Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, carries within it a diverse cultural and historical beauty. From the old quarter to unique architectural structures, from rich cuisine to vibrant entertainment activities, Hanoi will surely be a memorable destination in your travel journey. If you are planning to visit Hanoi soon, make sure to take with you the travel experience from morning to night in Hanoi from the Viet Travel Blog to explore every corner here!

1. Ideal time to travel to Hanoi

Hanoi possesses its own beauty in every season. The weather in the capital is divided into four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Among them, two seasons are considered the most beautiful and ideal for travel, which are the flower season and autumn.

Flower season: Throughout the year, Hanoi is always filled with the colors of various flowers. You can enjoy this beauty at specific times such as: peach blossom season in January, Bauhinia flowers in February, milk flowers in March, lotus flowers in June, milk flowers in October, and chrysanthemum flowers in November. Each flower season brings a fascinating scene and is a great opportunity for you to explore and take photos in Hanoi.

Autumn: The characteristic of Hanoi’s autumn is the cool, crisp weather, along with gentle golden sunlight. The space becomes warm with the scent of flowers blooming abundantly. Autumn brings wonderful feelings to tourists as they immerse themselves in the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of the capital city.

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2. What to do in Hanoi?

Hoan Kiem Lake

Besides its beautiful nature and fresh air all year round, Hoan Kiem Lake also marks important and interesting historical stories of the capital. The highlight of the lake is its diverse and beautiful historical architectural complex, including Turtle Tower, The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, Pen Tower,… These unique landscapes will help you capture hundreds of beautiful photos when traveling to Hanoi. 

Old Quarter

When it comes to traveling to Hanoi, the Old Quarter with its 36 streets cannot be missed. These streets feature the distinctive architecture of the French in the 19th century. This is where many historical changes have taken place, becoming the soul and unique characteristic of Hanoi. The Old Quarter also attracts tourists with many interesting experiences such as riding cyclos or taking a bus through each street,…

Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market dates back to the 19th century and is still the largest wholesale market in the North. In addition to serving large-scale trading of goods, the market also sells retail items to tourists such as fashion, accessories, household items…

Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House was built by the French, inspired by the Opera Garnier in Paris, with the aim of turning it into a cultural and artistic center of the time. Today, it is an important venue for events and key activities in the capital.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi features Gothic architecture, combining European and Vietnamese interior design. It is one of the most beautiful and iconic Catholic churches in the country. Visitors can take beautiful photos in front of the cathedral or attend scheduled church services inside.

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Ba Dinh Square – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a prominent tourist spot in Hanoi, is an important historical relic of the capital city. It houses the remains of President Ho Chi Minh, the great leader of the Vietnamese nation. Ba Dinh Square in front of the mausoleum is where Uncle Ho read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the nation of Vietnam. You can pay respects to Uncle Ho, explore the grounds, or participate in the flag-raising and lowering ceremony at the Square at 6 am and 9 pm daily.

One Pillar Pagoda

The One Pillar Pagoda has a unique architecture with a small worship hall built on a stone pillar in the middle of a lotus pond. Inside the worship hall is the place to worship Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Here, you can stroll around the temple area to learn about the culture, relax, and enjoy the scenery. 

Hoàng thành Thăng Long

Hoàng thành Thăng Long is a famous tourist spot in Hanoi with a history of over 1300 years. Recognized as a world cultural heritage, this place contains many unique relics and architectural structures that are evidence of the nation’s past. 

Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam

The Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, a long-standing cultural and educational symbol of Hanoi, is where the essence of Vietnamese Confucian culture is preserved and showcased. People and students often come here to “ask for words,” burn incense during festivals and before important exams to pray for smoothness and success. 

West Lake

West Lake is a must-visit destination when traveling to Hanoi. Here, you will discover the distinctive cultural features of the capital, including ancient villages and traditional crafts such as flower cultivation, paper making, etc. After a leisurely stroll, enjoying duck peddling on the lake, admiring the peaceful sunset is also wonderful.

Hỏa Lò Prison

Hỏa Lò Prison is a historical symbol representing the fierce war years of Vietnam. Here, you will witness the prison areas, torture chambers, and weapons used to torture prisoners during the French colonial period. These vivid pieces of evidence help you understand more about history, feel the revolutionary hero stories, and the strong love for the country in your heart.

Long Bien Bridge

Long Bien Bridge, a famous historical landmark of Hanoi, attracts many tourists from both inside and outside the country to admire and check-in. Connecting both sides of the Red River, Long Bien Bridge preserves the marks and witnesses the changes of the capital. Walking across, enjoying the peaceful Red River, and watching trains pass by on the bridge will surely delight you. 

