Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam, located in the northern part of the country, near the banks of the Red River. As one of Southeast Asia’s most popular cities, Hanoi mixes traditional charm with modern energy, where ancient temples and colonial architecture sit alongside the streets filled with motorbikes and markets. Hanoi's rich history as Vietnam's political and cultural hub for over a thousand years is evident in its preserved landmarks and diverse culture.

One of the city’s main attractions is the Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets and historic buildings, where visitors can experience Hanoi’s lively street life, sample authentic Vietnamese street food, and shop for local crafts. Stroll around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake, or witness the Thang Long Water Puppet Show, a unique cultural performance rooted in Vietnamese folklore. For a different kind of adventure, families and thrill-seekers can spend a day at VinWonders Ha Noi Water Park for some fun and excitement.

Hanoi's rich cultural heritage is shown through its many historical sites, such as the Temple of Literature by Night, where you can admire this ancient Confucian temple under a magical evening glow. Exploring the countryside is also a highlight, with tours like the Hanoi Eco Tour to Ba Vi National Park and Tea Plantation offering a refreshing escape from the city. For those looking to experience Vietnam’s famous cuisine, the Private Culinary Exploration Tour allows visitors to dine with locals and discover the flavours of traditional Hanoi cuisine. The Hanoi Old Quarter Cyclo Tour, complete with an Egg Coffee experience, is perfect for those seeking a more leisurely exploration of the city.

Beyond the city limits, Hanoi serves as the gateway to some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders, including the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, where visitors can enjoy a scenic cruise on the Sonata. Adventure seekers can plan for multi-day tours, like the Northern Vietnam Highlights 5D4N Tour, combining Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay, or the 6D5N Tour which also includes Sapa. These excursions offer a perfect blend of cultural experiences and stunning landscapes, making Hanoi not just a city to explore but a base for uncovering the beauty of northern Vietnam.

VinWonders Ha Noi Water Park is located in Gia Lam District, just a short drive from the city centre of Hanoi. It offers a variety of water slides, wave pools, and family-friendly attractions, making it a perfect spot for a day of fun and relaxation. The park is ideal for families with children or anyone looking to cool off during the hot summer months, with the best time to visit is from April to October. You can reach the park via public buses or taxis from central Hanoi, with routes like Bus 11 or Bus 59 heading towards the Gia Lam area.

Thang Long Water Puppet Show is a cultural gem located near Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This traditional Vietnamese art form features puppets performing on water, accompanied by live music and storytelling, showcasing local folklore and rural life. The show runs multiple times daily and offers a unique insight into Vietnam's heritage. The best time to visit is in the evening, after a day of exploring the city. The theatre is easily accessible by foot if you’re staying in the Old Quarter or by public bus routes like Bus 9 or Bus 14.

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is about 170 km east of Hanoi and is renowned for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. The Sonata Cruise offers a luxurious way to experience the bay, with activities like kayaking, swimming, and cave exploration. The best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is cool and dry. Public transport options from Hanoi include buses or shuttles departing from My Dinh or Luong Yen bus stations, and heading to Ha Long City, from where you can board the cruise. Alternatively, taxis or private cars can be booked for a more direct journey.

Temple of Literature by Night in Hanoi is a unique and enchanting experience of one of Hanoi's most revered historical sites. Located in the heart of the city, this ancient Confucian temple, which once served as Vietnam’s first national university, is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a serene and mystical atmosphere. Visitors can admire its traditional Vietnamese architecture, vast gardens, and peaceful courtyards while learning about its rich history. The best time to visit is in the evening when the cooler weather and tranquil ambience allow for a relaxing exploration. Easily accessible by taxi or motorbike, the Temple of Literature is a must-see destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

The Northern Vietnam Highlights exploring Ha Noi, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay for the 5D4N tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam's most iconic northern landscapes. Starting in Hanoi, you’ll explore the capital city before heading to the serene Ninh Binh province, home to the Bai Dinh Temple complex and the UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscape. The tour concludes with a magical cruise through Ha Long Bay, where towering limestone cliffs and hidden caves offer breathtaking views. The best time to embark on this tour is during the cooler months from October to April. Transportation options include guided tours with hotel pick-ups or public buses from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and Ha Long City.

Private Culinary Exploration Tour provides an authentic taste of Hanoian cuisine. Located in Ba Dinh District, this three-hour experience starts with a guided tour of a local market, where you'll discover fresh ingredients and traditional spices used in Vietnamese cooking. Under the guidance of skilled home cooks, you'll prepare iconic dishes like Bún Chả and Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls. After the hands-on cooking session, enjoy a meal with your hosts, allowing you to savour your creations while learning more about the local culture. The tour can be reached via taxis or motorbikes, with pick-up and drop-off services provided for your convenience.

