Hanoi Hipster Areas to Explore for Tours

Vietnamese capital city Hanoi is renowned for its dynamic culture, rich history, and contemporary attractions. Hanoi has a number of hipster districts that are ideal for discovery for people looking for unusual and fashionable experiences. Including locations, activities, modes of transportation, directions, and admissions, this is a guide to some of the hipster hotspots in Hanoi that you really should not miss.

Tay Ho, West Lake in Hanoi

West Lake

The biggest natural lake in Hanoi is West Lake, sometimes called Ho Tay. One may also classify it as a famous location in Vietnam’s capital city.

Known by several names, including Kim Nguu Lake, Mu Suong Lake, and Xac Cao Pond, was the West Lake. Every one of them was connected to a myth about the beginnings of the fabled West Lake.

Things to Do:

Walking and cycling around West Lake in Hanoi: Both residents and visitors should make time to perform this activity. Bike rental companies abound in Hanoi; a three-hour rental typically costs between 40,000 and 50,0000 VND. Along the way, this easy activity lets you see hidden treasures, take in breathtaking views of the lake, and enjoy the local food and culture. Among the greatest things to do at West Lake are to relax in the middle of the splendour of nature, enjoy the cool breeze, and watch the locals go about their daily lives.
Explore Trinh Cong Son Street: The West Lake is roughly 500 metres from Trinh Cong Son Walking Street. Named after a well-known Vietnamese composer. Stretching 900 metres from Alley 431 on Au Co Street to Alley 612 on Lac Long Quan Street, this is Hanoi’s second pedestrian street. Weekday hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Try Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding, a Hawaiian water sport, in addition to taking in the picturesque surroundings of West Lake. SUP boarding is simpler for beginners even though it resembles canoeing and kayaking. Users of the paddleboard can participate in group activities whether standing, sitting, or kneeling. You get a life jacket on before you paddle to guarantee your safety.
Check in at Flower Valley of West Lake: Situated on Nhat Chieu Street, next to Dam Tri Lotus Pond, West Lake Flower Valley has lately gained popularity as a tourism destination for both residents and tourists from other countries.

Directions: By Taxi or Ride-hailing Apps- Grab and local taxis are both easily available.

Three ticket kinds are available for access at West Lake Water Park for various visitor groups:

Less than ninety centimetres: Free
90 to 135 centimetre height people pay 130,000 VND each ticket throughout the week and 150,000 VND per ticket on weekends and public holidays.
Over 135 centimetres tall: 180,000 VND per ticket on weekends and public holidays; 155,000 VND per ticket throughout the week.

Note: The admission ticket fee is reduced to 100,000 VND after 4:30 p.m. every day.

Hoan Kiem (Old Quarter)

Situated both north and west of Hoan Kiem Lake. 36 streets make up this region. Hang Dau Street runs from the northernmost point of the old quarter to Phung Hung Street on the westernmost. Hang Bong Street, Hang Gai Street, Cau Go Street, and Hang Thung Street are in the southern section; Tran Quang Khai Street and Tran Nhat Duat Street are in the eastern section.

Attractions:

Circular stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake: Hoan Kiem Lake, sometimes called Sword Lake, is regarded as the beating heart of Hanoi and is connected to the myth of the turtle god claiming the enchanted sword. This is a Hanoi tourist spot that demonstrates the historical and spiritual heritage of the city in addition to drawing tourists with its airy scenery. As such, everyone visiting this city ought to make one visit here.

Hoan Kiem Lake

An old Turtle Tower is situated in the centre of Hoan Kiem Lake. Furthermore, you can observe a little peninsula with other well-known sites as Pen Tower, The Huc Bridge, Tran Ba Community House, Ngoc Son Temple, etc. A well-known speciality that has been enjoyed in Hanoi for many years is Trang Tien ice cream, which you may have when visiting Hoan Kiem Lake.

A close look of Turtle Tower

Explore the historic streets in Hanoi: Discover the old street of Hanoi, where busy business and age-old customs coexist peacefully with contemporary appeal. Hanoi’s rich cultural legacy is fascinatingly revealed through the 36 guild streets that make up the Old Quarter. Some streets have been able to maintain their classic charm even if many have changed throughout time. The sound of exquisite jewellery clinking and money changers hustling about still fill Hang Bac, sometimes called Silver Street. With its colourful collection of religious objects and festive décor, Hang Ma draws locals looking for spiritual keepsakes. The name of Silk Street, or Hang Gai, is aptly reflected in the colourful tapestry of fabric stores and tailors providing bespoke suits and outfits.