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Phung Hung Mural Street

Phung Hung Mural Street always attracts attention with its vibrant mural paintings. These artistic works are created by Vietnamese and Korean artists, spread across 17 bridge spans, showcasing the essence of the historical capital. The scenery and daily life of the people are encapsulated in these artworks, creating a virtual living space that draws in many young people for selfies.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on the eastern side of West Lake, with a history of nearly 1500 years and is the oldest pagoda in Thang Long – Hanoi. During the Ly and Tran dynasties, Tran Quoc Pagoda was the center of Buddhism in the capital. To this day, the pagoda still houses ancient statues that are hundreds of years old.

Ham Long Church

Ham Long Church is not only a place of worship for the faithful but also an attractive tourist spot in Hanoi. This church belongs to the Roman Catholic Church, under the Archdiocese of Hanoi. With its unique Western architecture, this building was designed by the Vietnamese architect Doctor Thân.

Hanoi Moi Newspaper Editorial Office

The Hanoi Moi newspaper editorial office was built in 1893 in the prevailing French colonial architectural style in Indochina. It is an important highlight, beautifying the pedestrian street of Trang Tien and the Hoan Kiem Lake area. Many young people come here for photo opportunities.

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3. Suggested Hanoi Travel Itinerary from Morning to Night

Morning

• 6:00 AM: Start a new day in Hanoi with a bowl of bun cha or bun rieu cua at the area around Hoan Kiem Lake. These two famous Hanoi dishes are delicious and satisfying, sure to please you. After eating, you can take a walk, enjoy coffee or iced tea around the Old Quarter to experience the atmosphere and lifestyle of Hanoians.
• 8:00 AM: Visit Ta Hien Street for photos – During the day, Ta Hien is full of nostalgia, tranquility, and antiquity like many other streets in Hanoi’s 36 streets.
• 9:00 AM: Continue your Hanoi travel journey by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum for check-in. You should dress politely and park your vehicle before entering the Mausoleum. Note that the Mausoleum is usually closed on Mondays and Fridays. If you visit during this time, you can visit the One Pillar Pagoda (located right behind the Mausoleum) and take souvenir photos there.
• 10:00 AM: After checking in at the Mausoleum, continue your exploration of Hanoi by visiting the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, located near the Mausoleum about 1km away. Next, you can visit the oldest and most famous temple in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda, 2.5km from the Mausoleum.
• 11:00 AM: After visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda, you can visit West Lake to admire the peaceful water scenery and enjoy the fresh natural environment. At West Lake, there are many beautiful scenes for you to freely take photos and capture memorable moments.

Noon

• 12:00 PM: After getting tired from checking in, you can go to Quan Dien Column on Chua Lang Street to enjoy delicious pan-fried bread. If you’re still not satisfied, you can enjoy rich and cool avocado ice cream at Ly Tieu Long shop nearby to cool off from the summer sun.

Afternoon

• 1:00 PM: Continue your Hanoi exploration in the early afternoon by visiting Ham Long Parish Church on Phan Chu Trinh Street. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn and discover many beautiful aspects of Catholic culture.
• 2:00 PM: After that, you will visit the mural street Phung Hung – a place that recreates the memories of old Hanoi
• 2:30 PM: Right next to the mural street is Dong Xuan Market, where you can visit and shop.
• 3:00 PM: After that, you move to Long Bien Bridge to check in and enjoy the breeze.
• 3:30 PM: After visiting Long Bien Bridge, continue your journey by visiting Hanoi Train Station, where you will have super “instagrammable” photos.
• 4:00 PM: Return to Hoan Kiem Lake for a leisurely walk, cool breeze, and enjoy many delicious Hanoi street foods. Then, you can visit Ngoc Son Temple and admire the “Turtle God”. Don’t forget to check in at the New Hanoi Newspaper Office, a place loved by many young people.
• 5:30 PM: As the sun sets, quickly move to the big church to visit and enjoy lemon tea here.

Evening

• 6:00 PM: After chatting over lemon tea, enjoy dinner with a bowl of Nguyet chicken pho at Phu Doan Street (the street is near the church).

• 7:00 PM: If you travel to Hanoi on the weekend, visit Hang Dao Night Market to buy souvenirs, cosmetics, clothes at “student-friendly” prices. After shopping, you can go to Ta Hien Street for beer or visit a bar or pub to hang out. If you travel to Hanoi on weekdays and don’t like crowded places, you can visit Long Bien Bridge or the Opera House to enjoy lemon tea.

• 11:00 PM: To end your Hanoi travel journey, you can visit Quang Ba Flower Market – a market that only opens at night and sells only one item, flowers. Here, you will be fascinated by the various types and colors of flowers.

