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Are you considering a trip to Vietnam and pondering over whether Hanoi is worth visiting? The Answer is Yes! Hanoi is definitely worth visiting! The city boasts beautiful architecture, a wide variety of delectable street food, and numerous captivating cultural attractions. In this post, we’ll go over the various reasons why Hanoi is worth visiting so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to include the city into your itinerary. Here we go!
Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam
Even though it’s not the largest city in Vietnam, Hanoi has been the country’s capital for over a millennium. At the heart of Hanoi lies a serene lake known as Hoan Kiem. From there, the city has expanded outward from that point to become the bustling hub it is today.
The lively Old Quarter in Hanoi is home to numerous tourist sites, accommodations, dining establishments, and entertainment venues, making it one of the best Hanoi tourist attractions.
You can also explore the charming old streets of the French Quarter, where both locals and visitors mingle with bikes and cars. In this historic district, you can see many colonial buildings, tree-lined streets, and fancy heritage sites that give insight into Vietnam’s past.
There are several reasons why it’s a good idea to visit Hanoi. You can explore a variety of museums, taste inexpensive street food, enjoy Hanoi nightlife and entertainment, and much more. Here are some unique reasons why you should add Hanoi to your Vietnam travel itinerary!
→ Also read: How to Get From Hanoi Airport to The Old Quarter
Hanoi boasts a great cultural scene. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ngoc Son Temple are among the important cultural attractions in the city, representing Vietnam’s heritage. Furthermore, there are about 15 captivating museums showcasing art, medicine, and the history of Vietnamese women.
I recommend that you start your visit at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. The extensive collection contains over 15,000 items portraying the traditional way of life in Vietnam. Furthermore, it imparts knowledge about the culture and history of the different ethnic groups living in Vietnam.
The city also offers cultural shows, including the opportunity to watch a traditional water puppet show at Hoan Kiem Lake. Talented puppeteers present traditional Vietnamese tales during these shows using beautiful puppets in a water setting.
Be sure to visit the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum but, as an art enthusiast, you should also make it a point to explore Manzi Art Space, as it offers an exceptional more off-the-beaten-path experience. The art gallery is situated in the city within a luxurious French Villa. There is an extensive collection of contemporary art, and it hosts performances of dance and music.
If you have time to spare, why not check out the Hanoi Opera House, which is known to be the largest and most magnificent theatre in Vietnam? Situated within an antiquated structure, it showcases a wide range of performances, including opera, ballet, and international music.
Pho, one of Vietnam’s national dishes
Do you enjoy indulging in street food? If yes, then you are in the right place. The city offers a wide variety of delicious cuisine from different regions of Asia.
Hanoi is often overlooked in conversations about the top cities for street food, as Ho Chi Minh City tends to overshadow it. But this is absolute nonsense. Hanoi offers some amazing street food options. You have to know where to look!
For an authentic Hanoi dining experience, make sure to try the steamed rice rolls at Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền. Observing someone craft something by hand is a type of art.
It’s also worth your while to check out the well-known Bún Chả Hương Liên for a serving of their grilled pork and delicious broth. Apart from a lengthy queue, Bún Chả Hương Liên appears to be just like any other budget-friendly eatery from the exterior. But, as a meat-eater, you should check out this spot.
This is the place where Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama were seated together at a table in 2016. They indulged in bún chả and Vietnamese beer while shooting a Parts Unknown episode in Hanoi.
Vegan also won’t be short on amazing street food in Hanoi. Check out pho stalls like Quan Pho Chay Anh Hai in the French Quarter and you cannot leave Hanoi as a plant-based foodie without having dinner at “Veggie Castle“. They offer an all-you-can-eat buffet concept for only 90.000 VDN including drinks ($3,5).
→ Also read: Vegan Food in Vietnam: Everything You Need to Know!
Train street, Hanoi
Hanoi is a great city for photography lovers, offering a variety of picturesque spots with plenty of photo opportunities. Visit the French Quarter to see historic yellow buildings and streets shaded by trees.