Historic streets

Ba Dinh in Hanoi

Popular as a substitute for the sometimes crowded Old Quarter, Ba Dinh District has a number of neighbourhood bars with a view of the Hanoi Botanical Gardens, as well as mid-range hotels and charming eateries. Just west of the Hoan Kiem area, in a central location. Ten square kilometres makes this one of the smallest districts. Anh has a highly dense population—more than 20,000 individuals per square kilometre.

Things to do:

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: A fascinating piece of Vietnamese history, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is today recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most famous aspect of the Imperial Citadel, at 40 metres high, is the central flag tower, which is frequently used as a representation of Hanoi. For eight centuries this was the political hub of ancient Hanoi. Situated in Ba Dinh, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is near to a number of other tourist destinations.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The little wooden temple known as One Pillar Pagoda is erected around a single stone pillar shaped like a lotus bloom. It has been rebuilt multiple times, most recently in 1955 after the base was destroyed during the French withdrawal. Often considered as a symbol of Hanoi, the pagoda is still one of the most revered sights in the city. It is situated in a lovely, peaceful garden with benches for cosy reflection. With her effigy tucked inside the little three square metre temple, the pagoda’s shrine is devoted to the Vietnamese Buddhist deity Quan Am.

One Pillar Pagoda

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Located in Ba Dinh Square, this is one of Hanoi’s most popular tourist sites. Known to his people as “Uncle Ho," Ho Chi Minh, the most famous and well-liked leader of Vietnam, is buried there. Despite his objections, his body is kept here in a glass case at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in downtown Hanoi. Before entering, guests must drop their luggage and cameras and dress appropriately (no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or miniskirts). Uncle Ho’s last resting place is not just any old site; it’s a part of a special history, hence a visit there can be rather memorable.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Dong Da

Dong Da District in Hanoi, with its distinctive urban atmosphere, is a must-visit destination in addition to Hoan Kiem District, which provides endless experiences for foreign visitors, or Ba Dinh District, which boasts historic, French-designed architecture, or Tay Ho District, which offers great tranquilly. Dong Da District is located southwest of Hoan Kiem.

Things to do in Hanoi:

Temple of Literature:

Located: Dong Da, Hanoi; 58 Quoc Tu Giam

Time of operation: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

VND 30,000 is the entrance charge (free for guests with severe disabilities and children under 15).

The Temple of Literature

Phuc Khanh Pagoda in Hanoi:

Located: Nga Tu So Overpass, Dong Da, Hanoi.

Student Streets – “Pho Sinh Vien" are open all day. In Dong Da Districts, Chua Lang and Chua Boc streets are the focal points of several well-known universities. University students find them to be convenient because they have a number of reasonably priced clothes stores, cafes, and eateries.

Hai Ba Trung

The Hai Ba Trung District is located south of Hoan Kiem.

To Do Items:

At Thanh Ha pho, eat like a local:

Located: 238 Lạc Trung, Hai Bà Trưng, Hanoi

Though it was just invented in the early 1900s, pho has now become the most famous noodle soup in Vietnamese cooking.

Try the traditionally prepared and moderately priced Pho at Thanh Ha Pho on Lac Trung Street. The fact that most toddlers enjoy the delectable fried rice this restaurant serves makes it family-friendly as well.

Operation hours: 8 a.m. to 23 p.m.

Circular Tour of the New Quarter

There are usually two choices for true gourmets in Hanoi: The Old Quarter or The New Quarter. The new quarter is a lovely tree-lined region that spans five to six blocks of Bui Thi Xuan, Mai Hac De, Trieu Viet Vuong, Ba Trieu, and Hue street; the Old Quarter covers the little streets that encircle Hoan Kiem Lake. With several excellent international restaurants (Saigon, Hai Phong, Japanese and Thai cuisines on Trieu Viet Vuong, for example), boutique cafés (Bui Thi Xuan, Mai Hac De), bars and pubs, hair salons and chocolate shops, this area becomes lively both days and evenings. The stores and eateries here are larger and less conventional than those in the Old Quarter, but they are no less real; they represent a vibrant 2000s Hanoi economy and how people are embracing a rapid (good) pace of change, where originality progressively trumps traditional characteristics.

Address: Vincom Centre Ba Trieu is the last stop of the quarter that begins in Nguyen Du.

Take a Leisurely Walk Around Thien Quang Lake, Halais Lake Particularly in the morning, Halais Lake is a great place to go sightseeing. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the lake to take in the tranquil surroundings and visit the three neighbouring pagodas, Thien Quang, Quang Hoa, and Phap Hoa. You can also see the lake rather clearly from these pagodas.

Conclusion

Hipster districts abound in Hanoi, serving a wide range of interests from food and shopping to the arts and cultures. Every neighbourhood offers special charm and experiences that make them ideal for tour exploration. You’ll find lots to see and do in these hip Hanoi neighbourhoods, whether you decide to wander around West Lake, explore the lively Old Quarter, or experience the historical and modern fusion in Ba Dinh and Dong Da.

