6 Best Things to Do in Hanoi for Travelers

Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, is a city where tradition meets modernity. It has always been an ideal destination for those who want to explore rich cultural, historical beauty and experience the hospitality of the Vietnamese people. As The Telegraph (UK) wrote: "Vietnam has always been a friendly and hospitable country. Especially in Hanoi, if you start your journey alone, you may end up with many new friends when you leave."

To make your city exploration complete, don’t miss out on Best Things To Do in Hanoi: Local Secrets & Must-Try Experiences by TravelThru, which will suggest activities and experiences you can’t miss.

1. Explore the History of Vietnam at the Vietnam Military History Museum

Located in the heart of Hanoi, the Vietnam Military History Museum is the best destination for those who love history, especially Vietnam's military history and the significant milestones in the defense of the nation. The project was newly constructed in October 2024 and is located on Thang Long Avenue, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi, with a modern and nature-friendly design, offering a unique interactive experience for visitors. 

With its vast exhibition space, visitors will have the chance to witness war artifacts and learn about historical victories, gaining a deeper understanding of the resilience of the Vietnamese people in their struggle for independence.

With over 150,000 artifacts, the museum is divided into areas such as weapons, military uniforms, photos, and historical documents. Each artifact tells a story of patriotism and the resilience of the Vietnamese army and people. Additionally, modern technology helps 3D mapping dioramas recreate famous campaigns, and the QR code system and audioguide assist visitors in easily learning about each artifact. LED screens display vivid images, bringing viewers back to heroic historical battles.

Currently, the Vietnam Military History Museum is preserving and displaying four national treasures: two MIG-21 aircraft with numbers 4324 and 5121, the Campaign Determination Map of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, and the T54B tank numbered 843. Moreover, the museum grounds feature the 45-meter-high Victory Tower, symbolizing the victory of 1945. 

The exterior space recreates the aspiration for peace through green sprouts and doves made from airplane wrecks—a symbol of rebirth and hope. With its spacious grounds, interesting exhibitions, and dedicated guides, visiting the Vietnam Military History Museum is one of the most attractive and best things to do on a journey to explore Hanoi.

Useful Information:

• Address: Km 6+500, Thang Long Avenue, Tay Mo Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi.
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: Morning from 8:00 to 11:30; Afternoon from 13:00 to 16:30.
• Ticket Price: Free admission from November 1, 2024, to the end of December 2024.

Insider Tip: When visiting Hanoi, you can easily book a ride service through TravelThru to save time and avoid inconveniences in moving around. This service provides reliable, punctual, and reasonably priced services, making your trip seamless.

2. Experience the art of pottery at Bat Trang Pottery Museum

The Bat Trang Pottery Museum, also known as the Vietnam Handicraft Villages Center, is a famous craft village located on the banks of the Red River, about 13 km from central Hanoi. This is one of the top things to experience in Hanoi that every visitor wishes to explore. 

The Bat Trang Pottery Museum was built in 2018, inspired by the pottery wheel of craftsmen creating seven massive tornadoes. The museum is designed smaller at the bottom and larger as it goes up, yet it still feels stable and solid. 

The museum was built to honor the pottery craft of the homeland, preserving and protecting the cultural essence of the craft village that is gradually fading over time. Here, there are various services such as exhibitions, displays, sightseeing, shopping, relaxation, and auctions. 

At the museum, you will not only admire collections of crackled glaze pottery, blue-glazed ceramics, and modern art pottery, but also have the opportunity to create your own masterpiece. Experiencing pottery making on the wheel or painting figurines to better understand the traditional value of Bat Trang village is one of the best things to do in Hanoi.

Moreover, the museum has many "Instagrammable" spots, from the exterior architecture to the display areas inside, attracting many young people to check-in.

The Bat Trang Pottery Museum is not only a place to preserve traditional values but also holds educational significance, encouraging creativity and awareness of heritage protection. If you are looking for a place that combines cultural values and practical experience, this is definitely an unmissable choice.

After a day of interesting visits, you can find nearby hotels to relax. Check out: Where to Stay in Hanoi: Top 6 Areas and Best Hotels for You

Useful Information:

• Address: Ancient Bat Trang Village, Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi.
• Opening Hours: 8:00 - 17:00 daily.
• Ticket Price: Depending on the activities you choose.

