HANOI BUCKET LIST - 10 MUST-DO ACTIVITIES IN HANOI

I arrived in the city of Hanoi at 4:30 a.m. after a 23-hour sleeper bus journey from Laos. Exhausted from the long night, I walked out of the bus station and wandered the streets, searching for a shop with coffee and Wi-Fi.

Even in the early hours, the streets were bustling, with motorbikes darting in every direction and vendors heading to the market. A short walk led me to a small pho shop—a welcome sight after such a long journey. After inquiring about the Wi-Fi, I settled down on a small plastic stool by the side of the busy road.

It was here that I had my first bowl of authentic Vietnamese pho, and let me tell you, it was life-changing. The broth had a depth of flavor indescribable, and the noodles were cooked to perfection. I slowly sipped the broth, watching the streets come to life even more. By the time I left the shop and caught a bus to the Old Quarter, I had fallen in love with Hanoi.

TAKE A WALK THROUGH THE OLD QUARTER

The Old Quarter is the main hub for most backpackers. If you're looking for a hostel recommendation, I would suggest the Little Charm Hostel. Centrally located, it was the best hostel I stayed at during my entire two months in Vietnam.

As you explore the Old Quarter, I recommend taking at least half a day to truly experience it. While walking, you'll have the chance to see local life and the unique architecture that Hanoi has to offer.

SHOP FOR THE PERFECT SOUVENIR

The Old Quarter is also home to plenty of shopping options, from silk and hemp fabrics to tailors willing to customize garments—there's something for everyone. You will also find various handicrafts and postcards.

I noticed many shops carrying Patagonia, North Face, and Kanken bags. Of course, all of them are knock-offs, but most are still of decent quality, and you can often get them at a bargain. A good tip to remember is that it's okay to haggle here. Most sellers will give you a price that is often more than double what the item is worth. I recommend starting at half of the original price and haggling from there. This is also part of the culture, so try to have fun with it.

If you are in the market for a unique gift, I would recommend getting a personalized stamp made. These craftsmen can take any photo of you, a loved one, or a pet and turn it into a stamp. The cost is between 10-20 USD, depending on how many people or animals you would like carved, and it takes 24 hours to complete. It's definitely a unique thing I hadn’t seen before. You can find the shop at this Google pin here.

NGOC SON TEMPLE

Not too far from the Old Quarter is the Ngoc Son Temple. The temple, located on a small island in the middle of the lake, is the perfect place to find quiet after the chaos of the Old Quarter.

Entry is only 1.30 USD, and it's totally worth it to see the beautiful detail of the temple. There are also several spots for some Instagram-worthy pictures.

WATER PUPPET THEATER

Almost directly across from the Ngoc Son Temple, you will find the famous Water Puppet Theater. This theater showcases one of the oldest art forms in Vietnam. Originally, farmers in the rice fields invented this art form, crafting puppets from wood and using them to tell stories while hidden behind the rice plants.

Today, it remains an incredibly popular show for both Vietnamese and tourists alike, and is a must-do when visiting Vietnam. Tickets cost between 5-9 USD, depending on the seating. I recommend purchasing tickets a day in advance, as they often sell out quickly.

WOMEN'S MUSEUM

Taking time to visit the Women's Museum will provide deep insight into the culture of Vietnam. This museum not only honors the women of Vietnam, acknowledging their strength in the war, but also offers insights into their way of life, from youth traditions to marriage ceremonies and childbirth. The entire museum takes several hours to explore but is definitely worth it. Personally, I found the sections on childbirth and women at work particularly enlightening. There's also an option for an audio-guided tour, and the entrance fee is 1.60 USD.

TRAIN STREET

Train Street offers a truly unique experience that I highly recommend. However, getting there can be somewhat confusing. When I walked to Train Street, I found a gate and a guard blocking tourists from entering.

This blockade is due to safety concerns. Several years ago, the government deemed it too dangerous as the train passes incredibly close. However, this hasn't completely stopped cafe owners from conducting business there. Now, instead of walking freely down the street, you have to sit at one of the many cafes and wait for the train to come by.

Getting to a cafe is easy, as many employees are by the gate and will offer to escort you in. Essentially, as long as you're accompanied by a local, the guards will allow you to pass. Once inside, you can sit at a cafe and enjoy a drink until the train passes by.

TEMPLE OF LITERATURE

The Temple of Literature is a beautiful and historic landmark within Hanoi. Here, you will discover gardens and the detail within the large temples, constructed mainly of wood with delicate carvings.

It is also Vietnam's first national university, established from 1076 to 1779. The school was known for its incredibly difficult exams and rigorous studies. While it functioned as a school, it is also a temple, so when visiting, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees and be respectful while on the grounds.

AMERICAN WAR MUSEUM

This is a must-see while in Hanoi. The museum covers the complete history of the American War, or as some call it, the Vietnam War. The museum is split into three large buildings. Two of these focus solely on the North and South sides of the war, while the third building mainly consists of art pieces representing various battles and struggles the Vietnamese faced during the war.

Personally, I found the museum to be incredibly educational, providing a deep insight into the more recent history of Vietnam. This is something that's important to be aware of, especially if you are traveling through the country.

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SNAKE VILLAGE

About forty minutes from the Old Quarter, depending on traffic, you will find Snake Village. This place is known for the locals' enjoyment of snakes! While for some it may not seem to be the most appetizing thing in the world, for others, this may be the food adventure of a lifetime.

If you decide to take on this adventure, I would recommend going to the Hung Snake Restaurant. For just 20 USD, you will embark on a flavor adventure of a lifetime. All the Vietnamese dishes served have the main ingredient of, you guessed it, snake.

WEEKEND NIGHT MARKET

This last activity can only be experienced on weekends, so if you're in Hanoi for just a few days, there's a chance you might miss the weekend night market. However, I highly recommend staying over the weekend if at all possible, as this night market is definitely a quintessential part of the Hanoi experience.

When open, the market stretches about 3-4 km, making it one of the largest night markets I've encountered in all of Southeast Asia. The market is filled with various tents selling everything from clothes, shoes, and toys to handicrafts and various souvenirs. Or, if you're a backpacker like myself and don’t have much room in your bag, experiencing the various street foods is also a fun dinner option and a great way to try more of the local food!

The above activities and experiences are just a few of the myriad things to do and see while in Hanoi. If you get a chance to experience this wonderful city, I definitely recommend staying at least five to seven days to fully immerse yourself in the city and its culture!

~A Fellow Wanderer