Hanoi Itinerary | Best Local Experiences Hanoi Tour

Hanoi Tours

Hanoi is the more-than-1000-year-old capital of Vietnam. It is renowned as a city of its long history, rich identity, traditional culture as well as an attractive tourist site with its very “Hanoi-styled” own features, namely the old streets, the historical relics dyed with time and the diverse cuisine.

Best Time to visit Hanoi

The best time to visit Hanoi is in the autumn (August – October). Ideally, it is September or October when the rainy season in Hanoi normally ends. The clear skies, the mild sun, the average temperature and the cool air, all create the best conditions for visitors to have a wonderful discovery in Hanoi.

And for those who like cold air , somewhat freezing, traveling in the last months of the year like November and December will not be a bad idea. Coming to Hanoi around this time, besides visiting famous tourist attractions, visitors can also enjoy many delicious specialties in the winter of Hanoi.

Instructions for transportation

Means of transportation to Hanoi

  • Flying is the most convenient way to reach Hanoi if you’re coming from a distance. Or you can take the train to save money as well as conveniently visit other tourist attractions on the way.
  • Another option is to travel by bus or motorbike if you live in the province close to Hanoi

Means of transportation in Hanoi

  • Motorbike: You can explore on your own by renting a motorbike. The price of motorbike rental here ranges from 100k – 300k/day depending on the type of vehicle
  • Taxi: This vehicle helps you to get anywhere you want safely and quickly.

List of Reliable Taxi Companies in Ha Noi

Thanh Nga Taxi : + 84 243 8215 215

ABC Taxi: + 84 243 719 1919

Thanh Cong Taxi: + 84 243 257 5757

Hanoi Group Taxi: + 84 243 826 2626

Hanoi Taxi + 84 243 853 5353

Noi Bai Taxi: +84 243 886 8888

Mai Linh Taxi: +84 24 38 333 333

  • Cyclo: Most tourists coming here choose cyclo to move to tourist attractions in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
  • Hop On Hop Off double-decker bus operates from 9am to 6pm daily, with a service frequency of every 30 minutes. There are 3 price tickets including: 300,000 VND (within 4 hours); 450,000 VND (within 24 hours) and 650,000 VND (within 48 hours). The ticketing point is at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square (near Hoan Kiem Lake).
  • Tram: You can also choose a tram to move to attractions to be able to fully explore Hanoi.

Recommended Best Tourist Attractions

Hanoi offers a wide range of tourist attractions, from cultural and historical sites to entertainment places.

Cultural and historical tourist sites

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the must-visit places when traveling to Hanoi. It is located on the historical Ba Dinh Square, where the former president Ho Chi Minh (also known as Uncle Ho) read the Declaration of Independence giving birth to the Vietnam nation.

The Mausoleum is open 5 days a week, on all Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. When visiting Uncle Ho, pay attention to dress appropriately (no shorts and tank tops) and behave properly (no loud talking and laughing).

In addition to the Mausoleum, you should visit Chua Mot Cot (One Pillar Pagoda) and Uncle Ho’s stilt house and the nearby fish pond.

The Temple of Literature

The temple of Literature is the first university in Vietnam and also a famous tourist destination in Hanoi that attracts many both domestic and international tourists.

Hanoi Old Quarter

It is considered as a unique feature of the capital with many houses and streets in the architectural appearance of the late 19th century. Moreover, Hanoi Old Quarter is also home to many famous and inexpensive delicious dishes.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake, considered as the heart of the capital, is associated with the historical legend of Vietnam (Le Loi King returned the sword to turtle god after beating the enemy).

This has become a popular destination for many people who want to enjoy the airy atmosphere and enjoy Trang Tien or Thuy Ta ice cream next to the lake.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Located on a small peninsula on the east side of West Lake, the pagoda is regarded as the oldest pagoda in Hanoi with its history line dating back to more than 1,500 years.

Tran Quoc Pagoda has recently entered the list of 16 most beautiful temples in the world voted by the Daily Mail. It is renowned as a place to preserve religious and historical values that attract many Buddhists and tourists to visit.

Hanoi St. Joseph’s Cathedral

The Cathedral may be found in Hanoi at 40 Nha Chung Street in the Hoan Kiem district. The work’s overall architectural style is European Gothic, but it also incorporates elements of native architecture, as evidenced by the roof’s terracotta tiles and its interior decorating in classic Vietnamese design. As a result, it is regarded as the unique product of East-West cultural interchange.

Dong Xuan Market

It has been a long-standing historical and cultural icon of the earliest Ha Thanh land (the old name of Hanoi). Once visiting the city, you should stroll around the market to take in the hustle and bustle atmosphere created by the merchandise stalls.

