15 Cool and Unique Things to Do in Hanoi

As for many Hanoi visitors, Hanoi city is a harmonious blend of East-meets-West with Sino-Vietnamese and French styles, which can exposed in its cuisine, architecture, and arts. If you are too familiar with these famous Hanoi attractions, we are delighted to introduce plenty more of unique things to do in Hanoi, so that you can immerse yourselves in this city with more excitement.

In this article, some popular Hanoi adventure activities are revealed so that you’ll be immersed in beautiful Hanoi culture and explore Hanoi like a local.

1. Visit Phung Hung Murals street

Phung Hung Street is where vibrant mural paintings bring the city's history to life. Since its opening in February 2018, this street has become a beloved spot for both locals and travelers.

Thanks to a collaboration between Vietnamese and South Korean artists, Phung Hung Street showcases scenes from Hanoi's past on its walls. You'll find depictions of the Mid-Autumn festival, the iconic Trang Tien Department Store, and lively Old Quarter street corners. What's even cooler is the mix of art, including photography, 3D paintings, carvings, and interactive games.

Phung Hung Murals Street isn't just for photos—it's a place to try painting and play traditional games. It's a spot that keeps Hanoi's history alive and lets visitors experience the city's unique culture.

2. Walk along the Hanoi ceramic mosaic mural

The Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural is a fantastic four-kilometer-long artwork along the streets of the city. It's free for everyone to enjoy. 

The mural was created by 20 local artists, 15 international artists from 10 countries, and over 100 artisans, including 500 children. This collaborative effort was a celebration of the 1,000th anniversary of the founding of Thang Long citadel.

Starting in the Old Quarter near the Long Bien bridge, the mural takes you on a visual journey through different sections featuring abstract portraits, iconic Vietnamese scenes, and creations by young students.

Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's longest ceramic mural, the artwork reflects Vietnam's rich history and culture. 

3. Take a hop on hop off bus tour

The Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour in Hanoi offers a fantastic way to explore the city's top attractions with the flexibility to tailor your experience.

Unlike regular tours, you get to see Hanoi's streets from above, feeling like the city is right beneath you. When passing Han people's houses, tourists can take a look through door frames and second-floor balconies for interesting patterns and the colors of time.

The buses go through popular districts such as the Old Quarter, French Quarter, and Hoan Kiem. There are designated stops scattered across these areas, allowing you to hop on and off as you want. You can explore your favorite at your own pace, and when you're ready, simply board the next bus.

The buses run daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a bus arriving every 30 minutes. The 12-hour itinerary covers all the must-see spots in Hanoi. What's great is the buses have multilingual commentary (Vietnamese, English, French, Chinese, Spanish, etc.), air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi for a comfortable journey.

You can grab tour tickets from the official website, online platforms, or local agencies. There are different ticket options: 1-hour for $7, 4-hour for $13, and a full-day 24-hour pass for $20. 

4. Take a Jeep tour 

Perfect for a quick city exploration, these jeep tours cover famous sights in just one day. No need to worry about confusing roads; the tour plans everything for you. You can flexibly choose between a half-day or a full-day excursion, each offering a different set of attractions to explore. 

What makes these Jeep tours even more exciting is the option for full customization. You get to decide exactly where the jeep takes you, ensuring a personalized and adventurous experience.

>> See more: Half-day Exploring the Red River Countryside with Jeep

5. Observe the whole city on Lotte’s 65th floor

Perched on the 65th floor of the Lotte Center, the Lotte Observation Deck in Hanoi provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city. As the second tallest complex building in Hanoi, the observation deck is divided into four unique sections: the Attraction Zone, Welcome Zone, Experience Zone, and Romantic Zone.

The Sky Walk, part of the Attraction Zone, gives you a wide view of the city, capturing the lively spirit of Hanoi. Upon reaching the 65th floor, you'll find yourself in the Welcome Zone, featuring an introduction theater and a photo zone. 

Next, the Experience Zone is where the excitement unfolds, hosting the Observatory, View Terrace, and Sky Walk with transparent floors. 

The last stop is the Romantic Zone, where you can write loving messages in the sky dating garden and take beautiful pictures with your beloved person in the love photo zone.

