Things to Do in Hanoi
- Shal & James
- May 13
- 15 min read
Updated: May 28
Things to do in Hanoi are a mix of chaos and charm—sip beers as cargo trains zoom by inches away, explore Uncle Ho’s legacy and try your hand at old-school silversmithing.
Contents
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We always research, road-test, and report back with the good, the great, and the “meh.” If we link it, we’ve tried it (or nearly booked it) – and we’ll always be brutally honest, commission or not.
Day 1: Arrival & Adrenaline
How to Get Here
If you're following our 3-week Vietnam itinerary, take a private car 2.5 hours from Tam Coc, Ninh Binh to the Old Quarter in Hanoi. We had a good experience with Viet Technology Travel Company booked via Get Your Guide (~£42 / $55).
Alternatively, you can fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and take a GrabCar 30-60 minutes to the Old Quarter.
Where to Stay
With a 4.9-star rating on Google and hundreds of rave reviews, we rolled up to L'Hotel du LAC Hanoi (we paid £68 pn; ~$91 pn) with sky-high expectations and suitcase wheels full of hope. This 4-star boutique hotel is tucked right into the charming chaos of the Old Quarter just a few minutes walk from many of the top things to do in Hanoi.
First impressions? The lobby was adorable in that “Instagrammable but don't-touch-anything” way. Our Deluxe Double room, however, leaned more cosy shoebox than deluxe dream. It was clean and functional, but we played a daily game of suitcase Tetris just trying to fit our two carry-ons.
Breakfast? Solid. And Saturday night? That’s when the rooftop bar gets its groove on with live traditional Vietnamese music from 8 -10 PM—an unexpected gem and genuinely lovely vibe. But now… the not-so-lovely bit. La Maison Spa, the hotel’s in-house pamper palace, delivered the worst spa experience we've had. Ever. Like, in any country. We’re still scratching our heads wondering how it’s racked up almost 1,500 5-star reviews on Google. Mass hysteria? Review bots? Secret foot massage cult? Your guess is as good as ours.
In fact, it’s worth noting that reviews in Vietnam tend to skew absurdly high—so much so that we’ve started treating 4.9s with the same suspicion we’d give a street vendor selling “real” Gucci belts for £5.
Bottom line: our stay was fine. Super walkable, central, and if you’re not planning to spend much time in your room (or the spa), it might work for you. But would we stay there again? Meh. Probably not. Next time, we’ve got our eyes on Solaria Hotel (~£58 / $98 pn), another 4-star spot in the area that just happens to house MIAs—our absolute fave restaurant in Hanoi. Food and sleep under one roof? Now that’s luxury we can get behind.
What's for Dinner? Cai Mam Restaurant
Before MIAs stole our hearts (and stomachs), we gave Cai Mam Restaurant a go—and then went back for seconds. There are multiple restaurants with the same name so use the Google link above to find it.
This place is popular—like “book-ahead-even-for-lunch” popular. If you can, request a downstairs table; the upstairs vibe feels more office break room than charming eatery.
We were thrilled to see our Ninh Binh fave—chicken breast and pineapple stir-fry—on the menu. It delivered. So much so, we came back the next day to erase the memory of an underwhelming lunch at the overly hyped Tung's Restaurant.
Bonus: Cai Mam takes credit cards without added fees (hallelujah), but don’t expect a receipt. No idea why. Just go with it.
After Dark: Drinks on Train Street
See sample train schedule below
After reading a slew of dramatic blog posts about Hanoi’s infamous Train Street—complete with tales of stern-faced guards, WhatsApp cafe “invites,” and near-death train encounters—we were braced for a mission.
We thought we’d have to message some cafe contact on WhatsApp to be escorted past roadblocks like we were sneaking into a secret rave. Spoiler: no secret handshakes or digital backdoors required. It’s actually way more chill than the internet would have you believe.
We just hopped in a GrabCar to Pho Duong Tau Ha Noi (that’s the northern end—go here, the southern bit is less atmospheric), strolled right in, and boom: Train Street magic. Were there touts calling us into their cafes? Of course. But it was low-key, and we just picked a spot on the curve for the best train photo ops (Hao Hao Coffee), ordered a couple of cheap beers, and soaked it all in.
Yes, the train runs terrifyingly close to you. Don't ignore the locals telling you to MOVE (in English) when the train’s coming. These cafe owners are pros and know the schedule like clockwork. When it’s time to tuck in, they’ll let you know. They'll even tell you which direction to aim your camera.
We went at night and highly recommend it—the whole place is lit up with lanterns and fairy lights.
