27 Unmissable Things To Do In Hanoi 2025

27 Unmissable Things to Do in Hanoi 2025-2026: The Ultimate Guide

Discover how Vietnam’s capital blends timeless culture with exciting innovations in 2025-2026. From centuries-old traditions to cutting-edge experiences, this comprehensive guide reveals the most unforgettable activities in Hanoi for your next adventure.

Hanoi continues to evolve as one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations, where ancient traditions harmoniously coexist with modern innovations. As we venture into 2025-2026, Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital offers travelers an enchanting mix of historic charm and contemporary excitement. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to explore new corners of this dynamic city, this guide unveils 27 extraordinary experiences that showcase the very best of Hanoi.

1. Immerse Yourself in the Historic Old Quarter’s 36 Streets

The Old Quarter remains the pulsating heart of Hanoi, where centuries of commerce and culture converge across its famous 36 ancient streets. Each street, originally named after the specific trade conducted there, creates a living museum of Vietnamese urban history.

What Makes It Special in 2025-2026

The Old Quarter has embraced thoughtful preservation while adapting to modern needs. The newly implemented Old Quarter Cultural Heritage Management Plan has restored numerous French colonial buildings to their original splendor while ensuring authentic local businesses thrive.

Must-Visit Streets and Experiences

Hang Bac (Silver Street) – Home to silversmiths since the 13th century, now featuring the new Silver Heritage Museum (opened late 2024)
Ta Hien (Beer Street) – The legendary nightlife hub has expanded with rooftop venues offering panoramic views of the quarter
Hang Gai (Silk Street) – Traditional silk shops now offer interactive demonstrations where visitors can try their hand at silk painting (daily 10am-4pm, 150,000 VND)

The Old Quarter is best experienced on foot, preferably in the early morning (6-8am) when locals begin their day, or during the atmospheric evening hours (7-9pm) when buildings are beautifully illuminated.

2. Experience the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long UNESCO Site

This archaeological complex represents the 8-century political center of ancient Vietnam and earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2010.

2025 Enhancements and Special Exhibitions

The site has undergone significant digital enhancements for 2025-2026, including:

Augmented Reality (AR) historical reconstructions allowing visitors to visualize the complete imperial palace as it appeared in the 11th century
The newly opened Underground Archaeological Chamber (inaugurated January 2025) displaying recently excavated artifacts dating to the 7th century
Special exhibition: “Imperial Vietnam: From Dai Viet to Modern Nation” featuring rare imperial artifacts on loan from international museums

Visitor Information

Location: 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm (Tuesday-Sunday)
Entry Fee: 100,000 VND (adult), free for children under 15
Guided Tours: Available in 8 languages including English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese (150,000 VND)

3. Explore the Expanded Temple of Literature Complex

Vietnam’s first university, established in 1070, has been a sanctuary of learning for nearly a millennium and remains one of Hanoi’s most significant cultural monuments.

New Features for 2025-2026

The recent 1.2-million-USD expansion project completed in late 2024 has introduced:

Interactive Scholar’s Garden – A contemplative space with digital learning stations explaining Confucian principles and traditional education
Calligraphy Pavilion – Visitors can learn Vietnamese calligraphy from master practitioners (sessions every hour, 10am-4pm)
Digital Library – Access to translated ancient texts and educational materials about Vietnamese intellectual history

Visiting Tips

The temple grounds span over 54,000 square meters with five courtyards representing different stages of the Confucian journey. Visit between 8-10am to avoid crowds and experience the meditative atmosphere that has inspired scholars for centuries.

If you’re fascinated by Vietnam’s rich historical heritage, consider exploring more of the country’s cultural treasures with Vietnam Marvel Travel’s 8-day tour, which combines Hanoi’s highlights with other iconic destinations throughout Vietnam.

4. Savor Evolved Vietnamese Coffee Culture

Hanoi’s coffee scene continues to innovate while honoring its distinctive heritage, making the city a global destination for coffee enthusiasts in 2025.

