Things to Do in Hanoi in 2025 - Top Attractions, Local Food, Hotels & Travel Tips (Updated April, 2025) | Trip.com

About Hanoi

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

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Hanoi Local Travel Guide 2025

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Hanoi Brief Guide

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. This is a city that mixes old and new. Cultural heritage sites are scattered nearly everywhere you look. St. Joseph's Cathedral is built to look like the Notre-Dame de Paris. The whole place is completely suffused with various flavors of history. The Temple of Literature is a Confucian temple in the Chinese architectural style, and the clouds of incense in the One Pillar Pagoda indicate its importance as a popular place for locals to pray. Other than traces of antiquity, there are also many scenic spots related to Ho Chi Minh such as the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. You can go to Hoan Kiem Lake, where the locals like to stroll and cool off, or you can go to the 36 streets of the Old Quarter to buy unique local souvenirs. Once night falls, go to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to watch Vietnam's national art form - the water puppet show - come to life.

Hanoi Must-try Local Experiences

1. Discover the Heart of Hanoi Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, marvel at colonial architecture, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss the iconic red bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple. 2. Discover the Temple of Literature Visit Vietnam's first university, the Temple of Literature, to admire traditional architecture and beautiful gardens. 3. Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex Pay respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and explore the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's stilt house. 4. Experience a Water Puppet Show Enjoy a traditional water puppet show with colorful puppets, live music, and captivating storytelling, offering a glimpse into Vietnamese folklore. 5. Learn the Art of Vietnamese Cooking Join a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class to prepare fresh spring rolls, pho, and other local delicacies. 6. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology Learn about Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups through fascinating exhibits, traditional houses, and cultural artifacts. 7. Explore the Hanoi Opera House Attend a performance at the Hanoi Opera House, an architectural gem inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris. 8. Savor the Flavors of Hanoi Indulge in Hanoi's street food scene with pho, bun cha, and egg coffee at bustling night markets. 9. Find Treasures in the Old Quarter Discover unique souvenirs, silks, and traditional clothing in Hanoi's Old Quarter, a bustling commercial center. 10. Visit Dong Xuan Market Explore Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi's largest indoor market, offering fresh produce, clothing, and souvenirs. 11. Shop at Hang Gai Street Stroll down Hang Gai Street to shop for high-quality silk products, traditional clothing, and handmade crafts. 12. Capture the Charm of Hoan Kiem Lake Take stunning photos of Hoan Kiem Lake, including the iconic Huc Bridge and surrounding greenery. 13. Capture Moments at Long Bien Bridge Take photos at Long Bien Bridge, offering picturesque views of the Red River and a favorite spot for photographers. 14. Snap Shots at St. Joseph's Cathedral Capture the Gothic beauty of St. Joseph's Cathedral, a stunning landmark with great photo opportunities. 15. Enjoy a Traditional Bia Hoi Experience Enjoy a refreshing Bia Hoi, Hanoi's famous fresh beer, at a bustling corner stall with locals. 16. Visit the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural Admire the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, the world's longest ceramic mosaic depicting Vietnam's history and culture.

Hanoi Must-see Attractions

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city where history, culture, and modernity converge, offering visitors a rich tapestry of experiences from the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake and the historic St. Joseph Cathedral to the enchanting Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, the vibrant 36 Pho Phuong (Old Quarter), and the revered Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum.

Hanoi Food Guide

Hanoi's food scene is a rich tapestry of flavors and history, featuring dishes like the aromatic Pho, crispy Cha Gio, sophisticated Cha Ca, robustly brewed coffee, and the culturally blended Bánh mì, all of which are deeply embedded in the city's identity and daily life.

Hanoi Transportation

Hanoi's transportation infrastructure is robust, with Noi Bai International Airport and several major bus stations serving as key intercity travel hubs. Noi Bai International Airport (IATA: HAN, ICAO: VVNB) is the largest airport in northern Vietnam and the main airport serving Hanoi. Located approximately 30 kilometers from the city center, it has two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights. To reach the city from Noi Bai Airport, travelers can take a taxi or a bus, with the journey taking around an hour by taxi and costing approximately USD 11-15. My Dinh Bus Station, one of the largest and most modern bus stations in Hanoi, serves as a major transit point with connections to various districts in Hanoi and intercity destinations such as Sapa, Ha Giang, and Ha Long Bay. Located in the Nam Tu Liem District, it is easily accessible by public transport, with buses departing every 10 minutes. Giap Bat Bus Station is another significant hub, focusing on south-bound routes and offering professional services with a precise schedule.

Hanoi Where to Stay

Hanoi is a city that offers a diverse array of accommodation options, with its hotel regions reflecting the city's rich history and cultural tapestry. The city's hotels are spread across several key districts, each offering unique experiences and amenities to travelers.

Hanoi Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Hanoi is from February to April and from late September to November. During these periods, the weather is warm and sunny with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions. The temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, providing a comfortable climate for sightseeing. The spring season from February to April is particularly beautiful as the fields and plants blossom, while the fall season from late September to November offers stunning yellow and golden hues in the landscapes. These months also coincide with peak tourist seasons due to the pleasant weather and the occurrence of special festivals and events.

Hanoi Travel Tips

1. Plan Your Visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a popular attraction in Hanoi that requires advance reservation. It is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and for annual maintenance in October and November. Dress respectfully with covered shoulders and knees. Arrive early to avoid long lines, and remember that photography inside is prohibited. Bags and cameras must be checked at the entrance. 2. Respect Temple Etiquette: When visiting temples like Tran Quoc Pagoda, One Pillar Pagoda, or Quan Thanh Temple, dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering sacred spaces and avoid pointing your feet towards Buddha statues or monks. 3. Street Food Safety Tips: While Hanoi is famous for its street food, ensure you eat at stalls that are busy and have good hygiene practices. Opt for thoroughly cooked and hot foods, and avoid raw or undercooked dishes. Observe the cleanliness of the vendor's setup and utensils. Consider joining a food tour for a safer experience. Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating. 4. Navigating Hanoi's Traffic: Be extremely cautious when crossing streets due to the high volume of motorbikes. Walk slowly and steadily, as drivers will anticipate your movement and navigate around you. Commit to crossing once you start, and avoid stopping or turning back. Raise your arm to increase visibility, and stay alert for buses and cars, which may not stop.

Hanoi Useful Guide

Hanoi's official language is Vietnamese, an Austroasiatic language with Northern, Central, and Southern dialects. English is increasingly spoken, particularly by the younger generation and in tourist areas, due to tourism and international business growth. Translation apps and learning basic Vietnamese phrases can aid communication. When language barriers arise, gestures and patience are effective. For a seamless experience, consider hiring English-speaking guides.