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Over the past ten years, Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has experienced a sharp increase in visitor numbers. The more people become aware of our region’s rich history and culture, the more enthusiastic and eager tourists become. This vibrant city has a lot to offer, from traditional street cuisine to fabled temples. Here are 10 things to do in Hanoi, so pack your bags and find your passport.
- Go to the Literary Temple
Emperor Ly Thanh Tong established the Temple of Literature in 1070. The temple, which was devoted to Confucius, served as the location of Vietnam’s first university. Under the temple’s roof, talented pupils studied poetry, literature, and Confucianism for years. You can now visit the five courtyards, the many gardens and ponds, and the stunning edifice itself to pray for high grades.
- Visit the Temple of Bach Ma
The oldest temple in Hanoi, the Bach Ma Temple, is another worthwhile destination. After being led to the location by a white horse, Emperor Ly Thai To decided to build the temple there in the eleventh century. There is a statue honoring that white horse inside.
- Stop by the Hanoi Social Club for a drink.
Hanoi Social Club is the place to be in the city, with its retro cafe and gathering spot for many creatives and artists. The food is excellent, the ambiance is lively, and the décor is diverse. This is the place to go if you’re in the mood for a refreshing beverage or a cup of coffee after a hard day. There’s always something spectacular going on here because they also regularly host events and bands. To find out more, visit their Facebook page.
- Take a tour of the famous Heritage House
Originally the residence of a merchant, the Heritage House has been refurbished and now features two courtyards and amazing furniture. The building is stunning and features a lot of traditional design features that aren’t found in modern Vietnamese homes, such as high steps between rooms to block negative energy. - Visit the Museum of Ethnology in Vietnam.
Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn more about the nation’s ethnic minorities. Examples of traditional village homes, artwork, and tribal artifacts are on show. Before purchasing a memento, you may observe how the exquisite pieces are crafted as a calligrapher or craftsperson is typically at work making jewelry or baskets for sale at the museum.
- Go to the Binh Minh Jazz Club for the evening.
Hanoi’s nightlife is well-known for a reason; popular venues like Binh Minh Jazz Club are generating excitement. People travel from far and wide to witness the nightlife in this metropolis. Once you locate the Binh Minh Jazz Club, which is concealed behind the Opera House, you’ll be in for an enjoyable evening of delicious food and fantastic jazz performances by both domestic and foreign musicians. Although there is no charge to enter, the space quickly fills up.
- Go to Cha Ca Thang Long for dinner.
Vietnamese fish, turmeric, and dill are combined to make the delectable delicacy cha ca. Although it is available throughout the city, Cha Ca Thang Long, a contemporary, unpretentious restaurant with welcoming air conditioning and a courteous staff, has the highest rating. You prepare everything yourself, starting with the fish, adding dill, spring onions, and herbs, then combining it with rice noodles, peanuts, chili, and fish sauce. A treat awaits you.
- Go to the Museum of Hoa Lo Prison
All that remains of the old Hoa Lo Prison is the Hoa Lo Prison Museum. American prisoners of war, many of whom were pilots imprisoned during the American War, are supposed to have given this institution the nickname “Hanoi Hilton.” Although it was never very effective because many inmates managed to escape by squeezing out of the sewage gates, the prison remained in service until the middle of the 1950s. - Attend the Thang Long Ca Tru Theatre for a performance.
The Thang Long Ca Tru Theatre hosts concerts in a small, tastefully renovated home in the Old Quarter if you’d want to see some traditional Vietnamese music. About 100 ca tru melodies, which are native to the northern part of Vietnam, are performed at these events. It’s a fantastic way to experience the rich culture of the region. - Visit the well-known Hoan Kiem Lake.
An emperor who was sent from heaven with a miraculous sword to expel the Chinese from Vietnam is the subject of a well-known legend. However, after the conflict, the emperor lost his sword when a huge golden turtle took it from him and jumped into a lake to return it to its heavenly owners. Hoan Kiem Lake, often known as the Lake of the Restored Sword, is a popular destination because of its enchanted reputation.