Hanoi, Vietnam – Travel Guide For Backpackers - EU-Vietnam Business Network (EVBN)

Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is like a living museum; a fascinating glimpse into an Asian city of old, yet oozing with the energy and pace of a modern metropolis.

Motorbikes, pedestrians, street hawkers, pedalled rickshaws, bicycles and cars whizz around the narrow streets as tourists timidly try to navigate around them. Trying to cross the road is a challenge in itself and requires a bit of nerve the first few times you do it!

Everywhere you look there’s activity and noise. All life seems to take place outdoors on the busy streets; working, eating, cooking, playing, creating, feeding babies, laughing, or just sitting and chatting. You could spend days just people watching. Crazy, beautiful and hectic, at times frustrating – a day in Hanoi is never dull!

Where to stay in Hanoi?

When considering where to stay in Hanoi, Backpackers look towards the main traveller hub, which is located in the Old Quarter. It stretches all around Hoan Kiem Lake, encompassing plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and travel agents.

Pretty much everything a backpacker could need (and many things you don’t – steamed dog meat anyone?) can be found around the Old Quarter – which serves as a good base for exploring the rest of the city.

Top 5 Backpacker Hostels in Hanoi

Vietnam Backpackers’ Hostels have become a legendary stalwart on the Vietnamese backpacker trail, and for good reason. Beds are cheap, the parties are always a good time and they’ll present you with a free beer upon arrival. The popular chain has two hostels in the heart of the Old Quarter and we’ve put them both on our list!

1. Vietnam Backpacker Hostels – Downtown on Ma May Street is within walking distance from Hoan Kiem Lake and there are loads of amazing street food options and Bia Hoi corners nearby. It’s a huge hostel with plenty of goings-on and bags of opportunity to meet fellow travellers.

2. Vietnam Backpackers Hostels – The Original near the picturesque St Joseph’s Cathedral is down an atmospheric alleyway with loads of cheap restaurants and busy bars. Another fun hostel with a great bar and nightly activities. Read more about Vietnam Backpackers Hostels here.

3. CucKu Homestay is one of the cheapest of the great hostels in Hanoi, at under $5 USD per bed per night. It offers the rarest of rare luxuries in the Vietnamese capital, peace and quiet. Tucked away in a local neighbourhood, but still close enough to get to the bustle of the city’s downtown area. Cucku could be the perfect choice if other bits of the city stress you out.

4. Halley Hostel is in a great location, close to Hoan Kiem Lake. The staff are very friendly, it’s clean and there’s an excellent rooftop terrace where all the socialising goes on. Beds cost $7 USD.

5. Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel has very comfy beds, good breakfast and free beer for half an hour every day. Dorm beds start at around $8 USD.

For more options, check out our list of the Best Hostels in Hanoi.

Partying at Vietnam Backpackers Hostels, Hanoi.

Looking for a private room? The best budget flashpacker options…

1. Hanoi Pleasant House has doubles starting at $13 USD. Comfortable and clean, it is located next to a great noodle soup restaurant.

2. My Hotel – Hoang Cau, is in the Dong Da district, giving you a different feel of the city (and perhaps the chance to sneer at other travellers as you didn’t stay in the old quarter like everyone else). Whopping clean doubles cost $20 USD.

For more accommodation options in Hanoi, Search Here!

Things to Do in Hanoi

1. Wander around the Old Quarter

Steeped in almost one thousand years of history, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is wonderfully medieval and atmospheric. A fascinating mishmash of architectural styles, colours, conditions, genres; there is a photograph to be taken on every street corner. Every street is named after the trade that was first established there as early as the 13th Century; there is Silk Street, Woodworking street and Silver Street. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is great for shopping, wandering and people watching. Getting lost in the Old Quarter is our number one thing to do in the city!

A vendor carrying baskets of food Hanoi, Vietnam Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

2. Take a Street Food Tour

One of the best things about Hanoi is the amazing variety of delicious street food. From Pho (noodle soup) to Bahn mi (the Vietnamese sandwich), there are a variety of delicious treats to try. A street food tour with a local company is a great way to gain insight into the Vietnamese street food culture and grow your confidence when ordering dishes. We love the Real Hanoi Street Food Experience by Friends Travel Vietnam, which is just $19 US.

3. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum

See the tomb of Vietnam’s most beloved revolutionary turned leader, Ho Chi Minh (the man whom Ho Chi Minh City is named after), President from 1945-1969. In the same style as fellow Communist leader, Lenin, Ho Chi Minh’s body is embalmed and preserved in a glass case, in a stone tomb protected by guards.

The Mausoleum, Hanoi Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi.

A visit to the mausoleum and accompanying museum is a fascinating insight into Vietnamese history and a great way to gain an understanding of today’s culture, as you see hundreds of proud Vietnamese paying their respects at the Mausoleum. The site is located in the middle of Ba Dinh Square, the location where Ho Chi Minh read the ‘Declaration of Independence’ in 1945 after forming the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

For visitors, strict rules apply upon entrance; no walking on the grass outside, no wearing sunglasses, no talking, laughing and NO SMILING.

