Things to Visit in Hanoi: Old Quarter, Temples, and Pho
Experience the best of Hanoi from its chaotic Old Quarter and serene lakes to ancient temples and the world's best pho. Covers historic sites, food experiences, cultural highlights, and day trips.
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Old Quarter and Lakes
Get lost in the 36 streets of the Old Quarter
Each of the 36 streets was historically dedicated to a specific trade guild, and many still carry those names. Walk Hang Gai for silk, Hang Bac for silver, and Hang Ma for paper goods. The best time to explore is early morning before 8 AM when the streets are calm and vendors are setting up.
Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at sunrise
This central lake is the spiritual heart of Hanoi. The small Ngoc Son Temple on an island in the lake is connected by a red-painted wooden bridge. Entry to the temple is 30,000 VND. The lake path makes for a peaceful 2-km loop at any time of day.
Watch the water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre
This uniquely Vietnamese art form dates back 1,000 years to the rice paddies of the Red River Delta. Puppeteers stand waist-deep in water behind a screen while controlling wooden puppets. Shows run daily at 3:30, 5:00, 6:30, and 8:00 PM. Tickets cost 100,000 VND.
Walk the weekend night market on Hang Dao Street
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from 7 PM to midnight, the Old Quarter closes to traffic and fills with vendor stalls, street performers, and food carts. The atmosphere is electric and it is the best time to experience the neighborhood's energy.
Historic Sites and Museums
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex
The embalmed body of Vietnam's revolutionary leader lies in a granite mausoleum modeled after Lenin's tomb in Moscow. Dress modestly, no shorts or tank tops. The complex includes his stilt house, the Presidential Palace grounds, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Free entry but expect queues of 30-60 minutes.
Tour the Temple of Literature
Built in 1070, this is Vietnam's first university and one of Hanoi's most well-preserved historical sites. Five courtyards lead to the main temple honoring Confucius. The stone steles on turtle bases listing doctoral graduates are a UNESCO Memory of the World. Entry is 30,000 VND.
See the Hoa Lo Prison museum
Originally built by French colonists in 1896 and later used during the Vietnam War to hold American POWs, this museum tells both sides of the story. The French colonial section with guillotine and shackles is particularly sobering. Entry is 30,000 VND. Allow 60-90 minutes.
Explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
This UNESCO-listed citadel was the center of political power in Vietnam for over 1,000 years. The excavated archaeological layers reveal foundations from multiple dynasties. The Flag Tower is the most recognizable landmark. Entry is 30,000 VND.
Street Food Experiences
Eat pho bo at a local breakfast shop
Hanoi-style beef pho has a clearer, more delicate broth than its southern counterpart and is traditionally a breakfast dish. The best shops are packed by 7 AM and close by 10 AM. A bowl costs 30,000-50,000 VND. Look for places where locals are sitting on tiny plastic stools on the sidewalk.
Try bun cha, Hanoi's signature grilled pork and noodles
Smoky grilled pork patties served with rice vermicelli, herbs, and a sweet dipping broth. This lunch dish became world-famous after a former US president ate it at a small shop on Le Van Huu street. Most bun cha restaurants only serve lunch from 11 AM to 2 PM. A plate costs 40,000-60,000 VND.
Drink egg coffee at a cafe near Hoan Kiem Lake
Ca phe trung is made by whipping egg yolks with condensed milk into a thick, sweet cream on top of strong Vietnamese coffee. It was invented in Hanoi in the 1940s when fresh milk was scarce. The original cafe near Hoan Kiem Lake charges 35,000 VND per cup.
Take a street food tour through the Old Quarter
Guided walking tours cover 8-10 dishes across 3 hours for about $25-35 per person. A good tour includes pho, bun cha, banh mi, spring rolls, and local snacks you would not find on your own. Evening tours add the energy of the night market atmosphere.
Eat banh mi from a street cart
Hanoi-style banh mi tends to be simpler than the southern version, often filled with pate, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs in a crispy baguette. Street carts sell them for 15,000-30,000 VND. The best ones have a queue of locals during the lunch rush.
Neighborhoods and Local Life
Explore the French Quarter around the Opera House
The grand Hanoi Opera House was built in 1911 and modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris. The surrounding tree-lined boulevards have colonial-era villas, upscale hotels, and European-style cafes. Check the opera house website for evening performance schedules.
Walk around West Lake at sunset
Hanoi's largest lake has a 17-km perimeter path popular with joggers and cyclists. Tran Quoc Pagoda on an island near the south shore is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Vietnam, dating to the 6th century. The lakeside restaurants and cafes are perfect for sunset drinks.
Visit the Long Bien Bridge
This 1.7-km steel bridge was built by the same firm that designed the Eiffel Tower and survived heavy bombing during the war. Walking across at dawn offers views of the Red River floodplain where farmers tend vegetable gardens. The bridge is for pedestrians, motorcycles, and trains only.
Sit on Train Street and watch trains pass inches away
A narrow residential street in the Old Quarter where a train track runs between houses just meters apart. Trains pass through twice daily, morning and evening. The cafes lining the track pull their chairs in moments before the train arrives. Check current schedules as the street is occasionally closed to tourists.
Day Trips from Hanoi
Cruise Ha Long Bay overnight
The UNESCO-listed bay with thousands of limestone karst islands is 3-4 hours east of Hanoi. Overnight cruises typically include kayaking, cave visits, cooking classes, and sunset on the deck. Two-day, one-night cruises start at $120-180 per person for a mid-range boat.
Visit Ninh Binh, the inland Ha Long Bay
Limestone karsts rising from flooded rice paddies create equally stunning scenery as Ha Long Bay but without the crowds. The boat ride through Tam Coc takes about 2 hours and passes through three caves. Ninh Binh is 2 hours south of Hanoi by bus or car.
Explore Perfume Pagoda in the limestone mountains
This complex of Buddhist temples and shrines is built into the Huong Tich mountain 65 km southwest of Hanoi. The journey involves a scenic boat ride up the Yen stream followed by a cable car or steep hike to the mountain cave temple. Allow a full day for the round trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Hanoi?
Three to five days covers the city and one major day trip. Spend two days exploring the Old Quarter, museums, and street food. Add one or two days for Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh. A full week allows both day trips plus time for cooking classes, cycling tours, and deeper neighborhood exploration.
What is the best time to visit Hanoi?
October through December offers the best weather with cool temperatures around 20-25 degrees Celsius, low humidity, and clear skies. March and April are warm and pleasant. Summer from June through August brings intense heat, humidity, and heavy afternoon rain. January and February can be cold and drizzly, with temperatures dropping to 10-15 degrees Celsius.
Is Hanoi safe for tourists?
Hanoi is one of the safest capital cities in Southeast Asia for tourists. Petty theft like phone snatching from motorbikes can happen, so keep valuables secure and avoid using your phone near busy roads. Crossing the street is the biggest challenge as traffic rarely stops for pedestrians. Walk slowly and steadily so drivers can predict your path.
How much does a trip to Hanoi cost?
Hanoi is exceptionally affordable. Street food meals cost 30,000-60,000 VND per dish. Clean guesthouses start at 300,000-500,000 VND per night and mid-range hotels at 800,000-1,500,000 VND. A comfortable daily budget is 1,000,000-2,000,000 VND including food, transport, and activities. One US dollar equals roughly 25,000 VND.