Duong's Recommendations in Hanoi
Local beer spots
3 spots
Ta Hien Street
Ta Hien is the heart of Hanoi’s nightlife - a narrow street packed with small bars, colorful lights, and rows of plastic chairs spilling onto the pavement. Locals and travelers sit side by side, drinking bia hơi or bottled beer, chatting, and watching the flow of people pass by. It’s noisy, crowded, and full of energy
Ta Hien is the heart of Hanoi’s nightlife - a narrow street packed with small bars, colorful lights, and rows of plastic chairs spilling onto the pavement. Locals and travelers sit side by side, drinking bia hơi or bottled beer, chatting, and watching the flow of people pass by. It’s noisy, crowded, and full of energy
Bia hơi Bát Đàn
A bia hơi corner is where you can truly blend in with local life in Hanoi. People sit on small plastic chairs, sharing cold draft beer, simple snacks, and loud laughter. It’s not fancy but it’s the best way to feel the city’s everyday rhythm and friendly spirit.
A bia hơi corner is where you can truly blend in with local life in Hanoi. People sit on small plastic chairs, sharing cold draft beer, simple snacks, and loud laughter. It’s not fancy but it’s the best way to feel the city’s everyday rhythm and friendly spirit.
Bia Phượng
Locals gather here after work, still in their uniforms or office clothes, laughing over stories of the day. The place feels spontaneous and full of warmth.
Locals gather here after work, still in their uniforms or office clothes, laughing over stories of the day. The place feels spontaneous and full of warmth.
Local Bites
10 spots
Banh Mi
A crispy baguette filled with pâté, savory meats, fresh herbs, and flavorful sauce - an Iconic Vietnamese dish.
Vegetarian travelers can also enjoy banh mi here, they also offer a meat-free version
A crispy baguette filled with pâté, savory meats, fresh herbs, and flavorful sauce - an Iconic Vietnamese dish.
Banh Ran
Golden, crunchy fried Vietnamese donuts coated with sesame seeds or sugars filled with sweet mung bean paste. Crispy outside, soft inside – a beloved Hanoi street snack.
Best time: Usually sold in the afternoon – fresh and hot. Sweet treat: Enjoy as a light snack, not a full meal. Can pair it with some drinks Often served in a paper bag – don’t expect plates or cutlery.
Golden, crunchy fried Vietnamese donuts coated with sesame seeds or sugars filled with sweet mung bean paste. Crispy outside, soft inside – a beloved Hanoi street snack.
Sugarcane juice
A classic Vietnamese street drink, pressed straight from sugarcane stalks with a touch of kumquat or lime. Sweet, cooling, and perfect for beating Hanoi’s heat.
You can also order other refreshing drinks like kumquat tea or lime tea.
A classic Vietnamese street drink, pressed straight from sugarcane stalks with a touch of kumquat or lime. Sweet, cooling, and perfect for beating Hanoi’s heat.
Rolled Pho
Light and refreshing Hanoi specialty: soft rice noodle sheets rolled with beef, herbs, and lettuce, served with a tangy dipping sauce, perfect for a flavorful yet healthy bite.
Light and refreshing Hanoi specialty: soft rice noodle sheets rolled with beef, herbs, and lettuce, served with a tangy dipping sauce, perfect for a flavorful yet healthy bite.
Dessert
Step into a local dessert shop and discover Vietnam’s favorite sweet treats: from "hoa quả dầm" (mixed fruit with coconut milk and ice) to "chè" (sweet soups with beans, jelly, and coconut), or fun combinations like "kem xôi" (sticky rice with ice cream) and "kem xôi xoài" (with mango). Light, refreshing, and perfect to cool down after exploring Hanoi.
If you’re lactose intolerant, no worries! For hoa quả dầm (mixed fruit dessert), simply ask for coconut milk instead of condensed milk (dùng nước cốt dừa, không sữa đặc). It’s lighter, dairy-free, and just as delicious.
Step into a local dessert shop and discover Vietnam’s favorite sweet treats: from "hoa quả dầm" (mixed fruit with coconut milk and ice) to "chè" (sweet soups with beans, jelly, and coconut), or fun combinations like "kem xôi" (sticky rice with ice cream) and "kem xôi xoài" (with mango). Light, refreshing, and perfect to cool down after exploring Hanoi.