6. Visit a Hanoi Ancient House

In the lively Old Quarter of Hanoi on Ma May Street, Ma May’s Ancient House sits the quiet gem amidst bustling restaurants and nightclubs. Built in the 19th century, this two-story dwelling showcases traditional Vietnamese design and original architecture.

When stepping into this place, you'll feel transported back in time, experiencing life as it was a century ago. The first floor, where family trade once thrived, opens into a living area and kitchen through a charming courtyard. There are bedrooms on the second floor. 

This ancient house on Ma May Street is one of 14 traditional houses in the Hanoi Old Quarter. Despite changing ownership, the original structure has been preserved, thanks to the efforts of both owners and the government. With a history dating back to a famous rice trader, the house received National Heritage certification in 2004 after a significant restoration effort in the late 90s.

7. Enjoy a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet

Themed around Vietnamese folklore and historical stories, the Thang Long Water Puppet show is one of the unique things to do in Hanoi. 

The show comes to life with skillful puppeteers manipulating the puppets from behind a bamboo screen in waist-deep water. The wooden puppets, beautifully crafted to resemble animals, mythical creatures, and human figures, create a mesmerizing visual spectacle.

Located in the Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Theatre is a cultural hotspot, drawing crowds of tourists. It's a captivating experience accompanied by live traditional Vietnamese music played on instruments like bamboo flutes and drums.

Moreover, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater has expanded beyond puppetry to include traditional Vietnamese arts like folk music and dances. The show adds modern touches with visual effects such as fireworks and laser lighting, making it an interesting experience for all ages.

8. Check-in at Ho Tay’s lotus flower pond

During May and June, this place is filled with blooming lotus flowers with a backdrop of a giant ferris wheel.

There you can also have Hanoi unique experiences in traditional Vietnamese clothing. Rent an áo dài and a nón lá (conical bamboo hat) and hop onto a rowing boat for a picture-perfect moment amidst the lotus ponds. It's like stepping into a scene from the Vietnamese countryside.

9. Explore unique cafes

Hanoi is known for its vibrant coffee culture with different types of coffee. Here are some cafe places for you to hang out. 

• De Ville Cafe: For fans of Korean dramas or those who grew up watching Gossip Girl, De Ville Cafe is the perfect spot to recreate scenes and moments. 
• Cafe Giảng: The owner is credited as the originator of the famous Vietnamese drink - egg coffee. It's a must-try for a taste of history and creation.
• Kafeville: Roasting beans from around the globe, Kafeville is a haven for coffee enthusiasts with super-skilled baristas crafting artisanal cups.
• Tranquil Books + Coffee: Combining the love for books and coffee, Tranquil Books + Coffee is a dream for those seeking a cozy reading nook. The drink list is ultra-creative, making it a perfect spot to unwind with a good book.
• Xofa Café & Bistro: If you fancy an espresso bar or prefer sitting in a courtyard surrounded by vines, Xofa Café & Bistro has it all. The building itself is a visual delight, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing coffee session.

10. Attend cooking classes 

Joining cooking classes is also great for exploring Hanoi culture. No matter you're a cooking enthusiast or just curious to try something new, these classes offer a fun way to engage with local culture.

You can choose a time that suits you – morning or evening, and let an English-speaking local guide you through the experience. You’ll start by exploring a local market, picking fresh ingredients for your cooking adventure. Then, head to a local's home for a private cooking session.

In these hands-on classes, you may learn to make classic Northern Vietnamese dishes like bún chả and Hanoian fried spring rolls (nem). And if you have a sweet tooth, don't miss the Egg Coffee Cooking Class – a chance to recreate the delicious foamy drink that's a Hanoian specialty.

Cooking classes in Hanoi not only teach you about Vietnamese cuisine but also provide a personal and immersive connection to local life. It's a delightful way to bring the taste of Vietnam back home with you.

11. Take a local street food tour

Hanoi’s cuisine has its unique charm, and a food tour is the perfect way to dive into the local food scene, spot new ingredients, and learn about the spices that define Hanoian flavors.

Hanoi's social vibe spills onto the streets, making a walking food tour the authentic choice. Tourists can taste various street foods, sample local ingredients, and savor iconic dishes while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Some popular foods include banh mi, bun cha, banh cuon, banh xeo and nem lui, etc,.

