Hanoi, Vietnam’s lively capital, is famous for its vibrant culture and iconic landmarks, yet it’s the hidden gems nestled in its narrow streets and alleys that capture the true spirit of this unique city.
From interesting museums to the remnants of downed American planes, trains running through residential areas and historic neighbourhoods, Hanoi offers an ideal destination for backpackers and travellers seeking adventure.
If you love getting off the beaten path when travelling, check out these hidden gems in Hanoi that I found last time I visited in 2023!
Don’t forget to read the Vegan Food Guide to Hanoi to find delicious plant based restaurants and cafes you can try!
1. AMERICAN B52 PLANE
This plane was shot down during the Vietnam War and fell into Huu Tiep Lake in the Ngoc Ha neighbourhood. It still lays there as the neighbourhood has been built up around it. There are a few cafes around the lake named “B52” that seem to cater to small tour groups as I witnessed a few older Americans having a coffee at them.
The best part of visiting this hidden gem is the small alleyways you need to take to get there!
2. EXPLORING NGOC HA NEIGHBOURHOOD
As I was saying above, the small alleyways around this neighbourhood are the best. If you’re someone who loves wandering around random streets and paths when you travel, you will absolutely love this area!
This area is where I saw the most graphic things. The small paths are filled with tables and people selling food. So you’ll come across a large amount of chopped up pieces of animals. I recommend walking past swiftly and not looking down at the tables.
3. EARLY MORNING AT TRAIN STREET
Many people don’t realise that you can visit Train Street at 6am in the morning and there will be no security stopping you. This is the perfect time to visit and you can freely walk up and down the train line as local people start their day.
4. PHUNG HUNG STREET PUBLIC ART
This street has wall murals from a collaboration between Vietnamese and Korean Artists that aims to create community and cultural space for residents and visitors alike. Only a 15 minute walk from the top of Hoan Kiem Lake, this is a lovely area to visit as you walk to the Dong Xuan Market next.
5. DONG XUAN MARKET
Dong Xuan Market is Hanoi’s largest market and was originally built by the French in the 1880’s. This two story building is open daily and sells food, clothing, footwear, homewares, electronics and souvenirs. Outside around the perimeter you’ll find many other stores selling things too. Only a 10 minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, this is a great place to wander and explore.
6. HANOI’S OLD APARTMENT BUILDING
At the back of Dong Xuan Market is this an old apartment building for low income people that was built in the French Colonial era. There’s stairs opposite so walk up there to reach this view.
7. VIETNAMESE WOMEN’S MUSEUM
This is such an informative museum! It’s a 4 story building near the south of Hoan Kiem Lake that showcases the roles of Vietnamese Women in history. Theres an incredible amount of artifacts here, showing different ethnic groups, what women do when they get married and give birth, a section about worshipping a Mother Goddess that’s in Vietnamese folk belief, an area about heroic mothers and women who fought in political battles and the Vietnam War. If you love history and learning about cultures this is such a wonderful place to visit.
8. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY
This Museum is located in two buildings across the road from each other (so don’t forget to visit both!), the first building showcases Archeological and Paleolithic artifacts from 800,000 years ago and beyond.
The second building I found more interesting as it was the former museum of the Vietnamese Revolution which has 40,000 relics showcasing the different conflicts that the Vietnamese went through and their subsequent revolutions. I didn’t realise how much Vietnam had been invaded by many different countries including France, China, Japan and Spain.
9. EARLY MORNING AT HOAN KIEM LAKE
If you’re awake before sunrise, this is such a lovely place to visit at this time. People are up and about exercising and walking around the lake. You’ll be able to take some beautiful pictures here as the city slowly begins to wake.
10. THE NOTE COFFEE
This unique cafe has 4 floors with sticky notes over everything! You buy a drink downstairs and then walk up the very steep stairs to find a seat. It overlooks beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake and you can write your own sticky note and put it anywhere! On the table, the wall, the ceiling…there is no limit! Haha. So write something nice and stick it there forever 🙂
