Hanoi is well-known as one of the most beautiful places for visitors when setting foot in Vietnam. It is the ancient capital of Vietnam, boasting a wealth of historical monuments and manifests itself in Hanoian cultures and cuisine.
You may wonder when is the best time to plan a comprehensive Hanoi itinerary. We recommend you visit Hanoi in Autime (between September and November) or Spring (between March and April). During these periods, the weather is favorable and pleasant for a trip to Hanoi.
This article will guide you through places to visit, must-try local dishes, and recommendations for places to stay during your Hanoi travel.
What Places To Visit In Hanoi?
Hanoi Old Quarter at A Glance
The Old Quarter represents the soul of the “real” Hanoi with small brick houses, meandering streets, and local foods. These things make it unique compared to any other place in Hanoi.
Experiencing the ups and downs of history and the change of the time, the 36 streets almost remain intact in the characteristics of their original architecture. That is why people love savoring the beautiful moments in every corner of the streets from the rhythms of the locals. This is also a fantastic place for travelers to enjoy the most flavorful dishes like Bun Dau Mam Tom, Pho, or Bun Cha.
Therefore, there is no doubt that Hanoi’s Old Quarter is always a must-visit place for visitors on their Hanoi trips.
>> Read more: Best Time To Visit Hanoi – The Capital of Viet Nam
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Another place to visit in Hanoi that should be included in the Hanoi travel list is the Ho Minh Mausoleum. This is the final resting place of the great leader of Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh. Therefore, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the most important historical sites in Hanoi.
When going to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, visitors can see the body of the iconic President protected in a glass case at the center of the Mausoleum.
The Mausoleum is designed with many marble columns and divided into five parts. The architecture of the Mausoleum embodies a typical Vietnamese house in the countryside to relive the place where Uncle Ho was born and raised for years.
Ho Chi Minh Museum has an exhibition area that displays artworks and historical documents representing Vietnam’s historical events and the life of President Ho Chi Minh for decades.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is located within Hanoi’s Old Quarter and is famous for the Turtle God Sword Legend. This is a favorite place for locals and visitors to exercise, walk around the lake, and join many Vietnam traditional folk games.
When wandering around Hoan Kiem Lake, you’ll undoubtedly be attracted by The Huc Bridge (the cultural symbol of Hanoi) and Ngoc Son Temple sitting alone on a small island right in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake. In addition, it will be a big miss if you do not try Trang Tien ice cream. This Hanoian specialty will no doubt satisfy your cravings.
So, there is no reason not to add Hoan Kiem Lake to one of the must-visit places in your Hanoi itinerary the next time.
Ta Hien Street (Beer Street)
If you’re excited to explore the lively nightlife in Hanoi, Ta Hien is the most vibrant spot that couldn’t be better to enjoy and learn more about Vietnamese youth culture in the north.
Ta Hien, the spirit of beer street in Hanoi, lies on a small corner in the Old Quarter. In your Hanoi itinerary, this beer street will be a perfect place for you to come over. Ta Hien is full of pubs, bars, local vendors, and restaurants. People usually love sitting outside on plastic chairs, grabbing beer, and enjoying the unique atmosphere here.
What To Eat During Your Hanoi Travel
In addition to the most beautiful and historical sights or attractions in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam also boasts many regional dishes you must try on your Hanoi trip. Let’s dive into culinary experiences in Hanoi to enjoy the best local feasts!
Pho Bo
You’ll love Pho Bo at first sight right when you taste its soup. Beef noodle soup is cooked with simple ingredients such as beef, onions, rice noodles, and a little green onion. Keep in mind that Pho Bo will become even better if you put some black pepper, pickled garlic, and chili sauce into it.
Here are some of the most famous places that you can refer to and enjoy Pho Hanoi:
Where to eat Pho Bo in Hanoi
- Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su
Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: from 60,000 VND
- Pho Thin
Address: 13 Lo Duc, Pham Dinh Ho, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
Price: from 65,000 VND
- Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan (Pho Bat Dan)
Address: 49 Bat Dan, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: from 50,000 VND
Banh Cuon
When it comes to Hanoi travel, Banh Cuon must be one of the first names of local dishes that tourists should try once. Like Xoi Xeo, Banh Cuon is a great option for your breakfast to fill you up for a new day.
Banh Cuon is thin sheets of steamed rice filled with chopped wood ears and ground pork. This dish is covered with fried shallots with a special dipping sauce.
It seems that Banh Cuon is a simple dish to make. In fact, It requires skill and meticulousness to make thin steamed rice.
