13 Hanoi Stuff to Do for an Authentic Cultural Experience

Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, is a city steeped in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its bustling streets, ancient temples, and culinary delights, Hanoi offers a unique blend of modernity and heritage.

Students and parents should explore the city’s essential attractions before deciding to study and live in Hanoi for a long time. This guide highlights 13 “Hanoi stuff to do” to provide an authentic cultural experience, perfect for anyone eager to understand the local culture and lifestyle.

Table Of Contents

1. Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake
2. Explore the Historic Old Quarter
3. Taste an Authentic Vietnamese "Banh Mi"
4. Savor the Flavours of Hanoi's Food Scene
5. Tour the Temple of Literature
6. Immerse Yourself in Hanoi's Art Culture
7. Experience Hanoi Train Street in a Unique Way
8. Browse Through the Hanoi Night Market
9. Sample Traditional Vietnamese Coffee
10. Watch a Traditional Water Puppet Performance
11. Master the Art of Crossing Hanoi's Streets
12. Visit the Imperial Citadel, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, and Saint Joseph's Cathedral
13. Experience Pottery Making
Prepare for Your Journey at UNIS Hanoi

1. Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Lake of the Returned Sword, is a must on any list of Hanoi stuff to do. This prominent landmark in the heart of Hanoi is named after a legend where the Golden Turtle God returned a magical sword to its depths after Emperor Le Loi used it to defeat foreign invaders.

Today, the serene lake with its iconic Turtle Tower offers a peaceful escape amidst Hanoi’s bustling streets. Visitors often encounter locals practising Tai Chi, enjoying leisurely walks, or simply taking in the calm atmosphere by the water’s edge.

2. Explore the Historic Old Quarter

The Old Quarter of Hanoi, also known as Hoan Kiem District, is a hub of activity and a must-see for any visitor. Its winding lanes, local boutiques, and vibrant street food stalls are the heart of Hanoi’s social and economic life.

Exploring historically rich streets like Hang Bac, known as “Silver Street,” is perfect for those seeking Hanoi stuff to do. The area’s traditional silver shops and a mix of old and new Hanoi create a unique cultural experience.

3. Taste an Authentic Vietnamese “Banh Mi”

Banh Mi, Vietnam’s iconic sandwich, is a delicious fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. The sandwich consists of a crispy baguette filled with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and your choice of protein.

Unique to Hanoi, Banh Mi encapsulates the city’s culinary history and is a must-try street food. Experience this tasty snack at local stalls around the city, where its freshly baked bread and rich fillings bring a new level of authenticity.

4. Savor the Flavours of Hanoi’s Food Scene

Among the top Hanoi stuff to do is explore its street food scene. Enjoy popular dishes like Pho, Bun Cha, and Nem (spring rolls) from local vendors and dive into vibrant street markets to savour Hanoi’s unique flavours.

While sampling these delicacies, look for busy food stalls – a good sign of freshness and quality. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available throughout the city, reflecting the influence of Hanoi’s Buddhist community.

5. Tour the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, dates back to 1070 and is a cultural icon in Hanoi. If you’re looking for what to do in Hanoi, be sure to visit this historic site, which was once a centre for Confucian education and is now a monument to Vietnam’s scholarly history.

Visitors can walk through its five courtyards, each featuring historical artifacts and impressive architecture. It’s an inspiring visit that connects visitors with Vietnam’s long-standing appreciation for knowledge and culture.

6. Immerse Yourself in Hanoi’s Art Culture

While Hanoi’s street art decorates the alleys around the Old Quarter, the city is also home to numerous galleries, such as the Nguyen Art Gallery, that display works by local artists. For those with a creative spirit, joining a silk painting workshop offers a hands-on experience of this traditional art form.

These classes, led by local artists, are often calm, intimate gatherings where participants can create their pieces and gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese craftsmanship.

7. Experience Hanoi Train Street in a Unique Way

For exciting Hanoi stuff to do, visit Hanoi’s Train Street, a famous attraction where trains pass closely between residential buildings, creating an exhilarating experience.

Although recent changes have limited access to certain areas, you can still observe the unique life from safe vantage points along the tracks. For a calmer experience, visit nearby cafes where you can watch the trains pass by without the bustling crowds.

8. Browse Through the Hanoi Night Market

If you’re looking for Hanoi best things to do, the Hanoi Night Market, held from Friday to Sunday, is a vibrant area for shopping and cultural experiences. Located along Hang Dao Street, it offers an assortment of goods, from local handicrafts to clothing.

The night market is also the perfect place to try street foods like barbecued skewers and kumquat iced tea. Filled with energy, this market provides an authentic taste of Hanoi’s night scene.

9. Sample Traditional Vietnamese Coffee

Being known for its robust flavour, Vietnamese coffee is a highlight of Hanoi when exploring the city’s culinary offerings.

A popular choice is Ca Phe Trung, or egg coffee, a creamy concoction made by whisking egg yolk with condensed milk and pouring it over strong black coffee. Whether enjoyed hot or iced, egg coffee is a unique drink that embodies Hanoi’s innovative take on traditional recipes.

10. Watch a Traditional Water Puppet Performance

Water puppetry is a traditional art form unique to Vietnam, dating back over a thousand years.

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi hosts performances that bring Vietnamese folklore and legends to life through intricate wooden puppets manoeuvred on water. Accompanied by live music, these shows are a cultural treasure, offering an enchanting experience for audiences of all ages.

11. Master the Art of Crossing Hanoi’s Streets

Hanoi’s streets are famously crowded with motorbikes and vehicles, making crossing the road a skill to master. While it may seem intimidating, following the locals’ steady and confident approach can make it easier.

Learning what to do in Hanoi includes mastering the art of crossing streets, where walking slowly allows motorcyclists to manoeuvre around you, becoming a unique part of Hanoi life.

12. Visit the Imperial Citadel, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and Saint Joseph’s Cathedral

The Imperial Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing remnants of ancient Vietnamese architecture.

If you’re looking for memorable Hanoi stuff to do, visiting Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the resting place of Vietnam’s beloved leader, is a must.

Visit the Imperial Citadel, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, and Saint Joseph's Cathedral — Photo: Vecteezy

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, modelled after Notre Dame in Paris, is an impressive Gothic structure that stands as a testament to Hanoi’s colonial influences. Together, these sites offer a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s historical landscape.

13. Experience Pottery Making

A short distance from Hanoi lies Bat Trang, the renowned ceramic village where visitors can witness the intricate art of pottery-making. In this traditional craft village, artisans create a wide range of ceramic items, from functional pots to decorative pieces.

Visitors can also try their hand at shaping and painting pottery, gaining insight into the craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.

In exploring Hanoi stuff to do, families planning to settle in the city should also consider educational opportunities for their children. UNIS Hanoi, the United Nations International School of Hanoi, offers a premier international education that aligns with global standards.

UNIS Hanoi is a non-profit school that follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, promoting cultural understanding and academic excellence. With various extracurricular activities, UNIS Hanoi offers students a well-rounded education that encourages personal growth and global citizenship.

Prepare for Your Journey at UNIS Hanoi

Besides exploring Hanoi stuff to do, choosing UNIS Hanoi means joining a learning community dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth. We believe that education is about acquiring and applying knowledge, extending thinking, and making meaningful connections. Our students are encouraged to reflect on their learning experiences and develop skills that transfer to other settings and contexts.

Apply now to UNIS Hanoi to ensure your child’s education is guided by a global perspective and grounded in the rich culture of Hanoi. Join us to become part of a community committed to inspiring positive change and building a better world!