Romantic things to do in Hanoi : Date ideas for every couple

Hanoi is the perfect destination for couples as there are many romantic things to do in and around the city. As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is booming, dense, and culturally vibrant. The cuisine is spectacular; whether you choose a special date night spot in the Old Quarter or take a cooking class together, the outcome is always delicious. The Red River flows through Hanoi, and there are many natural attractions and day trips for adventurous couples. This guide wraps up all of the best things to do in Hanoi for couples.

Discover Hanoi’s romantic side

Showstopping romantic activities for special occasions: See the sunrise along the Hoan Kiem Lake, take a cooking class together, or visit Perfume Pagoda.
Romantic neighborhoods to explore on date night: Explore and dine in the Old Quarter, enjoy Train Street’s unique sights and sounds, or see a traditional water puppet show at the theater.
Secret spots for romantic moments: Learn traditional ceramics together at Bat Trang Ceramic Village, take a boat to explore the beautiful Mua Cave, or swim by Halong Bay.

The best things to do as a couple in Hanoi

1. Fall in love with the natural beauty of Ba Vi National Park

Take a moped ride to Ba Vi National Park through green mountainous landscapes and lush paddy fields and explore the colonial-era ruins and old temples. Ba Vi is a must-see attraction for nature lovers and adventurous couples who love big hikes, panoramic mountain views, and diverse flora and fauna. Relax together in the hot springs and leave your stresses behind.

Hot tip

Visit Ba Vi National Park in the early Summer months, when the deciduous trees are shimmering with yellows and greens — it’s like being in a romantic movie!

Address

Tan Linh Commune, Ba Vi District, Hà Nội, VN 100000. Open all day.

2. Have an exciting and romantic night in the Old Quarter

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is full of beautiful surprises. The food here is the highlight: enjoy the classic dishes like pho (soup noodles), bahn mi (Vietnamese submarine), or bún chả (meatball dish), prepared with a unique Hanoi flare. Be sure to visit the famous Dong Xuan Market, a popular spot in the city to find the best deals on souvenirs and gifts, the ancient street of Hang Ma, the most color-filled street in the city where shops hang beautiful paper ornaments for ceremonial purposes, and the beautiful St. Joseph Cathedral, Hanoi’s oldest church, when you’re here.

Hot tip

Bordering the Old Quarter is the famous Train Street. Take a break and have some cà phê (Vietnamese coffee) at a cafe along the train tracks. If lucky, the coffee date might include a railway cameo, making a classic Hanoi moment much more special. Check train schedules and be safe while watching the train pass by.

Address

3 P. Trần Phú, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam.

3. Watch the morning sunrise at Hoan Kiem Lake

Watch the sunrise in the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. The name translates to Sword Lake, after a 15th-century tale about Emperor Le Loi and a magical sword bestowed upon him by the Dragon King. In the morning, the Turtle Tower sparkles when met with the sun’s first rays, a beauty worthy of witnessing together for a romantic start to your day.

Hot tip

The atmosphere of Hoan Kiem Lake changes drastically by nightfall, when the bustling city quiets down. Perfect for a nighttime walk together, Hoan Kiem Lake is an ideal spot to reflect and enjoy each other’s company. You will find that the area is full of cuddling couples on park benches facing the lake.

Address

Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam.

The best date ideas in Hanoi

4. Take a day trip to the Perfume Pagoda

The Perfume Pagoda consists of a series of temples and caves built into the cliffs of Huong Tich Son. Many people make religious pilgrimages there, especially in the early months after the Lunar New Year, to pray for happiness and prosperity for the upcoming year. It is also a popular rendezvous spot for couples, and its natural beauty has inspired many famous Vietnamese poets to write longingly about love.

Hot tip

Take a romantic boat ride on the Yen Stream for a tranquil experience, or take a cable car for a sky-high view. Both options are ideal for taking pictures and making memories last forever.

5. Be entertained by traditional water puppets

Enjoy the magical sights and sounds of Vietnamese puppetry at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, the country’s most iconic and renowned theater. The water puppetry is a tradition that dates back to the 11th Century, a display of visual and musical excellence with vibrant colors and rhythmic music and storytelling, a perfect date option for couples who are looking to immerse themselves into Hanoi’s culture and local traditional entertainment. The live music featuring an orchestra with traditional instruments and singers of Cheo, a form of Vietnamese traditional opera, gives the show a special vivacity.

