What to do in Hanoi

Hanoi is chaotic, colorful, and completely captivating. From sipping egg coffee in tiny alley cafés to watching a live puppet show on water (yes, really), this city surprised us in the best way possible. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam—or dreaming about a mini retirement or career break—don’t skip this vibrant capital.

We’re Kaylina and Ryan, a couple traveling the world on a six-month sabbatical. If you love travel, street food, and a little humor along the way, follow our adventures @kaylinaandryan!

We spent 4 days exploring Hanoi and here are some of our favorite things to do:

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

This traditional Vietnamese performance was way more fun than we expected! Colorful puppets glide over water while live musicians play traditional instruments and narrate folk stories. It’s quirky, cultural, and worth the hype.
💸 Tickets: ~$3.80–$7.70
📍 Note: When we visited, tickets were only available in person.

Eat Pho (Every Day)

You can’t visit Vietnam without eating pho—and in Hanoi, it’s everywhere. Each spot has its own twist, but the combo of savory broth, fresh herbs, and tender noodles is consistently amazing.
💸 Cost: $2–$5 per bowl
💡 Tip: Eat where the locals are—it’s usually the best bet.

Visit Hanoi Train Street

Yes, it’s a real train. Yes, it goes through a narrow residential street. Yes, it’s just as wild as it sounds. Grab a drink or a banh mi and watch the train pass by just inches from cafés and homes.
📍 Best viewed at scheduled train times—ask your hotel or a local vendor!

Try Egg Coffee at Café Giang

Egg coffee is a Hanoi specialty made with whipped egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and robust Vietnamese coffee. It’s sweet, creamy, and surprisingly delicious.
💸 Cost: ~$1.50
📍 Café Giang is the original spot and totally worth a visit.

Ngoc Son Temple

Located on a small island in Hoàn Kiếm Lake, this peaceful temple is a great place to take a break from the Old Quarter’s buzz.
💸 Entry: ~$1–$3
📍 Walkable from most places in the Old Quarter.