Hanoi is home, and I’ve spent years exploring its streets, food, and hidden corners. From street food stalls to cozy cafés, I love finding places that capture the real spirit of the city. This guide is a collection of my favorite local experiences – simple, authentic, and full of Hanoi’s everyday charm.
























One of the few high-rise spots in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you can sip your drink and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city’s ancient rooftops.
One of the few high-rise spots in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you can sip your drink and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city’s ancient rooftops.








Water puppetry is a traditional art form you won’t see anywhere else, with live music and playful storytelling. Sit back, enjoy the show, and just take in a piece of old Vietnam.
Hiring the audio, a better experience
Water puppetry is a traditional art form you won’t see anywhere else, with live music and playful storytelling. Sit back, enjoy the show, and just take in a piece of old Vietnam.

A historic and symbolic site where Ho Chi Minh rests. Quiet, respectful, and worth visiting to better understand Vietnam’s culture and history.
The Mausoleum isn’t open every day, so always check the schedule before you go
A historic and symbolic site where Ho Chi Minh rests. Quiet, respectful, and worth visiting to better understand Vietnam’s culture and history.

Not just a museum — this place hits different. Known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” Hoa Lo Prison tells raw, real stories from war times that are intense, emotional, and impossible to ignore.
Get ready for some eerie facts
Not just a museum — this place hits different. Known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” Hoa Lo Prison tells raw, real stories from war times that are intense, emotional, and impossible to ignore.
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Hanoi’s oldest university, but way more than that. Think ancient courtyards, stone turtles, and a calm vibe that feels like stepping back in time — a total escape from the city’s chaos.
Night tour is great but rare!
Hanoi’s oldest university, but way more than that. Think ancient courtyards, stone turtles, and a calm vibe that feels like stepping back in time — a total escape from the city’s chaos.

At the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, every layer of earth tells a story — tracing Hanoi’s journey from a royal capital, through centuries of war and change, to the city that stands today.
Bring comfortable shoes for long, long, long walking
At the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, every layer of earth tells a story — tracing Hanoi’s journey from a royal capital, through centuries of war and change, to the city that stands today.











