Which are the best museums in Hanoi? What are some meaningful Hanoi tours and activities to sign up for? Where are some interesting places in Hanoi to have a great meal? Begin with our top Hanoi picks below.

Some museums in Hanoi can be difficult for English-speakers to appreciate, due to the lack of clear signage and insightful captions. The Vietnamese Women’s Museum, however, is an exception. 

This under-the-radar museum casts the spotlight on what it means to be a Vietnamese woman, featuring intriguing exhibits on birth customs, family life, marriage rituals, and the role that women play in Vietnamese society. And yes, the captions here do their job—in Vietnamese, French, and English. Post-visit, you can also retreat to the courtyard cafe for some quiet contemplation.

Get directions to Vietnamese Women’s Museum (10-minute drive from Pan Pacific Hanoi)

Are you aware that Vietnam has 54 ethnic groups in total? To learn about all of these groups, the highly rated Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is the best place to visit.

Most Vietnamese are from the Kinh ethnic community, while minority groups (such as the Hmong community, an ethnic group without a country of its own) often reside in the mountains in northwest and central Vietnam. At the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, culture buffs can get a good look at each group’s traditional costumes, religions, and rituals, as well as how they work with their hands and live off the land.

For those bringing along children, there is a dedicated kids’ section, featuring child-friendly interactive exhibits and traditional games that young ones will adore. 

Get directions to Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (19-minute drive from Pan Pacific Hanoi)

Want a friendly Hanoi local to show you around? Book a city tour or food adventure with Hanoi Kids, a free tour service offered by students who want a chance to practise their English. 

When going on such tours, do remember that these Hanoi youths are not professional guides—their intention is to improve their English skills while taking you to their favourite Hanoi spots. There may be a few communication hiccups, but bring an open heart and treat your guide as a new friend, and you will surely find the experience to be warm and rewarding.

Book a tour with Hanoi Kids

Hidden Hanoi is a boutique tour agency that offers visitors the opportunity to immerse in local Vietnamese culture through informative walking tours and hands-on cooking experiences. You can take an Old Quarter or French Quarter tour, or pick a tour to discover Hanoi’s street food or craft beer. You can also sign up for cooking classes to learn how to prepare your own pho and egg coffee!

Book a tour or class with Hidden Hanoi

For a quick city escape, book a cycling tour to a rural village, where you can visit a local family to have a traditional meal and learn more about Hanoi’s farm life and traditions—your guide will also act as an interpreter! Along the way and back, you will also get to enjoy scenic views of the Red River and the serene countryside. 

Book a tour with Bike Tours Hanoi

KOTO Villa is a training restaurant for disadvantaged and at-risk youth in Vietnam—as well as one of Hanoi’s best brunch spots! Here, you can indulge in an Australian-inspired brunch, or enjoy a traditional Vietnamese meal. Beyond its status as a social enterprise, KOTO Villa has garnered rave reviews for both its food and service, which makes supporting a worthy mission even more rewarding.

Get directions to KOTO Villa (8-minute drive from Pan Pacific Hanoi)

Wondering what you can do in Hanoi at night? Head to the cozy Hanoi Social Club, inspired by the Danish concept of “hygge” or contentment. Visit their page for information on their Chill Days and Wine Days, where you can enjoy wine and cocktail offers. Another place to check out is Tadioto, favoured by Hanoi’s artsy crowd. Alternatively, you can book a table at Press Club Hanoi, featuring Michelin-starred French chef Alain Dutournier.

Get directions to Hanoi Social Club (10-minute drive from Pan Pacific Hanoi)

Get directions to Tadioto (9-minute drive from Pan Pacific Hanoi)

Get directions to Press Club Hanoi (10-minute drive from Pan Pacific Hanoi)