Ha Noi Thing To Do: 10 “Must-Try” Experiences to Live Like a Local
You have landed safely and found your way to the hotel. Now comes the big question: “Ha Noi Thing To Do?” (What is there to do in Hanoi?). Hanoi is not a city to be rushed. It is a place to sip, sense, and get lost in.
As travel enthusiasts who deeply understand local culture, Amadive brings you a list of the most refined experiences, helping you touch the heart of this thousand-year-old capital.
1. Get Lost in the Old Quarter
No list of Ha Noi Thing To Do is complete without the Old Quarter. It is a labyrinth of narrow alleys where the past and present intertwine.
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Activity: Put away the map and just walk. You will encounter ancient tube houses, street vendors, and vibrant bars all in one block.
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Highlights: Ma May Street, Hang Bac (Silver Street), Hang Gai (Silk Street).
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Amadive Tip: Try walking early in the morning (6:00 – 7:00 AM) to see a rare, peaceful Hanoi before the traffic floods the streets.
2. Taste the “Fab Four” of Hanoi Cuisine (Street Food Tour)
Hanoi is a street food paradise. Don’t rush into fancy restaurants; sit on the small plastic stools on the sidewalk to taste the authenticity.
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Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup): The national soul food. (Suggestion: Pho Ly Quoc Su or Pho Thin Lo Duc).
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Bun Cha: The dish that captivated former President Obama. (Suggestion: Bun Cha Huong Lien or Bun Cha Dac Kim).
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Banh Mi: A quick but flavor-packed meal. (Suggestion: Banh Mi 25).
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Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung): A strange but perfect combination of bitter coffee and creamy egg yolk. (Suggestion: Café Giang – the birthplace of this drink).
3. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
A solemn and emotional experience. This is the resting place of Vietnam’s beloved leader.
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Note: Dress modestly (no shorts or sleeveless shirts), maintain silence, and no photography inside the Mausoleum.
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Opening Hours: Mornings on weekdays (except Monday and Friday).
4. Explore the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu)
Vietnam’s first university, built in 1070. It is a symbol of the studious spirit and unique feudal architecture.
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Check-in: The Khue Van Cac pavilion and the stone turtle steles honoring doctors.
5. Stroll Around Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of the capital. On weekends (Friday to Sunday), the surrounding area becomes a Walking Street, free from vehicle exhaust and noise.
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Activity: Watch street art performances, play traditional folk games, and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the iconic red Huc Bridge.
6. Relive History at Hoa Lo Prison
Nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs, this place holds painful yet heroic memories of Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers. It is a visually and emotionally powerful destination.
7. Experience the Hanoi Train Street
Although restricted for safety reasons, the train street area (Phung Hung/Le Duan section) remains a unique destination.
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Amadive Safety Note: Strictly follow the instructions of locals and safety barriers. Never trade your safety for a photo.
8. Watch a Water Puppet Show
A unique folk art form found only in the wet rice civilization of Northern Vietnam. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (near Hoan Kiem Lake) is the most famous venue.
9. Immerse in Hanoi Nightlife at Ta Hien Street
When night falls, the Ta Hien – Luong Ngoc Quyen intersection becomes the “International Crossroad.”
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Activity: Drink “Bia Hoi” (fresh draft beer), eat fermented pork rolls, and chat with international friends in a bustling atmosphere.
10. Day Trips from Hanoi
If you have extra time, Hanoi is an excellent transit hub:
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Ha Long Bay: UNESCO World Natural Heritage (2.5 – 3 hours away).
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Ninh Binh: Known as “Ha Long Bay on land” (2 hours away).
From the Bustling Old Quarter to the Peaceful Ocean
After completing your Ha Noi Thing To Do list, do you feel the urge to escape the urban noise and find absolute tranquility?
Vietnam is not just about ancient streets; we possess some of the most beautiful coral reefs in Southeast Asia. From Hanoi, let Amadive design your next journey to Con Dao or Phu Quoc.
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Instead of honking horns, you will hear the rhythmic sound of your regulator bubbles.
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Instead of smog, you will immerse yourself in crystal-clear water.
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With Amadive, safety and premium experiences are always the top priority.
Hanoi is for cultural exploration; the Ocean is for healing the soul.