Northern Vietnam Travel Guide 2025: Hanoi, Day Trips & Insider Tips
Northern Vietnam is a dream destination for travellers seeking breathtaking landscapes, adventure, and rich cultural experiences. From the lush green rice terraces of Sapa to the towering limestone karsts of Ninh Binh, from Hanoi’s bustling streets to stunning waterfalls and remote ethnic villages, this region offers a mix of iconic sights and off-the-beaten-path gems.
While many of these destinations are well-known and can get crowded, there are still plenty of “hidden” spots waiting to be explored. In this series of Northern Vietnam guides, I’ll share the best places to visit and insider travel tips to help you make the most of your trip and help you plan the perfect Northern Vietnam itinerary.
Must-See Destinations of Northern Vietnam
This blog post focuses on Hanoi & Its Surroundings including "secret” gems, unique activities, and less crowded alternatives to popular spots.
Other parts of Northern Vietnam, like Sapa & Rice Terraces and Lan Ha Bay will be covered in upcoming posts in this series.
While I haven’t personally explored Ninh Binh yet (though I booked a tour for my mom and godmom!), it won’t be covered here. In future posts, I hope to share experiences or insights on what I wish I could have done, including the Ha Giang Loop and Ban Gioc Waterfall & its surroundings, two incredible adventures still on my Northern Vietnam bucket list.
What you will find in this guide:
Click a subtitle to jump to that section.
The Ultimate Hanoi Guide: Transport, Stays, Must-Sees & Hidden Gems
Exploring Hanoi: 1.5 Months in the Heart of Vietnam’s Capital
During our 1.5-month stay in Hanoi, we had the chance to experience the city in depth by staying in four different quarters. We explored everything—from the vibrant Old Quarter to quieter, more local areas—fully immersing ourselves in the culture, food, and hidden gems.
In this section, I’ll share the must-see sights, “secret” spots we truly loved, amazing activities we experienced, and our favorite bars, cafés, and restaurants. But even with 1.5 months in Hanoi, we still didn’t manage to try and see it all—there’s so much more waiting to be discovered!
That said, one thing to be aware of is Hanoi’s severe smog problem. The air is heavily polluted every single day, with no “normal” air quality. Apparently, this comes from farmers burning their fields, trash burning, heavy traffic, and industrial pollution. On some days, visibility drops to just 50 meters due to the thick haze. To protect yourself, buy masks labeled PM 2.5 (you’ll find them in regular stores & pharmacies) and check air quality levels on the IQAir app or website before heading out.
What to Visit in Hanoi 🏯
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi, a scenic spot perfect for a stroll and soaking in the city’s energy. While Ngoc Son Temple sits beautifully on an island in the lake, it has an entrance fee, and I don’t personally think it’s worth it—but it’s lovely from the outside.
The area around the lake is always buzzing with life. In the morning, locals run, cycle, work out and practice Tai Chi. In the evening, the atmosphere shifts — people play board games, local women dance in groups, couples relax by the water, and the sunset bathes the city in golden hues. The streets nearby are worth exploring, offering a mix of shops, cafés, and hidden gems.
The Old Quarter: Streets, Markets & Nightlife
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a lively maze of historic streets, street food, shopping, and nightlife. Some must-visit streets include:
Ta Hien Street – The heart of Hanoi’s nightlife, packed with bars and street beer (Bia Hơi).
Ma May Street – Charming old houses, trendy cafés, and great local restaurants.
Hang Bac Street – Famous for silver jewelry and traditional craftsmanship.
Hang Gai Street (Silk Street) – The best place for Vietnamese silk and tailor-made clothing.
Area of Hàng Bè Street – A vibrant nightlife hub with bars, clubs, and rooftop views. (I’ll link my favorite sky bars in the “Our Favorite Cafés, Restaurants and Bars” section.)
Dong Xuan Market – The largest market in Hanoi, selling food, fabrics, and souvenirs.
Night Market – A lively weekend market with shopping and street performances.
