Top 8 best things you should try when visiting Hanoi

Hanoi is not only the magnificent capital of Vietnam with 36 ancient streets but also a famous tourist destination which attracts a large number of foreign visitors. Here are the 8  best things to do in Hanoi for you when visiting the thousand-year-old city.

Visit the historical One Pillar Pagoda

What to do in Hanoi Vietnam? One Pillar Pagoda or Mat Pagoda is another name of Dien Huu Tu or Lien Hoa Dai Pagoda which possesses a unique architecture with a square structure on a stone pillar. It is a special architectural point for the pagoda to become one of the most attractive tourist spots in Hanoi.

One Pillar Pagoda

The pagoda floating on the lake is thanks to a system of wooden bars forming a solid support structure, which looks like a lotus flower growing up from the lake. Dien Huu Pagoda began construction in October 1049 (lunar calendar) under King Ly Thai Tong. In 1105, Ly Nhan Tong king renovated and expanded the pagoda to become a large architectural complex for Linh Chieu Lake and added a gilded lotus on the top of the column. Inside the lotus building is a purple temple with the image of a bird god at the roof. There is a gilded statue of Buddha Avalokitesvara inside.

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake in the early morning

According to a well-known photographer, Hoan Kiem Lake in the early morning is the best thing to visit. You not only admire the gentle and stunning beauty of nature but also see the habit of Hanoi people which is to exercise regardless of winter or summer. Tourists can walk along the lake to enjoy the cool fresh air, rest on a bench to observe and even join with the crowd of doing Tai Chi or aerobic.

Hoan Kiem lake in the early morning

Eat in a street food stall

What to do in Hanoi Vietnam? Hanoi is famous for its street food vendors and stalls. Everyone coming to the capital is surprised by the variety of food offered here, from beef noodle soup to fried fermented pork, string cheese, sugar-cane juice, and even the famous dishes which have made the soul of Hanoi such as Thanh Tri stuffed pancake, noodles with grilled meat. Visiting Hanoi at any time of the year, visitors can choose for themselves the tasty food. You should find the seasonal food to feel the full taste of Hanoi cuisine on the food stalls.

Hanoi is well-known for street food vendors

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter is always the most attractive place in the capital. In spite of the chessboard design that the streets are parallel to each other, not everyone can find the way out of the "labyrinth". Strolling around the busy streets or visiting souvenir shops hidden in the alley will be an enjoyable experience for any visitor who comes here. If you are tired, look for a cafe shop located on the balcony of an ancient house to watch the bustling life below with a cup of coffee in Hanoi.

Travel around Hanoi Old Quarter by cyclo

Watch the sunset in West Lake

Not far from the city center, this is the largest lake in Hanoi. You can rent a water bike or take a boat trip around this place. The best time to visit West Lake is at sunset to admire the stunning scenery when the sun goes down. Next to the West Lake is the ancient village of Nghi Tam, where it still retains the aquariums - a pleasure of the old Hanoi people. Nghi Tam is also known as the flower village. Every spring, the village will be filled with colorful flowers. Nearby West Lake, there are also Ngu Xa village and Yen Phu village. All are the destinations that you should visit when traveling to Hanoi.

The picturesque sunset in West Lake

Go on foot on Long Bien Bridge

Not only crossing the Red River but Long Bien Bridge is also a historical witness of Hanoi which attracts many tourists to visit when coming to the capital. This bridge was built in 1898 with 3 lanes, in which the middle lane is for the train crossing. With the ancient and impressive appearance by architecture, Long Bien Bridge has appeared in many works of some foreign artists as well as some projects of young Vietnamese. Going to Hanoi, you should take a walk on the bridge in the early morning or late afternoon. That will be a fun and memorable experience.

Long Bien Bridge

Attend the ceremony of lowering the flag at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

If you cannot get up early to witness the raising flag ceremony, you should attend the lowering flag ceremony at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum at 9 pm daily. This is a sacred ritual that many domestic and foreign visitors wait. Activities at Ba Dinh Square are stopped when the loudspeaker begins announcing the preparations for the lowering flag ceremony. The national flag will be lowered by an army of 34 soldiers stepping from the right side of the mausoleum in the vigorous music. Many tourists visiting Hanoi have been surprised when witnessing many Hanoi people standing solemnly to watch the flag lowering slowly.

The lowering flag ceremony at Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum (youtube.com)

Take a walk in Hanoi at night

What to do in Hanoi Vietnam? In the daytime, Hanoi is a vibrant and busy city. However, Hanoi scenery at night is a quite different picture. The colorful streets of the souvenir shops in the daytime are replaced by the silence, the hustle and bustle of the city center also make way for the rare quietness. Tourists can follow the streets, go along the places that were previously busy to enjoy another space in Hanoi.

Hanoi is cover by the dark and silent at night

There are also many places to visit in Hanoi and the interesting things to do in Hanoi which are waiting for you to discover. To know more information about tours to Vietnam, via our website. Share this article if it is useful for you. Have a wonderful trip!