🚆 Hanoi Train Street Schedule (When we visited—use as a guide only!):
Mon–Fri: 8:49 AM, 9:25 AM, 11:52 AM, 3:20 PM, 9:15 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:00 PM
Sat: 8:58 AM, 9:20 AM, 11:50 AM, 3:15 PM, 5:45 PM, 9:20 PM, 10:00 PM
Sun: 8:49 AM, 9:20 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:52 AM, 12:58 PM, 3:20 PM, 5:45 PM, 8:30 PM,
9:20 PM, 9:40 PM
So skip the panic, grab a beer, and get there 15–20 minutes before the train for a front-row seat to one of Hanoi’s most thrilling little spectacles. Just remember the cafes are cash only!
Day 2: Hanoi Highlights
Ngoc Son Temple
Daily 7 AM - 6 PM
30,000 VND pp (~90p / $1.20) [cash]
Perched on a pint-sized island in the northern nook of Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple—a.k.a. the Temple of the Jade Mountain—is Hanoi’s most visited temple, and not just because it’s photogenic as heck.
Once inside, you’ll find shrines for Vietnamese VIPs including General Tran Hung Dao (13th-century Mongol-crusher extraordinaire), La To (patron saint of doctors—because someone’s gotta bless all those street food-induced stomachs), and Van Xuong, the scholar deity you never knew you needed.
Let’s talk about what really steals the show: the giant, legendary soft-shell turtles on display in glass cases. Yes, actual embalmed turtles. These aren’t your average pond paddlers. One of them is believed to be the fabled Hoan Kiem turtle—linked to the centuries-old legend of Emperor Le Loi, who was gifted a magical sword by the Golden Turtle to fight off invaders.
Now, while you can do a loop around the lake right after visiting the temple, hold off until after dark. That’s when the place really turns on the charm—lights glitter, couples stroll, and the whole area hums with that twinkly energy that daytime just can’t match.
Bach Ma Temple
Tue-Sun 9 AM - 5:30 PM; closed Mon
Free
Tucked into the lively chaos of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Bach Ma Temple (yep, that translates to “White Horse Temple”) traces its origins to the 9th century—though what you see today mostly dates back to the 18th century, with a shrine to Confucius added in 1839 for good measure.
Just a heads up: we tried to visit twice during opening hours and it was mysteriously closed, so if it’s shut when you arrive, don’t stress—just try again later.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Daily 8 AM - 5 PM
200,000 VND pp (~£6 / $8)
The UNESCO-listed Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is one for the history buffs, offering a window into Hanoi’s royal past. This was the capital from the 11th to the 18th century, and while the grand citadel and pavilions are long gone, the site still packs a punch with monuments and artefacts that give a glimpse of its powerful dynastic legacy—surviving political shifts and centuries of change.
As for tickets, you can try your luck with the card-friendly ticket machine, but we opted to just pay cash at the window.
Temple of Literature
Daily 8 AM - 5 PM + 6:30 PM - 10 PM Wed & Fri-Sun
70,000 VND pp (~£2 / $2.70) [cash]
Of all the temples we visited in Hanoi, our favourite was the Temple of Literature—dedicated to Confucius and the pursuit of knowledge. Back in the day, students weren’t just students; they were elites, selected through ruthless exams you had to prepare for yourself before being admitted to study (to take imperial exams). The first exam was held in 1075 CE and if you were hoping to major in the arts? Forget it—musicians and actors need not apply.
Beyond its historical prestige, the Temple of Literature is also home to the Stelae of Doctors—a collection of 82 stone slabs engraved with the names of scholars who passed the imperial exams. Rubbing the head of the stone turtles beneath these stelae is said to bring academic luck, a tradition still going strong among students today.
Private Silversmithing Workshop
When we weren’t dodging scooters or crossing train tracks with our lives flashing before our eyes, we dove hands-first into a 1,400-year-old craft: Vietnamese silversmithing at Silver Soul. Dinh Cong village has been shaping silver since the 6th century—though these days, many young folks are trading hammers for desk jobs. So we were thrilled to meet a new-gen silver maestro from Dinh Cong: a 20-year-old filigree wizard who made in 10 minutes what took Shalon a humbling hour. Oof.
With Shal’s silversmithing chops, she levelled up with filigree—basically shaping silver wire into lace. James, being a total newbie, wisely stuck to crafting a band ring (still very impressive). The studio? Gorgeous. Like, way fancier than anywhere Shal trained in the New York City or London. Bonus: one-on-one tutors for both of us!