Papaya Salad
Crunchy green papaya salad with herbs, peanuts, and beef jerky (vegan option: no beef, allergy-friendly: no peanuts).
-Best enjoyed in the afternoon or evening, often shared among friends. -Vegan option: Simply ask for it without dried beef (không bò khô) – you’ll still get the crunchy papaya, herbs, and dressing. -If you’re allergic to peanuts, just say “không lạc” (no peanuts). -How to eat: Mix well before eating to enjoy the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. -Portion size: Usually served on a small plate – perfect as a snack before the main meal.
Crunchy green papaya salad with herbs, peanuts, and beef jerky (vegan option: no beef, allergy-friendly: no peanuts).
Chicken Pho
Delicate rice noodles in a clear, fragrant chicken broth, topped with tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a hint of ginger. Lighter than beef pho but just as comforting.
Delicate rice noodles in a clear, fragrant chicken broth, topped with tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a hint of ginger. Lighter than beef pho but just as comforting.
Sticky Rice
Xôi Xéo – Hanoi’s iconic breakfast, sticky rice topped with mung bean and crispy shallots.
Locals usually eat it for breakfast, so the best time is before 9 AM. It’s quite filling! You can share one portion if you just want a taste. Vegetarian option: Ask for no fat or oil (không mỡ) - then it’s 100% plant-based.
Xôi Xéo – Hanoi’s iconic breakfast, sticky rice topped with mung bean and crispy shallots.
Beef Pho
A steaming bowl of flat rice noodles in clear, fragrant beef broth, topped with tender slices of beef and fresh herbs. Comforting, flavorful, and the soul of Hanoi’s cuisine.
A steaming bowl of flat rice noodles in clear, fragrant beef broth, topped with tender slices of beef and fresh herbs. Comforting, flavorful, and the soul of Hanoi’s cuisine.
Bun Bo Nam Bo
Rice noodles topped with stir-fried beef, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, peanuts, and crispy shallots, all mixed with a sweet–sour fish sauce dressing. Light, flavorful, and perfect for those who love a noodle dish without broth.
If you have a peanut allergy, just say “không lạc” (no peanuts) when ordering.
Rice noodles topped with stir-fried beef, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, peanuts, and crispy shallots, all mixed with a sweet–sour fish sauce dressing. Light, flavorful, and perfect for those who love a noodle dish without broth.
Discover Hanoi’s Heritage: Museums & Cultural Landmarks
9 spots
Temple of Literature, Hanoi
The Temple of Literature, built in 1070, is Vietnam’s first national university and a symbol of learning and respect for Confucius. Surrounded by peaceful courtyards, old trees, and stone steles engraved with scholars’ names, it reflects Vietnam’s long tradition of valuing education and wisdom.
The Temple of Literature, built in 1070, is Vietnam’s first national university and a symbol of learning and respect for Confucius. Surrounded by peaceful courtyards, old trees, and stone steles engraved with scholars’ names, it reflects Vietnam’s long tradition of valuing education and wisdom.
Vietnam Fine Arts Museum
The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi displays the country’s rich artistic heritage from ancient times to the modern era. Its collections include traditional sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and contemporary art. Visitors can explore both historical masterpieces and modern creativity, gaining insight into Vietnam’s evolving art and culture.
The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi displays the country’s rich artistic heritage from ancient times to the modern era. Its collections include traditional sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and contemporary art. Visitors can explore both historical masterpieces and modern creativity, gaining insight into Vietnam’s evolving art and culture.
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Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Hanoi’s most important historical landmarks. Built in the 11th century during the Lý dynasty, it served as the political and cultural center of Vietnam for over a thousand years. The site features ancient gates, stone dragons, royal foundations, and remnants of palaces buried underground. Today, it stands as a symbol of Hanoi’s long history, resilience, and continuous development through different dynasties.
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Hanoi’s most important historical landmarks. Built in the 11th century during the Lý dynasty, it served as the political and cultural center of Vietnam for over a thousand years. The site features ancient gates, stone dragons, royal foundations, and remnants of palaces buried underground. Today, it stands as a symbol of Hanoi’s long history, resilience, and continuous development through different dynasties.