Don’t forget to regularly follow our Facebook page and Website for more interesting information about travelling to Hanoi and to book Hanoi tours at the best prices.

Amazing Hanoi - Halong Bay - Ninh Binh: 5 days

Genesis cruises halong bay

Ninh Binh Tam Coc

Hanoi people

Hanoi Van Mieu

Hanoi - HCM Mausoleum

Hanoi Bike through rice field

Hanoi Cyclo Tour

Hanoi Farm tours

Halong Bay

Halong Boat

Glory Cruise

Halong islet

Halong Bay

We will explore the most amazing places in the north of Vietnam. First, North Vietnam Hanoi Tour will bring you to explore Hanoi charming city, with a half-day city tour, you will visit the most iconic attractions in Hanoi such as President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter of Hanoi. After Hanoi, we are going to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, enjoy the boat trip in Tam Coc and to discover the countryside. For ending two days of Inspirational Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Tour, we will spend one night stay on a cruise to explore the seven natural wonder of the world. Let’s explore the Magnificent North of Vietnam with Impress Travel.

Email:northvietnamtour@impresstravel.com or contact the hotline (Whatsapp, Zalo, Viber, Skype) at +84.912 379 189 – Mr. Alex.

Tours Itinerary

Day 01

HANOI ARRIVAL – GREETING – HANOI CITY TOUR– Private Tour (L)

Good morning, pick you up at Noi Bai International
Airport and transfer to Hanoi Capital city.
Check-in the hotel then have lunch at the restaurant.
Afternoon sightseeing tour begins with a visit to President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum ( closed on Monday and Friday, every afternoon, and whole from 15 June – 15 August, view the outside the building). Inside the mausoleum, there are sightseeing of the Presidential Palace (view from outside), President’s Fishpond, House On Stilts, and One Pillar Pagoda.
Next, we will pay a visit to the Temple of Literature. It is where Confucius – The founder of Confucianism was worshiped. This place as known as the first National University of Vietnam. It is where kings, mandarins, talented people of Vietnam training to the functionary.
Our tour continues with an exciting visit. We will visit one of the most beautiful lakes in Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake. Then, we will go to the Ngoc Son Temple, which is in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Continue a short walking tour around the old quarter with a tour guide.

Day Inclusions: Private A/C transfer, English-speaking tour guide in Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, hotel in Hanoi

Day 02

HANOI – NINH BINH (TAM COC, HOA LU) TOUR (B/L)

Good morning, have breakfast at the hotel.
7.30 – 8.00 AM: Pick you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter and transfer to Tam Coc.
8.00 – 10.00 AM: After two hours of transferring, our tour guide will introduce you to Vietnam as the history, culture, lifestyle of local people. On the conical hat, we will have a mini-game show to teach you how to say and write some Vietnamese simple words such as Xin Chào, Tạm Biệt, Tôi yêu Ninh Bình, etc. We will give you a little souvenir and you can wear it during the trip.
10 AM: We will prepare for a boat trip to visit the beautiful Tam Coc. It takes 1.30 hours rowing along the Ngo Dong river through the three mysterious caves. You can enjoy spectacular scenery surrounded by rice paddies and towering limestone mountain peaks.
11.30 AM: We will get on Thanh pier for a short walk to visit Thai Vi Temple, which is one of the well-known temples in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. We will continue 10 minutes walking along majestic valley with rice fields, rivers and lotus ponds for Tam Coc Nature Lodge where we will relaxing
Enjoy your lunch in here – Vietnamese food.
1.30 PM: you have a chance to be a fisherman and learn how to catch the fish in the pond or river.
2:00 – 3:00 PM: We ride a bike to Thung Nang, along the river among the rice field, lotus ponds, and limestone Mountains. We will continue to through a peaceful Dan Khe Trong village. This area is a real picture of the rural countryside in the north of Vietnam.
15: 00: Return the van, drive to visit Hoa Lu Ancient citadel which was built in the 10th century, and the temple dedicated to King Dinh and King Le
4:00 PM: Back to Hanoi Capital.
18:30: Arrive in Hanoi & we will drop you at your hotel in the Old Quarter.
Have dinner is available on your request.
Overnight at the Hanoi Hotel.