Don’t forget to savor the delicious foods with bold flavors of the old Hanoians.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

It is a historical site of the ancient Thang Long citadel which started from the pre-Thang Long period (7th century) and lasted through the Dinh – Tien Le dynasties. During the reign of Ly, Tran, Le, the ancient citadel was expanded, then it was renamed into Hanoi under the Nguyen dynasty.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is one of the most significant relics in Vietnam’s monument system since it is a massive architectural work that has endured across several dynasties. It therefore, has been recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage.

Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo prison is a tourist attraction bearing the impression of French architecture in the last decades of the 19th century, as well as carrying the cultural and historical significance of the Vietnamese nation.

Long Bien Bridge

Despite the ups and downs of history spanning more than 100 years, Long Bien Bridge has endured and become a meaningful symbol for the people of the capital.

Hanoi Opera House

Located in the center of Hanoi, the theater bears many historical imprints. Visitors can admire the magnificent architecture of the Hanoi Opera House outside or buy tickets to one of the regularly held shows to see the magnificent interior of the theater as well.

Beautiful Sightseeing Destinations

There are many beautiful places for sightseeing in Hanoi such as: Long Bien Bridge, Sword Lake, West Lake, Red River Rocks, Bach Thao Park, Thu Le Park, Long Bien Flower Steppe, West Lake flower valley,…

You can also view Hanoi from two observatories, the Landmark 72 observatory at the Kangnam skyscraper and the Lotte observatory at the 65th floor of the Lotte building.

Entertainment Destinations

  • Times City is one of the most famous destinations for entertainment. There are playgrounds for kids such as VinKE Children Educational Playground and the largest aquarium in the North of Vietnam.

Google Map Address

  • Royal City is also another attractive entertainment destination, where there are shopping areas and an indoor water park, a children’s play area and a large skating rink.

Google Map Address

  • Thien Duong Bao Son Park: Just 8km from the city center, the park offers an amusement park area, a conservation area to exploit cultural values, a food court, an area of 15 craft villages, a circus performance area…

Google Map Address

  • West Lake Water Park: Coming to West Lake water park, you can experience not only large, modern swimming pools but also attractive games such as: tennis, badminton, table tennis, billiards room, fishing lake, bumping cars, high-speed train…

Google Map Address

Entertainment Destinations at Night

Tourist Destinations Near The City Center

Besides famous tourist destinations in the city center, tourists can move to the suburban of Hanoi to visit some interesting places below:

Bat Trang Pottery Village

Bat Trang pottery village is located along the Red River in Gia Lam district, on the outskirts of Hanoi. The most interesting thing when visiting Bat Trang pottery village is to directly see the artisans making extremely delicate ceramic products. Especially, you will have a chance to mold your own favorite products.

Duong Lam Ancient Village

Duong Lam Ancient Village lies in Son Tay Town, more than 50 kilometers from the capital. Until now, Duong Lam ancient village is the only village in the country that still retains the ancient architecture and living habits of an ancient Vietnamese village 300 years ago. Additionally, many valuable historical sites can be found here as well.

Ba Vi National Park

About 60km from Hanoi, this place is a complex of areas for entertainment, discovery and resorts. Coming to Ba Vi National Park, you can visit some French remnants.

Here is also temples dedicated to Saint Tan Vien and President Ho Chi Minh. In addition, you can climb to the top of Vong Canh mountain for a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain forest.

Vietnam Ethnic Cultural Villages in Dong Mo

The Culture and Tourism Village of Vietnam’s Ethnic Minorities in Dong Mo – Ngai Son (Son Tay town), is a place to recreate the unique cultural values of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Van Phuc – Ha Dong Silk Village

Also known as Ha Dong silk village,this destination is more than 10 km from the center of Hanoi. Having existed for more than 1000 years, Van Phuc silk village has been regarded as one of the most beautiful and famous silk weaving villages in Vietnam.

Huong Pagoda

The Huong pagoda, which is situated in Huong Son commune, My Duc district, about 50 kilometers from the heart of Hanoi, draws a lot of tourists each year from January to March of the lunar calendar.

Co Loa Citadel

The Co Loa citadel is a unique tourist destination in the capital that is linked to Vietnamese legends, including those about An Duong Vuong who founded the country’s capital and built the citadel as well as those about the god Kim Quy and his crossbow.

What to eat in Hanoi? Cuisine in Hanoi

Hanoi Pho (Rice noodle soup with beef)

Pho is the first dish that you should enjoy when coming to Hanoi. As a typical dish famous throughout the country, the delicious taste of noodle soup, beef and broth will easily conquer anyone.

