Explore the Old Quarter

Exploring the Old Quarter and wandering its busy streets is one of my favourite things to do in Hanoi. You can let yourself get lost here, walking around the streets admiring the local vendors, coffee shops and French colonial buildings that house them. One of the things that really stood out to me was how the stores are grouped together. For example, you’ll see streets lined with shops selling decorations and festive items, then another filled with rows of clothing stores. 

You can’t help but wonder about the competitive nature this must create among the shop owners but also the convenience this offers to locals shopping for specific items. Many of the top attractions in Hanoi are located within or near the Old Quarter, so you’ll naturally find yourself returning here throughout your trip.

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Located just south of the Old Quarter, you’ll find Hoan Kiem Lake, a popular spot for walking and relaxing. It’s also where you’ll find Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain Temple) sitting on a small island in the middle of the lake. 

The temple was built in the 19th century in a traditional Vietnamese style, blending Confucian, Taoist and Buddhist influences. You can reach Ngoc Son Temple by walking across the Huc Bridge, a curved red wooden bridge that connects the shore to the island.

Train Street

Hanoi Train Street is a narrow railway track that runs directly along houses and cafes. Many of the cafes have set up tables and chairs right by the tracks, so you can experience the thrill of the train passing incredibly close by.

Train Street has received a lot of media attention in recent years, highlighting safety concerns and closures. I first visited Train Street in August 2019 and within a number of weeks, authorities announced its closure due to safety risks and tourists ignoring warnings. Although it later reopened with restrictions in place, it’s continued to experience periodic shut downs ever since. 

When I returned in 2022, there was an official loudly blowing a whistle at anyone who tried to enter the tracks. However, the tracks can be accessed from a number of entry points. In another section, I found a local cafe owner was happy to escort visitors onto the tracks and to their cafe.

Ta Hien Beer Street

Ta Hien Beer Street is a hotspot for nightlife in Hanoi and one of the busiest streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter after dark. You’ll find tiny plastic stools lining the street packed with crowds of people enjoying a drink.

St Joseph’s Cathedral

St Joseph’s Cathedral is a Gothic style church that was built in the late 19th century and is the oldest church in Hanoi. While I didn’t venture inside, I did admire its grand facade with two tall towers rising on either side. It’s often compared to the Notre Dame in Paris, and it’s not hard to see the resemblance. 

You’ll find St Joseph’s Cathedral just a couple of blocks west of Hoan Kiem Lake, making it an easy stop while exploring the area.

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature has almost 1000 years of history, representing education and learning in Vietnamese culture, and is known as the first university in Vietnam. The temple complex is made up of several well preserved buildings, gates and courtyards that you can take your time exploring. 

Old City Gate (Quan Chuong)

Quan Chuong gate is the last remaining gate from the ancient walls that once surrounded the Old City. It’s interesting to see it still in use today, with motorbikes and pedestrians passing through as part of everyday life.

You’ll find this gate at the intersection of Hang Chieu and Thanh Ha streets.

Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay

This one is technically not in Hanoi but just a couple of hours away and tours pick up directly from the city, so I’m still including it under the best things to do in Hanoi. 

It’s worth planning at least a couple of days to visit Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. These bays are absolutely beautiful, with emerald waters and thousands of tree-topped limestone islands rising out of the sea. I’d recommend booking a one or two night cruise rather than trying to do a day trip. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending most of your time on a bus, rather than sailing through the bays. 

After doing some research, I preferred cruises that continue into Lan Ha Bay, as this area tends to be less crowded than the more famous Ha Long Bay. 

There are many different tour operators to choose from. I travelled with Le Theatre Cruises, which was an amazing and luxurious experience. All meals were included, along with activities such as kayaking, swimming, a cooking class and the morning started with tai chi on the top deck. It was the best way to see and experience both bays.

Street Food Tour

Taking a street food tour is one of the best ways to try a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes from local vendors that you might not have tried otherwise. Most food tours include the classics like banh mi, but some also offer more adventurous options such as fertilised duck eggs if you’re brave enough to try them. 

