The Top 13 Stunning Activities For Indian Visitors To Do In Hanoi
Millions of tourists visit Hanoi every year because of its many attractions, which include the historic district and buildings with French influences.
The must-do activity is either a food walking tour or a bike tour of the city's Old Quarter. You might discover how the locals cross the busy roads and enjoy their coffee. What are you looking for? Here are 13 entertaining and exciting things to do in Hanoi!
1. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
The Huc Bridge
Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi is popular with tourists and locals looking for a break from the noise of the busy city. The lake is serene, with a small island in the center. The best way to see the lake is to stroll around it. There is a different vibe for each hour of the day. People will be seen working out fairly early in the morning. In the afternoon, most people just take a leisurely stroll around the lake to get away from the crowded streets.
At night, the Turtle Tower, the temples, and the Red Bridge are all beautifully lit. Now that more locals and tourists come here to relax after a long day, it is busier. You can see a lot of people walking around or sitting on the benches; some of them are even exercising or dancing. Young couples can also come here to go on dates.
The two most famous sights at the lake are the temple and the iconic red bridge. You could stroll over to the island in the lake by The Huc Bridge, which is close to the Ngoc Son Temple. Throughout the summer, taking a cyclo is a fun and less taxing way to explore the lake. Cycling around the lake can be combined with other things to do in the old city center of Hanoi.
- Location: center of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem District
2. Check-in at St. Joseph Cathedral
St. Joseph's Cathedral is a great place to take photos in Hanoi because of its European elegance, especially in the Old Quarter area. These days, the church is the go-to spot for yearbook photos for both students and couples.
The church attracts a lot of young people and non-Catholics in Hanoi because of its sparkling Christmas decorations. The church also hosts a number of fun events that the whole family, close friends, and even wooing couples can enjoy.
It would be a shame to forgo lemon tea in favor of visiting St. Joseph's Cathedral. All you need is a seat on the pavement, a cup of tea, and some street food to enjoy while you chat with friends and admire the cathedral's grandeur under the cool shade of verdant trees.
- Location: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District
3. Learn Vietnam History in Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison has been recognized as a historical monument since 1997. Today, Hoa Lo Prison is a place that draws yearly visitors from both domestic and foreign nations to study and gain knowledge.
Inmates' daily lives in their small cells are visible to visitors and can be captured on camera. You will see the horrifying iron shackles, a number of artifacts, and pictures of prisoners in this jail who are unable to move or stand due to leg chains.
- Location: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District
4. Explore The First School of Vietnam – Temple of Literature
Khue Van Cac – a symbol of the Temple of Literature
At the Temple of Literature, Confucius and other notable figures connected to Confucianism and the temple are honored. You can view the stunning old Vietnamese architecture as well as the sculptures, which are especially exquisite. The doctor stelae are particularly noteworthy.
Van Mieu Mon, the temple's first gate, is a revered structure. The main gate retains most of its best features from earlier iterations. The gate will let you into the first courtyard, and the Dai Trung Gate will let you into the second courtyard. Van Mieu's calm and revered atmosphere is derived from the nearly identical grass, trees, and two lakes on the sides of both locations.
After relaxing in the natural surroundings of the first and second courtyards, you will reach one of Van Mieu's iconic gates. Perched atop the pillars is a wooden building with four round windows and a scarlet exterior. Thien Quang Tinh is a well-known location that you will encounter when you enter the third courtyard. That place represents humanity, gathering all the precious data from space.
Once you have gained an understanding of the unique characteristics of traditional Vietnamese architecture, you can choose to relax in the lovely surroundings of Van Mieu or explore the temple's museum and gift shops.
- Location: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District
5. Admire The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Hanoi's historical relics are housed in the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. It was one of the grand buildings built by a number of emperors in the past.
The Center Sector of Thang Long's Imperial Citadel still houses the Hanoi Flag Tower, Doan Mon, Kinh Thien Palace, and other monuments. One prominent component of the architectural ensemble is the Hanoi Flag Tower, which was built in the shape of a pyramid and stands more than 33 meters tall.
Vietnam ought to be pleased to acknowledge Thang Long Citadel's Center Sector as a component of global cultural heritage. Investigating the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is among the things that visitors to Hanoi remember the most.
- Location: 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District
6. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
One of the most significant structures in Vietnam is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. By going here, you might gain a better understanding of Vietnamese history.
