Activities in Hanoi
Our top four activities we participated in during our time in Hanoi, including information on how to get there, our own personal experiences, and how much each activity cost.
Train Street and The Coffee Train
What is Train Street?
Train Street is literally a street with a train track on it, where a train passes through several times a day. The thing that makes it special and exciting, is just how narrow it is! Cafes line the street on either side, and each one has to frantically bring in the tables and chairs before the train passes otherwise they’d get run over!
What is The Coffee Train?
This is one of the many coffee shops that line the street. However, this one is run by a mother and son… If I had to guess, the mother would be in her 70s and the son in his late 40s/early 50s. They’re both lovely people, and the mother was such a funny character. She didn’t speak much English but her smile could light up the darkest room, and she was so funny with the “content creators” who’d block her doorway. She thrived when giving them a good shove as if to say “oh just piss off with your phone and selfie stick!!!”
What to expect from Train Street
You’ll get a lot of people coming up to you trying to sell you things like fancy lighters, traditional-style Vietnamese hats, flowers, etc. but apart from that, it’s such a fun and relaxing experience. If you get there about an hour before the train arrives, you can enjoy a coffee or beer from one of the many cafes, then about 5-10 minutes before it is due, the café owners will come out and start bringing in all the tables and chairs. You’ll sit up against the wall on each side of the street and wait for the magical experience of the train swooshing past you with about 40cm of breathing space in front of you. It really is worth it.
How to get to Train Street, Hanoi
Train Street is centrally located, and has a few entrance points. We started the afternoon with a beer at iBiero Craft Beer Station which is close-by. On our way to Train Street, we were stopped by the son of the owner of Train Street Coffee, and he took us there. There are many people trying to take you to Train Street, and a lot of them will want a tip for getting you there… just be aware of this.
If you want to get there yourself, I think the easiest way is to head to the crossroads (GPS co-ordinates: 21°01'07.9"N 105°50'28.9"E), then depending on which way you’re coming from, turn and walk to the Train Street entrance which is 21°01'07.9"N 105°50'27.1"E… From here, get on the tracks and you’ll see all the cafes lining the streets.
Free Walking Tour of the French Quarter
Is The Tour Really Free?
It is technically free, however, a tip is expected. You can pay as much or as little as you want, depending on your experience.
How Long is the Tour?
The website states 2 hours and 30 minutes, however, our guide was so laid back, that when the tour was over he asked if we wanted to see some other things. We said yes, so I think we were on the tour for maybe just over 3 hours.
How Can I Book Onto the Tour?
The tour company is called Guru Walk, and they have “free” tours all over the world. Here’s a link to the one we did:
https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/50918-a-free-walking-tour-of-the-french-quarter-with-small-group
Where Does the Walking Tour Take You?
This itinerary is taken from the website:
1. Ly Thai To Statue:
We’ll start our tour at the Ly Thai To Statue, a tribute to the founder of Hanoi. Here, you’ll learn about the city’s rich history and its transformation over the centuries.
2. Hanoi Opera House:
Next, we’ll head to the Hanoi Opera House, an architectural masterpiece that stands as a symbol of Hanoi’s French colonial past. You’ll be captivated by its grandeur and elegance.
3. Hanoi Saint Joseph Cathedral:
Our next stop is the Hanoi Saint Joseph Cathedral, a neo-gothic structure that serves as a reminder of the French influence on Vietnamese religious architecture. Its stunning stained glass windows and towering spires are sure to impress.
4. Hoa Lo Prison:
We’ll then visit Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton”. This site offers a sobering look at Vietnam’s turbulent past, providing insights into the experiences of prisoners during the war.
5. Train Street:
Experience local life up close as we stroll down Train Street, where daily life unfolds just inches from the railway tracks. It’s a unique spectacle that you won’t want to miss.
6. Local Coffee Shop:
Finally, we’ll wrap up our tour at a local coffee shop. Here, you can relax and enjoy a cup of Vietnam’s famous coffee while reflecting on your journey through Hanoi’s French Quarter.
Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
What is a Water Puppet Show?
The Water Puppet Show is an ancient, traditional form of Vietnamese entertainment that depicts the day-to-day lives of the local villagers around the country. The puppeteers stand waist deep in the water behind a curtain, and hold long poles out in front of them to control the puppets. This is a highly skillful and taxing job, as the shows are non-stop and last almost one hour.
Where is Than Long Water Puppet Theatre?
How Much is a Ticket to the Water Puppet Show?
Prices can vary depending on the vendor you buy the ticket through, but they should be somewhere between £5 and £10 per ticket.
How Frequent are the Water Puppet Shows in Hanoi?
Hanoi water puppet shows run each day at the below times:
16:10 | 17:20 | 18:30 | 20:00
How Can I Book a Ticket to the Water Puppet Show in Hanoi?
You can use multiple vendors such as Get Your Guide, or Klook to book your tickets, and you'll see there are multiple tickets options like Standard or VIP.
Street Murals
What are the Street Murals in Hanoi Like?
Phung Hung Street is the main area in Hanoi that is home to some wonderful works of art, created by both Vietnamese and South Korean artists. The art on the wall reminded us of the Berlin Wall - without the troubled history behind it - as it was just pillars and pillars full of beautiful murals, all in different styles. The wall of murals was unveiled in 2018, and has since become a popular tourist attraction, with many art-lovers taking in the rich culture displayed on Phung Hung Street.
Away from Phung Hung Street, there are other works of art dotted around the city.
Where Can I See the Street Murals in Hanoi?
Are the Street Murals in Hanoi Free to View?
Yes, they are readily available to view on the street. There are no tickets offices/barriers, etc. to get through.