I also love hearing the stories and history behind each dish, and what they mean to locals. In just a few hours you can learn a lot about Hanoi’s food culture. 

I’d highly recommend joining a food tour if you’re travelling solo too, as it’s a great way to meet and connect with other travellers.

Try an Egg Coffee

Egg coffee is a Vietnamese specialty drink made with an egg yolk foam and sweetened condensed milk, and was actually invented in Hanoi. Cafe Dinh is located right by Hoan Kiem Lake and was recommended to me during a street food tour as one of the best places to try egg coffee. They also serve alternatives like an egg hot chocolate if you’re not a coffee drinker. 

Hanoi has a big coffee culture, with cafes tucked into side streets and hidden all over the city. To learn more about unique brewing techniques and Vietnam’s rich coffee history, you can join a Hanoi Coffee Workshop.

Where to stay in Hanoi

Little Charm Hostel

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Hanoi on a budget, Little Charm Hanoi Hostel is centrally located in the Old Quarter and close to many of the best things to do in Hanoi. 

One of the main reasons I chose this hostel was the indoor pool, it was the perfect place to cool down after a day exploring the city. The staff were friendly and accommodating, even before I had arrived, assisting me to change the dates of my stay. The hostel also hosts a range of activities, which makes connecting with other travellers easy when travelling solo. 

I’d definitely recommend Little Charm Hostel if you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable place to stay in Hanoi.

May De Ville Crown Hotel 

May De Ville Crown Hotel is a great option if you’re looking for a touch of luxury without the high price tag. It’s also centrally located in the Old Quarter, just 100 metres from Ta Hien Beer Street. 

For the same reasons I booked Little Charm Hostel, I always prefer accommodation with a pool when staying in Vietnam. May De Ville Crown Hotel has a small rooftop pool, which is a nice spot to relax with while enjoying views over the city.

Top Tips for Visiting Hanoi

Be prepared for air pollution 

Air quality in Hanoi is often quite poor. Prior to visiting Vietnam, checking the air quality wasn’t something I’d ever done, but I quickly started monitoring it after feeling the effects. If you’re sensitive to pollution, consider wearing a face mask (you’ll notice many locals wear them, especially on motorbikes) and checking an air quality app before heading out for the day. 

Use Grab for getting around

Grab is an easy and affordable way to get around Hanoi, by car or motorbike. It’s the most popular ridesharing service in Vietnam and works in a similar way to Uber. 

Always check that the driver’s license plate matches the one shown in your app. Many drivers will approach you while you’re waiting and it can be easy to get confused.

Get an esim

On my first visit to Vietnam, I bought a tourist sim card that quickly ran out of data, and I found myself wandering around the city facing language barriers while trying to top it up. I’m completely lost without data on my phone, as I rely on it for maps and Google Translate when travelling. 

On my most recent trip, I used an airalo eSim. I was able to set it up before leaving Australia which meant I was connected from the moment I landed in Vietnam. The esim used the Viettel network, the largest in the country offering a reliable connection everywhere I went, making travelling around much easier.

Carry cash

While hotels and larger restaurants accept cards, most street food stalls and markets are cash only. Having smaller notes also makes paying much easier.

Wear comfortable walking shoes

You’ll spend a lot of time walking and exploring, especially in the Old Quarter. Pavements can be uneven in many areas, so good shoes make a big difference for comfort and safety.  

Cross with care

Depending on where you are in Hanoi, crossing the road can be a real experience. Traffic rarely stops and there’s a constant flow of motorbikes. The best way to cross is walking slowly and steadily, letting the motorbikes move around you. It’s very intimidating at first, I’d suggest crossing alongside locals until you feel confident. 

Best time to explore is early morning or evening

Hanoi can get very hot during the day. Early mornings and late evenings can be cooler and better for sightseeing. This is also why I book accommodation with a pool. I’ll explore in the morning, come back for lunch and a swim, then head out again in the evening.