Where to eat Banh Cuon in Hanoi
- Banh Cuon Gia An:
Address: 25 Thai Phien street, Le Dai Hanh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
Price: from 60,000 VND
- Banh Cuon Ba Hanh:
Address: 16B Tho Xuong street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: 25,000 – 40,000 VND
- Banh Cuon Ba Xuan
Address: 16 Doc Hoe Nhai, Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Price: 18,000 – 40,000 VND
- Banh Cuon Thuy Khue
Address: 29 Thuy Khue street, Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Price: 15,000 – 35,000 VND
Bun Cha
One of the unique Vietnamese specialties is Bun Cha Hanoi. Many tourists vote Bun Cha as their favorite dish when they come to Hanoi.
It is usually served with rice noodles, herbs, and, more importantly, broth with grilled pork. The thing that makes this dish unique is the pork and broth.
You can easily find Bun Cha in many places in Vietnam. However, Hanoi is the first place where it was created. For that reason, many visitors are excited to try the original flavor of this dish in Hanoi.
Where to eat Bun Cha in Hanoi
- Bun Cha Hang Quat
Address: 74 Hang Quat street, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: 25,000 – 40,000 VND
- Bun Cha Chan – Mai Hac De
Address: 114 Mai Hac De street, Le Dai Hanh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
Price: 40,000 – 50,000 VND
- Bun Cha Sinh Tu
Address: 2 Nguyen Phong Sac street, Nghia Tan, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Price: 40,000 – 60,000 VND
- Bun Cha Huong Lien
Address: 24 Le Van Huu street, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
Price: 40,000 – 85,000 VND
Cha Ca
Another must-try dish you shouldn’t miss is Cha Ca. What makes this Hanoian specialty taste delicious and unique is grilled fish (preferred Hemibagrus) with turmeric and dill. You’ll enjoy Cha Ca with rice noodles, roasted peanuts, and fish sauce.
All creates a perfect combination that makes it hard for you to forget the taste of Cha Ca. Here are some of the best places to refer to if you want to try Cha Ca on your Hanoi trip. We hope you can have a great chance to come to one of these restaurants to try Cha Ca with the classic flavor.
Where to eat Cha Ca in Hanoi
- Cha Ca La Vong
Address: 14 Cha Ca, Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: Around 150,000 VND
- Cha Ca Hang Son
Address: 15 Tran Hung Dao, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: 200,000 – 300,000 VND
- Cha Ca Anh Vu
Address: 120-K1, Giang Vo, Cho Dua, Dong Da, Hanoi
Price: Around 140,000 VND
- Cha Ca Lao Ngu
Address: 171 Thai Ha, Lang Ha, Dong Da, Hanoi
Price: Around 149,000 VND
Xoi Xeo
Referring to the most typical Hanoian specialties, Xoi Xeo will be one of the top dishes in this list that every traveler cannot miss on their Hanoi travel trip.
Xoi Xeo is a perfect combination of glutinous rice, mung bean, crispy fried shallots, and a little fat oil. Unlike other sticky rice, the natural yellow from turmeric powder makes Xoi Xeo outstanding and unique.
Xoi Xeo is also a popular meal for breakfast in Hanoi, and the price for a pack of this sticky rice is cheap. Now discover some of the favorite places that are highly rated to try Xoi Xeo.
Where to eat Xoi Xeo in Hanoi
- Xoi May – Ly Thuong Kiet
Address: 31 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: 10,000 – 20,000 VND
- Xoi Xeo Co Tuyet
Address: Cu Loc, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi
Price: 10,000 – 20,000 VND
- Xoi Yen
Address: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: 15,000 – 50,000 VND
- Xoi Xeo 48 Yen Phu
Address: 48 Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND
Where To Stay In Your Hanoi Trip
Finding a safe and comfortable place to stay is also one of the most important things you should plan during your Hanoi travel. A wonderful place you’ll stay should be budget-friendly, convenient, and close to major tourist attractions and other essential facilities in every Hanoi itinerary.
Most tourists prefer to book a place to stay in the heart of the city, especially in the Old Quarter. This area has many different types of accommodation, from luxury hotels and affordable four-star hotels to hostels and beautiful homestay dorms without breaking your bank.
So carefully consider finding beautiful accommodation before kicking off your traveling to have a perfect trip in Hanoi.
Final Thoughts
Hanoi is a beautiful place in Vietnam for traveling and living. Hence, we created this ultimate guide to help visitors to get to know beautiful tourist destinations, specialties, and budget accommodation in Hanoi.
We believe that you have learned more valuable details that are necessary for your Hanoi travel and will have amazing experiences in this capital city of Vietnam.
>> Read more: 2 Weeks In Vietnam: A Perfect Itinerary For Your Trip