Some famous eateries:

Phở Lý Quốc Sư: Open on Google Map

  • Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 06.00am – 22.00pm
  • Average Price: 60.000VND – 3$

Phở Bát Đàn: Open on Google Map

  • Address: 49 Bat Dan Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 06.00am – 23.00pm
  • Average Price: 50.000VND – 750.000VND (2$ – 4$)

Phở Mạnh Cường: Open on Google Map

  • Address: 23 Hang Muoi Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 06.30am – 23.00pm
  • Average Price: 35.000VND – 60.000VND (1.5$ – 3$)

Phở Sướng: Open on Google Map

  • Address: 24 Trung Yen Land, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 05.30am – 21.30pm
  • Average Price: 55.000VND – 850.000VND (2.5$ – 4.5$)

Phở Thìn Lò Đúc: Open on Google Map

  • Address: 13 Lo Duc Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 06.00am – 21.00pm
  • Average Price: 65.000VND – 100.000VND (3$ – 6$)

Phở Bò Lâm: Open on Google Map

  • Address: 48A Hang Vai Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 07.00am – 22.00pm
  • Average Price: 55.000VND – 80.000VND (2.5$ – 4$)

Bun Cha (Rice noodle with grilled pork)

This dish consists of rice noodles, charcoal-grilled pork and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. As a dish that has been there for a very long time, Bun cha can be considered as one of the culinary delicacies of Hanoi.

Some famous eateries:

Bún chả Hàng Quạt: Open on Google Map

  • Address: 74 Hang Quat Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 1o.00am – 22.00pm
  • Average Price: 35.000VND – 60.000VND (1.6$ – 3$)

Bún chả Cửa Đông: Open on Google Map

  • Address: 41 Cua Dong Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 1o.30am – 21.30pm
  • Average Price: 55.000VND – 80.000VND (2.5$ – 4$)

Bún chả Đắc Kim: Open on Google Map

  • Address: 01 Hang Manh Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 08.30am – 21.30pm
  • Average Price: 55.000VND – 100.000VND (2.5$ – 5$)

Bún Chả Ta: Open on Google Map

  • Address: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 08.00am – 22.30pm
  • Average Price: 35.000VND – 70.000VND (2.5$ – 3.5$)

Bún chả Hàng Buồm: Open on Google Map

  • Address: 43 Hang Buom Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 07.00am – 14.00pm
  • Average Price: 35.000VND – 55.000VND (1.7$ – 2.5$)

Cha Ca La Vong (fried crispy turmeric-marinated fish with herbs)

Cha Ca La Vong is a famous specialty of Hanoi, present in almost everywhere from small eateries to high-class hotel restaurants. This dish is sweet, fleshy and fatty.

Some famous eateries:

Chả cá Thăng Long:

Chả cá Lã Vọng:

Chả cá Kinh Kỳ:

Bun Thang (Hanoi rice noodle soup with chicken, eggs and pork)

Shredded chicken, fried eggs, and shredded lean pork paste are the main components of bun thang. The broth is stewed from bones and shrimp. The pot of good broth must be clear, with a slight aroma, and the smell of shrimp paste.

Some famous eateries:

Bún thang Bà Đức

Bún thang Hàng Hành

Bún thang Lãn Ông

Bún Thang Bún Bung – Cầu Gỗ

Lan Lùn – Bún Thang & Phở Gà Ta

Banh Cuon (Steamed rice rolls)

The raw material for making banh cuon is delicious rice that is ground into a powder, then mixed with water and then coated on the cloth into a thin layer.

The filling is made from minced pork and wood ear mushrooms. When it is rolled up, the dish is sprinkled with shredded dried shrimp.

Some famous eateries:

Bánh cuốn cô Phượng

Bánh cuốn Quang An

Bánh cuốn Ruốc Tôm

Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền Thanh Vân

Bánh Cuốn Bà Hoành

Pho Cuon (Pho rolls)

An appealing snack in Hanoi is fresh Pho rolls, which consist of rice noodles sheets wrapped with beef and herbs inside, then dipped in fish sauce blended with the proper flavor.

Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches)

The French baguette has influenced banh mi, but it has been somewhat altered to suit Vietnamese tastes as well as give it its own distinctive element for banh mi in Hanoi.

  • Banh Mi 25 – 25 Hang Ca Str, Hoan Kiem Dist
  • Banh Mi Pho: 57 C Dinh Tien Hoang Street (In front of the Hoan Kiem Lake) + 61 E Hang Ma street + 64 Hang Bong Street
  • Bami Bread – Banh Mi Hoi An – 88B Tran Hung Dao Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
  • Pate Banh Mi at 11 Hang Ga Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
  • Banh Mi Lan Ong – 20 Cha Ca Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
  • Banh Mi Ba Dan – 34 Lo Su Str, Hoan Kiem Dít, Hanoi