Cho Hom Market – The best place for fabrics. (Don’t bother going if you’re not looking for fabric)
Hanoi Train Street: The Famous Spot & Its Hidden Alternative
Hanoi’s Train Street is one of the city’s most unique attractions, where trains pass just inches from cafés and houses. The most famous section is crowded and often restricted, but there’s a lesser-known alternative just a bit further from the center. This “hidden gem” offers the same thrilling train experience with fewer tourists, cozy lantern-lit cafés, and cheaper food and drinks. Train schedules vary, but trains typically pass in the morning, afternoon, and evening. For the best experience, check with local café owners, they often know the exact times and can offer a great viewing spot. If you’re looking for an authentic and relaxed visit to Train Street, this is the perfect spot to check out!
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & One Pillar Pagoda: Hanoi’s Historic Landmarks
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of Hanoi’s most significant historical sites, where visitors can pay their respects to Vietnam’s revered leader. Well-manicured gardens surround this imposing marble structure and is a popular photo spot, especially in the early morning when crowds are smaller. Entry is free, but visitors must pass a security check and follow the strict dress code (no shorts or sleeveless tops).
Just a short walk away, the One Pillar Pagoda is a unique Buddhist temple built in 1049. It is designed to resemble a lotus flower rising from the water. This site is also free to visit, making it an easy and budget-friendly addition to your Hanoi itinerary.
The Temple of Literature: Hanoi’s Historic & Photogenic Landmark
The Temple of Literature in Hanoi is a stunning historical site dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s first national university. With its ancient courtyards, traditional pavilions, and lush gardens, it’s a top spot for photoshoots, especially for students in graduation attire. The entrance fee is 70,000 VND (around CHF 2,40.-/$2,75), and it’s best to buy tickets directly at the entrance (it’s much cheaper than booking through platforms like Viator).
West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda
West Lake (Hồ Tây) is Hanoi’s largest lake, offering a more open and relaxed atmosphere than the Old Quarter. While it's not the easiest place for a leisurely walk due to the lack of sidewalks and busy roads, it’s still worth exploring for its lakeside cafés, restaurants, and scenic views, especially at sunset.
The Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. It is located on a small island connected by a bridge and is free to visit.
Hoang An Pagoda (Chùa Hoằng Ân)
While enjoying some of the cafés and restaurants in the area, you might want to stop by Hoang An Pagoda to take in its quiet and beautiful surroundings. This peaceful temple complex offers a serene escape from the city's hustle, making it a perfect spot to relax and soak in Hanoi’s spiritual charm.
—> I might upload a map of these places soon.
Getting Around Hanoi: Best Transportation Options
Exploring Hanoi is an adventure in itself, but knowing the best way to get around can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s a complete guide to transportation in Hanoi, including public transport, ride-hailing apps, scooters, and taxis.
Public Transport in Hanoi 🚌
Hanoi has a public bus system, but if you're only visiting for a short time, it's best to skip the hassle of waiting for buses and figuring out routes. Instead, use ride-hailing apps like Grab and Be, which offer affordable motorcycle and car rides. If you want a quick overview of Hanoi’s top attractions, hop on the Hanoi sightseeing bus, which you can conveniently book via Klook.
Walking & Cycling in Hanoi 🚶♂️🚴♀️
Hanoi’s chaotic traffic and limited sidewalks make walking and cycling challenging. However, for short distances, they can still be viable options.
Hoan Kiem Lake: In the evening, roads around the lake are closed to traffic, creating the perfect setting for a leisurely walk.
Cyclo Rides: Traditional cyclos (bicycle rickshaws) are available, offering a relaxed way to explore the Old Quarter for a small fee.
🚨 Tip: Many areas in Hanoi are not pedestrian-friendly, so always stay alert when walking or cycling.
Cyclo driver pedaling through the streets of Hanoi, Vietnam.
Scooter Rental and Traffic Rules in Hanoi 🛵
Renting a scooter is a fantastic way to explore the city like a local, but it requires preparation and caution.
✔️ Requirements
International Driving Permit (IDP)
✔️ Rental Process
Most rental shops require a credit card hold or a cash deposit as security.
Before riding, inspect the scooter:
Take a video of existing damages.
