Hanoi Recommendations by Cong
Hanoi Experiences
8 spots
Hanoi: Untold War Stories from the Vietnam War
Hanoi during the Vietnam War: the dark side of its most famous monuments. 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)
Must do
Hanoi during the Vietnam War: the dark side of its most famous monuments. 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)
Hanoi Food Tour with Local Stories
Join a local to explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, wandering down hidden alleys and tasting delicious street dishes you won’t find alone. Feel like a friend, not a tourist, when eating
Join a local to explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, wandering down hidden alleys and tasting delicious street dishes you won’t find alone. Feel like a friend, not a tourist, when eating
Hanoi French Quarter w History, Coffee and Architecture
How has French Influences affected Vietnam through times?
You will learn so much about how Vietnamese society changed under French rule and explore the bad and the good of this period. Make sure you ask your guide plenty of questions for the host!
How has French Influences affected Vietnam through times?
Hanoi First Day
Start a Hanoi adventure with a bike tour covering Hoa Lo Prison, Ba Dinh Square and West Lake while learning Vietnamese phrases and enjoying tasty street food along the way
First thing to do in Hanoi
Start a Hanoi adventure with a bike tour covering Hoa Lo Prison, Ba Dinh Square and West Lake while learning Vietnamese phrases and enjoying tasty street food along the way
Hidden Hanoi Old Quarter
Experience Hanoi’s Old Quarter like a local insider. Walk through narrow alleys, visit family homes, taste unique snacks, and hear generations of stories that rarely make it into guidebooks today
Experience Hanoi’s Old Quarter like a local insider. Walk through narrow alleys, visit family homes, taste unique snacks, and hear generations of stories that rarely make it into guidebooks today
Ninh Binh Train Tour with Boat Ride and Lunch
Take a scenic train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, cycle past rice fields, climb Mua Peak, enjoy a sampan boat ride through caves, savor lunch and visit Bich Dong Pagoda
Take a scenic train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, cycle past rice fields, climb Mua Peak, enjoy a sampan boat ride through caves, savor lunch and visit Bich Dong Pagoda
Morning Run Through Historic Hanoi
Wake before dawn for a 12‑kilometre run through historic Hanoi, jogging past ancient temples, lakes and streets while listening to stories.
Wake before dawn for a 12‑kilometre run through historic Hanoi, jogging past ancient temples, lakes and streets while listening to stories.
Hanoi Specialty
7 spots
Bún Chả
The "Obama" Effect: It gained global fame after Anthony Bourdain and President Obama shared a meal in Hanoi. Since then, it’s become a "must-try" pilgrimage for foodies worldwide.
Eating Like a Pro: Don't dip the noodles individually. Instead, drop a small nest of noodles into the sauce bowl, let them soak up the smoky flavor, and eat them together with a piece of pork.
The "Obama" Effect: It gained global fame after Anthony Bourdain and President Obama shared a meal in Hanoi. Since then, it’s become a "must-try" pilgrimage for foodies worldwide.
Chả Cá Thăng Long
Chả cá is not just a meal; it’s a legendary Hanoi experience. This dish features firm chunks of fish (usually Hemibagrus) marinated in turmeric and galangal, then sizzled at your table in a pan filled with an unbelievable amount of fresh dill and spring onions.
The "Foaming" Sauce: When your shrimp paste arrives, add a squeeze of lime and a few drops of rice wine, then whisk it vigorously with your chopsticks until it foams up. This mellows the intensity and creates a light, airy dip.
Chả cá is not just a meal; it’s a legendary Hanoi experience. This dish features firm chunks of fish (usually Hemibagrus) marinated in turmeric and galangal, then sizzled at your table in a pan filled with an unbelievable amount of fresh dill and spring onions.
Phở Cuốn
Phở cuốn features silky rice noodle sheets wrapped around stir-fried beef and fresh herbs. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, it is a refreshing, light, and flavorful Vietnamese classic.
Try other speciality like stir fried deep fried ;pan fried pho too
Phở cuốn features silky rice noodle sheets wrapped around stir-fried beef and fresh herbs. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, it is a refreshing, light, and flavorful Vietnamese classic.
Bánh Cuốn
Bánh cuốn is a masterclass in texture. These delicate, translucent rice rolls are steamed over a stretched cloth, filled with savory minced pork and wood-ear mushrooms, and served with a side of chả lụa (Vietnamese ham).
