Explore the streets of the Old Quarter early in the morning

One thing that you’ll love about Hanoi is its vibrant scene, especially in the Old Quarter. Local guides in Hanoi will tell you that the best way to explore this part of the city is early in the morning, where there are less traffic and less chaos.

 As early as 5 AM, local vendors are already up and you can see several restaurants opening at 6 AM, serving the most delicious Vietnamese breakfast. Your local guide knows the best place to go for a perfect cup of Vietnamese coffee, a great way to start your day. Walking into the nooks and crannies of the Old Quarter, you get to witness different scenes - locals can be seen quietly lining up for a bowl of Pho, crowds of exercise enthusiasts are gathered near the lake and loudspeakers playing local songs can be heard in the background.

Witness the flag raising ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Although the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is not exactly a top-secret spot in Hanoi, many tourists do not know about the flag raising ceremony happening here every morning. The ceremony takes place at the Ba Dinh Square, right in front the mausoleum and witnessing the ceremony is definitely one of the best things to do in Hanoi. It’s a national ritual in Vietnam carried out by a group of soldiers marching in synchronized motion right in front the mausoleum.

 And while you’re at the mausoleum, make sure you check out the mummified body of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s most loved president. His embalmed corpse is kept inside in an air-conditioned glass case, heavily guarded by security.

Visit the Van Phuc silk village at the Cầu Giấy District

The Cau Giay district is a bit far from the Old Quarter, which means that it’s less crowded and far from being a touristy place. There are some hidden gems in this district that only a few tourists know about and one of these is the Van Phuc silk village.

 Since the Cau Giay district is about 30-min. drive away from the center of the city, the best way to discover this place is with your local host. So hop at the back of a scooter and let your local guide take you to this village, famous for its traditional silk weaving industry. If you want to bring home premium quality silk products, this is the best place to go.

Wander around the Long Bien Market at midnight

The Long Bien market is Hanoi’s biggest wholesale market and strolling at this place at midnight is one of the fun things to do in Hanoi. Even if you don’t intend to shop, the market will delight you with its animated scenes of local customers shouting and gesticulating with local traders.

 Located on the northern side of Hanoi's Old Quarter, your local host will guide you through the maze of shops and food vendors. Of course, no exploration of the market is complete without having a taste of some delightful street foods, such as the famous Pho, which you can pair with Banh Mi, a Vietnamese baguette.

Watch local chess players at the Temple of the Jade Mountain

At the end of the southern part of the Old Quarter, you’ll find the Hoan Kiem Lake. Visible from the edges of the lake is a small island where the Jade Mountain can be found. Your local host will take you there by walking through a red bridge. On the other end of the bridge lies a Buddhist temple that dates back to the 18th century. Head over to the temple’s pavilion where you’ll find hordes of locals watching some men playing chess. You can join in the fun and perhaps interact with some friendly locals.

Join a Vietnamese cooking class hosted by a local

Joining a cooking class with a local is among the fun things to do in Hanoi. The French influence has been clearly preserved in the city’s culture, whether it’s through the architecture or food. Joining a local cooking class is a great way to understand Hanoi’s interwoven food culture.

Learn how to create a local dish from scratch, even go to the local market to pick the right ingredients for your cooking class. Take home a unique souvenir: a recipe of your favorite local dish!

Go up the Lotte Tower & enjoy a 360-degree view of Hanoi

If you want to see Hanoi from above, your local host can take you to the Lotte Tower, the second tallest building in the country. Opened in 2014, the tower is one of the most recent additions to Hanoi’s skyline.

 The excitement begins from the time you step into its elevator, which is said to be the fastest in the country. At the tower’s 65th floor, there’s a glass observation deck that will allow you to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. Schedule your visit at sunset, where the glow of Hanoi’s lighted buildings, as well as the nonstop flow of traffic, adds to the magical views.

Walk along the Long Bien Bridge to visit the Banana Island

The Long Bien Bridge had a strategic importance during the Vietnam War, yet only a few tourists would venture into this place. Walking into this 100-year old historic bridge may not be for the fainthearted, but it’s definitely one of the most exciting things to do in Hanoi.

After crossing the bridge, the noises of the city will fade away and you’ll soon reach the Banana Island, a stunning natural getaway. What you will hear are the rustling sound of banana leaves beneath your feet as you walk into this little hidden paradise.

Check out the stunning ceramic mosaic wall at the Tây Hồ District

Unknown to many, Hanoi is actually home to one of the world’s largest mosaic mural wall, which starts at Tây Hồ District, about 30min. away from the city center. Your local guide will take you to this place on a scooter so you can witness the stunning mural wall as it snakes through the Red River dike at the eastern side of the Old Quarter.

 Tây Hồ District is also home to Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake, the West Lake, a massive body of water having a circumference of 17 km. Locals seeking respite from the hustle bustle of the city life will usually make their way to this district to enjoy its natural beauty.

Stay at a cozy tree house & share an authentic dinner with a local

Fancy a stay at a tree house? You can do this in Hanoi and the best thing about this unique accommodation is that a local runs it. This means that you get to live and interact with a local and even get to share authentic dinner with them! Staying at these unique home stays is definitely one of the most exciting things to do in Hanoi and a great way to soak up the city’s local culture.