Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city of captivating contrasts. It is a place where ancient history sleeps next to modern chaos, where peaceful lakes mirror the frantic energy of millions of motorbikes. For the Muslim traveler, Hanoi offers a deeply enriching experience that feels both exotic and welcoming.
While Vietnam is famous for its pagodas and temples, Hanoi offers countless other cultural treasures that do not involve religious sites. From the adrenaline rush of the famous “Train Street” to the peaceful sunset over West Lake, this city is perfect for families and travelers seeking authentic culture without compromising their faith.
Here are the 10 unique experiences in Hanoi that you simply cannot miss in 2025.
1. Drink Coffee at the Famous “Hanoi Train Street”
We start with the most famous, heart-pounding attraction in the city. You have likely seen the viral videos on Instagram or TikTok: a massive steel train rumbling through a narrow residential street, passing just inches away from coffee shops and people. This is Hanoi Train Street.
The Experience For the local residents, this is just daily life. They cook, wash clothes, and chat on the tracks. But for travelers, it is a surreal spectacle.
- The Routine: You arrive early and find a seat at one of the small cafes lining the tracks. The owners will serve you a drink (try the Egg Coffee or a fresh coconut). Suddenly, a siren sounds. The cafe owners rush to pull in the plastic stools. You press your back against the wall.
- The Rush: Then, the ground shakes. The train roars past you, so close you can feel the wind on your face. It is loud, intense, and unforgettable.
Locations & Safety Currently, there are two main spots to watch the train:
- The Old Quarter Section (Tran Phu / Phung Hung): This is the most popular and “Instagrammable” spot with beautiful arches.
- The Le Duan Section: A bit further south, this area is wider and often less crowded.
- Muslim Traveler Tip: Most cafes here serve Cafe Nau (Brown Coffee) or fruit juices. Avoid the beer. Also, be aware that the government sometimes restricts access for safety. Always follow the instructions of the cafe owners—do not stand on the tracks when the alarm sounds!
2. Explore the Old Quarter on a Cyclo (Xich Lo)
The Old Quarter (Pho Co) is the heart and soul of Hanoi. It is a maze of 36 ancient streets, each named after the trade that was once practiced there (like Silver Street, Silk Street, or Sugar Street).
Walking here can be exhausting due to the heat and traffic. The best, most regal way to see it is by Cyclo (a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi).
Why it’s special Sitting in the front seat of a Cyclo, you have an unobstructed view of the life around you. You glide silently past colonial buildings, flower markets, and bustling shop fronts. It feels like watching a movie of Hanoi life in slow motion.
- Route: Ask your driver to take you past Ma May Ancient House, through the Dong Xuan Market area, and around Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Tip: Always agree on the price before you get on. A 1-hour tour usually costs around 150,000 – 200,000 VND ($6-8 USD).
3. Watch a Water Puppet Show (Thang Long Theatre)
Water Puppetry (Mua Roi Nuoc) is a unique Vietnamese art form that originated in the flooded rice paddies of the Red River Delta over 1,000 years ago.
The Show The stage is literally a pool of water. The puppeteers stand behind a bamboo screen, waist-deep in water, controlling the wooden puppets using long underwater rods. It looks like magic—the puppets dance, splash, and even breathe fire on the water’s surface.
The Stories The sketches tell simple folklore stories about farming life: catching fish, chasing ducks, and the legend of the returned sword. It is lighthearted, funny, and requires no translation to understand.
- Venue: The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is the most famous venue, located right next to Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Halal Note: This is purely a cultural folk performance. There are no religious rituals or idols involved, making it perfect for Muslim families.
4. Take a Morning Walk at Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword) is the spiritual center of Hanoi. It is an oasis of calm in the middle of the city noise.
The Red Bridge (The Huc) The most iconic photo spot in Hanoi is the bright red, wooden The Huc Bridge (“Morning Sunlight Bridge”). It curves gracefully over the water, leading to a small island.
- Note for Muslim Travelers: The bridge leads to Ngoc Son Temple. You do not need to enter the temple to enjoy the beauty. The best experience is simply walking on the bridge to take photos of the lake and the famous Turtle Tower (Thap Rua) standing alone in the water.
The Morning Routine Try to visit at 6:00 AM. You will see Hanoians of all ages practicing Tai Chi, playing badminton, and laughing. It is a wholesome, energetic atmosphere that defines the Hanoi spirit. On weekends, the streets around the lake are closed to cars, becoming a massive walking street with games and music.
5. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
If you visit only one museum in Hanoi, make it this one. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is widely considered the best museum in the country. It focuses on the 54 different ethnic groups of Vietnam.
Why it’s great for families Unlike boring history museums full of text, this museum is interactive and visual.
- Indoor Area: Displays stunning colorful costumes, jewelry, and tools from tribes like the Hmong, Dao, and Thai people.
- Outdoor Area (The Highlight): This is a massive garden where they have built full-scale replicas of traditional tribal houses. You can actually climb up the ladders and enter the massive Bahnar Communal House (which stands 19 meters tall!) or explore the longhouses on stilts. It is like traveling to the remote mountains without leaving the city.
6. Catch the Sunset at West Lake (Ho Tay)
West Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi. It is the “Beverly Hills” of the city—a wealthy, quiet area where many expats and ambassadors live.
The Sunset Experience West Lake is the best place in Hanoi to watch the sunset. The view is wide and unobstructed.
- Swan Boats: You can rent a pedal boat shaped like a giant swan. Pedaling out onto the calm water as the sky turns purple and orange is incredibly romantic and peaceful.
- Electric Cart Tour: If you don’t want to pedal, you can hire an electric golf cart to drive you around the lake road (about 17km long), enjoying the cool breeze.
7. Shop at Dong Xuan Market
For those who love the chaos of commerce, Dong Xuan Market is a must-visit. Established by the French in 1889, it is the largest indoor market in Hanoi.
What to Buy It is a wholesale market, so it is packed with goods.
- Fabrics: The second floor is full of fabrics and clothing.
- Souvenirs: You can find cheap magnets, conical hats (Non La), and wooden handicrafts.
- Muslim-Friendly Snacks: Look for the dried fruit and nut stalls. You can buy excellent dried mango, lotus seeds, and cashews here. Just be sure to bargain—start at 50% of the asking price!
8. Admire Architecture at the Hanoi Opera House
Instead of visiting somber historical sites, head to the Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon). This is arguably the most beautiful building in Hanoi. Modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris, its yellow colonial facade and grand pillars are a stunning backdrop for photos.
The “Lang Toi” (My Village) Bamboo Circus The Opera House isn’t just a building; it is a living stage. We highly recommend booking tickets for the “Lang Toi” show often performed here.
- What is it? It is a “Bamboo Circus”—a mix of acrobatics, juggling, and storytelling using giant bamboo poles.
- Why it fits: Unlike traditional opera, this show has no language barrier and no religious elements. It is a celebration of Vietnamese village culture, showcasing the strength and agility of the performers. It is sophisticated, exciting, and completely family-friendly.
9. Create Art at Bat Trang Pottery Village
Located about 15km from the city center, Bat Trang is a 700-year-old village famous for producing high-quality ceramics.
The Experience You don’t just look at pottery here; you make it.
- Pottery Class: You can sit at a potter’s wheel, get your hands wet with clay, and let a local artisan guide you to shape your own bowl, cup, or vase.
- Painting: After shaping (or choosing a pre-made cup), you can paint your own design on it. It is a fantastic souvenir to take home.
- Shopping: The village market sells beautiful ceramic tea sets and plates at a fraction of the price you would pay in the city center.
10. A Halal Food Tour of Hanoi
Finally, no trip to Hanoi is complete without tasting the food. As we detailed in our Halal Food Guide, Hanoi is becoming a delicious destination for Muslim foodies.
What to try: Instead of just sitting in one restaurant, spend an evening hopping between different spots:
- Start with an authentic Halal Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette) at a kiosk in the Old Quarter.
- Move on to a steaming bowl of Halal Pho (Beef Noodle Soup). The broth is clear, aromatic with cinnamon and star anise, and incredibly comforting.
- End the night with a cup of Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung). It tastes like liquid tiramisu and is Halal-friendly (made from egg yolk, sugar, and coffee—no gelatin or alcohol).
Practical Tips for Muslim Travelers in Hanoi
- Prayer Times: The sun sets quite early in Hanoi (around 5:30 PM in winter). Be sure to check local prayer times. The Al-Noor Mosque (12 Hang Luoc Street) is the only mosque in Hanoi and is located conveniently in the Old Quarter.
- Weather: Hanoi has four seasons.
- Summer (May-Aug): Very hot and humid.
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Surprisingly cold (down to 10°C). Bring a jacket!
- Traffic: Crossing the street in Hanoi is an art form. The trick is to walk slowly and steadily. Do not stop and do not run. The motorbikes will flow around you like water.
Hanoi is a city that rewards curiosity. By visiting these 10 spots, you will see the true beauty of Vietnam’s capital—its culture, its nature, and its people—while enjoying a completely comfortable and Halal-friendly vacation.
