Hanoi Travel Guide

1. Get lost in the Old Quarter

Take a walk into the rhythm of 36 ancient streets – a unique maze, where moss-covered tiled roofs and centuries-old architecture whisper their secrets. Despite the hustle and bustle of motorbikes, you can still feel the breath of history, get lost in the deep, narrow alleys, and discover the unique beauty of Hanoi that moves rhythmically with each second.

2. Enjoy egg coffee

Taste the rich flavor of sweet egg coffee at Cafe Giang to find out the typical Hanoi. Each sip of shimmering, fragrant coffee, mixed with a smooth layer of egg cream, will awaken your curious taste buds. This unique experience is both unsettling and enjoyable, as you navigate the taste of fresh chicken eggs and appreciate the creativity of this inventive drink.

3. Spend time at Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn

Try waking up around 5:30 to 6:30 a.m., when the morning mist is still lingering on the surface of Hoan Kiem Lake, caressing the ancient Turtle Tower hidden in the distance. You will see groups of young and old people gathering around the lake, welcoming a new day with fun group exercises. Or sometimes, couples jog lightly past. That is a moment when Hanoi is strangely peaceful, a quiet beauty different from the usual bustling motorbike noise, making people’s hearts flutter.

4. Watch a water puppetry show

Created from the rice-growing culture of the Vietnamese people in the northern region, puppetry has evolved into an art form, a cultural pride of the people of Hanoi, which has been preserved and developed. Water puppetry often tells stories of land reclamation, fishing, and farming activities. The puppets are made of wood and dance, dive, and gracefully and skillfully move on the water surface, thanks to the expertise of professionally trained artisans. In just about an hour, you will enjoy this enchanting art that is hard to find elsewhere.

5. Wait for the train at a railway cafe

A unique experience that many curious tourists want to try at least once: watching the train from a railway cafe. Sitting on a small, low chair, close to the wall of the cafe, next to the railway tracks, waiting for the train to pass, following the wind blowing your hair. How do you feel? It will surely be a mix of both fear and excitement. Do you want to try it?

6. Enjoy street food

With the charm of a capital, this place is not only home to Hanoians but also to many families from various regions, creating a diverse and flavorful street food scene. From the fragrant, steaming bowl of pho at the traditional pho restaurant on Bat Dan Street (Phở Bát Đàn), or the sweet and fragrant bun cha Huong Lien, to the street vendors, all contribute to the diverse colors of Hanoi cuisine, creating a complete picture of Vietnamese cuisine. Treat yourself to a half-day street food tour to experience the best street food in the area.