Hanoi Day trips

Puppet shows in Hanoi offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s storytelling traditions, with roots that go back centuries. Most famous are the water puppet shows, performed on a pool of water with lacquered wooden puppets and live folk music.

The stories often draw from rural life and local legends in Vietnam, featuring farmers, dragons, and dancing fish. Shows are family-friendly, easy to follow, and transcend language, making them enjoyable for a general crowd. If you’re wondering where to see a water puppet show in Hanoi, this guide covers the top venues and more.

Amid Hanoi’s bustling energy and colorful streets, you’ll find Train Street — a place where the ordinary meets the extraordinary.

Located in the heart of the city’s Old Quarter, and made famous by Instagram, Train Street in Hanoi attracts thousands of visitors each year. The narrow passage offers a surreal and thrilling sight as trains pass just inches from the cafés that sit along the tracks.

Prepare to experience one of the city’s most exciting and photogenic destinations — just remember to look both ways.

Crisp air, misty lakeside mornings, and steaming bowls of pho characterize Hanoi in winter. Even as the weather cools down, there are still many things to do in Hanoi during the winter months. Learn how to make traditional Vietnamese coffee in a coffee-making workshop, sample Hanoi’s winter specialties on a street food tour, or soak in Hanoi’s lively evening atmosphere at the Weekend Night Market. Whether you’re walking around and enjoying the cooler temperatures or staying warm with an indoor activity, this winter guide to Hanoi breaks down the best activities for enjoying the magic of the festive season.

Fancy a weekend in Hanoi? Vietnam’s capital is a masterful blend of colonial and modern architecture, rich in history, culture, and vibrant city life. From the charming streets of the French-influenced Old Quarter to the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re here for history, cuisine, or adventure, this Hanoi weekend itinerary gives you a taste of the city’s highlights, including the UNESCO-recognized Water Puppet Show, typical Hanoi egg coffee, and the iconic Train Street. Ready to experience the best of this northern Vietnamese metropolis on your long weekend in Hanoi?