Test the brakes, lights, and horn.
Check the tires and take a photo of the fuel level.
✔️ Cost
Rental prices start at $7 (200k VND) per day (varies by model and rental shop).
✔️ Navigating Hanoi’s Traffic: Tips for Staying Safe
Stay on the right side of the road, but not too close to the curb—pedestrians, cars, and scooters may suddenly enter traffic.
Ride defensively—there seem to be no strict traffic rules. The biggest vehicle rules the road, so always be aware of buses and trucks.
Watch out for potholes and sudden stops—unexpected obstacles are common.
Crossing the road? Move slowly and steadily—traffic will naturally flow around you.
Roundabout rule: You have right of way when entering, but once inside, you must let others in and yield when exiting—don’t assume priority!
⛽ Fueling Up
Always check the pump counter is at zero before refueling to avoid overcharging.
Taxis in Hanoi: Avoiding Scams 🚕
Hanoi taxis have a reputation for overcharging tourists, but with a few precautions, you can avoid common scams.
⚠️ Common Taxi Scams
Overcharging: Many drivers quote inflated prices. Check Grab for the estimated fare or choose a taxi that uses a meter.
"Wrong Change" Trick: Some drivers claim you handed them a smaller bill than you actually did, taking advantage of tourist’s unfamiliarity with Vietnamese Dong.
Airport Fare Rip-Off: Many taxis overcharge for airport trips and additionally add inflated highway fees. Grab, on the other hand, includes the airport tax in the final fare, making it a more reliable and transparent option.
🚨 Tip: If you must take a taxi, don’t be afraid to negotiate firmly beforehand. Count the money you hand over bill by bill, out loud, and check your change carefully if any is due.
Best Alternative? Take a Grab!
Instead of taxis, use Grab or Be: they're safer, cheaper, and more reliable.
Where to Stay in Hanoi
Our first stay (CHF 28.-/$31,79 per night) was in the area north of Thien Quang Lake, southwest of Hoan Kiem Lake, and southeast of the train station. It’s a calm neighborhood with excellent cafés and restaurants, offering a more local experience while still being well-connected. It’s also close to the alternative Train Street, where you can enjoy the train passing without the crowds. From here, it takes about 10 minutes to drive to the center, though it can be a bit longer during peak traffic.
Veque Villa is a great choice for those who want to stay close to everything while still enjoying peace and quiet. Located within walking distance of cafés and restaurants, it offers a modern and tranquil atmosphere with different room options to suit various needs.
Unfortunately, we can’t recommend the places we stayed at in the Old Quarter, but don’t worry—you’ll find plenty of options to choose from! Be aware that the Old Quarter is quite noisy, and most stays don’t have great insulation.
Consider :
Looking for a hotel without a rooftop, as rooftop bars can add to the noise.
Be sure to read the reviews of any stay to check for mentions of noise levels.
For a quieter experience, try to find accommodation in smaller alleyways, away from the main streets.
If you're visiting on a weekend, you might also want to look for stays near the no-driving zone around Hoan Kiem Lake, where streets like Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Lê Thái Tổ, and Hàng Khay are closed to traffic from Friday evening to Sunday night.
Staying around Ho Tay Lake can be peaceful, but depending on the exact location, it might be quite far from the city center. Reaching the main sights can be a hassle, especially during morning and evening rush hours, when traffic is at its worst.
Our last two stays were in the Dịch Vọng and Nghĩa Tân quarters. These are very local areas with plenty of restaurants and cafés, mostly serving local food, but you’ll still find some international options like ramen and sushi. The downside is that getting to the city center can take 30-40 minutes.
We recommend the 22Land Residence Suites Hotel, but be careful—there are multiple locations in the same area, so double-check the address before booking.
Our Favourite Cafés, Restaurants and Bars
If you're a coffee lover travelling through Vietnam, be prepared for a different kind of caffeine experience. Italian-style coffee isn’t always easy to find, some places only serve traditional Vietnamese coffee. While that’s not an issue if you enjoy its unique, sweet flavour, a proper espresso or cappuccino can sometimes feel like a rare treat.
