Timeless traditions gracefully blend with modern energy in Hanoi. It's a city that surprises at every turn. As Vietnam’s capital, it hums with a vibrant, unrelenting pace that captivates all who visit.

Picture yourself meandering through the bustling alleys of the Old Quarter, savoring the rich, velvety flavors of a signature egg coffee, or immersing in the city’s centuries-old cultural tapestry. Hanoi’s charm caters to every type of traveller, and it offers a mix of historic allure and contemporary vibrance. For Bangladeshi explorers, it’s an emerging favorite—just a short 5-hour flight from Dhaka, it promises unique experiences and unforgettable moments.

To make your trip truly remarkable, ShareTrip has compiled a curated list of the 25 top things to do in Hanoi. From must-visit landmarks to hidden gems, this guide is your key to discovering the soul of the city. Let’s dive in!

Explore the Old Quarter

As the name suggests, “Old Quarter” is a living testament to Hanoi’s ancient architecture and history. It would be ideal to start your Hanoi adventure by wandering through the maze-like streets of this place. It’s filled with quirky shops and endless street food, and this is where Hanoi’s soul truly lives.

Take a Cyclo (rickshaw) Ride

source: vietnamtour (cycle or rickshaw ride - things to do in Hanoi)

For a more leisurely way to explore the Old Quarter, hop on a traditional cyclo (rickshaw) and enjoy as the driver pedals you through the vibrant streets.

Escape to the Perfume Pagoda

source: blog.sakura (Perfume Pagoda - things to in Hanoi)

The Perfume Pagoda is a complex of Buddhist temples built into limestone mountains. It’s located just outside of Hanoi and is a great day trip for those looking to escape the city and enjoy nature.

Attend a Cooking Class

source: visitourvietnam.com (attend a cooking class - Things to do in Hanoi)

This is an excellent opportunity for you to recreate those delicious Vietnamese dishes back home. Tourists love taking cooking classes in Hanoi to master traditional dishes from local chefs, and you can join in on the fun too!

Some popular cooking classes in Hanoi include:

Apron Up Cooking Class
Rose Kitchen
Cà Phê Sử Quán - Sử Quán Roastery (coffee workshop), etc.

Spend Time at the Hanoi Train Street

(Spend time at the Hanoi Train Street - things to do in Hanoi)

For a thrilling experience, visit Hanoi Train Street. This narrow street is home to cafés and homes just inches from train tracks, where you can see the train pass right before your eyes.

Indulge in a Hanoi Street Food Tour

(Eat street foods - things to do in Hanoi)

Hanoi is a paradise for food lovers. So, take a street food tour and try local dishes like pho, bun cha, and egg coffee (such as Cafe Giang). Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!

And if you’d like a tour guide to help you uncover the best street food spots, consider booking a tour with local companies like HA Food Tours.

Wander Through the Hanoi Weekend Night Market

source: lasinfoniavietnam (Weekend Night Market - things to do in Hanoi)

Make sure to explore the lively Hanoi Weekend Night Market, which is a must-see tourist spot in the Old Quarter. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the streets come alive with vendors selling everything from local handicrafts and souvenirs to street food and fashion. It's a great place to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, pick up unique local finds, and even try your hand at bargaining!

Catch a Water Puppet Show

(Catch a water puppet show - things to do in Hanoi)

Water puppetry is a traditional art form that originated in the rice fields of Vietnam. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre holds performances regularly, where puppets dance on water and tell ancient tales. Sounds majestic, doesn’t it? A visit to this place will be a unique experience.

Drop by the Museum of Ethnology

source: daytourshanoi (museum of ethnology - things to do in hanoi)

If there's anything to do in Hanoi that would let you dive deep into Vietnam's cultural diversity, it’s the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This amazing museum showcases the different ethnic groups living in the country through fascinating exhibits and artefacts.

Check out the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

source: vinwonders (imperial citadel of thang long - things to do in Hanoi)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, is a symbol of Hanoi’s long-standing history and a must-see for history buffs.

Rent a Swan-Boat at West Lake

source: localvietnam (relax at West Lake - things to do in Hanoi)

Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake is a perfect place for a quiet escape. Just head over to the West Lake, where you can rent a swan boat, visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, or dine at one of the lakeside restaurants to fill your appetite with amazing local flavours.

Shop at Dong Xuan Market

source: wendyweitours (shop at Dong Suan Market - things to do in Hanoi)

Your “things to do in Hanoi” bucket list would be absolutely incomplete without shopping. And for an authentic local experience, you can shop from Dong Xuan Market, which is the largest market in Hanoi. From clothing to souvenirs, this is the place to grab a bargain.