Vietnamese Women's Museum
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum showcases the important roles of women in Vietnam’s history, culture, and daily life. Its exhibits highlight women’s contributions during wartime, traditional costumes, and family customs - offering a touching and inspiring look at their strength and resilience.
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum showcases the important roles of women in Vietnam’s history, culture, and daily life. Its exhibits highlight women’s contributions during wartime, traditional costumes, and family customs - offering a touching and inspiring look at their strength and resilience.
Vietnam Military History Museum
The Vietnam Military History Museum, located near the Hanoi Flag Tower, offers a deep look into the country’s long struggle for independence and defense. Established in 1956, it displays weapons, photographs, and war relics from different periods - from ancient battles to the wars against the French and Americans. The outdoor exhibition features iconic artifacts like the wreckage of downed US aircraft and tanks, showing both the hardship and resilience of the Vietnamese people.
The Vietnam Military History Museum, located near the Hanoi Flag Tower, offers a deep look into the country’s long struggle for independence and defense. Established in 1956, it displays weapons, photographs, and war relics from different periods - from ancient battles to the wars against the French and Americans. The outdoor exhibition features iconic artifacts like the wreckage of downed US aircraft and tanks, showing both the hardship and resilience of the Vietnamese people.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology showcases the culture, traditions, and daily life of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Visitors can explore traditional houses, costumes, tools, and artifacts both indoors and in the outdoor village area. It’s a great place to learn about the diversity and heritage of Vietnam beyond Hanoi’s urban life.
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology showcases the culture, traditions, and daily life of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Visitors can explore traditional houses, costumes, tools, and artifacts both indoors and in the outdoor village area. It’s a great place to learn about the diversity and heritage of Vietnam beyond Hanoi’s urban life.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, located in Ba Dinh Square, is one of the most sacred places in Hanoi. It houses the preserved body of President Ho Chi Minh, the beloved leader of Vietnam’s independence. Every morning, visitors can witness the solemn flag-raising ceremony, and at sunset, the flag-lowering ceremony both performed by the Honor Guard. These rituals reflect the deep respect and gratitude the Vietnamese people have for “Uncle Ho.”
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, located in Ba Dinh Square, is one of the most sacred places in Hanoi. It houses the preserved body of President Ho Chi Minh, the beloved leader of Vietnam’s independence. Every morning, visitors can witness the solemn flag-raising ceremony, and at sunset, the flag-lowering ceremony both performed by the Honor Guard. These rituals reflect the deep respect and gratitude the Vietnamese people have for “Uncle Ho.”
Ho Chi Minh Museum
The Ho Chi Minh Museum, located near the Mausoleum in Hanoi, is dedicated to the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh. Opened in 1990, the museum displays photos, documents, and personal belongings that tell the story of his revolutionary journey and Vietnam’s struggle for independence. The building’s modern design, shaped like a white lotus, symbolizes purity and respect for “Uncle Ho.”
The Ho Chi Minh Museum, located near the Mausoleum in Hanoi, is dedicated to the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh. Opened in 1990, the museum displays photos, documents, and personal belongings that tell the story of his revolutionary journey and Vietnam’s struggle for independence. The building’s modern design, shaped like a white lotus, symbolizes purity and respect for “Uncle Ho.”
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Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison, built by the French in the late 19th century, was originally used to detain Vietnamese revolutionaries. During the Vietnam War, it held American pilots and was nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton.” Today, the museum tells powerful stories of suffering, resilience, and the Vietnamese spirit of resistance.
Hoa Lo Prison, built by the French in the late 19th century, was originally used to detain Vietnamese revolutionaries. During the Vietnam War, it held American pilots and was nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton.” Today, the museum tells powerful stories of suffering, resilience, and the Vietnamese spirit of resistance.
Vegetarian/Vegan options
6 spots
Bun cha
A cozy local "bún chả" spot serving tasty vegetarian options, making it a great place for both meat lovers and plant-based diners to enjoy authentic Vietnamese flavors. 🍜🌿
A cozy local "bún chả" spot serving tasty vegetarian options, making it a great place for both meat lovers and plant-based diners to enjoy authentic Vietnamese flavors. 🍜🌿
Vegito restaurant
Vegetarian buffet restaurant
If you are allergic with something just say "Tôi dị ứng với... (for example: peanuts - đậu phộng) Or if you want to say "I'm a vegetarian" you can say or show them this phrase "tôi ăn chay". "I'm a vegan" = "Tôi là người ăn chay trường"
Vegetarian buffet restaurant
Anh Hai Vegan Pho Restaurant
Vegan/Vegetarian Pho that still keep that street food style of the local Vietnamese in Hanoi.
