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.

All the latest breaking news & travel information on Hanoi travel. Browse The Independent’s complete collection of articles and commentary on Hanoi travel: Hanoi attractions, travel news, gallery, culture, history and tips.