Walk Around Hanoi’s French Quarter

source: guide.michelin (French Quarter - things to do in Hanoi)

In order to experience a different side of Hanoi, you need to go to the French Quarter where wide boulevards and colonial-era buildings can be found. You can also visit the Hanoi Opera House and have a coffee at one of the elegant nearby cafés.

Go to the Hoa Lo Prison Museum

source: vinwonders (Hoa Lo Prison Museum - things to do in Hanoi)

Known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” the Hoa Lo Prison Museum provides an insight into the Vietnam War and the country’s struggle for independence. Keep in mind that over various periods, Vietnam fought for its independence from multiple countries, including the United States, the Soviet Union, France, China, among others.

Find the Hidden Café Scene

source: facebook-hanoicoffeeculture (Enjoy at a cafe - things to do in Hanoi)

Hanoi’s café culture is thriving. Tourists love a sip of Vietnamese coffee. You too can discover hidden gems tucked away in alleys and narrow streets, where you can relax and enjoy trendy fusion drinks.

Take a Day Trip to HaLong Bay

source: wendywutours (take a daytrip to HaLong Bay - things to do in Hanoi)

Although technically not in Hanoi, HaLong Bay is just a few hours away and is one of the most breathtaking places in Vietnam. It would be ideal to book a day cruise to explore the emerald waters and limestone islands.

See St. Joseph's Cathedral

source: chaohanoi (St. Joseph's Cathedral - things to do in Hanoi)

For Goth enthusiasts, the St. Joseph’s Cathedral is an ideal place to soak in its hauntingly beautiful architecture. It is located near the heart of the Old Quarter. Don’t forget to stop by one of the cafés nearby to enjoy the view with a cup of Vietnamese coffee.

Cycle Across the Long Bien Bridge

source: izitour (Cycle across the Long Bien Bridge - things to do in Hanoi)

Designed by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), the Long Bien Bridge is a symbol of Hanoi’s resilience and history. In order to get a unique perspective of the city, consider walking or cycling across it.

Step Into the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts

source: izitour (Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts - things to do in Hanoi)

Art lovers will enjoy the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts. It showcases beautiful works from Vietnamese artists—including ancient artefacts and contemporary art.

Dive Into the Vietnam Women’s Museum

source: baotangphunu (Vietnam Women's Museum - things to do in Hanoi)

Learn about the significant role women have played in Vietnam’s history and culture at the Vietnam Women’s Museum, a hidden gem not to be missed.

Enjoy Hanoi’s Nightlife

source: izitour (enjoy nightlife - things to do in Hanoi)

Hanoi may be traditional, but it knows how to have fun. From buzzing rooftop bars to late-night street food stalls, the city's nightlife offers something for everyone.

Admire the Ceramic Mosaic Mural

source: vietnamtravel (Ceramic Mosaic Mural - things to do in Hanoi)

The Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural is the longest ceramic mural in the world. It stretches for miles along the Red River and is a beautiful piece of public art that tells the tale of Vietnam’s history.

Look up Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

source: sanhotelseries (ho chi minh mausoleum - things to do in Hanoi)

Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam's most iconic leader and tourists often pay respect to him at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Here, you can also explore the Presidential Palace and the serene One Pillar Pagoda nearby.

Visit the Temple of Literature

(Visit the Temple of Literature - Things to do in Hanoi)

Dedicated to the Chinese Philosopher Confucius and other scholars, the Temple of Literature is a peaceful escape and a must-see spot in Hanoi. It’s Vietnam’s first university, which makes it a great place to soak up the country’s rich academic history.

Gaze Over Hoan Kiem Lake

(Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake - Things to do in Hanoi)

A refreshing thing to do in Hanoi is to gaze peacefully over Hoan Kiem Lake and take in its serene beauty. It is located in the centre of Hanoi. The famous red bridge in this lake leads up to the iconic Ngoc Son Temple, which is on a small island in the middle of the lake.

Here’s How You Can Make Your Vacation in Hanoi Easier with ShareTrip

Vietnam Visa
Hanoi Flights (For cheaper fairs, best options are Thai Airways International and IndiGo for Bangladeshi tourists). You can learn more about the followings to make your flight more convenient:
- - Flight Deals
- - Baggage Protection
- - Seat Selection (available for SQ and EK flights)
- - Travel Insurance
- - Refund Guard
- - Multi Flight/Combo Fare
- - Travel e-Sim
- - SmartDelay (lounge access in case of flight delays), and many, many more.
Hanoi Hotels
Hanoi Holiday Packages

Call us at 13701 or email us at vacation@sharetrip.net for personalised assistance in planning your perfect Hanoi trip.