3. Tour the Capital with the Double-Decker Bus 

For those seeking the best things to do in Hanoi in a unique and novel way, the double-decker bus – an attractive sightseeing vehicle – will offer a panoramic view of the thousand-year-old capital. This service is provided by two main operators: Hanoi City Tour Hop-On Hop-Off and Vietnam Sightseeing, each with different routes and ticket prices to meet the diverse needs of tourists.

The double-decker bus passes through Hanoi's most famous landmarks, such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Thang Long Imperial Citadel. You not only get to see historical and cultural symbols but also get to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and unique rhythm of the capital.

The bus system is modernly equipped with multilingual audio guides, helping you easily learn about each stop. With various flexible ticket options, from 4-hour tickets suitable for short trips to 24 or 48-hour tickets for those who want to enjoy the full experience, you can easily hop on and off at any stop you like. 

On the second floor, you’ll get a clearer view of Hanoi, where the ancient streets, lush greenery, and vibrant everyday life come together.  This is definitely an experience that anyone visiting Hanoi should try, to capture beautiful memories of this rich traditional and modern land.

Useful Information:

• Ticket Purchase:
  • Buy directly at the counter on Route 1: Hanoi City Tour (Hop-On Hop-Off) or Route 2: Thang Long Hanoi City Tour (Vietnam Sightseeing)
  • Buy tickets online at the website: hopon-hopoff.vn or vn-sightseeing.com

For more details, read: 11 Effective Ways on How to Get Around In Vietnam.

4. Enjoy Street Food 

Hanoi, where every small street hides a story, and every dish is a slice of history, culture, and people. Exploring and enjoying the cuisine here is among the unmissable things to do in Hanoi. Each dish in Hanoi carries the breath of time, the charm of the Old Quarter, and the meticulous efforts of the artisans. Every street and every corner of Hanoi holds distinct flavors. Let TravelThru take you on a tour around Hanoi and discover the diversity of its cuisine.

4.1  Pho Ha Noi

Pho Hanoi is not just a famous dish in the capital but also an integral part of daily life for its people. Each bowl of pho carries profound cultural values, carefully preserved and passed down through generations. Beyond its culinary appeal, pho serves as a bridge, bringing people together—from hurried mornings to warm, peaceful evenings. Because of its uniqueness and cultural significance, Pho Hanoi has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

From the clear but rich broth, the result of hours of simmering bones, infused with cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom to create a distinctive aroma. The soft noodles, soaked in broth, along with the fresh pink slices of rare beef and green onions, all evoke perfect harmony. Whether you are visiting Hanoi for the first time or have been there dozens of times, the flavor of Pho always captivates you, engraving unforgettable memories.

4.2  Com Lang Vong

Com Lang Vong is considered a simple rural gift that carries the breath of gentle and pure autumn days in Hanoi. Each green grain of cốm seems to encapsulate the breadth of the rice fields, the skillful hands of the village artisans, and the love for the land and sky of the capital.

From selecting the young rice at the right stage, pounding each grain to be soft yet retaining its green color, to wrappin Com in fragrant lotus leaves - each thoughtful step transforms Com into a gift that is both flavorful and visually appealing. Com is not loud or elaborate, but gentle like the beauty of Hanoi. Whether you are nibbling each grain with ripe bananas or enjoying Com sticky rice or Com sweet soup on a cool afternoon, the flavor always leaves a lasting impression.

4.3  Xoi Yen

Every morning on the small streets of Hanoi, amidst the bustling and hurried atmosphere, there is a dish closely associated with the lives of the locals – Xoi Yen. This sticky rice dish serves as a perfect way to kickstart your day with energy. Sitting at a bustling sticky rice stall, soaking in the lively morning atmosphere of Hanoi, and enjoying a simple yet hearty meal is what makes so many people fall in love with this place

Xoi Yen stands out for its skillful preparation, preserving the original flavors of its ingredients. The sticky rice is soft, fragrant, and delicious, served with toppings like shredded boiled chicken, pork floss, Vietnamese sausage, lap cheong, or mashed green beans. Each bowl of Xoi Yen is a perfect combination of sweet, rich, and slightly salty flavors, enough to win over anyone who tries it for the first time.

