Founded over 1000 years ago, Vietnam’s capital city is rich in history, with the streets of its rambling Old Quarter dating back to the 14th century. Wandering these tree-lined lanes past crumbling colonial facades will transport you back in time. However, today's Hanoi is about much more than the past. The ancient city is being invigorated with modern cafes, world-class restaurants, and cool art galleries. When the sun goes down, you have your pick of watering holes, from sophisticated rooftop bars to buzzing bia hơi.

Restaurant Recommendations: 

Authentic Local Style:

Cha Ca La Vong - Located on a narrow street in the old quarter, this restaurant takes its name from its one dish wonder: fried river fish soaked in tumeric and served with vermicelli. English is rarely heard and you don’t have to bother thinking about what you want; instead you receive what they have, which has remained the same for decades.

Pho Thin - Good for an express meal where you sit on shared tables, hear the bustle of chopsticks smacking as guests savour each bowls of noodle made from borth that is passed down from generations. Located on 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.

Bep Prime - This restaurant is filled with beautiful art and rises up three spacious stories. Choose from a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes including roasted duck, noodle dishes, fish, and seafood. Bep Prime’s interpretations of Vietnamese classics make for a truly memorable dining experience in the capital city.

Dining with a view

Cau Go - Situated on the sixth floor overlooking the watery oasis of Hoàn Kiem lake, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Hanoi while inside, its interior gives off an eclectic French Colonial feeling. Hint: request an outdoor table for a lovely patio view of Turtle Tower and Hanoi’s glittering lakeside.

Fine Dining

T.U.N.G - Nestled in the heart of Hanoi and just a few steps away from St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Hoan Kiem lake, T.U.N.G stands for “Twisted, Unique, Natural and Gastronomique” and not only represents the establishment’s philosophy in providing an unparalleled culinary experience using fresh local ingredients but also a testament to the innovation and creativity. 

Shopping

Hang Gai (Silk Street) - Easily one of the most famous places for shopping. Here, you can get high quality, modern, traditional and fashionable silk material. Along with silk and tailor shops, Hang Gai Street has several souvenir shops where you can buy notebooks, postcards, lamps as well. Additionally, it has noticeable art galleries such as Green Palm Gallery and Thang Long Art Gallery.

The weekend Night Market - held during three days of every week, i.e. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Old Quarter district is a place from where the market runs through on three days from19:00 onwards. Stalls and shops start from Hang Dao Street and run through north to the edge of Dong Xuan Market. Various areas or streets of market decorate with illuminated lights at night while shoppers get carried away with clothes, accessories, shoes, sunglasses and an array of food items. Hint: Don't forget to bargain with a smile.

Hang Dau Street - commonly in Hanoi, all shops in the whole market shops sell only one thing; here it's shoes! Hundreds of shoe-sellers holding an abundant choice in shoes. All footwear contain brand names, which made at factories of Vietnam that have rejected due to minor imperfections. So, you can make a great purchase of branded products in affordable prices.

Bat Trang Ceramic Village - A paradise for the handicraft lovers as one can easily find the finest ceramic and pottery goods while roaming at this village. There a varied number of gift shops located around the village which is famous for the beautifully crafted tea sets along with a modernist Pottery Museum.