Curator’s statement
I am lucky to call Hanoi home for the first 8 years of my life. I can say that there's nothing quite like this enigmatic city in the entire world. Hanoi’s streets pulse with life — a charming chaos of motorbikes, street vendors and colorful lanterns. The street food scene is unmatched, with steaming pho, crispy banh mi and the unique egg coffee. Wander through ancient temples, sip tea by Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the Imperial Citadel to feel the city's rich history. The warm-hearted locals, always ready with a smile, make Hanoi feel like home.
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Things to do in Hanoi
Explore the Old Quarter: Wander through the maze of narrow streets and alleyways, each named after the goods historically sold there. Go early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds and see the locals going about their daily routines.
Visit Hoan Kiem Lake: A serene escape in the heart of the city, Hoan Kiem Lake is perfect for a leisurely walk. Don’t miss the iconic Turtle Tower and the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Visit the final resting place of Vietnam’s revered leader, Ho Chi Minh. The mausoleum is a place of great national significance, and the changing of the guard ceremony is a solemn experience. Visit early in the day to avoid long lines and remember to dress modestly.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial history. Explore ancient relics, archaeological findings, and historic structures.
Train Street: Experience the unique sight of a train passing through a narrow residential street. Enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafés while you wait for the train to pass just inches away from you. You’ll need to reach out to the coffeeshop owners via Whatsapp for them to escort you to their shop. Reach out to me for the number!
Water Puppet Show: This traditional Vietnamese art form is a must-see. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre offers regular performances depicting local legends and historical tales.
Night Market: Held on weekends in the Old Quarter, the night market is bustling with vendors selling everything from clothes to street food. It’s a lively place to experience Hanoi’s nightlife and shop for bargains. Bargain politely with the vendors; it’s part of the experience, and they often expect it.
Visit the Hanoi Opera House: A stunning example of French colonial architecture. The Hanoi Opera House hosts a variety of performances, including opera, ballet and classical music concerts.
Places to eat & drink in Hanoi
Top coffee shops in Hanoi
Cafe Giang - Known as the birthplace of egg coffee, Cafe Giang is a must-visit for anyone looking to try this unique and delicious Hanoi specialty. The cozy atmosphere and historic charm add to its appeal.
The Note Coffee - Located near Hoan Kiem Lake, The Note Coffee is famous for its walls covered in colorful sticky notes with messages from visitors around the world. It's a great spot to relax, enjoy a coffee, and leave your own note.
Cong Caphe - With its retro decor inspired by the Vietnam War era, Cong Caphe offers a unique atmosphere and a variety of creative coffee drinks. The coconut coffee is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Loading T Cafe - Housed in a charming French colonial building, Loading T Cafe offers a blend of old-world charm and modern coffee culture. The cinnamon-infused coffee is a highlight here.
Top street foods to eat in Hanoi and where to get them:
Pho - This iconic Vietnamese noodle soup, typically made with beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga), is a must-try. The rich, aromatic broth is simmered for hours and served with fresh herbs, lime, and chili.
Where to get it:
Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan (49 Bat Dan Street): Renowned for its flavorful broth and tender beef.
Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc Street): Famous for its unique stir-fried beef pho.
Banh Mi - A Vietnamese sandwich made with a crispy baguette filled with various ingredients such as pate, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Where to get it:
Banh Mi 25 (25 Hang Ca Street): A popular spot for a wide variety of banh mi options.
Banh Mi Pho Hue (118A Hue Street): Known for its flavorful fillings and fresh bread.
Bun Cha - A dish of grilled pork patties and slices served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. It’s a delightful combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
Where to Get It:
Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu Street): Made famous by Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama.
Bun Cha Dac Kim (1 Hang Manh Street): Known for its generous portions and rich flavor.
Cha Ca - A Hanoi specialty of turmeric-marinated fish, grilled and served with dill, peanuts, and noodles. It's a unique and flavorful dish that's cooked right at your table.
Where to get it:
Cha Ca La Vong (14 Cha Ca Street): The original and most famous place for cha ca.
Cha Ca Thang Long (19 Duong Thanh Street): Another highly regarded spot for this dish.
Xoi - Sticky rice topped with a variety of ingredients such as fried shallots, pate, Chinese sausage, and shredded chicken. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal or snack.
Where to get it:
Xoi Yen (35B Nguyen Huu Huan Street): Popular for its diverse toppings and delicious flavors.
Xoi May (96 Le Duan Street): Known for its flavorful combinations and generous portions.
Banh Cuon - Steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms, topped with fried shallots and served with a dipping sauce. It’s a light yet flavorful dish.
Where to get it:
Banh Cuon Ba Hanh (26B Tho Xuong Alley, near St. Joseph’s Cathedral): Renowned for its delicate and flavorful banh cuon.
Banh Cuon Gia Truyen Thanh Van (12-14 Hang Ga Street): A well-known spot for this traditional dish.
Travel Advisor
Cam Le
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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Vietnam. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Adventures in Honduras: Your Travel Guide to Roatán.