They kit you out with aprons and safety goggles, but if you’ve got long hair—tie it up, unless you fancy the scent of sizzling split ends.
The damage? 3,000,000 VND (cash) (~£87 / $115) for both of us, which wasn't much more than their group classes—and so worth it. We went Tuesday night from 5:30–8:00 PM, but you can email them to pick your day/time: silversoulvietnam@gmail.com
Oh! And Shal snagged a custom, hand-hammered lotus flower bangle from the shop. The off-the-rack ones were too big, so they whipped up a bespoke beauty for the same price. We picked it up on our last night in Hanoi, fresh off our Ha Long Bay trip. Paid in cash. Best souvenir!
What's for Dinner? Viet Rice Essence
We rolled into Viet Rice Essence at 8 PM to the chill vibes of live traditional Vietnamese music—classy, calm, and exactly what you'd expect from an upscale city spot (though it’s no Hum Signature in Ho Chi Minh). The place was buzzing, so thankfully we’d booked ahead.
We did, however, commit a faux pas by sitting across from each other instead of side-by-side—apparently, in Vietnam, couples cosy up next to each other on dates. Whoops!
As for the food: no sign of the elusive chicken breast (seriously, where are they all?!), but we asked for lean meat in our chicken cashew dish and it delivered. The standout? Grilled beef in bamboo—chef’s kiss. The tofu and aubergine dishes, though? Meh. Go for the meat.
After Dark: Stroll Around Hoan Kiem Lake
By day, Hoan Kiem Lake had us shrugging—pretty-ish, sure, but nothing to write home (or blog) about. But come nightfall? Boom. The bridge to Ngoc Son Temple lights up in fiery red glow reflecting in the lake.
Locals were out in full force—Tai Chi squads stretching like synchronised noodles, dance fitness crews grooving like it was Zumba o’clock and couples canoodling lakeside (us included).
Day 3: Uncle Ho's Legacy, More Temples & A Splash of Culture
Ho Chi Minh Complex
Get ready for airport-like security and if you don't want to be panic buying trousers and shawls off the street, remember to arrive with your legs and shoulders respectfully covered. Don't even think about chewing gum.
There's four sights in the complex and you have to pay for each one separately (cash only, of course) except for the One Pillar Pagoda which is free.
Truth be told, there’s not a ton to see—we milled around for about two hours, but you could easily see the highlights in less. It’s more of a wander than a blockbuster attraction.
HO CHI MINH'S MAUSOLEUM
Tue-Thu + Sat-Sun 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM; closed Mon & Fri + Oct-Nov
We didn’t go inside the mausoleum ourselves—just did a casual stroll-by of the exterior once inside the complex. But if you’re set on seeing Uncle Ho in all his preserved glory, timing is everything. You’ll need to show up before the gates open to beat the queues, which we hear can get epically long.
As mentioned above: dress code is strict. Shoulders and knees covered (trousers for the gents), or you won’t make it past security. Once you’ve surrendered your belongings at the bag drop (honestly, best to roll in empty-handed), you’ll be herded through the mausoleum single file and dead silent. No phones, no chatter, no exceptions.
Not sure how much it costs, since we opted out—but if you’re into solemn vibes and strict rituals, it’s probably worth the early wake-up call.
PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
Tue-Thu + Sat-Sun 8 AM - 11 AM + 2 - 4PM; closed Mon & Fri
40,000 VND pp (~£1 / $1.5) [cash]
The Presidential Palace is French colonial elegance meets “look but don’t touch.” You can’t go inside (boo), but you can admire its banana-yellow grandeur from the outside while pretending you’ve been invited to a very exclusive garden party.
So, what does Ho Chi Minh have to do with this yellow colonial stunner? Well, technically, it was built for the French Governor-General, but after independence, it became the official Presidential Palace. Buuut here’s the twist—Ho Chi Minh was not about that lavish life. Instead of moving in, he politely declined the palace and opted to live in a simple stilt house out back (which you can view).
ONE PILLAR PAGODA
Daily 7 AM - 6 PM
Free
One Pillar Pagoda is teeny but mighty—like a lotus flower doing a balancing act on a single stone pillar. Built way back in 1049 CE by Emperor Ly Thai Tong, it was inspired by a dream (yes, dream) where the Goddess of Mercy handed him a baby boy. Soon after, he married a peasant girl and bam—royal heir secured. As a thank-you, he built this lotus-shaped pagoda.