Traditional Coffee Experiences

Café Giang (39 Nguyen Huu Huan) – Still serving the original egg coffee recipe from 1946, but now offering vegan and sugar-free alternatives
Café Dinh (13 Dinh Tien Hoang) – The intimate second-floor café has expanded its menu to include 7 variations of egg coffee, including matcha and coconut infusions

Modern Coffee Innovations

Hanoi Coffee Academy (25 Ly Quoc Su) – Opened in 2024, offering 90-minute coffee appreciation courses (350,000 VND) covering bean selection, roasting, and preparation methods
The Roastery Lab (100 Xuan Dieu) – Vietnam’s first AI-assisted coffee roasting facility, where algorithms determine optimal roasting profiles for each bean variety

Coffee Districts to Explore

The West Lake Coffee Mile along Quang An Street features 12 specialty cafés with lakeside views, while the emerging Tay Son Coffee District in Dong Da showcases experimental coffee concepts and bean-to-cup operations.

5. Witness the Grand Hanoi Opera House Performances

This magnificent colonial structure, built in 1911 and modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris, has undergone a $3.5 million acoustic renovation completed in 2024.

2025-2026 Performance Highlights

Vietnamese Folk Opera Series – Traditional ca trù and chèo performances with modern theatrical elements (Thursdays at 7pm)
International Symphony Orchestra – Monthly performances featuring guest conductors from around the world
Contemporary Vietnamese Ballet – Fusion productions blending classical ballet with Vietnamese folklore (2025 season features “The Legend of the Huc Bridge”)

Booking Information

Tickets range from 400,000-1,200,000 VND depending on the performance and seating. The new online booking system includes virtual seat previews and allows ticket purchases up to 3 months in advance.

6. Discover Hanoi’s Evolving Street Food Scene

Hanoi’s legendary street food continues to evolve while preserving its authentic flavors. In 2025-2026, the city offers both traditional classics and innovative twists.

Iconic Street Food Streets

Ly Van Phuc (“Chicken Street”) – Now featuring 25 barbecue vendors using traditional charcoal grilling methods
Tong Duy Tan (“Food Street”) – Recently renovated with improved seating areas and hygiene standards while maintaining authentic cooking techniques

Must-Try Traditional Dishes

Bun Cha – Grilled pork with rice noodles and herbs, best experienced at Bun Cha Huong Lien (made famous by Anthony Bourdain and President Obama)
Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc) – Serving the same beef noodle soup recipe since 1979, now recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction in 2025
Banh Cuon Ba Hanh (26B Tho Nhuom) – Steamed rice rolls prepared by the 3rd generation of family cooks using traditional techniques

Modern Culinary Innovations

Fusion Night Market (Tay Ho District) – Operating Thursday-Sunday evenings, featuring chefs combining Vietnamese ingredients with international techniques
Plant-Based Pho Alley (Nghi Tam Street) – A collection of 8 vendors specializing in vegetarian and vegan interpretations of classic Hanoi dishes

For those eager to dive deeper into Vietnam’s diverse culinary landscape, consider the Northern Vietnam 6-day itinerary that includes guided food tours and cooking experiences throughout the region.

7. Cruise the West Lake at Sunset

West Lake (Ho Tay) is Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake, spanning an impressive 500 hectares with a shoreline stretching over 17 kilometers.

New Lake Experiences for 2025-2026

Sunset Lotus Cruises – Electric-powered boats accommodating up to 12 passengers for eco-friendly lake tours (450,000 VND for a 90-minute journey)
Floating Lantern Festival – Held monthly during full moons, featuring hundreds of illuminated lanterns released onto the water
West Lake Boardwalk – The new 3.5km elevated wooden pathway opened in 2024 provides stunning lake views and connects major temples and attractions

Where to Enjoy the Best Views

The Summit Lounge (Pan Pacific Hotel, 20th floor) – Panoramic vistas of the entire lake with craft cocktails inspired by Vietnamese ingredients
Tran Quoc Pagoda Peninsula – The oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi (built in the 6th century) offers unobstructed sunset views across the water

8. Shop at Sustainable Vietnamese Fashion Boutiques

Hanoi’s fashion scene has embraced sustainability, with numerous designers creating contemporary pieces using traditional techniques and eco-friendly materials.

