Hanoi is a city where ancient traditions and modern life exist side by side. With over a thousand years of history, tree-lined boulevards, vibrant street life and some of the best food in South-East Asia, Hanoi offers visitors a rich and memorable travel experience.

I've written about Hanoi before here and in an earlier piece, but there's always more to reveal about this enchanting city. Hanoi is known for its distinct character when compared to the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. It feels more traditional, slower paced in some areas and deeply connected to Vietnamese culture. 

The city is built around lakes, most notably Hoan Kiem Lake, which serves as the social and symbolic heart of Hanoi. Early mornings are calm and poetic, with locals practicing tai chi, while evenings are lively with street food vendors and bustling cafés.

Getting around

Hanoi is compact, and many attractions are within walking distance, particularly in the Old Quarter. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are affordable and convenient. Motorbike taxis are also common, though they can be intimidating for first-time visitors. Cyclos (three-wheeled bicycle taxis) are slower but offer a more relaxed way to explore central areas. Traffic can be chaotic so crossing the street requires patience and confidence—walk steadily and let vehicles flow around you.

Located at the northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake is Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, a popular gathering spot with a fountain in the centre. It is frequented heavily on weekends, when it is closed to traffic at night. Visitors come here to people-watch, eat, drink and explore the Hanoi Night Market. 

Top Attractions

There are any number of sights depending on your interests, but those most frequently mentioned include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam's founding leader, revolutionary and first president. Nearby is the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique Buddhist structure. The Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, is a peaceful and culturally significant site. Then there is Ngoc Son Temple, St Joseph's Cathedral and Tran Quoc Pagoda, as well as numerous museums. Visitors should be dressed modestly when entering temples and government buildings.

For a classic experience, attend a water puppet show (featured in one of my earlier posts mentioned above), a traditional art form unique to northern Vietnam.

An unusual attraction is Hanoi Train Street, a narrow railway alley located in Hanoi's Old Quarter where several times a day a train passes extremely close to the buildings on both sides of the street (see title picture). As the train approaches, both locals and visitors scurry back from the track until the train has passed. The railway, which was built by the French in 1902, runs from Long Bien Station to Hanoi Central Station, passing through residential areas on Phung Hung, Dien Bien Phu, Kham Thien and Le Duan streets. (Note for those travelling more widely around Asia: you can find a similar experience in Thailand – the Maeklong Railway train – which runs through a market and is arguably even more spectacular. However, you have to travel 80 kilometres out of Bangkok to see it, whereas the Hanoi train has the advantage of being right there in the city.) 

Hanoi is famous for its cuisine, and eating local food is one of the highlights of any visit. Signature dishes include pho (noodle soup, pictured above) – a meal in itself, bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), banh mi, and egg coffee, made by whisking egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk, then pouring it over a hot coffee shot. This Hanoi staple originated in the city in the 1940s.

Street food is generally safe if you choose busy stalls with high turnover. Dining is affordable, and even simple meals can be exceptional. Exploring food markets and sidewalk eateries is highly recommended. 

Shopping and Souvenirs

Popular souvenirs include silk products, lacquerware, ceramics and handmade crafts. Night markets in the Old Quarter are lively and fun for browsing. Bargaining is common in markets but should be done politely and with good humour. Modern shopping malls are also available for fixed-price shopping and air-conditioned comfort. 

Hanoi is a city of contrasts: old and new, calm and chaotic, traditional and contemporary. Its cultural depth, welcoming locals and unforgettable food make it a rewarding destination for travellers seeking an authentic Vietnamese experience.

More information:

11 must-see attractions in Ha Noi | Vietnam Tourism

Title picture: Ryan Le/Unsplash

Other photos © Judy Barford