Vietnam, and a food tour is the best and safest way to sample various Vietnamese dishes.
Personally, going on a walking food tour in Hanoi was a highlight for multiple reasons:
Hanoi is the perfect place to base yourself if you intend to explore the surrounding areas and take day trips. Here are the most popular day trips to add to your Hanoi itinerary.
About 1 hr drive from Hanoi (37 km or 23 miles), you’ll find Quang Phu Cau, an incense village that you’ve likely seen in some movies and on social media. While most people say it feels like a tourist trap, others recommend booking a guided visit that includes cultural information and other activities.
Insider tip: If you go for the sole purpose of a photo op, it will likely feel like a tourist trap and end up being disappointing. Don’t hesitate to explore and ask questions.
About 60 km (37 miles) from Hanoi, the Perfume Pagoda (Huong Pagoda) is a large Buddhist complex with four main areas, which include temples, caves, statues, and shrines. You can reach it via a boat ride along the Yen Stream, then you’ll have to take a cable car or hike. Wear comfortable shoes and dress conservatively.
Insider tip: On the 15th-20th day of the second lunar month (usually in February or March), there’s a popular festival held here, where locals come to ask for blessings. If you’re keen to witness the traditions and Buddhist culture of Vietnam, it’s the best time to visit. However, if you’re not comfortable with crowds, avoid these months.
Ninh Binh’s popularity has increased considerably in the past few years as it has become an alternative to the crowded Ha Long Bay. Just 1.5 hours from Hanoi (95 km or 59 miles), Ninh Binh is in fact nicknamed “Ha Long Bay on land”, due to its limestone rocks and beautiful natural landscape. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and popular activities in this area include a ride in a sampan (a small, flat-bottomed wooden boat), cave exploration, visiting the ancient capital, and a hike (500 steps) up Hang Mua for gorgeous views of Ninh Binh.
Insider tip: While this is a very popular day trip, many recommend spending 1-2 nights in Ninh Binh for a slower, more in-depth experience.
The most visited place in Vietnam is Ha Long Bay, a scenic bay with tall limestone rock formations and greenery. About a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi (168 km or 104 miles), some opt for a day trip while others choose to spend 1-2 nights on a cruise.
Concerned about the environmental impact of those cruises, I chose to spend the night in town and did a short day trip on a boat along Ha Long Bay. While undoubtedly beautiful, I felt that it is polluted and grim, and would not really recommend it (here’s a full review of Ha Long Bay).
Insider tip: There are alternatives to Ha Long Bay, all within the same region, such as Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay.
Below is a packed itinerary for Hanoi, so for a slower experience, consider extending to 1-2 days. One week (7 days) in Hanoi is ideal to visit everything at a relaxed pace.
The best area to stay to explore Hanoi’s main attractions easily, or even to meet for group activities like food tours or day trips, is in the Old Quarter. I stayed just slightly outside of the Old Quarter (I was on a tight budget at the time), and it was instant regret: the distance was too short to make calling a taxi worthwhile, and it was easily walkable. Unfortunately, walking around Hanoi on main streets is a life hazard.
For a quick trip that includes a bit of city exploration, like the Old Quarter, and a few day trips sprinkled in, 4-5 days is enough to explore Hanoi. However, if you want to do more at a slower pace, 6-7 days is the ideal amount of time.
Many people make their way to Sapa after Hanoi, a mountainous region with gorgeous landscapes, an abundance of rice paddies, and small minority villages. Others go down south towards Hoi An and Danang.
The best time to visit Hanoi is during the autumn season (September to November) as it’s dry and the temperature is pleasant. Spring (March and April) is a good time to visit as well, for mild temperatures and spring flowers.
Avoid winter (December-February) as it’s cold, damp, and misty, and avoid summer (May-August) as it’s incredibly hot, humid, crowded, and can also be rainy.