Ethical Fashion Destinations

Chula Fashion House (43 Nhat Chieu) – Spanish-Vietnamese fusion designs using hand-loomed textiles from ethnic minority communities
Kilomet109 (101 Hang Bong) – Natural dye workshop and boutique working with 8 different ethnic minority communities to preserve traditional textile techniques
Hermès District (76 To Ngoc Van) – A collective of 12 sustainable Vietnamese fashion brands in a renovated French villa, offering workshops on ethical fashion

Traditional Craft Shopping

Hang Gai Silk Street – Home to establishments like Khai Silk and La Soie, where pure Vietnamese silk products are still hand-finished
The Craft House (28 Hang Dao) – Representing artisans from 23 provinces across Vietnam with clear sourcing information for each product

9. Take a Coffee Farm Day Trip to Ba Vi

Just 60km west of Hanoi, the misty mountains of Ba Vi have become renowned for specialty coffee production, with several farms now open to visitors.

Top Coffee Plantations to Visit

Organic Arabica Estate – The first USDA-certified organic coffee farm in Northern Vietnam, offering guided tours of their 15-hectare plantation and processing facilities
Ba Vi Coffee Cooperative – A community-based farming initiative where visitors can participate in coffee harvesting (seasonal, best between October-December)

Tour Information

Day trips typically include transportation from Hanoi, lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant, and coffee tasting sessions. Most tours depart at 8:00am and return by 5:00pm, costing 950,000-1,200,000 VND per person.

10. Witness the Expanded Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

This iconic cultural performance has been reimagined for 2025-2026 with enhanced productions and modern facilities while preserving the 1,000-year-old art form.

New Performance Features

5D Sensory Experience – Adding environmental effects (mist, scents, temperature changes) to complement traditional puppetry
Multilingual Digital Subtitles – Available in 12 languages via personal viewing screens
Extended Performance – Now 70 minutes (previously 50) with new scenes depicting contemporary Vietnamese life

Practical Information

Location: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street
Shows: Five daily performances at 10:30am, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 6:30pm, and 8:00pm
Tickets: 350,000-450,000 VND depending on seating section
Booking: Available up to 3 months in advance through the official website or mobile app

11. Visit the Women’s Museum’s New Interactive Galleries

The Vietnamese Women’s Museum has undergone a significant digital transformation, creating one of Asia’s most technologically advanced cultural museums.

Highlight Exhibitions for 2025-2026

“Women at War” – Enhanced with holographic testimonials from female veterans
“Ethnic Diversity” – Featuring a virtual reality room where visitors can “try on” traditional costumes from all 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups
“Modern Pioneers” – New permanent exhibition highlighting female entrepreneurs and leaders shaping Vietnam’s future

Visitor Experience

The museum spans 5 floors and over 3,000 square meters of exhibition space. The newly implemented smart guide system uses positioning technology to provide relevant information as you move through the galleries, available in 8 languages.

12. Experience Hanoi’s Train Street Responsibly

The famous “Train Street” has been reimagined with safety as a priority while preserving the unique experience of trains passing through narrow residential streets.

How to Visit in 2025-2026

Official Viewing Platforms – Six designated observation decks have been constructed with safety barriers, allowing visitors to experience passing trains (which still run at 3:30pm and 7:30pm daily)
Licensed Cafés – A limited number of establishments have received special permits to operate, with strict capacity controls

Photography Tours

Professional photography tours are available through authorized operators, providing access to exclusive vantage points and photography instruction. These tours (350,000 VND per person) include safety briefings and support local community development projects.