Day Inclusions: Car/Mini-Van, Outstanding English speaking guide, Lunch – Vietnamese Cuisine at Tam Coc Nature Eco Lodge, All sightseeing tickets, Good bike with gears, 02 bottles of Mineral water, Services charges and government tax, Rowing boat to visit Tam Coc, One conical hat as souvenir, Demonstration of teaching to learn how to write, speak Vietnamese, and catch fish

Day 03

HANOI – HALONG CRUISE (B/L/D)

Good morning! Enjoy your with have breakfast at your hotel, then check-out the hotel.
07:30 am – 08:00: Pick up from your hotel to travel to Halong Bay (notice: pickup time can be a bit flexible depending on each different Cruise, distance Hanoi – Halong bay is 160km, a stop for break time on halfway for a refreshment).
You enjoy the drive and sightseeing the peaceful countryside scenery during the bus trip (4 hours), we arrive at the Ha Long bay seaport at around noontime.
12h 30: You will aboard the cruise, check-in & enjoy a welcome drink while your cabin will be assigned.
Check-in your cabin and put your luggage in, relax and may do a short inspection tour by moving around the cruise to discover about the cruise’s architecture & design
Enjoy the sumptuous lunch with fresh seafood meal while cruise slowly gliding out into the Halong bay.
15h00 – 16h00: Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay.
16h00 – 17h00: Cruising to Titop Island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titop or climb up to the top of the island for a view panorama of Halong Bay.
17h00 – 17h30: Return to the boat, enjoying beautiful seascape on the way.
17h30 – 19h00: Enjoy Sunset Party on the sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set.

Day Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, shuttle bus A/C transfer, English speaking tour guide on CRUISE only, entrance fee, full board, joint Cruise in Halong bay with private cabin (2 persons share 1 cabin)

Day 04

HALONG BAY – HANOI (B/L)

Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
07h00 – 07h30 Have breakfast on board and enjoy the peaceful morning of Halong Bay.
08h30 – 09h30 Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Drum Cave.
09h45 Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
10h00 – 10h30 Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
10h30 – 11h30 while heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the Cooking Class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
11h45 – 12h00 Disembark V’Spirit Classic.
12h15 – 12h30 Transfer back to Hanoi.
About 16:00 – Arrival back to Hanoi central city, recheck in the hotel
Dinner is available on your request.
Free time & Overnight in Hanoi city

Day 05

HANOI CITY CENTER TO NOI BAI AIRPORT – DEPARTURE (B)

Good morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then, you have some free time to explore Hanoi city before going to Noi Bai airport for your scheduled flight.
The end of the tour, thank you and see you again!

What’s included in this trip :

A/C accommodation with DOUBLE or TWIN ROOM (2 persons share 1 room; single room can be available on request) with daily breakfast
A/C transfer from Airports to the hotel and other tourist destinations according to the itinerary
Bus round trip to Hanoi – Ha Long Bay; (private land transfer available on request)
2 days 1 night on Joint Cruise trip in Ha Long Bay, with DOUBLE or TWIN (2 persons share 1 cabin; single cabin can be available on request), full meals on board
Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
Meals as indicated in the itinerary. (Breakfast = 04; Lunch = 04; Dinner = 01)
English- speaking guides as specified (Chinese/ Malaysian speaking guide can be available on request)
Entrance fees
Mineral water (2 bottles/ per day with sightseeing tour)

What’s excluded in this trip:

All international and domestic flights
Specified as Chinese/ Malaysian/ Indonesian/Thai speaking guide can be available on request to pay for extra-fee.
Travel Insurance
Airport taxes
All meals not mentioned
Tips for tour guides, drivers, crew members in Ha Long Bay, other attendants if may have (3 USD/pax/day)
Other personal expenses not mentioned.

3 STAR HOTELS & CRUISES IN VIETNAM SELECTED

Destination

Room Type

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

Hanoi 3-star Hotels

Adamas Deluxe City

ADAMAS HANOI HOTEL
Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/

3-star Halong Bay Cruises

Swan Cruise Deluxe

SWAN CRUISE HALONG BAY

Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/

4 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED

Destination

Room Type

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

Hanoi 4-star Hotels

The light deluxe with window

THE LIGHT HOTEL HANOI

Refer: thelighthotelhanoi.com/en/

4-star Halong Bay Cruises

Sealife Suite Canbin

HUONG HAI SEALIFE CRUISE HALONG BAY

Refer: www.sealifegroup.com

5 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED

Destination

Hotel Category

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

Hanoi 5-star hotels

Deluxe Sketch Apricot Hotel

APRICOT HOTEL HANOI

Refer: apricothotels.com/room/sketch

5-star Halong bay Cruises

Deluxe Room with Ocean View Margaret

MARGARET CRUISE HALONG BAY

Refer: https://margaretcruises.com

The hotels and cruise are subject to change to similar category in case of fully booked

Vietnam Travel Map: 15 Days

Ranana

You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.

We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.

Ebrahim

Tour of Vietnam

Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!

Solly Pochee

The tour was fantastic

I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee

Bernard Lim

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.

Derek.Schooling

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel

This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.

My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress