Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, offers plenty of options for weekend activities. Here are a few suggestions on where to go and what to do:
- A full day Walking through the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- Suggested Itinerary: Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour
Contents
Explore the Old Quarter
Exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter on the weekend can be a delightful experience. The Old Quarter is known for its vibrant atmosphere, historical charm, and narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, and street food stalls. Here are a few things you can do during your visit:
Stroll through the streets: Take a leisurely walk through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter. Each street specializes in different types of products, so you can explore various markets and shops selling unique items like silk, handicrafts, antiques, and street food.
Visit the local markets: Head to Dong Xuan Market, the largest market in Hanoi, where you can find all kinds of goods. You can also check out other markets like Hang Da Market for fresh produce, flowers, and clothing.
Enjoy street food: Indulge in the mouthwatering street food that the Old Quarter has to offer. Try traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (baguette sandwiches), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), and egg coffee.
Explore the historical sites: Visit the ancient temples, pagodas, and historical landmarks in the Old Quarter. Some notable places include Bach Ma Temple, Ngoc Son Temple, and the Hanoi Opera House.
Take a cyclo ride: Experience a traditional cyclo ride, a three-wheeled bicycle taxi, around the Old Quarter’s narrow streets. It’s a relaxing way to see the area and soak up the local atmosphere.
Remember to be cautious of your belongings, as the Old Quarter can get crowded. Also, check for any updated information or events happening during your visit to make the most of your time in the Hanoi Old Quarter.
Walk around the Hoan Kiem lake
Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake on weekends is a popular activity in Hanoi, Vietnam. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a scenic and tranquil environment for locals and tourists alike. The lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens, historical landmarks, and vibrant street markets.
During weekends, the traffic around the lake is restricted, allowing pedestrians to freely stroll along the sidewalks and enjoy the atmosphere. You can soak in the local culture, observe street performances, and try various street food vendors that line the pathway.
Don’t miss the iconic red bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the lake. Crossing the bridge and visiting the temple is a must-do experience while walking around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Remember to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a bottle of water, as it can get quite crowded at times. Exploring Hoan Kiem Lake on weekends is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Hanoi while enjoying its natural beauty.
Visit the Temple of Literature
That sounds like a great plan! The Temple of Literature is a popular tourist site in Hanoi, Vietnam. It is a historical complex that dates back to the 11th century and is dedicated to Confucius. It not only serves as a temple but also as Vietnam’s first national university.
Visiting the Temple of Literature on the weekend is a good idea as it tends to be less crowded compared to weekdays. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the beautiful architecture, tranquil courtyards, and learn about Vietnam’s rich cultural and educational heritage. Don’t forget to check the opening hours and any specific guidelines or restrictions before your visit!
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
That’s great! If you’re planning to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Vietnam on a weekend, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Operating Hours: The mausoleum is usually open from Tuesday to Thursday and on weekends. However, it’s always recommended to check the official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening hours.
Dress Code: When visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, it’s essential to dress modestly and respectfully. Both men and women should ensure their attire covers their shoulders and knees. Wearing hats or sunglasses inside the mausoleum is also not permitted.
Security Checks: Expect to go through security checks before entering the mausoleum. Make sure to carry only necessary items and avoid bringing any prohibited items such as weapons, food, or liquids.
Photography and Filming: Photography and filming inside the mausoleum are strictly prohibited. There might be designated areas where you can take pictures, but always follow the instructions given by the staff.
Queues and Waiting Time: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a popular tourist attraction, and weekends can be quite busy. Be prepared for queues and potentially longer waiting times, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Remember to be respectful during your visit and observe the rules and regulations to ensure a pleasant experience at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Water Puppet Show
Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Enjoy the vibrant music, colorful puppets, and unique storytelling.
One popular choice is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, located at 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street. They usually have multiple shows throughout the day, including on weekends. Another option is the Vietnam Puppet Theater, situated on 361 Truong Chinh Street, which also offers water puppet performances on weekends. I recommend checking their official websites or contacting them directly for show timings and ticket availability. Enjoy the show!
Food Tour
Indulge in Hanoi’s renowned street food scene. Don’t miss out on trying dishes like pho, banh mi, bun cha, and egg coffee. Join a food tour to sample local delicacies and explore hidden culinary gems. If you’re looking for a food tour in Hanoi during the weekend, there are plenty of options to explore the city’s culinary delights. Here are a few popular food tour recommendations in Hanoi:
Old Quarter Food Tour: Take a walking tour through Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, where you can find numerous street food stalls and local eateries. Sample traditional dishes like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles).
Hanoi Street Food Tour: Join a guided street food tour that takes you to various food vendors and hidden culinary spots in Hanoi. Taste a wide variety of local dishes, including nem ran (fried spring rolls), bun bo nam bo (beef and noodle salad), and che (Vietnamese dessert).
Hanoi Local Market Tour: Begin your food tour by exploring one of Hanoi’s vibrant local markets, such as Dong Xuan Market or Cho Hom Market. Interact with vendors, learn about Vietnamese ingredients, and then indulge in a feast of freshly prepared street food.
Cyclo and Street Food Tour: Experience Hanoi’s street food scene from the back of a cyclo (bicycle rickshaw). Ride through the city, stopping at popular food spots to savor authentic dishes while enjoying the bustling atmosphere.
Vietnamese Cooking Class: If you’d like to learn how to prepare Vietnamese cuisine yourself, consider joining a cooking class. Many classes start with a visit to a local market to buy ingredients, followed by hands-on cooking lessons where you can master dishes like pho, spring rolls, and grilled meats.
Remember to check the availability and book your food tour in advance, especially during weekends, as they can be quite popular. Enjoy your food adventure in Hanoi!
Weekend Night Market
The weekend night market in Hanoi is called the Hanoi Night Market or “Cho Dem Hang Dao.” It is located in the capital’s Old Quarter, specifically on Hang Dao Street, Hang Ngang Street, and Hang Duong Street. The market is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, starting from around 7:00 pm until late at night.
At the Hanoi Night Market, you can find a wide range of items including clothing, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food. It’s a bustling and vibrant place where locals and tourists alike come together to enjoy shopping, eating delicious street food, and experiencing the lively atmosphere.
Bat Trang Ceramic Village
That sounds like a great idea! Bat Trang Ceramic Village is a famous tourist destination located in the Gia Lam district of Hanoi, Vietnam. It is known for its traditional handmade ceramics and pottery. Many people visit the village to explore the local craftsmanship and have a hands-on experience creating their own ceramic products.
Visiting Bat Trang Ceramic Village on a weekend can be a good idea, as you may be able to witness more activities and interactions with local artisans. However, do keep in mind that weekends can be busier with more tourists. If you prefer a quieter experience, you might consider visiting on a weekday.
When you visit Bat Trang, you can stroll through the narrow streets lined with shops and workshops, where you’ll find a wide variety of ceramic items including vases, bowls, plates, and figurines. It’s also possible to participate in pottery making workshops, where locals will guide you in creating your own masterpiece.
To get there, you can either take a taxi or hire a motorbike from Hanoi city center. The village is approximately 13 kilometers away, and the journey usually takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. It’s recommended to plan your visit in the morning or afternoon to make the most of your time.
Enjoy your visit to Bat Trang Ceramic Village!
Remember to check the opening hours and availability of attractions or shows in advance. Also, consider the current travel restrictions and guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend in Hanoi.