Top Activities to Do in Hanoi – A Personal Guide from Travey Club
Hanoi is one of those cities that instantly pulls you in. The moment we arrived, it felt alive in a way that’s hard to explain — scooters buzzing past, the smell of street food drifting through narrow streets, and locals gathering on tiny plastic stools for their evening meals. It’s chaotic, beautiful, and incredibly authentic.
During our time exploring Vietnam’s capital, we discovered that Hanoi isn’t just about ticking off landmarks. It’s about wandering, tasting, and experiencing everyday life. Here are some of our favourite things to do in Hanoi that truly capture the spirit of the city.
Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake at Sunrise
If you want to see Hanoi in its most peaceful form, wake up early and head to Hoan Kiem Lake. The city feels completely different in the early morning. Locals practice tai chi, jog around the lake, and gather in small groups for exercise or conversation.
We loved grabbing a Vietnamese coffee and simply watching the morning unfold. In the middle of the lake sits Ngoc Son Temple, which you can reach via a bright red bridge — a beautiful little stop during your walk.
Get Lost in the Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is where Hanoi truly shows its character. Each street historically specialised in a specific trade — from silk to silver to bamboo — and even today you can see the remnants of those traditions.
What we enjoyed most was simply wandering without a plan. One moment you’re passing a quiet temple, the next you’re in the middle of a busy street filled with food vendors and motorbikes. It’s the kind of place where every corner feels like a new discovery.
Try Bun Cha Where the Locals Eat
Hanoi is a food lover’s dream, and bun cha quickly became one of our favourite meals. It’s a simple but incredibly satisfying dish: grilled pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a light dipping sauce.
You’ll find bun cha everywhere in Hanoi, often served at small family-run spots with low stools on the sidewalk. Sitting there, surrounded by locals enjoying lunch, is an experience that feels very Hanoi.
Visit the Temple of Literature
One of the most fascinating historical sites in the city is the Temple of Literature. Built over 1,000 years ago, it was Vietnam’s first national university and is dedicated to Confucius.
Walking through its peaceful courtyards felt like stepping away from the noise of the city. Ancient stone tablets, traditional architecture, and quiet gardens make it a beautiful place to slow down and appreciate Hanoi’s history.
Experience Hanoi Train Street
One of the most unusual places we visited was Train Street. Here, houses and cafés line an incredibly narrow railway track where trains pass just inches away from buildings.
When the train approaches, everyone quickly moves aside and watches as it slowly rolls through the street. It’s one of those moments that perfectly captures the quirky, unpredictable charm of Hanoi.
Watch a Traditional Water Puppet Show
Water puppetry is a unique Vietnamese art form that dates back centuries. The puppets perform on water while musicians play traditional instruments and narrate folk stories.
We weren’t sure what to expect at first, but it ended up being a surprisingly fun and cultural experience. It’s a great way to learn a bit about Vietnam’s traditions.
Enjoy Sunset at West Lake
When the hustle of the Old Quarter becomes a bit too much, West Lake offers a refreshing change of pace. It’s the largest lake in Hanoi and has a more relaxed, open atmosphere.
One of our favourite moments was watching the sunset near Tran Quoc Pagoda. The golden light reflecting off the water while locals walked along the lake made it feel like a completely different side of the city.
Drink Hanoi’s Famous Egg Coffee
Before visiting Hanoi, egg coffee sounded a little strange to us. But after trying it, we completely understood the hype.
It’s made with whipped egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk layered over strong Vietnamese coffee. The result is creamy, rich, and surprisingly delicious — almost like a coffee dessert.
Final Thoughts
Hanoi is a city that reveals itself slowly. The best moments often happen when you’re not following a strict plan — sitting at a street stall, wandering through the Old Quarter, or watching everyday life unfold around you.
For us at Travey Club, Hanoi wasn’t just another destination on the map. It was a place full of stories, flavours, and unforgettable experiences. If you give yourself time to explore beyond the guidebooks, you’ll quickly see why so many travellers fall in love with this vibrant city.
Travey Club is your personal travel planning partner, dedicated to crafting truly bespoke itineraries shaped around how you travel. We believe every journey is unique—no single template, and no purely AI-generated plan, can fit all travel needs. Rather than booking flights or hotels, we focus on thoughtful, human-led planning for our members, working alongside trusted travel agents who manage reservations. Our itineraries highlight key experiences, while Travey Club brings them together through personalized insight, expertise, and attention to detail—ensuring every trip feels intentional, seamless, and distinctly yours.
Look at our three days Hanoi Itinerary : Travey Club