4. Relax around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the most famous landmarks of Hanoi, and an important focal point of public life. During the day, locals and tourists stroll around the lake, the pedestrianised walkway surrounding the green waters offering a (slightly) calmer area of the city. Perch yourself at a lakeside cafe and while away a pleasant afternoon, reading the newspaper and sipping a cup of deliciously sweet Vietnamese coffee.

Bridge over Hoan Kiem Lake Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi.

The lake itself is steeped in history and legend. It is also known as ‘Lake of the Returned Sword’ after Emperor ‘Le Loi,’ was given a golden sword by Kim Qui, the Golden Turtle God, at the lake shore, only to have it snatched back from him whilst out boating on the lake one day. The turtle is said to still inhabit the murky depths of which sightings have been reported throughout time.

5. 6am aerobics at Hoan Kiem Lake

If you can drag yourself out of bed at the unearthly hour of 6 am, you’ll witness the wacky morning exercises taking place around the lake. Group massage sessions, ambitious stretching, Tai Chi, volleyball, bizarre aerobics, dancing – it ALL happens lakeside!

Locals practise the morning aerobics session in Hanoi, Vietnam 6am exercises around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi.

6. Take a Hanoi Walking Tour

There are a variety of walking tours taking place around the city and they all have their own gimmick. If you want to drink craft beer whilst wandering the streets, you can do so. If you want to eat street food whilst you explore that’s possible too… a walking tour will give you some insights into the city and Vietnamese culture that will make your stay in the country more interesting and enjoyable.

7. Visit Hoa Lo Prison

Built by the French a the beginning of the 20th Century, the prison was first used by the Colonial Regime to detain Vietnamese Freedom Fighters. Later, when it became known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ it was used by the Vietnamese to hold American Prisoners of War who had been shot down in planes over the skies of Northern Vietnam.

John McCain, former Vietnamese War Veteran and recent campaigner for President of the U.S was famously incarcerated here. There are some strange (rather staged looking) photos of prisoners playing basketball, putting up Christmas trees and playing chess – prison was a ball!

8. Drink at a Bia Hoi Junction

Usually found on the street corners of Hanoi, Bia Hoi junctions are a great place for getting stuck into the local culture. Not only do you get to sip away on Vietnam’s beloved local brew but you’ll also get to rub shoulders with the locals. Socialise with everyone you meet and it is guaranteed you’ll leave the junction with plenty of new friends!

Bia Hoi Hanoi Vietnam Sipping a glass of Bio Hoi at the roadside is a must do activity in Hanoi at any time of day!

Bia Hoi is a light lager, usually around 3% so hopefully you should even avoid the hangover the next day! This drink is a steal at 10,000 VND a litre (around $0.50) so what are you waiting for? Tram Phan Tram! (Bottoms up!)

9. Craft Beer Tour

If you’re more into your craft beers, then the local company a Taste of Hanoi has something for you! Here you get to sample a variety of 12 craft beers and find out more about the burgeoning craft beer scene in the city. Find out more here about Hanoi craft beer tours in our article.

10. Eat, Eat, Eat!

Hanoi offers some of the best street food in the whole of Vietnam. The buzzing city is a street food paradise with the interwoven alleys of the maze-like Old Quarter offering up a wonderful range of steaming local dishes. Venture beyond the touristic Old Quarter (spring roll land) and you’ll come across some unusual dishes from barbecue dog (thit cho) to snail soup (canh ốc)! Read our article here for 23 not-to-be-missed Vietnamese street food dishes.

Featured-Image-Vietnamese-Food---liesl-scheepers Yum!

11. The Vietnamese Museum of Ethnology

About half an hour motorbike ride from the Old Quarter, the Museum of Ethnology is an interesting glimpse into the cultures of the ethnic minorities of Vietnam. Discover more about the culture, art and rituals of the tribes of mountainous areas of Vietnam. Very insightful prior to a trip north to the hilly town of Sapa or north-east to Lao Cai, Bac Ha and Ha Giang.

12. Take a Bicycle Tour

While hopping on a bicycle in this city may seem like absolute madness, it’s actually a great way to get off the beaten track, down the back streets and away from Hanoi’s notorious traffic. For example, this half-day bicycle tour with Friends Travel Vietnam costs $29 US and includes a local guide, drinks and snacks along the way, as well as the opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of Hanoi and get out into the nearby countryside.

13. Visit KOTO Van Mieu Restaurant

KOTO stands for “know one, teach one”… This restaurant, located directly opposite the Temple of Literature, takes disadvantaged people off the streets and teaches them all aspects of running a 5-star restaurant. The food is healthy and delicious and it’s helping a great cause! There’s another branch in Ho Chi Minh City. Check out their Facebook page here.

