Sometimes, a fascinating city's best stories lie off the map. Hanoi is the sort of place that gets under your skin in the best possible way. Motorbikes and cyclos swarm like bees, street food sizzles on every corner, and life spills onto the pavements in a glorious tangle of cafes, markets and tiny plastic stools. But once you've seen Hoan Kiem Lake and strolled through the Old Quarter, what's next? Whether you're learning the art of lotus tea or balancing on a tiny stool for that perfect bowl of pho, it's these unexpected moments that make Hanoi so unforgettable — a city that's always ready to show you something new if you're curious enough to look. Here are six unusual ways to see a side of Hanoi that most tourists miss — the kind of memories you'll talk about long after your suitcase is unpacked.
Also Read: 6 Things You Shouldn't Miss While Visiting Vietnam
Here Are 6 Offbeat Things To Do In Hanoi:
1. Learn How To Make Lotus Tea
Tea culture runs deep in Vietnam, but lotus tea is something truly special. For generations, locals have been scenting green tea with the delicate fragrance of lotus flowers, plucked fresh from Hanoi's lakes in summer. A few traditional tea houses in the city run small workshops where you can try this slow, fragrant process for yourself — layering tea leaves with fresh petals overnight. Try Tay An Tra, where a local lotus tea master of Ho Tay will take you through the journey. You'll leave not just with a new skill, but with a deeper appreciation for the ritual of tea that ties Hanoians together.
2. Watch A Water Puppet Show
Photo: Courtesy of Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
You might think puppets are just for kids, but Vietnam's ancient water puppetry will change your mind. This art form began centuries ago in the rice paddies of the Red River Delta, where villagers turned flooded fields into makeshift stages. Today, you can catch this unique tradition at the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Wooden puppets skim across the water's surface, acting out folktales with live musicians and plenty of cheeky humour. It's kitsch, yes — but it's also joyful, clever and surprisingly moving.
3. Pick Up A Bottle-Cap Souvenir On Train Street
Photo: Unsplash
Train Street might be one of Hanoi's worst-kept secrets, but it's still a thrill to see a full-size train thunder past, so close you could touch it (but please don't!). Locals have turned this quirky tourist hotspot into a tiny cottage industry of cafes and craft stalls. Many visitors take back home discarded bottle caps and transform them into bright, handmade magnets or keyrings — a cheap, cheerful souvenir that's far more memorable than a fridge magnet from a gift shop. Just check the train schedule and stay clear of the tracks when the horn blows.
4. Join A Food Walking Tour
Photo: Unsplash
Hanoi's street food is legendary, but it can be daunting to tackle on your own. Booking a food walking tour — Secret Food Tours does a bunch of them — is like being handed the keys to the city's tastiest secrets. You'll follow a local guide through hidden alleys and market stalls, nibbling your way from steaming bowls of pho to crispy banh cuon, dipping hot spring rolls in tangy fish sauce and finishing with creamy egg coffee — that silky, sweet treat you never knew you needed. Come hungry and wear stretchy trousers!
5. Spend An Afternoon At The Museum Of Ethnology
Photo: Pexels
Most visitors skip this place, but they're missing out. Vietnam is home to 54 distinct ethnic groups, each with its own language, clothing, and traditions. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology does a brilliant job of bringing these communities to life. Inside, you'll find beautifully curated displays of textiles, musical instruments and everyday objects. Outside, the gardens are dotted with life-size replicas of traditional stilt houses and rural dwellings that you can step inside. It's the perfect antidote to the city's rush - quiet, leafy and full of stories you won't hear anywhere else.
6. Treat Yourself To A Vietnamese Hair Wash
Photo: Pexels
If you really want to do as the locals do, book a hair wash at a neighbourhood salon. This isn't just a quick shampoo — it's a slow, blissful head massage that can last half an hour or more. You'll lie back in a comfy chair while the stylist lathers your hair, scrubs your scalp, massages your neck and even gives your shoulders a quick rub. Locals see it as an everyday luxury — and it's ridiculously affordable. You'll leave feeling squeaky clean and impossibly relaxed, with super shiny hair, of course. It's a win-win!
Also Read: Here Is Why Vietnam Is Emerging As Southeast Asia's Hottest Tourist Destination
Where To Stay In Hanoi:
When it comes to experiencing the perfect hospitality in Hanoi, you are spoilt for choice. If you wish to stay in downtown, base yourself at The Sheraton Hanoi Hotel that sits by the tranquil West Lake, offering peaceful views, lush gardens, and an outdoor pool that feels like a welcome retreat from the city's buzz. For a more urban setting, drive down to JW Marriott Hanoi, which combines sleek modern design with five-star perks, from an award-winning spa to stylish restaurants serving everything from Vietnamese classics to international favourites. Spend your day attending a coffee workshop at the Lounge, or picking local herbs from their Greenhouse. Both hotels make it easy to dip in and out of Hanoi's organised chaos — you're close enough to the Old Quarter's street food and sights, but can always retreat to a calm, air-conditioned oasis when the scooter horns get too much.
Photo: Courtesy of JW Marriott Hanoi
Best Time To Visit Hanoi:
The best time to visit Hanoi is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and skies are clearer. Autumn brings pleasant breezes and golden leaves, while spring is fresh and mild. Avoid the hot, humid summer and the heavy rains — you'll enjoy the city so much more.
