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Things to Do in Hanoi

Things to Do in Hanoi

Hanoi Vietnam Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

While Hanoi is a metropolitan center, opportunities for outdoor adventure exist both within the city and as popular day trips. Embrace the natural beauty of the region.

Hiking & Trekking Routes

Ba Vi National Park

Approx. 1.5-2 hours from Hanoi. Various trails from easy walks to challenging climbs (Ba Vi peak).

Tam Dao National Park

Approx. 2 hours from Hanoi. Hill station with hiking through lush forests and scenic landscapes. Moderate to challenging trails.

Note on City Hiking

Direct hiking/trekking routes are not within Hanoi city limits. National parks nearby options.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Within Hanoi: Kayaking/SUP on West Lake (rental shops).
  • Boat rides on Hoan Kiem Lake: Pedal boats and rowboats for rent.
  • Outside Hanoi: More extensive water sports (snorkeling, diving, robust kayaking) common in The Bay of descending dragons and Vietnam's Jungle Island.
  • Adventure Sports: Cliff scaling, caving, intense trekking typically outside Hanoi (Ninh Binh, A Bay with thousands of limestone cliffs).

Cycling Around West Lake

  • A popular 17km loop.
  • Mostly flat cycling.
  • Scenic views.
  • Pleasant activity.

Cycling the Old Quarter

  • Requires be careful because of traffic.
  • Immersive experience.
  • Glimpse of the city life.
  • Good for short rides.

Countryside Cycling

  • Routes into surrounding countryside.
  • Glimpse of rural life.
  • Rice fields views.
  • Peaceful escape.

Outdoor Activity Alert

Wildlife viewing is not considered an activity within Hanoi's city limits. For wildlife experiences, visit national parks or nature reserves located a few hours drive from the city. Hanoi itself does not such opportunities.

Cultural Immersion

Hanoi deep cultural immersion experiences. Engage with local traditions through workshops, performances, and local projects. These things to do genuine insights into Vietnamese heritage.

Workshops & Classes

  • Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare pho and spring rolls. Market visit included.
  • Lantern Making: Craft traditional Vietnamese lanterns in the Old Quarter.
  • Calligraphy/Painting Classes: Explore traditional Vietnamese art forms.
  • Vietnamese Courses In a language: Short introductory courses for basic phrases.

Cultural Performances & Ceremonies

Water Puppet Show

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Unique art form with music, storytelling, and puppetry on water.

Traditional Music

Performances at temples or cultural centers (Old Quarter Culture Exchange Center).

A O Show

Hanoi Performance Hall. Blends traditional Vietnamese art with up-to-date circus elements.

Community-Based Tourism

Initiatives often part of homestay experiences in rural areas (A Peaceful valley retreat, Sapa). Programs supporting local communities and preserving traditions.

Language Learning

Short-term courses at language schools or private tutors. Locals appreciate simple attempts to speak their language.

Cultural Festivals & Events

Time your visit for Tet Lunar New Year (late Jan/early Feb) or Mid-Autumn Festival (Sep/Oct). Check local listings.

Relaxation & Wellness

Hanoi numerous options for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst its bustling energy. Indulge in traditional treatments or find peaceful retreats.

Spa & Wellness Center Recommendations

  • High-end: The Spa at Sofitel Legend Metropole, Akoya Spa (InterContinental Westlake).
  • Mid-range: La Siesta Spa, SF Spa, Omamori Spa (social enterprise).
  • Budget: Local massage parlors in Old Quarter for affordable traditional Vietnamese massages.
  • Hot Springs: Not in Hanoi. Kim Boi Hot Springs (Hoa Binh province) few hours away.

Yoga, Meditation & Healing Practices

Yoga & Meditation

Several yoga one-room apartments in Hanoi (Tay Ho district). Full retreats usually outside the city.

Traditional Healing

Traditional Vietnamese Medicine clinics acupuncture, herbal remedies, and traditional massage techniques.

Beach & Pool Clubs

No beaches in Hanoi. Many luxury hotels have excellent swimming pools. Some accessible to non-guests for a day fee.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

Enjoy a range of musical styles in Hanoi.

Theater & Performance Spaces

Classic and contemporary stage arts.

Nightclubs & Dancing

For those seeking to dance and socialize.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Experience the city's energy after dark.

Live Music & Theater

  • Jazz Clubs: Minh's Jazz Club, Binh Minh Jazz Club.
  • Other Venues: Hanoi Social Club (acoustic/indie), Standing Bar (craft beer/live music).
  • Hanoi Opera Theater: Operas, ballets, classical concerts.
  • Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: Daily traditional water puppet shows.

Clubs & Bar Districts

Nightclubs

1900 Le Theatre, Hero Club, Savage (electronic music) are popular for dancing.

Bar Districts

Old Quarter (Ta Hien Street, Ma May Street) main bar districts. Pub crawls available.

Late-Night Options

Street food stalls often open late. Some coffee shops and bars operate until late.

Traditional Markets & Bazaars

  • Dong Xuan Market: Largest indoor market.
  • Night Market (Fri-Sun evenings): Clothes, souvenirs, street food.
  • Hanoi Weekend Market (Sat-Sun): Goods and food.
  • Quang Ba Flower Market: Best to go early morning (2-6 AM).

Artisan Workshops & Crafts

  • Hang Gai Street (Silk Street): Silk products.
  • Hang Bac Street (Silver Street): Jewelry.
  • Bat Trang Ceramic Village (day trip): Traditional pottery.
  • Hang Quat Street (Fan Street): Traditional worshipping items, calligraphy.

Souvenir Recommendations

  • Silk products, Lacquerware.
  • Handicrafts, Traditional paintings.
  • Vietnamese coffee and filters.
  • Propaganda art, Ceramics.

Shopping Information

Luxury & Boutique
  • Trang Tien Plaza: Premier luxury shopping mall.
  • Boutique Shops: French Quarter and Hang Gai Street for local designers.
  • Shipping: Post offices or international courier services available.
Ethical Shopping & Customs
  • Support local artisans directly.
  • Avoid purchasing items from endangered species.
  • Bargain respectfully at markets.

Shopping Smart

When shopping, consider buying directly from artisans. This supports local communities and contributes to saving traditional crafts.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor & Wellness

  • Hiking in national parks near Hanoi (Ba Vi, Tam Dao).
  • Kayaking/SUP on West Lake, boat trips on Hoan Kiem Lake.
  • Spa and wellness treatments for relaxation.
  • Cycling around West Lake or in the Old Quarter.

Cultural & Entertainment

  • Take classes on how to cook to learn Vietnamese cuisine.
  • Experience Water Puppet Shows or traditional music performances.
  • Explore nightlife at Bia Hoi Junction or local clubs.
  • Shop for souvenirs and local crafts at Dong Xuan Marketplace or Hang Gai Street.