If you are allergic with something just say "Tôi dị ứng với... (for example: peanuts - đậu phộng) Or if you want to say "I'm a vegetarian" you can say or show them this phrase "tôi ăn chay". "I'm a vegan" = "Tôi là người ăn chay trường"
Vegan/Vegetarian Pho that still keep that street food style of the local Vietnamese in Hanoi.
OneTrip with Local Tours
6 spots
Hanoi First Day: Highlights & Local Life Uncovered by Bike
Visiting Hanoi for the first time? It can feel exciting… but also confusing: Too many choices? Afraid you might miss the real hidden gems? Not sure which reviews to trust? Worried about local details (heat, traffic, culture)? Traveling solo and feeling lonely? Scared of getting lost or scammed? Afraid you won’t “do it right” like other travelers? 👉 Don’t worry. This tour is designed to solve all that.
Bring sunglasses and hat for the summer Check the weather and traffic jams especially during the rush hour in Hanoi Bring a rain coat for the rainy day A basic ability to ride a bicycle is required
Visiting Hanoi for the first time? It can feel exciting… but also confusing: Too many choices? Afraid you might miss the real hidden gems? Not sure which reviews to trust? Worried about local details (heat, traffic, culture)? Traveling solo and feeling lonely? Scared of getting lost or scammed? Afraid you won’t “do it right” like other travelers? 👉 Don’t worry. This tour is designed to solve all that.
Coffee, History, and Architecture of the French Quarter Tour
Discover one of the most beautiful parts of Hanoi. The historical area is the southern part of Hanoi and full of history and culture that sets it apart from the rest of the city.
Bring sunglasses and hat for the summer Check the weather and traffic jams especially during the rush hour in Hanoi Bring an umbrella for the rainy day. Bring your walking shoes.
Discover one of the most beautiful parts of Hanoi. The historical area is the southern part of Hanoi and full of history and culture that sets it apart from the rest of the city.
Hanoi Vegetarian Street Food Tour & Stories (have a Vegan option)
Join us for an unforgettable vegan/vegetarian food walking experience and get a glimpse into the lives of the locals. We’ll visit some of Hanoi‘s best local vegan-friendly street food places, handpicked by real foodies
Bring sunglasses and hat for the summer Check the weather and traffic jams especially during the rush hour in Hanoi Bring an umbrella for the rainy day. Bring your walking shoes.
Join us for an unforgettable vegan/vegetarian food walking experience and get a glimpse into the lives of the locals. We’ll visit some of Hanoi‘s best local vegan-friendly street food places, handpicked by real foodies
Hanoi not-to-go-alone areas & stories from Vietnam war
Discover life under the planned economy, the fate(s) of the local people from both sides (the North and the South; and the story of the unification of Vietnam, a country once divided between the communist and anti-communist, on the brink of the COLD WAR)
Bring sunglasses and hat for the summer Check the weather and traffic jams especially during the rush hour in Hanoi Bring an umbrella for the rainy day. Bring your walking shoes.
Discover life under the planned economy, the fate(s) of the local people from both sides (the North and the South; and the story of the unification of Vietnam, a country once divided between the communist and anti-communist, on the brink of the COLD WAR)
The Hidden Hanoi Old Quarter Experience
A totally different world from the rest of the capital and discover things you haven’t seen in your life.
Bring sunglasses and hat for the summer Check the weather and traffic jams especially during the rush hour in Hanoi Bring an umbrella for the rainy day. Bring your walking shoes
A totally different world from the rest of the capital and discover things you haven’t seen in your life.
Eat Like A Local- Hanoi Street Food & Hidden Path
We’ll start by sampling the city’s best dishes, followed by tales about the Vietnamese language and the Vietnam War. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!
Bring sunglasses and hat for the summer Check the weather and traffic jams especially during the rush hour in Hanoi Bring an umbrella for the rainy day. Bring your walking shoes.
We’ll start by sampling the city’s best dishes, followed by tales about the Vietnamese language and the Vietnam War. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!
