12 Best Things To Do in Hanoi to Experience Culture, History, and Art

Ah, Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam known for its busy streets, vibrant people, and coffee culture. It’s bursting at the seams with things to do and places to see, and most importantly, food to eat. While its colonial architecture will transport you back in time, the modern cafes and fluorescent nightlife will lure you back to the present. Hanoi has found a perfect balance; it threads the turbulent waters of today, hand in hand with its history, almost guiding it. 

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A trip to Hanoi is never complete without a visit to Hanoi Old Quarter. Hanoi Old Quarter is all-encompassing, perhaps the most accurate representation of the charms and culture of Vietnam’s capital city. The area comprises 36 streets, each one representing a different craft or guild that contributed to the country’s growth in the past. The most convenient and fun way to get here would be with a sightseeing bus where you can just hop on and hop off at any stop!

You’ll be pleased to find that the streets still house many shops selling handicrafts, alongside cafes, restaurants, and bars— every corner is a surprise. It’s easy to explore the area on foot, and you can even make your way to Hoan Kiem Lake for a quick stroll. 

There’s no doubt that you’ve seen photos and videos of Hanoi Train Street online. Located in the Old Quarters, this iconic railroad is sandwiched between 2 rows of houses-turned-cafes. If you’re already at the Old Quarters, you can just walk here.

Although the trains don’t have a fixed schedule, it’s generally advisable to head over to the street in the evening, around 7pm. The number of trains that pass by while you’re there is mostly based on luck, so you might want to delegate at least an hour for this. Some cafes have an upper level and balcony where you can view the trains from above. Looking for a 2-in-1 solution? This Old Quarter Food Tour has a train street visit option, so you can sample some of the city's finest cuisine at the same time!

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is the go-to museum for those seeking knowledge on Vietnam and its people. The museum features artefacts and replicas of traditional houses that represent the many different ethnic groups of the country— 54 to be exact. It details their rich history by showcasing everyday objects and the process of their cultural ceremonies. The exhibitions have English descriptions and are kid-friendly, making a visit here suitable for the whole family. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology also doubles as a research centre.

Do you see yourself as a coffee connoisseur? If so, you’ll probably have a blast playing barista at this egg coffee class.  You may be used to iced americanos and hot lattes, but the people of Vietnam have their caffeine a little differently. An egg coffee is not what you think it is (well, mostly). Egg yolks and condensed milk are whipped into a fluffy and creamy foam that sits on top of the coffee. 

In this class, you’ll get to learn more about the craft of coffee and the Vietnamese culture surrounding it. The lesson includes making your own cup of coffee using traditional methods. Attendees also have the opportunity to sample different types of coffees, both local and international. Instead of having coffee at a cafe, why not customise your own?

Located close to the Old Quarter, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre has been entertaining audiences while preserving traditional Vietnamese culture for over 50 years. This art form started in the Red River Delta region where the villagers weaved together puppetry and storytelling with their natural environment, rice fields, hence why the puppets are in water.

The performances here usually tell the tales of ancient folklores and legends, on top of depictions of everyday life in the country.

If you love history, tradition, and art (especially practical art), Bat Trang Ceramic Village is for you. The Bat Trang Pottery Museum will teach you everything there is to know about Vietnam’s long-standing pottery culture, including how it came to be, and what it is now. If museum’s aren’t your thing though, consider attending one of the ceramic workshops in the village! Here, you’ll have the chance to shape and paint your own masterpiece.

For those of you who are interested in touring the whole city and hitting all the hotspots, we suggest this one which includes the ceramic village. This Hanoi City Tour also includes tourist attractions like Chua Tran Quoc, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and more.

Although it’s a 2 hour bus ride from Hanoi, we still highly suggest reserving a full day on your itinerary for a day trip to Ninh Binh. Trust us, Ninh Binh’s beauty is worth the journey. There are 3 different routes to choose from on this tour, all of which end on a high note with the beautiful Hang Mua Cave. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes— in order to get a full panoramic view of Ninh Binh city, you’ll have to hike up Hang Mua Cave! 

Other sites you can expect to visit are Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Tam Coc, and Bai Dinh Temple. Trang An is another destination you won’t want to miss. The sampan ride through the calm waters surrounded by green mountains will leave you feeling tranquil and inspired.

Is it time to go shopping for souvenirs yet? You might want to check out Dong Xuan Market, a bustling market in the heart of the city. The market has 3 floors filled with everything you could ever wish for. The act of visiting a local market is unparalleled; it’s the most efficient way to understand the culture. Firstly, you have the opportunity to properly see what the local community is up to by interacting with the shop vendors. Secondly, browsing around the shops will show you the types of food, clothes, and little trinkets they like to buy (or at least what they believe best represents their country).

Nestled in Huong Tich Son mountain, the Perfume Pagoda is one of Vietnam’s most popular temple complexes. The journey to get there will satisfy adventure seekers as the only modes of transportation to and around the complex are boats, cable car, and by foot. For many, the boat ride through Yen Stream is the best part of the trip as you’ll get to admire the gorgeous scenery.

If you’re interested in immersing yourself in the culture by learning the history of the Perfume Pagoda, we highly recommend doing so with an organised tour. This is because getting to the site independently can be tricky, so save yourself the hassle. This will also guarantee that you’ll get the most out of your trip; your local tour guide will grant you all the knowledge you’re seeking about the pagoda! 

At Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, visitors will gain insight on the process of making incense sticks, all the way from slicing the wood into thin pieces, to drying the finished product under the sun. This village is known for incense-making, and is a great spot for travellers who want to know more about this traditional craft and capture stunning pictures to remember Hanoi by.

You’ll be greeted by warm and inviting locals who’ll be more than happy to let you take photos of and with their creations— they even design patterns using the incense sticks to make your pictures pop! This is one of those places where you’ll have to check the weather beforehand, as the sticks can only be dried outdoors when it’s not raining. 

What better way to experience the culture than by wearing traditional Vietnamese clothing? Sightseeing in a t-shirt and denim shorts is boring, but sightseeing in an ao dai will be fun and unique, so consider renting an ao dai for a day! Not only do you get to fully immerse yourself in the culture, you’ll also have a bunch of beautiful photos of yourself to show off.

If you only have time to attend one performance, let it be this one. The Quintessence of Tonkin marries lights, music, and traditional water puppetry to produce a show with compelling storytelling and breathtaking visuals. The history of Hanoi will be revealed over the course of 6 acts: poetry, buddhism, nostalgia, music and painting, peace and harmony, and joy and festival.

This show is unlike any other. Instead of the red velvet curtains synonymous with theatre productions, the stage is open air, with the magnificent Thay Mountain serving as a natural backdrop.