>> See more: Tasty Hanoi Street Food in Dong Xuan Market Alley

12. Buy quality silk at Van Phuc Silk Village

A quick 30-minute trip from Hanoi center, Van Phuc Silk Village is where you can immerse yourself in the art of silk-making and find beautiful silk products at affordable prices.

As exploring Van Phuc, you can shop for silk treasures, including scarves, dresses, pillowcases, ties, and more. The village's silk products are renowned for their top quality and meticulous craftsmanship, appreciated by the French and exported to Eastern European countries.

Van Phuc silk is known for its toughness, softness, and beautiful patterns, making it a forefront player in Vietnam's textile industry for centuries. Among its iconic silks, the Van silk shines with a glossy appearance and smooth texture, perfect for elegant ao dai dresses. Meanwhile, satin silk is loved for its extreme softness and shine, ideal for chic dresses.

>> Van Phuc Silk Village - the Traditional Cultural Beauty of Thousand Years

13. Visit Quang Phu Cau Insense village 

This traditional craft village provides a unique experience for visitors to witness the incense-making process and capture stunning photos. The Quang Phu Cau Incense village's enchanting scenery has earned international recognition, featured by the French news agency AFP in 2019.

As you enter the village, you'll be immersed in the lively atmosphere with bustling streets filled with vehicles transporting incense sticks for sale. Large courtyards, communal houses, and vacant lots serve as picturesque drying grounds for the vibrant red incense bundles.

In Quang Phu Cau, the incense sticks are bundled in large sizes, resembling blooming flowers with their heads together and legs spread. The yellow and red colors, symbolizing luck, make these incense bundles beautiful and iconic. Local and international photographers frequent this village for its visually appealing scenes.

For a more in-depth experience, you can visit the old incense manufacturing facilities to witness the entire process. There are various types of incense, each with its own set of ingredients. Then skilled craftsmanship ensures a light and firm touch during the process, resulting in even powder distribution. After that, the incense is sun-dried to maintain quality. The artisans also infuse additional herbs in their incense bundles for a delightful and long-lasting fragrance.

>> See more: Quang Phu Cau Incense Village: A Colorful Place to Visit in Hanoi

14. Visit Bat Trang pottery village 

Bat Trang, Vietnam's oldest pottery village dating back to the 14th or 15th century, thrives as a hub of ceramic artistry. Craftsmen settled here during the Ly Dynasty, drawn by the proximity to the Red River and ample white clay.

Bat Trang remains a top brand for ceramics in Vietnam and Asia, representing the pinnacle of Vietnamese fine arts. As you explore the village, stroll through its charming streets, visit historic kilns like the iconic "Lo Bau," and witness the enduring legacy of ceramic craftsmanship.

You can join hands-on pottery workshops led by skilled artisans, offering a chance to shape and mold clay into your creations. Additionally, you can enjoy local delicacies like "banh san nuong", “canh mang muc”, and "banh te" at affordable prices. 

15. Go hiking in Ba Vi National Park

Nestled at an altitude between 100 and 1,296 meters, Ba Vi National Park boasts year-round greenery and offers a peaceful retreat from city life.

Tourists can explore ancient temples, remnants of French colonial structures, and hiking trails through lush forests. Three prominent mountain peaks—Dinh Vua, Tan Vien, and Ngoc Hoa—beckon visitors. Tan Vien Peak leads to the 11th-century Thuong Temple, perched at 1,227 meters. 

It’s best to go to Ba Vi during the refreshing seasons of summer and autumn, spanning from April to November. In winter, you may expect cold and foggy conditions. 

That’s a long list of unique things to do in Hanoi. We hope our suggestions may help you a bit in planning your next trip to the capital of Vietnam. 

There are so many other things interesting about this city. Come and make the most of your trip, where the warmth and friendliness of the Vietnamese people ensure you'll feel right at home.

See more Hanoi travel information:

>> Must-Try Food in Hanoi - The Top 10 Dishes You Cannot Miss

>> The 10 Best Rooftop Bars in Hanoi

>> The Best Spa and Massage in Hanoi Old Quarter

>> The 10 Best Museums in Hanoi

>> Unmissable Hanoi Markets to Explore