13. Relax at the New Botanical Gardens & Biodome

The historic Hanoi Botanical Gardens has been transformed with the addition of a stunning 2,500-square-meter biodome housing rare plants from Vietnam’s diverse ecosystems.

Garden Highlights

Highland Cloud Forest – A climate-controlled environment replicating Vietnam’s montane ecosystems, home to rare orchids and medicinal plants
Meditation Garden – A tranquil space featuring Vietnamese zen design principles and sound therapy installations
Children’s Discovery Zone – Interactive exhibits on plant biology and conservation

Visitor Information

Location: Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Ba Dinh District
Hours: 6:00am-10:00pm daily (Biodome: 8:00am-6:00pm)
Entry: 120,000 VND adults, 60,000 VND children (includes Biodome access)

14. Tour the Modernized Vietnam Military History Museum

This comprehensive museum has been expanded with new wings dedicated to different periods of Vietnam’s military history, from ancient dynasties to modern defense.

Must-See Exhibitions

“Technological Evolution” – Featuring interactive displays of military innovations through Vietnamese history
“Personal Stories Gallery” – Oral histories and personal artifacts from veterans with QR-linked video testimonials
Outdoor Display Area – Housing over 150 pieces of military equipment, including aircraft, tanks, and captured American military hardware

Guided Tours

Military historians lead specialized tours (available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese) providing context and lesser-known facts about Vietnam’s complex military history. Tours last 90 minutes and cost 200,000 VND per person.

15. Attend Cultural Workshops at the Heritage House

This beautifully preserved merchant’s home in the Old Quarter now hosts immersive cultural experiences teaching traditional Vietnamese arts and crafts.

Popular Workshops for 2025-2026

Lacquerware Creation – 3-hour sessions teaching the multi-layered lacquer technique Vietnam is famous for (650,000 VND)
Traditional Hat Making – Learn to craft the iconic non la (conical hat) using authentic materials and techniques (450,000 VND)
Bamboo Paper Fan Painting – Combine calligraphy and watercolor on handmade paper fans (350,000 VND)

All workshops include materials, refreshments, and your handmade creation to take home. Advanced booking is essential as classes are limited to 8-10 participants for personalized instruction.

16. Visit the Night Markets of Long Bien

The expanded Long Bien night markets have become a must-visit destination, operating nightly from 7pm to midnight along the historic Long Bien Bridge.

What’s New in 2025-2026

Culinary Heritage Zone – Featuring regional specialties from all 63 Vietnamese provinces
Artisan Craft Section – Over 120 vendors selling handmade products with live demonstrations
Cultural Performance Stage – Nightly shows featuring traditional and contemporary Vietnamese performing arts

Navigation Tips

The market stretches over 1.5 kilometers and is divided into color-coded zones for easier navigation. Free shuttle carts run every 10 minutes for those who don’t wish to walk the entire length. Download the Long Bien Market app for real-time vendor information and performance schedules.

17. Discover Hanoi’s Hidden Speakeasies

The capital’s cocktail scene has blossomed with secret bars blending Vietnamese ingredients and international mixology techniques.

Top Hidden Bars in 2025-2026

Alchemist – Behind an unmarked door on Tong Duy Tan, featuring cocktails inspired by Vietnamese medicinal traditions
The Library – Accessed through a bookshelf in a Tay Ho café, specializing in tea-infused spirits and Vietnamese botanicals
Hanoi Social Club Underground – A basement jazz venue serving craft cocktails paired with live music

Signature Drinks to Try

Each venue creates unique concoctions using local ingredients like Phu Quoc pepper, Lang Son star anise, and Dalat mulberry. Most craft cocktails range from 180,000-250,000 VND.

18. Bike Around the Expanded West Lake Cycling Path

The West Lake cycling infrastructure has been significantly upgraded, with a 26-kilometer dedicated cycling path now circling the entire lake and connecting to major attractions.