Eat it Hot: Bánh cuốn loses its silky charm once it cools down. For the best experience, eat it immediately as each plate is served fresh off the steamer.
Bánh cuốn is a masterclass in texture. These delicate, translucent rice rolls are steamed over a stretched cloth, filled with savory minced pork and wood-ear mushrooms, and served with a side of chả lụa (Vietnamese ham).
Phở Gà
Connoisseurs always look for "Gà Ta" (free-range chicken), known for its firm texture and rich, yellow skin.
Unlike beef phở, Phở gà is incomplete without finely sliced lime leaves, which provide a refreshing citrus aroma that perfectly balances the savory soup.
Connoisseurs always look for "Gà Ta" (free-range chicken), known for its firm texture and rich, yellow skin.
Streetfood
3 spots
Bánh rán
Bánh rán are addictive, deep-fried glutinous rice balls. They come in two main personalities: sweet (filled with mung bean) or savory (filled with minced meat and glass noodles).
Morning vs. Afternoon: These are best enjoyed fresh from the fryer. Sweet ones are a common morning snack, while savory ones (bánh rán mặn) are the king of afternoon street food.
Bánh rán are addictive, deep-fried glutinous rice balls. They come in two main personalities: sweet (filled with mung bean) or savory (filled with minced meat and glass noodles).
Bánh mỳ
Bánh mì is the perfect marriage of French colonial influence and Vietnamese creativity. It’s a light, airy baguette packed with a complex layering of meats, fats, and fresh garden greens.
"Không cay, cám ơn": If you aren't a fan of fire, say this. Vietnamese chilies are tiny but pack a massive punch.
Bánh mì is the perfect marriage of French colonial influence and Vietnamese creativity. It’s a light, airy baguette packed with a complex layering of meats, fats, and fresh garden greens.
Chè
Chè is the ultimate Vietnamese dessert category. It ranges from warm, ginger-infused bean soups to refreshing iced cups filled with coconut milk, colorful jellies, and exotic fruits.
Adjust the Ice: In the summer, the ice is usually served crushed. Let it melt for 30 seconds to perfectly dilute the sweetness of the syrups.
Chè is the ultimate Vietnamese dessert category. It ranges from warm, ginger-infused bean soups to refreshing iced cups filled with coconut milk, colorful jellies, and exotic fruits.
Drinks
5 spots
Pasteur Street Craft Beer - 1 Au Trieu
A cozy craft beer hideout tucked behind St. Joseph’s Cathedral. With a charming terrace and weekly live music, it’s a favorite spot for both travelers and locals looking for a relaxed, authentic vibe.
You can order a tasting set with 6 different beer flavors, perfect for trying a variety in one go.
A cozy craft beer hideout tucked behind St. Joseph’s Cathedral. With a charming terrace and weekly live music, it’s a favorite spot for both travelers and locals looking for a relaxed, authentic vibe.
Egg coffee - Đinh Cafe
Located on the second floor of an old French-style villa overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, Đinh Café is where the locals go. It doesn’t need a big sign because its reputation does all the talking.
Finding the Entrance: Look for 13 Dinh Tien Hoang. Don't look for a grand door; look for a narrow gap between shops. If it looks like you’re walking into someone’s private hallway, you’re exactly where you need to be.
Located on the second floor of an old French-style villa overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, Đinh Café is where the locals go. It doesn’t need a big sign because its reputation does all the talking.
Loading T cafe
Take place in what used to be a French mansion, Loading T offer beautiful coffee (w/ cinnamon flavor) and beautiful cozy atmosphere
Cà phê sữa đá is the peak. Grab a seat outside on the balcony for the best view—and the cat. 🐈☕
Take place in what used to be a French mansion, Loading T offer beautiful coffee (w/ cinnamon flavor) and beautiful cozy atmosphere
Bia Hơi Hà Nội
Bia Hơi Hà Nội is a very light, refreshing local beer that’s deeply rooted in Hanoi’s daily life. Brewed fresh and meant to be enjoyed casually, it’s perfect for sitting on small stools, soaking up the street atmosphere, and drinking like a local.
The beer glasses are handmade. You can buy one as a souvenir for just 14,000 VND to take a little piece of Hanoi home with you.