4.4  Bun cha Ha Noi

Bun Cha is a signature dish of Hanoi, consisting of fresh vermicelli, fragrant grilled meat, and a meticulously prepared dipping sauce. From the small alleys of Hanoi, bún chả has appeared since the last century, leaving a mark in the hearts of people with its simple yet rich flavor.

The glowing charcoal grills and the fragrant aroma of grilled meat have become familiar images of Hanoi streets. Notably, Bun cha was also highlighted on the international culinary map when former US President Barack Obama enjoyed this dish during his visit to Vietnam in 2016.

Besides the familiar signature dishes, you can also explore other unique flavors of Hanoi such as Bun dau mam tom, Banh Duc nong, Cafe Trung, Bia Trung, and more. Discovering and indulging in the local cuisine is one of the best things to do in Hanoi, it's just so good!

5. Visit the Temple of Literature

Among the prominent cultural and historical sites in Vietnam, Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam is the best site in Hanoi that every traveler should visit. Located in the heart of the capital, this place is not only a symbol of feudal education but also a precious heritage of national architecture and culture. 

Built in 1070 during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong, the Temple of Literature is considered the first university in Vietnam – a place to honor Confucianism and record the names of the country's brightest minds through the imperial examinations.

One of the unique historical marks here is the 82 doctoral steles, recognized by UNESCO as World Documentary Heritage. Each stele records the names of the doctors who passed the imperial exams from 1442 to 1779, placed on the backs of turtles – symbols of longevity and wisdom.

After having explored  the spaces at the Temple of Literature, one of the best things to do here is traditional calligraphy writing or taking commemorative photos with the ancient atmosphere.

Useful Information:

• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily.
• Admission Fee: 30,000 VND/adult, free for children under 15.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun and crowds.

6. Dong Xuan Market - the top things to see in Hanoi

Located in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Vietnam. Built in 1889 during the French colonial period, it is not only a major commercial center but also a unique cultural and historical symbol of the capital. With over 130 years of existence, Dong Xuan Market has become an unmissable destination for both domestic and international visitors wanting to explore the vibrant life, cuisine, and distinct culture of Hanoi.

Dong Xuan Market is divided into three floors with hundreds of diverse stalls. Each floor specializes in a type of merchandise, making it easy for visitors to find the products they desire. Shopping at Dong Xuan Market is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. On the first floor, the food stalls, household items, and specialty counters are always bustling. This is also the gathering place for famous street foods, from fragrant grilled bún chả, and crispy West Lake shrimp cakes to refreshing mixed sweet soups, pleasing any visitor.

Going up to the second and third floors, visitors will enter the world of fashion, fabrics, silk, and typical Vietnamese handicrafts. This is the ideal place to buy meaningful souvenirs, from soft silk scarves, and exquisite ceramics to traditional Dong Ho paintings. An interesting feature of the market is the bargaining culture - a fascinating aspect of trading. With a bit of skill, you can get your desired items at a reasonable price.

Dong Xuan Market is also a paradise for street food enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of delicious and diverse dishes that embody the distinctive flavors of Hanoi. Moreover, the market captivates visitors with its vibrant atmosphere, filled with the essence of local life. The calls of vendors, the cheerful conversations of buyers, and the unending hustle and bustle of the passing crowds blend together to create a lively and unforgettable portrait of Hanoi’s culture.

If you are looking for a shopping, culinary, and cultural experience rich in Hanoi's character, Dong Xuan Market is definitely the ideal stop.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM 

Address: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi – just a few minutes walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.

Insider Tip: To make your trip to Dong Xuan Market more convenient, contact TravelThru to start your exploration journey in the most convenient and fulfilling way according to your plan!

Hanoi is a wonderful city that seamlessly blends ancient charm with modernity, offering unique experiences for every traveler. With its remarkable historical landmarks, bustling street life, and especially its rich culinary scene,to explore it is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Hanoi. So pack your bags, bring along your passion for discovery, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Vietnam. Beautiful Hanoi is waiting for you with exciting new adventures!

>>> More great information for your trip to Vietnam:

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