Cycling Route Highlights

Botanical Garden Connection – A scenic route through bamboo forests and flower gardens
Temple Circuit – Connecting five historic lakeside temples with designated bicycle parking
Sunset Viewing Points – Multiple wooden platforms extending over the water specifically designed for sunset appreciation

Rental Information

Numerous bike rental stations around the lake offer standard bicycles (80,000 VND/day), electric bikes (150,000 VND/day), and tandem options (200,000 VND/day). The Hanoi Bike Share program also provides short-term rentals through its mobile app.

19. Explore the Perfume Pagoda Day Trip

The sacred Perfume Pagoda complex, located 60 kilometers southwest of Hanoi, remains one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Vietnam.

What’s New in 2025-2026

Improved Cable Car System – Reducing wait times and offering panoramic views of the karst landscape
Digital Heritage Guide – Interactive app explaining the religious and historical significance of each shrine
Expanded Hiking Trails – New paths offering views of previously inaccessible caves and temples

Travel Logistics

The journey includes a 1-hour drive from Hanoi, followed by a scenic 1-hour boat ride along the Yen Stream. Most tour packages include transportation, lunch, entrance fees, and guide services for 1,200,000-1,500,000 VND per person.

Extend your northern Vietnam experience by exploring beyond Hanoi with Vietnam Marvel Travel’s comprehensive Northern Vietnam itinerary, which seamlessly combines urban exploration with rural adventures.

20. Take a Cooking Class with Market Tour

Hanoi’s culinary schools have elevated their offerings with comprehensive experiences that go beyond basic cooking instructions.

Top Cooking Schools in 2025-2026

Hanoi Cooking Centre – Recently renovated facilities offering market tours and cooking classes focused on Northern Vietnamese specialties
Rose Kitchen – Family-run school teaching generational recipes with a new “Grandma’s Secrets” program
Blue Butterfly Cooking – Specializing in vegetarian and vegan adaptations of traditional dishes

What to Expect

Most classes begin with guided market tours to source fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on cooking sessions where you’ll prepare 4-5 dishes. Classes typically run 4-5 hours and include recipe booklets to take home, costing 850,000-1,200,000 VND per person.

21. Visit the New Hanoi Contemporary Art Museum

Opened in late 2024, this 18,000-square-meter museum represents Vietnam’s most significant investment in contemporary art infrastructure.

Exhibition Highlights for 2025-2026

“Diaspora Return” – Works by Vietnamese artists from around the world reflecting on identity and heritage
“Digital Traditions” – Interactive installations merging traditional Vietnamese art forms with cutting-edge technology
“Future Hanoi” – A speculative exhibition envisioning the capital’s evolution over the next century

Architecture and Design

The museum building itself is a masterpiece of sustainable architecture, designed by renowned Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia, featuring living walls, rainwater harvesting, and natural ventilation systems.

22. Cruise Through the Van Long Nature Reserve

Just 90 kilometers south of Hanoi, Van Long Nature Reserve offers a serene alternative to the more crowded Tam Coc or Trang An areas.

Wildlife and Scenery

Home to the critically endangered Delacour’s langur (fewer than 300 remain in the wild)
Spectacular limestone karsts rising from shallow waters
Over 100 bird species documented within the reserve boundaries

Visitor Experience in 2025-2026

The reserve has introduced sustainable tourism initiatives, including silent electric boats, guided wildlife spotting tours, and a new wildlife research center open to visitors. Day trips from Hanoi typically cost 1,500,000-1,800,000 VND including transportation, boat fees, and meals.

23. Attend a Cultural Show at the Hanoi Opera House

The historic opera house now hosts a diverse calendar of performances blending traditional and contemporary Vietnamese performing arts.

Notable 2025-2026 Productions

“Bamboo Concerto” – A fusion of Vietnamese bamboo instruments with Western classical orchestra
“A O Show Hanoi” – Circus-style performances depicting the transition from rural to urban life
“Four Seasons of Hanoi” – A quarterly changing production reflecting seasonal traditions and festivals

Performance Schedule

Shows typically run Thursday through Sunday with two performances daily (3:30pm and 8:00pm). Tickets range from 400,000-1,200,000 VND depending on seating and performance type.