Hot tip

Book your ticket ahead to get the best seating in the house and skip the lines, especially on the weekends.

Address and opening hours

57B P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam. Opens daily, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

6. Nourish and feast on delicious local delicacies

Hanoi is a fantastic destination for couples serious about food, and there is plenty of local cuisine for lovers to explore and share. Relax and have a snack with some egg coffee, grab a bite of specialty vegan cuisine, or have some street food like sticky steamed rice; there will be something for every romantic occasion.

Hot tip

To spice up a date, take a cooking class to learn about local ingredients, shop at the market, and prepare several Hanoi classics, like banh xeo (thin stuffed rice pancakes) and pork rib noodle soup.

The best anniversary ideas in Hanoi

7. Visit the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is an ancient temple with traditional Vietnamese architecture. The five courtyards are particularly beautiful and a perfect location for couples who want to take photos to commemorate special occasions.

Address and opening hours

58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội. In summer (From April to October): 7:30 AM-5:30 PM; winter (From October to April): 08:00 AM-5:00 PM

8. Take a trip to Quang Phu Cau Incense Village

For centuries, Quang Phu Cau Incense Village has been renowned for its traditional incense sticks. Take a class with your partner to learn about the traditional dying process. The beautiful, bright colors and vibrant palettes will leave you speechless. This is a wonderful activity for couples who like outside-the-box cultural experiences, and you’ll also get a unique souvenir by the end of the experience.

Hot tip

Quang Phu Cau is a photogenic location. The incense sticks arranged like blooming flowers make a perfect backdrop for a romantic photoshoot.

9. Escape to Ninh Bin and into the Mua Caves

Mua Caves, or the Dancing Caves, is an excellent way to escape the chaotic city and enjoy the cultural and pristine natural beauty of the Ninh Bin region. The views are stunning, especially from the top of Mua Caves, where you can find an enormous statue of a Buddhist goddess and be rewarded with a panoramic view of the countryside. The sunrise and sunset are also worth the trip. Ninh Bin is a beautiful option for a picturesque romantic getaway.

Hot tip

You can get to the Mua Caves by motorbike or coach. Be sure to see the surrounding hidden gems in the region, like the village of Tam Coc, where you can take romantic boat rides and visit caves.

10. Discovers the traditional ways of the Bat Trang Ceramic Village

The Bat Trang Ceramic Village, located on the banks of the Red River in Gia, preserves the heritage of over 600 years of pottery craftsmanship and tradition. Explore the village craftspeople’s expert artistry in their markets and museums while commemorating your love with a timeless ceramic piece.

Hot tip

Couples can participate in a hands-on pottery workshop to learn traditional methods of ceramic artistry and then make a special ceramic memento to remember their romantic trip.

Address and opening hours

Bát Tràng, Gia Lâm, Hanoi 12423, Vietnam. Opens daily, 8:30 AM-6:00 PM.

FAQs

What are some unusual romantic things to do in Hanoi?

For a unique romantic experience in Hanoi, explore Train Street’s cafes and restaurants along the tracks and see if you catch the train during your meal or a fantastic photo opportunity and a unique Hanoi experience. The Old Quarter is also full of excellent food options from local vendors, or you can take a cooking class together and learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes on a special date night.

What are the most romantic spots to watch the sunset in Hanoi?

Hoan Kiem Lake, with its tranquil simplicity and picturesque surroundings, offers a stunning spot to watch a sunrise in Hanoi. Catch a traditional water puppet show for an immersive date night at the theater and a unique cultural experience in Vietnam’s most famous venue.

What are some romantic day trips from Hanoi?

Take a romantic day trip to Ninh Bin and explore the beautiful shrines and temples along the rock formations. The Ba Vi National Park and its surrounding regions, full of historical ruins and beautiful natural beauty, are worth taking a ride to see and commemorate.

What are the best places to take romantic photos in Hanoi?

Capture unforgettable romantic moments at the Temple of Literature, with its picturesque courtyards, tranquil ponds, and historical architecture. Or try to catch the train coming on the narrow Train Street.