To save you the search, we’ve put together our favorite coffee spots across Hanoi, whether you’re craving a rich Vietnamese drip or a smooth Italian-style brew, there’s something here for every taste.
Cafés
O’douceurs: If you crave Desserts and Pastries ($)
De Niche Boulangerie: If you crave Croissants with Fillings ($)
Philo Garden: For a timeout surrounded by plants ($)
Cafe Giảng: Apparently where the EGG COFFEE originates from ($)
The Note Coffee: You don’t come here for the coffee. It’s a must-do if you want to leave your mark and be part of something unique. ($)
Hanoi Neighbors: Cozy and tucked away ($)
The Wiselands: Good for Reading & Doing some Stuff on your Computer ($)
Avos and Mango: Best for Western Breakfast ($$)
Ma Xó: Good Western Breakfast with Lakeview ($$)
Restaurants
Whether you're craving breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, local specialties or Western comfort food, I’ve got you covered.
Hummingbird: Super deliscious Bowls and Breakfasts ($$)
Bánh Bao Thúy Đỗ: Bao Buns to Go ($)
IVEGAN SUPERSHOP Westlake: Vegan Food, especially Breakfast ($-$$)
MẸT: Vegetarian and Vietnamese Food ($$)
Sadhu: Vegetarian Meals ($$)
Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn: Best Beef Phở ($)
My Hai: Local Restaurant — Try their Chicken Phở, it’s super deliscious! ($)
The Bahnmi: Revisited Bahn Mi ($)
Bahn Mi 25: The most popular Bahn Mi Place, be prepared to stand in line. I haven’t actually tried this one.. ($)
Lantern Restaurant: Vietnamese Food ($)
Luna d’Autunno: If you need a Break from Vietnamese Food ($$)
Rooftop-Bars
Hanoi has a vibrant bar scene, offering everything from chic ground-level hangouts to dazzling rooftop skybars. In this post, I’ll share some of our favorite sky-high spots to enjoy a drink with a view.
Lux SkyBar: Cheap Option for New Year’s Eve with great view! ($)
Terraço Sky Bar: Good for sunset! ($$)
Ignite Sky Bar: Good for sunset ($$)
Bar Dinh Rooftop Lounge: Beautiful Bar with view on the Hồ Tây Lake (West Lake) ($$)
The Summit Bar: View on the entire West Lake ($-$$)
Sky on 9 Rooftop Bar: Great atmosphere, beautiful view on West Lake ($$)
Night Markets
This place offers plenty of clothes and souvenirs, but food options are limited.
Ta Hien Beer Street (Phố Beer Tạ Hiện): Here you’ll find food and drinks.
Old Quarter (Khu Phố Cổ): Local food and Drinks.
Weekend Night Market: Clothes and souvenirs.
—> I’ll be uploading a map with all our favourite locations soon.
Fun Activities We’d Recommend
Hanoi has a thousand things to offer! You’ll find loads of activities on other Blog Posts, Websites, Klook, GetYourGuide and Viator, but here I’ll just share the ones we actually did and really loved, the ones we think are absolute must-dos.
Pottery: Take a pottery class and create a vase, a cup, or whatever you feel inspired to make. We personally loved our private class at Hai Doan Pottery, a small, charming pottery studio with super kind, English-speaking staff. Check out their website and get in touch if you're interested!
Good to know: They’ll need around 1 week to fire your art, so planning ahead is advisable.
The Quintessence of Tonkin Show (Tinh Hoa Bắc Bộ): Most of the staff don’t speak English, but honestly, you won’t need it. At the entrance, they’ll explain how everything works using gestures. Just follow along: you go in, wait until the gates open, then head to the section you booked. Don’t worry, there are no assigned seats, so simply pick a spot you like.
During the show, there are occasional explanations in English, but otherwise, just sit back and enjoy the magic. It’s an outdoor performance, so bring warm clothes, trust me, you’ll thank me later!
The show is a breathtaking blend of water, light, music, and traditional Vietnamese culture. It brings to life the spiritual and artistic heritage of northern Vietnam, from folk music and legends to everyday rural scenes, all performed on a lake stage with incredible choreography and effects. Truly magical!