There is a marble-coated chamber inside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The glass casket containing President Ho Chi Minh's remains is on display. Viewers can see President Ho Chi Minh through the transparent glass. He is wearing a khaki shirt that is a little worn and has on some essential rubber shoes. There are four soldiers inside the chamber who are always on guard.
- Location: 1 Hung Vuong Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District
7. Go Shopping at Old Quarter
For the best Vietnamese coffee, head to the Old Quarter in Hanoi. In a sidewalk café in Hanoi, you truly feel like you are a part of the city life.
You can also experience the taste of Hanoi street food in one place at the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter of Hanoi has several streets, including Cha Ca Street, Hang Bun Street, Hang Ga Street, Hang Chao Street, and others, that are named after local delicacies or products.
To buy or eat something, you proceed to the street bearing that name. To witness the hawkers and learn about Hanoian culture, rise early. Your appetite will be satiated by a bowl of Pho Ga (chicken noodles) or a serving of La Vong grilled fish.
- Location: Hoan Kiem District
8. Travel Private Motorbike Tours
Riding a motorcycle will allow you to see Hanoi's most popular sights! It is not necessary to rise early in order to attend the tour.
Pick a tour time—early in the morning, late in the day, or late at night—that best suits your schedule. I recommend the following well-liked routes:
Option 1
Visit the Hanoi Opera House, located in the heart of the city, first. You will go to the French Quarter before seeing the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Adjacent to the tomb is the One Pillar Pagoda, one of the two most famous Buddhist temples in Vietnam. The next stop on the itinerary is the world's oldest Buddhist temple, the Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Option 2
You can begin the tour at Ba Dinh Square. After that, cross the famous Train Street and stop at a sidewalk café on Long Bien Bridge. To conclude your trip, snap stunning photos at the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural.
9. Practice to Cross The Road
There might be more erratic and clogged traffic in Hanoi. So, if you have a few days to visit Hanoi, you should practice crossing the street. People from Vietnam are friendly and will happily help you cross the street. To start with, you could watch locals cross the street.
Take time to assess the situation. You can start to cross the street once you notice it is mainly empty of vehicles. If you stay in the same direction and maintain your speed, the traffic will usually stay away from you. They will be able to predict where you will swerve.
10. Learn to Make Paper
Ke Buoi Ward boasts a wealth of historical and cultural legacy. For thousands of years, Thang Long-Hanoi has been referred to as the Do Yen Thai paper arts town. Paper manufacturing became more common until the 19th century, when new prepress types and printing techniques were introduced. To attract tourists, the government has revived the papermaking process.
Documentaries about artisan communities are introduced and screened in a memory house. With the help of travelers, a new publication will be created each day of the week.
11. Take a Cooking Class and Have Dinner
Take a cooking class in Hanoi, and receive personalized attention from your guide. Depending on the departure time, your guide will come get you from your hotel either in the morning or in the afternoon.
Initially, you will buy ingredients from a local supermarket and learn the basic components of Vietnamese cuisine. In the kitchen, prepare and cook the food as needed or in accordance with recipes. When the cooking is done, you will sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Your tour guide may offer you mineral water, coffee, herbal tea, or wine from the area.
12. Enjoying a Classical Concert at Hanoi Opera House
Before, the theater catered exclusively to wealthy Vietnamese and French officials with Western-style productions. One of Hanoi's cultural centers today, the Opera House frequently hosts concerts both domestically and internationally.
- Location: 1A Trang Tien Street, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hoan Kiem District
13. Make Hand-on Ceramic Products
Bat Trang Pottery village
Bat Trang Pottery Village in Northern Vietnam is home to a reputable handicraft community. You can have amazing experiences as a potter. For a small fee, you can join the rotating stand's ceramic-making expertise and learn how to make pottery using traditional methods under the supervision of an artisan.
- Location: Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District
Final Thoughts
By using our list of the best things to do in Hanoi, you can fully appreciate this historic city. An intriguing collection that explains the history of this neighborhood and its top attractions and restaurants. You could also see temples and pagodas, which are representations of traditional Vietnamese architecture. In addition, Hanoi is well known for its exquisite food scene. We sincerely hope you have delighted in our eclectic selection of Hanoi activities.
Enjoy your trip to Vietnam!