The Hanoi Eco tour takes you to the Ba Vi National Park, about 60km west of Hanoi. The park is known for its misty forests, rich biodiversity, and stunning views of the mountains. Highlights of the tour include exploring the haunting ruins of a French church and prison, trekking through lush pine forests, and visiting a tea plantation run by a Vietnam War veteran. Here, you'll learn about traditional tea-making and savour mountain specialities.

The best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is cool and ideal for hiking. You can get there by bus or taxi, with the option of hotel pick-up for added convenience.

Hanoi Sightseeing on Motorbike offers an authentic experience of the city, exploring Hanoi’s iconic sites on the most common local transport—motorbike. This tour takes you through the bustling Old Quarter, past landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake, the historic St. Joseph's Cathedral, and the B-52 bomber lake. You’ll also visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the city’s oldest temple, and ride across the scenic Long Bien Bridge, with views of banana plantations and the Red River Delta.

The best time for this adventure is during the cooler months from November to March. Taxis or motorbike taxis are widely available to get you to the meeting point in the Old Quarter.

Hanoi Craft Villages Day Tour takes you out of the city to experience Vietnam’s traditional craftsmanship. Located about an hour from Hanoi, Quang Phu Cau is famed for its incense-making, while Chuong Village is renowned for producing iconic conical hats. Visitors can observe artisans at work and even try crafting these items themselves.

The best time to visit is during the dry season from October to April for a pleasant experience. You can join organised tours from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, or take a bus or taxi to the villages, with meeting points like the Hanoi Opera House.

Cycling Around Hanoi is an active way to explore the city's historic and cultural landmarks. Starting from the bustling Old Quarter, this guided cycling tour takes you to Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph's Cathedral, and the 100-year-old railway street. You’ll also visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, and the serene B-52 bomber lake. The tour includes a ride over the iconic Long Bien Bridge, offering views of the Red River and surrounding banana plantations.

The best time to enjoy this activity is from October to April when the weather is cooler. Public buses and taxis are convenient options to reach the Old Quarter, where most cycling tours begin.

This 6-day, 5-night tour covering Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa provides an in-depth exploration of Northern Vietnam’s cultural and natural wonders. The tour includes Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, Ninh Binh’s Bai Dinh Temple and the UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, famous for its limestone cliffs and tranquil rivers. You’ll also cruise through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and trek through Sapa’s rice terraces and Hmong villages.

The best time to visit these areas is from September to April for pleasant weather. Public transport options include buses and trains from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and Sapa, while Ha Long Bay is typically reached by organised tours.

Hanoi Weekend Night Market and Street Food Tour takes you to the lively night market along Hang Ngang-Hang Dao Street, in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Visitors can browse a variety of affordable goods, from souvenirs to clothing, while sampling street food such as banh mi, fresh spring rolls, and mixed noodles. The market is also a hub for local performances, featuring live music and street dances. The best time to visit is on weekends, from Friday to Sunday evenings. You can easily reach the Old Quarter by public bus or taxi, with the market just a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hanoi Old Quarter Cyclo Tour with Egg Coffee Experience is a charming way to explore Hanoi’s historic heart. Located in the city centre, the Old Quarter is famous for its narrow streets, ancient architecture, and good atmosphere. During this tour, you’ll ride a cyclo, a traditional three-wheeled bicycle, passing French colonial buildings, local temples, and landmarks around Hoan Kiem Lake.

The highlight of the experience is enjoying the famous Vietnamese egg coffee at a hidden café overlooking the lake. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. To get to the Old Quarter, you can take public buses or taxis, as it’s well connected from all parts of the city.

I-Museum in Hanoi is a unique digital art experience, blending traditional exhibitions with modern technology. The museum uses 3D mapping, scanning, and interactive displays to bring art to life, making it a great spot for families, art enthusiasts, and students. Visitors can engage with immersive installations and even create personalised digital art. The museum’s highlight is My Trip Studio, where visitors can capture virtual photos and dress in traditional Hanbok attire for a cultural twist. The best time to visit is on weekdays to avoid crowds. The museum is accessible via public transport, with buses and taxis readily available.

SUP & Camping Tour at Nang River and Ba Be Lake takes you deep into Vietnam’s Bac Kan province, where nature thrives in Ba Be National Park. Paddle along the tranquil Nang River, explore the impressive Puong Cave, and enjoy stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the crystal-clear waters of Ba Be Lake, home to diverse aquatic life. At night, camp under the stars, enjoy local dishes and participate in cultural exchanges around the campfire. The best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is cooler and ideal for outdoor activities. To reach Ba Be, you can take a bus from Hanoi to Bac Kan, followed by local transport to the national park.

Hanoi's rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes make it an essential travel destination. Whether you're wandering through the Old Quarter, biking past historic landmarks, discovering the art of traditional craft villages, or savouring street food on a relaxing cruise, Hanoi is sure a place to go. To make your trip seamless, book your flights, accommodations, and nearby attractions through Traveloka. With its easy-to-use platform and great deals, Traveloka ensures that your Hanoi adventure is just a few clicks away.