Hanoi Travel Guide

Don’t let the rainy season dampen your itinerary; there are plenty of things to do in Hanoi when it rains. As the sound of motorbikes and street vendors mixes with the pattering of raindrops, museums, restaurants, and malls invite you to experience the city from a new perspective.

Taste your way around Hanoi at cozy cafes in Old Quarter, a historic urban core. Witness traditional performing arts at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre or Hanoi Opera House. Or, hunt for bargains from the great indoors at Dong Xuan Market. These indoor activities in Hanoi are perfect for escaping the rain.

Hanoi is a city of clashes, with lively streets, historical confrontations, and intriguing street foods to discover. This eclectic mix is thanks to a layered history and centuries of culture, inspiring some of the best museums in Hanoi. From fun museums like Bat Trang Pottery Museum to famous ones like Hoa Lo Prison, the capital city is proud to display its fiercely beating heart. 

With hidden gems like the Vietnam Museum of Literature and creative centers like the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, museums offer some of the best things to do in Hanoi.

Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is a fascinating city that blends old and new, where incense-filled temples, ancient pagodas, and skyscrapers compete for your attention. Whether you’re gazing down from modern observation decks or discovering hidden viewpoints in the Old Quarter, the best views in Hanoi reveal the city’s unique charm. These nine viewing spots, from peaceful lakes to historic bridges, will show why Hanoi has inspired artists and photographers for centuries.