In the Old Quarter, you can photograph people in traditional leaf hats while sitting on a plastic chair at a coffee shop. In the morning, take a stroll around the lake to observe the residents of Hanoi going about their daily (aerobic!) routines and capture a beautiful image of Ngoc Son Temple, situated on an island in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Also, make sure you stop by Train Street in Hanoi for some amazing photo opportunities. Every day, two times a day, a train races through Ngo 224 Le Duan road in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, dangerously close to buildings and residents.
It’s very odd to observe the removal of laundry, chairs, and stalls as the train approaches. People are instructed to either move near the walls or seek shelter in doorways, while children playing are told to go indoors. Following the train’s passage, everything reverts to its original condition. Then it happens all over again when the next train comes.
It’s truly a unique thing to experience!
Is Hanoi a viable destination for budget travelers? Yes! When it comes to accommodations, food, and transportation, it’s one of the most affordable options in Southeast Asia.
Hanoi is known to be more budget-friendly than other prominent cities in Vietnam, such as Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An. It is an excellent destination for budget-conscious backpackers.
The price for a simple bed in a shared room is about 162,000 VND (or $7), and for a double room in a good hotel, it’s around 650,000 VND (or $28).
A bowl of pho is priced at approximately 45,000 VND (approximately $2), while a local beer costs just 20,000 VND (under $1).
It is also possible to find budget-friendly tours from Hanoi for a day. You can take a day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay for approximately $50. Typically, this includes transportation, a cruise, food, and potentially additional experiences such as kayaking.
Additionally, numerous well-known tourist attractions in the city offer affordable or free admission. Admission to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is complimentary, while entry to the National Museum of History only costs 20,000 VDN (equivalent to less than $1).
→ Also read: How to Get From Hoi An to Hanoi in 2024
Hanoi is a captivating city with memorable travel experiences that will surely leave a lasting impression. The lively culture, delicious street food, and welcoming locals make this city a favorite among many visitors.
The best time to visit Hanoi is from February to April and from the end of September to November. December and January also offer good weather to explore but note that it can get quite chilly in Hanoi, especially in January.
English is widely spoken in touristy areas and, as mentioned previously, there are plenty of activities and events to participate in during your visit. Hanoi also offers plenty of excellent day trip options to discover the surrounding areas beyond the central city!
When in Hanoi, make sure to stop by the delightful Old Quarter, known for its narrow roads, bustling markets, and ancient temples. Take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, explore Ngoc Son Temple, and cross the iconic red bridge.
Experience the delicious cuisine of the city, including pho and banh mi. Visit Hoa Lo Prison and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to delve into the history of the past.
Witness a traditional water puppet show for a cultural experience. Experience the vibrant nightlife of Hanoi by visiting rooftop bars and venues that have live music.
→ Also read: Can You Drink Tap Water in Vietnam? Things to Know!
Hanoi is home to a variety of buildings and historical landmarks influenced by different countries and religions, including China, France, and Vietnam. As a conscious traveler, you can also explore museums and war memorials to gain insights into historical events.
The Old Quarter is a delightful destination to explore, thanks to its distinct and enchanting ambiance. Many tourists love to travel to Vietnam and Hanoi because you can keep your travel expenses low.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi, Vietnam
A good Hanoi travel itinerary could include:
→ Also read: Hanoi to Cat Ba: A Complete Transport Guide
There you go! I hope you enjoyed this post about whether or not Hanoi is worth visiting. Lastly, I also want to mention that Hanoi is a very safe city. There’s little violence and, aside from things that happen in every city like petty theft, crime rarely occurs.
After Hanoi, you can continue your journey through Vietnam to other magnificent places in the north of the country like Mai Chau, Sapa, or Pu Luong. Other travelers choose to cross into Laos from Hanoi by bus to explore more Southeast Asian destinations like the small villages of Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi or the Kuang Si Waterfalls near Luang Prabang.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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