Bia Hơi Hà Nội is a very light, refreshing local beer that’s deeply rooted in Hanoi’s daily life. Brewed fresh and meant to be enjoyed casually, it’s perfect for sitting on small stools, soaking up the street atmosphere, and drinking like a local.
Cà Phê Lâm - 60 Nguyễn Hữu Huân
A humble café where local artists once met, now preserved as a small art museum celebrating Hanoi’s creative past.
Order a cà phê sữa đá and grab one of the tiny chairs outside. Sit back and enjoy some of the best people-watching in the Old Quarter. ☕👀
A humble café where local artists once met, now preserved as a small art museum celebrating Hanoi’s creative past.
Vegan & Vegetarian
4 spots
Vegetarian Bun Cha
If you think being vegan means missing out on Hanoi’s most famous lunch, think again. Bún chả chay is a culinary feat that manages to capture the smoky, soul-warming essence of the original dish using only the gifts of the earth.
The Garlic/Onion Factor: Many traditional Buddhist "Chay" restaurants avoid garlic and leeks (ngũ vị tân). If you feel the broth is missing a "kick," ask if they have chili and lime on the side to brighten up the flavors.
If you think being vegan means missing out on Hanoi’s most famous lunch, think again. Bún chả chay is a culinary feat that manages to capture the smoky, soul-warming essence of the original dish using only the gifts of the earth.
Vegetarian Pho
While the world raves about beef and chicken Phở, Phở Chay (Vegetarian Phở) is the unsung hero of Vietnamese cuisine. It’s not just "soup without meat"—it is a complex, aromatic masterpiece that relies on the natural sweetness of earth and forest.
Look for the "Chay" Sign: You won't usually find good Phở Chay at a regular beef Phở stall. Look for dedicated "Quán Chay" (Vegetarian restaurants). They are often tucked away near pagodas or in quiet alleys, offering a peaceful escape from the city noise.
While the world raves about beef and chicken Phở, Phở Chay (Vegetarian Phở) is the unsung hero of Vietnamese cuisine. It’s not just "soup without meat"—it is a complex, aromatic masterpiece that relies on the natural sweetness of earth and forest.
Vegan Bánh Mỳ
For a long time, the soul of Bánh mì was thought to be its pâté and cold cuts. But Bánh mì chay (Vegan/Vegetarian Bánh Mì) has proven that you don't need meat to create a flavor explosion. It’s a vibrant, guilt-free masterpiece that uses the earth's bounty to mimic the rich textures of the original.
Sauce Awareness: Regular Bánh mì often gets a dash of Maggi seasoning or fish sauce. In a vegan version, they use soy sauce or a house-made pineapple-based sauce. It’s lighter, saltier, and perfectly complements the fried tofu.
For a long time, the soul of Bánh mì was thought to be its pâté and cold cuts. But Bánh mì chay (Vegan/Vegetarian Bánh Mì) has proven that you don't need meat to create a flavor explosion. It’s a vibrant, guilt-free masterpiece that uses the earth's bounty to mimic the rich textures of the original.
❤️ NGOs & Local Charity
2 spots
Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation
What they do: Blue Dragon works tirelessly to rescue children from trafficking, support street children, and provide education, shelter, and legal aid across Vietnam. Why we recommend them: They are one of Vietnam’s most trusted grassroots NGOs with real, measurable impact and deep local roots. How travelers can support: Donate directly through their official website; Share their work to raise awareness; Visit their social impact initiatives when available
If you want to give back while traveling, supporting local NGOs like Blue Dragon creates long lasting positive impact beyond your trip.
What they do: Blue Dragon works tirelessly to rescue children from trafficking, support street children, and provide education, shelter, and legal aid across Vietnam. Why we recommend them: They are one of Vietnam’s most trusted grassroots NGOs with real, measurable impact and deep local roots. How travelers can support: Donate directly through their official website; Share their work to raise awareness; Visit their social impact initiatives when available
Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin
Supports individuals and families affected by Agent Orange through healthcare, rehabilitation, and advocacy across Vietnam. Why it matters: A meaningful way to understand Vietnam’s history while supporting communities still living with its long term impact.
Supports individuals and families affected by Agent Orange through healthcare, rehabilitation, and advocacy across Vietnam. Why it matters: A meaningful way to understand Vietnam’s history while supporting communities still living with its long term impact.