Good to know: When buying tickets, make sure to select the transportation service option. If not, ask your hotel to arrange a ride for you. Otherwise, you'll end up having to haggle with a taxi driver to wait for you during the show and bring you back, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Street Food Tour: If you’re short on time in Hanoi but want the full experience, I highly recommend joining a street food tour. It’s not just about tasting delicious dishes, you’ll also learn a lot about Vietnamese culture and the history of Hanoi. These tours are a great way to dive right into the local way of life. I’d recommend these tours or this one.
Sightseeing Bus: If you’re short on time or just want a quick overview of Hanoi and its main sights, the sightseeing bus is a great option. You can buy your ticket on the spot, through their website, KK Day or through Klook. There are both day and night tours available.
If your goal is to explore and decide what’s worth visiting later, or you want to hop on and hop off, I recommend the day tour. But if you’re simply looking for a relaxing ride with beautiful night views of the city, the night tour is a great choice.
Spa Day to relax & recharge
If you’re looking to unwind for a bit, AMARE offers a wonderful Onsen experience with sauna and hammam. You can also book massages and enjoy some Japanese food on-site.If you’re staying in Hanoi for a longer period, I recommend getting one of their packages (the “experience combo” f.ex.), they’re so worth it!
Kickboxing Lesson: If you want a serious workout, STAR Kickboxing and Fitness is amazing, but be ready to train hard until you’re nearly ready to throw up, haha! You can contact them via WhatsApp (+84 359 533 586) or check out their website for more info.
Best Day Trips from Hanoi
As I mentioned before, I won’t list the usual things you’ve probably seen in a thousand other blogs. Instead, I’ll share only the trips I’ve done myself and genuinely enjoyed. So don’t expect the typical “0815” stuff, I’m skipping the usual must-dos to focus on what really stood out for me.
Pagoda of Harmony and Good Fortune (Chùa Hòa Phúc): Visit this beautiful pagoda and connect with the monks, who are more than happy to show you around, practice their English, and introduce you to their museum. They even invited us to share a meal with them, a very special experience that’s truly off the beaten track. You can either stay with the monks and help with renovation and decoration (they even invited us to join their afternoon nap!), or, if you prefer, you can continue your journey to Ba Vi National Park.
Ba Vi National Park: On the way, enjoy a coffee while watching the koi fish swim peacefully here. You can also have a coffee with a view near the parking lot by the two viewpoints. There’s also a restaurant if you’re hungry. As you head up the mountain road, feel free to stop for photos, there are beautiful views and interesting ruins along the way. From the parking lot, you can either walk up to the tower and main viewpoint or take an alternate route that passes a temple before climbing further up to the viewpoint.
You can get there by car, scooter, or as part of an organised tour. There are plenty of places to visit and activities in the area, more than I’ve listed here, you can check them out on here.
Good to know:
- If there's heavy smog in the city, the views from the top may be hazy and sometimes it gets foggy enough that you won’t see anything at all. Even if it’s hot in the city, bring a jacket, seriously, a scarf and gloves might not be a bad idea either. It gets surprisingly cold up there!
- There’s an entrance fee (60,000 VND/ person) to be paid at the gate, and opening hours follow a schedule (05:00-19:00, last update March 2025), so be sure to check in advance.
- The road up is quite curvy, so if you're not confident riding a scooter, it might be worth reconsidering.
- If you’d like to stay overnight, there are some lovely resorts and campings in the area.Ninh Binh can be done as a day trip, but I personally recommend staying at least one night. There are some amazing places to stay, and spending more time allows you to explore all the hidden corners and avoid the most touristy spots.
—> I might share more about it in another post later on.Lan Ha Bay – The Less Crowded Alternative to Ha Long Bay: I wouldn’t recommend doing this as a day trip, even though many companies offer it. To truly enjoy the experience, I suggest spending one or more nights on a cruise. I’ll share more about that in another blog post.
Things on my To Do List:
- Duong Lam Ancient Village
- Incense Village (Quảng Phú Cầu)