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4. Delicious Foods Not to Miss in Hanoi

Pho Hanoi

A famous and iconic dish of Hanoi. Pho consists of soft and smooth pho noodles, chicken or beef, soaked in fragrant broth. Served with raw vegetables, lime, and pepper, Hanoi pho is a must-have dish on every traveler’s menu.

Chả cá Lã Vọng

Chả cá Lã Vọng, one of the must-try dishes when traveling to Hanoi. This dish delicately combines the characteristic spices of Vietnam such as turmeric, dill, shrimp paste, and fish sauce to create a perfect harmony. The delicious and unique flavor of chả cá cannot be found anywhere else. It is often eaten with vermicelli, grilled rice paper, roasted peanuts, along with fresh herbs and spices to create a rich, sweet, and savory taste.

Bún chả Hà Nội

Bún chả is a signature dish of Hanoi. This dish consists of grilled pork and fried spring rolls, served with soft rice vermicelli and fresh herbs. The sweet and sour fish sauce with garlic and chili creates a unique and enticing flavor. Bún chả Hà Nội has become a famous dish and a representative brand of the culinary culture of the capital city. 

Bún đậu mắm tôm

If you ask about a famous dish closely associated with Hanoi, you cannot miss out on “bún đậu mắm tôm”. Despite being made from simple and rustic ingredients, when combined, this dish has an irresistible charm. The sweet flavor of shrimp paste blends with soft vermicelli noodles, accompanied by boiled meat, fried fermented shrimp paste rolls, sour fermented pork rolls, pork intestines, and pig’s ears, making the dish more diverse and interesting.

Bún thang

Bún thang is an exquisite dish that showcases the meticulous and delicate nature of the people of Hanoi. The dish combines a full range of colors, flavors, and presentation. The yellow of shredded fried eggs, the white of pork sausage, the green of shredded onions, and the brown of mushrooms all come together harmoniously, creating a delicious dish.

Trang Tien Ice Cream

Traveling to Hanoi without trying Trang Tien ice cream would be a big miss. This small ice cream, with its rich milky flavor, has been a long-standing favorite among Hanoians. As time goes by, Trang Tien ice cream still retains its delicious taste and the affection of its customers. Among many flavors, the snail-shaped ice cream is the most famous, priced at 12,000 VND.

Shrimp cake at West Lake

Shrimp cake at West Lake, a popular dish, has been deeply ingrained in the consciousness of many generations of Hanoians. Every afternoon, enjoying the crispy cake with sweet and soft shrimp filling will surely create unforgettable memories.

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Hanoi Dried Beef Salad

Hanoi Dried Beef Salad is a popular snack loved by many generations of students. This snack can be found on street food carts and in upscale restaurants, each place offering its own unique flavor. Various parts of beef, from tendons to dried meat, are mixed with papaya, carrots, and a mouth-watering broth, creating a delicious dish that stimulates the taste buds.

Bún riêu

Bún riêu, a dish suitable for all weather, whether it’s hot summer days or cold winter days. A bowl of bún riêu with crab is always a delight for food connoisseurs. The rich flavor of field crab combined with the tanginess of tomatoes and the saltiness of shrimp paste makes anyone who tastes this dish unforgettable.

Banh cuon

Banh cuon in Hanoi has a pure appearance and a soft taste. The thin layer of banh cuon is rolled with pork, wood ear mushrooms, enjoyed with a dipping sauce of sweet and sour fish sauce, crispy fried shallots, and fragrant raw herbs. This is a light and delicious dish, often chosen by tourists to enjoy in the morning.

5. Where to stay in Hanoi?

Hanoi is a diverse city with many different areas to stay. You can choose from luxury hotels, guesthouses, homestays, to hostels – depending on your budget and preferences. Here are some popular accommodation options in Hanoi:

• Hotels: Hanoi has many hotels from 5-star to 2-star serving tourists with professional services and high-end facilities. Areas like around Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and Ba Dinh District usually have many high-end hotels.
• Guesthouses and homestays: For those who want to experience a family atmosphere, guesthouses and homestays are a popular choice. Most areas in the city have easily accessible guesthouses and homestays.
• Hostels: For budget-conscious travelers, hostels offer affordable prices and are suitable for young groups of friends or travelers looking to meet and connect with other tourists.
• Airbnb: Airbnb is also a popular choice in Hanoi, allowing travelers to rent apartments, condos, or private rooms from local residents.

Regardless of where you choose to stay, travelers should consider the convenient location, ensuring easy access to attractions and restaurants. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure suitable accommodation for your needs.

Hope that the detailed A-Z experiences above have provided you with valuable suggestions for a complete and meaningful trip to Hanoi. Start your itinerary and enjoy the interesting things that this thousand-year-old capital has to offer. Surely, the memorable experiences in Hanoi will leave a lasting mark in your heart. Wishing you a complete and memorable trip to this beautiful city!

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