HO CHI MINH MUSEUM
Tue-Thu + Sat-Sun 8 AM - 12 PM + 2 - 4:30 PM; closed Mon & Fri
40,000 VND (~£1 / $1.50) [cash]
The Ho Chi Minh Museum is housed in a massive building that looks like it could double as a Cold War bunker—or the setting for a dystopian spy film. Inside, it’s packed with exhibits, but sadly, it felt like more style than substance. Most of the info is crammed onto timeline boards with tiny font (bring binoculars or a magnifying glass... or both), and there’s not a ton of storytelling to bring Uncle Ho’s life to life.
There are a few quirky art installations that feel like a fever dream version of 20th-century history, which makes for some fun “what did I just look at?” moments—but overall, more confusing than captivating. Worth a peek if you’re already in the complex, but don’t expect a museum masterpiece.
Quah Thanh Temple
Daily 6 AM - 9 PM (note)
40,000 VND (~£1 / $1.50) [cash]
While you're in the neighbourhood, swing by Quah Thanh Temple—a Taoist temple with serious ancient vibes and a renovation resume longer than your passport stamp list. The star of the show? A 4-ton 17th century black bronze statue of Huyen Thien Tran Vu that’s nearly 4 meters tall. Just in case you didn't know: Huyen Thien Tran Vu is a Taoist deity and northern guardian known for his protective powers and warrior spirit—basically the divine bouncer of the temple world.
Chua Tran Quoc Pagoda
Daily 8 AM - 5 PM
Free
Chua Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi was originally constructed in 541–545 CE on an island in West Lake.
What's for Dinner? MIAs Restaurant
Good thing we didn’t find MIAs Restaurant on night one—because if we had, we wouldn’t have tried anywhere else! After our Ha Long Bay cruise, we ate lunch and dinner there before flying home. Yep, it’s that good.
James was obsessed with the beef pho, and we both agreed the Hoi An chicken and rice was actually better than the version we had in Hoi An (sorry, Hoi An). The grilled tofu ball in sweet and sour soy? Chef’s kiss. And somehow—against all odds—we became green papaya salad converts. The grand finale? After our second meal in one day, the staff gifted us a coconut ice cream that was divine. The staff speak English fluently and they’re fab at navigating food allergies. While the ambiance nice, not super special, the food totally steals the show.
After Dark: Thang Long Water Puppet Show
Nightly 4:10 PM, 5:20 PM, 6:30 PM, 8 PM (each show is 50 mins)
~£10 / $13 pp booked via Klook
Word on the street was that tickets for this traditional theatre gem sell out fast, so we booked VIP seats months in advance through Klook —and landed front row centre! No, we didn’t get splashed (phew), but we did get the best view in the house. VIP tickets guarantee prime placement up front, but your exact seats are assigned on the day, when you pick them up from a super easy-to-find kiosk on the right side of the lobby, just 15 minutes before showtime. The show was in Vietnamese so we were glad to have the audioguide whispering an English translation in one ear.
Odds, Ends & Other Adventures
Pomelo Beer
Daily 10 AM - 11 PM
If you’re into craft beer and have a thing for grapefruits, run—don’t walk—to Local Craft Beer (yep, that’s actually the name). Their Pomelo IPA is citrusy magic in a glass and basically tastes like summer on tap. But fair warning: it goes down dangerously easy and comes with a hangover that hits like a scooter to the shin. Worth it? Absolutely.
Roti Street Dessert
Daily 6 AM - 11 PM
20,000 VND per roti (~60p / 77¢)
We only discovered King Roti—the crowd favourite—a minute after committing to The Roti. Oops. But no regrets! Their pillowy-soft buns with crispy, biscuit-y shells and dreamy fillings like chocolate, matcha, and vanilla? Absolute heaven. Not too sweet, just perfectly balanced. So good, we didn’t even get a photo. Vanished in seconds. Poof.
Sights to Skip
The National Museum of History might’ve hit harder if we were fluent in Vietnamese, but truth be told, we much prefer our history in situ—wandering ancient sites like My Son Sanctuary where the stories are literally etched in stone.
As for the Opera House and the French Quarter? Meh. The Opera House exterior was looking a little worse for wear, and the French Quarter lacked the charm we were hoping for—if you’ve been to Paris, you might want to manage those expectations (and maybe pack a croissant to keep the dream alive).
Behind the Itinerary: Our Hanoi Adventure
The itinerary’s just the start — Hanoi’s chaos made Ho Chi Minh City feel like a calm retreat—from insane traffic to the heart-pounding moments on Train Street, the city is an adrenaline rush. Curious what it’s really like? Check out our travel diary here.
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