At KOTO Van Mieu Restaurant in Hanoi you can eat for a good cause!

Something off the beaten track…?

We recently discovered two great abandoned places in Hanoi… (for fans of urbex). There’s an abandoned water park in Tuoi Tre Park. It’s very easy to get in, but there’s a grumpy security guard who’ll come out of his slumber to shoo you off sooner than you hope! The other and undoubtedly more impressive, is Lideco Bắc 32, an extensive ghost town that was never quite finished on the outskirts of the city. It’s well worth the taxi ride!

A contrasted street at Lideco Bac 32, Hanoi The empty streets of Lideco Bắc 32.

Day Trips from Hanoi

There are many worthwhile day trips that can be taken from the city, booked at hotels and travel agents in the city.

One of the best is a trip to Tam Coc, dubbed the ‘Halong Bay on land,’ a breathtaking landscape of limestone karsts and a beautiful river winding through. (Beware the hard-selling boat ladies!)
Intrepid adventurers will not want to miss the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall which can be visited as part of a multi-day tour from Hanoi. This incredible natural wonder is a must-see in the North of the country and is well worth the lengthy journey (around 8 hours)!
The famous Perfume Pagoda also makes for a good day out. About an hour’s drive from Hanoi, The Perfume Pagoda is a sacred collection of Buddhist Temples built into the rocks of the beautiful Huong Son Mountain. Legend has it that the site dates back to over 2000 years when a Buddhist Monk began meditating in the area.

For more things to do in Hanoi read our article – ‘Top 10 Things to Do in Hanoi.’

How to get to Hanoi?

Bus: From Vientiane or Luang Prabang in Laos, the bus trip is a notorious 24-hour journey and is a very popular backpacker route. Stories of rice bags piled up the aisle, tiresome border crossings and hotel scams have all been reported. Take lots of snacks and prepare yourself for an epic ride – do it for the experience! (Or take a one hour flight!) Read more on this notorious bus journey here.

Fly: Low-cost airlines fly into Hanoi’s main airport. It’s a one-hour taxi journey into the city.

Where to go next from Hanoi?

As a capital city, Hanoi is perfectly positioned as a base for adventures into the amazing surrounding areas. Not too far away from the busy, hectic city, you’ll find rugged mountain scenery, lush rice paddies, golden sandy beaches and astonishing geological wonders; Northern Vietnam is a great area for backpackers to explore and one that’s hard to beat on diversity.

You could be trekking amongst hill tribe villages one week, wakeboarding by the beach the next. Hiking, kayaking, water-sports, rock-climbing, even scaling the heights of Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan.

Head North to Sapa

Just an overnight train journey (350km North of Hanoi) towards the Chinese border, lies the misty, mountainous market town of Sapa. Best used as the starting point for treks and adventures into the surrounding hills and valleys. Hill tribes live here in the mountains as they have done for hundreds of years. You can also use Sapa as a base to climb Mount Fansipan. Read more about Sapa here.

Also: Check out the Mai Chau Valley Homestay here – 3 days / 2 night trip from Hanoi.

Head to Halong Bay

Just a two-hour bus ride from Hanoi lies the awe-inspiring natural wonder of Halong Bay. Known in Vietnamese as ‘Bay of the Descending Dragons’ this UNESCO world heritage site is made up of almost 3000 limestone islands that jut out of emerald waters creating a stunning, magical landscape… There are many ways to experience Halong Bay, from a DIY trip from Cat Ba Island to an organised tour with a travel agent or backpacker hostel.

Many backpackers book 3-day, 2-night trip with Vietnam Backpackers Hostels where you’ll experience the natural wonders of the bay whilst kayaking, caving, wakeboarding and spending the night on a private paradise island! Check out more information about the Castaways Island and Halong Bay Trip here.

About Cat Ba Island: Jurassic island of jungle-covered karsts and rocky beaches, located in Cat Ba National Park, Halong Bay. Rock climbing and exploring on a motorbike are essential activities. It’s a two-hour journey to Halong City, then catch a one-hour speedboat to the island. Accommodation is located around Cat Ba Pier – an old English style beach resort.

Continue Your Journey South

Vietnam is an awesome country to backpack due to its shape – you can head down the coast by train or bus (or even via motorbike or bicycle!) exploring all the country has to offer and watching as the scenery changes with every stop. Next stop Hoi An?

The Buffalo Run! Vietnam Backpackers’ very popular trip, the Buffalo Run is a great value for money way to explore the coast of Vietnam. Along the way, you’ll experience incredible national parks, such as Cuc Phuong and Phong Na, the location of the world’s biggest cave, discover exquisite hidden beaches, learn about the history of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, swim in waterfalls, visit historic tunnels from the Vietnam-American War and much more.

Check out more trips in Vietnam here.