24. Visit the B-52 Victory Museum’s New Multimedia Wing

This museum documenting the air defense of Hanoi during the American War has been expanded with immersive digital exhibitions.

New Exhibits for 2025-2026

Virtual Reality Air Battle Experience – Interactive simulation of Hanoi’s air defense systems
Oral History Collection – Testimonies from both Vietnamese defenders and American pilots
Peace and Reconciliation Gallery – Documenting the path to normalized relations between Vietnam and the United States

Visitor Information

Location: 157 Doi Can Street
Hours: 8:00am-11:30am and 1:30pm-4:30pm (Tuesday-Sunday)
Entry: 40,000 VND, with VR experiences available for an additional 120,000 VND

25. Experience a Traditional Homestay in Bat Trang Pottery Village

Located just 13 kilometers from central Hanoi, this 700-year-old pottery village offers authentic homestay experiences with master craftsmen.

Cultural Immersion Activities

Pottery Workshops – Learn traditional techniques from families with generations of expertise
Kiln Firing Ceremonies – Participate in the ritualistic firing of ceramics
Home-Cooked Meals – Share traditional Northern Vietnamese dishes with host families

Accommodation Details

Homestays range from traditional Vietnamese houses to modernized family homes with dedicated guest facilities. Prices range from 650,000-950,000 VND per night including breakfast and pottery workshops.

26. Enjoy Hanoi’s New Rooftop Dining Scene

The capital’s skyline has transformed with sophisticated rooftop establishments offering panoramic views and refined cuisine.

Top Rooftop Venues in 2025-2026

Twilight Sky Bar (Lotte Center, 65th floor) – Offering uninterrupted 360° views from 267 meters above street level
Red River Rooftop (Old Quarter) – Farm-to-table Vietnamese cuisine with views of the historic district
Sixteen Skyloft – Contemporary Vietnamese fusion served on a glass-floored observation deck

Specialty Experiences

Many venues now offer synchronized dining experiences where courses are timed to sunset transitions or accompanied by traditional music performances. Reservations are essential, particularly for sunset seatings.

27. Plan Your Halong Bay Adventure from Hanoi

No visit to Hanoi is complete without exploring the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, easily accessible as a day trip or overnight excursion.

Latest Halong Bay Experiences 2025-2026

Sustainable Luxury Cruises – New vessels featuring solar power and advanced waste management
Exclusive Island Access – Premium packages including visits to restricted islands and caves
Culinary Cruise Experiences – Specialized voyages featuring Vietnamese cooking classes and seafood harvesting

Planning Your Trip

The journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes approximately 2.5 hours via the new expressway. For the most comprehensive experience, consider booking through Vietnam Marvel Travel, which offers expertly curated packages combining Hanoi exploration with Halong Bay adventures.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Hanoi in 2025-2026

Hanoi continues to evolve as a destination that masterfully balances preservation and innovation. The city rewards those who venture beyond the obvious attractions, with each neighborhood offering distinct perspectives on Vietnamese culture, history, and daily life.

For travelers planning their Vietnam journey, consider starting in Hanoi before exploring further afield. The city serves as an ideal gateway to northern Vietnam’s treasures, including Sapa’s terraced fields, Ninh Binh’s karst landscapes, and of course, the majestic Halong Bay.

Weather Considerations: The most pleasant months to visit Hanoi are September-November and March-April, when temperatures range from 20-30°C with moderate humidity. December-February can be surprisingly cool (averaging 15-20°C) while May-August brings tropical heat with temperatures often exceeding 35°C.

Whatever your interests—culinary adventures, cultural immersion, or historical exploration—Hanoi in 2025-2026 offers unforgettable experiences that capture the essence of Vietnam’s past, present, and future.

Contact Information

Website: vietnammarveltravel.com
Email: vietnammarveltravel@gmail.com
Phone: +84.978.358.422
WhatsApp: +84 978.358.422

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