Introduction
Hanoi is a mix of energy and history. The busy streets and colourful French colonial era buildings and the aroma of delicious street food make it a city full of life. It’s modern but still holds on to its traditions, with quiet spots like Hoan Kiem Lake offering calm away from the traffic. For first-time visitors, it can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s a great place to discover Vietnam’s culture and daily life. According to Llama Travel, here are five of the best things to do in Hanoi.
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Visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Llama Travel’s Hanoi Old Quarter Excursion offers the perfect introduction to the city’s rich history and vibrant street life. Wander through narrow lanes known as the “36 Streets of 36 Wares”, where each road still reflects the traditional craft that it was known for, it’s named after from Silk Street to Bamboo Street. As you explore, you’ll see how Hanoi has evolved through French colonialism and socialism, visit local homes, and even sample some delicious Vietnamese specialities along the way.
2.Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple
At the heart of Hanoi lies Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful spot amid the city’s constant motion. Early in the morning, locals gather to practise tai chi or enjoy a quiet stroll before the day begins. On weekends, the streets surrounding the lake are closed to traffic, creating a calm space to wander at your own pace. Cross the bright red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, a small island temple offering lovely views and a glimpse into Hanoi’s spiritual side.
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Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum
One of Hanoi’s most important landmarks, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a place of deep national pride and respect. Here lies the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh, the revolutionary leader who shaped modern Vietnam. Nearby, the Ho Chi Minh Museum offers fascinating insight into his life and legacy. You can also see the elegant Presidential Palace and the simple wooden stilt house where he lived, reflecting his modest lifestyle.
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Enjoy Vietnam’s Cuisine
Hanoi’s food scene is one of its greatest pleasures, vibrant, aromatic and full of flavour. Whether you’re sitting on a small stool by the roadside or eating in a cosy local restaurant, every dish reflects the city’s rich culinary traditions. Be sure to try pho, the classic noodle soup; bun cha, grilled meat or vegetables served with noodles; and the famous Vietnamese banh mi sandwich. To truly experience it all, you can join a street food tour, the best way to uncover hidden eateries you’d otherwise miss.
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Step into the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is one of Hanoi’s most impressive and meaningful landmarks. Founded in 1070 AD as Vietnam’s first national university, it was dedicated to Confucius, the Chinese philosopher, and to the pursuit of learning. The peaceful courtyards, lotus ponds and ancient stone turtles engraved with the names of scholars give the temple a calm, reflective atmosphere. Even today, students visit to pray for success in their exams, keeping its long tradition of knowledge and respect alive.
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Drink Vietnamese Coffee
Coffee is an essential part of daily life in Vietnam, and Hanoi is where it truly shines. The city’s most famous creation is egg coffee, a rich, creamy blend of strong Vietnamese coffee topped with whipped egg yolk, first invented in the 1940s. Beyond that, you’ll find inventive twists like coconut, yoghurt and even salt coffee, each offering something unique. From hidden cafés down narrow lanes to historic spots like Café Giang, Hanoi’s coffee culture is as vibrant and creative as the city itself.
One of the most well-known places to enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee is the city’s famous Train Street, a narrow lane where trainsrun very close to homes and cafés. Trains pass through quickly, sovisitors are advised to always stay a safe distance from the tracks.
7.See the Gothic Side of Hanoi at St Joseph’s Cathedral
Built by the French in the late 1800s, St Joseph’s Cathedral is one of Hanoi’s most stunning landmarks, with its neo-Gothic design and historic charm. It’s still an active church, so services are held regularly, and it’s especially beautiful at Christmas when it’s all lit up. The surrounding area is lively, filled with cosy cafés and small restaurants.
