Our Exciting And Unforgettable First (1st) Day In Hanoi!

We arrived at Antique Angel Hotel early in the morning. To avoid the stress of waiting for check-in, we paid for the night before our arrival. This allowed us to check in immediately upon arrival. If you're arriving early like we did, this is a great option and we always recommend to do this. Otherwise, you can try requesting an early check-in (some hotels offer it for free or for a small fee, depending on availability) but it will be a hassle if there's no available room in the hotel (and take note, you came from a  late night flight).

Once we got to our room, we rested for about 4 to 5 hours to recover from our red-eye flight. The room was comfortable and quiet, which made it easy to recharge before starting our day.

Before diving into our sightseeing and food crawl, we stopped by Giao Mùa Coffee Shop, a charming café tucked in a quieter street in Hanoi. It was the perfect spot to relax into the day with beautiful interiors and great coffee. We sipped on our favorite Vietnamese brews while enjoying the relaxed vibe. It felt like a soft introduction to the local café culture that Hanoi is so famous for. What's also great in the interior is it's giving a hobbit house vibe.

📍 Giao Mùa Coffee Shop on Google Maps

Menu Highlights:

• Vietnamese Phin Coffee (Black Coffee slow drip)

• Condensed Milk Coffee

• White Coffee

• Espresso-based drinks: Long Black, Latte, Cappuccino

Coffee Shop Counter

Window seat for couple

Feeling recharged, we headed out for lunch at Bún Chả Đắc Kim, a well-known restaurant serving one of Hanoi’s most iconic dishes. The grilled pork and vermicelli noodles paired with fresh herbs and dipping sauce were the perfect welcome to Vietnamese cuisine. The place can get crowded and upon our research this is a Michelin recommended street food restaurant, but it’s still worth the wait!

📍 Bún Chả Đắc Kim on Google Maps

Menu Highlights:

• Bún Chả: Grilled fatty pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce

• Nem Cua Bể: Crab spring rolls, often ordered as a side dish

Note: Prices may vary; it's best to check the latest menu or inquire at the restaurant.

After fueling up with some local eats and caffeine, we booked a Grab from the Old Quarter to begin our historical tour at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. Using Grab was incredibly convenient and it’s affordable in Vietnam (much cheaper compare in the Philippines), and the upfront pricing makes it perfect for first-time visitors navigating Hanoi’s busy streets.

The mausoleum is a powerful and solemn site dedicated to Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh. The large open square, uniformed guards, and quiet reverence of the place make it feel truly significant. Unfortunately, we arrived a little too late in the day to go inside because the mausoleum closes by 11:00 AM, so if you want to see Ho Chi Minh’s preserved body, we recommend heading there earlier in the morning.

📍 Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum on Google Maps

🧾 Entrance Fee: 25,000 VND (approximately ₱57 PHP or $1 USD).
It’s a really small fee for a meaningful and historical experience.

From the Presidential Palace, we took another Grab ride (around 5–7 minutes) to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most fascinating stops of our day.

If you're in the mood for a stroll with beautiful garden and historical views, the walk is about 1.5 km or 20 minutes. It is really doable if the weather is pleasant! We went on a sunny weather so it is really hot during that time (it is recommended to bring your umbrella).

The citadel served as Vietnam’s political center for over a millennium, and it shows in the variety of architectural styles, ancient relics, and layers of history on display. We explore through old gates, open courtyards, and even explored a well-preserved wartime bunker from the Vietnam War. The grounds were peaceful and uncrowded, giving us time to appreciate the significance of the site at our own pace.

📍Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Google Maps

🧾 Entrance Fee for Vietnamese and International Visitors:
100,000 VND/person/visit (approximately ₱220 PHP or $4 USD)

The complex is quite large, so give yourself at least an hour or more to explore it properly.

After exploring the citadel, we booked a quick Grab ride (about 5 minutes) to the Temple of Literature. If you prefer to walk, it’s roughly 1.2 km or a 15-minute walk between the two landmarks.

The Temple of Literature was one of our favorite stops that day. Founded in 1070, it’s home to Vietnam’s first national university and offers a serene escape from the city’s energy. The complex is full of historic impact. From courtyards lined with ancient trees, turtle stelae honoring scholars, and stunning pavilions designed in traditional Vietnamese architecture. It’s a peaceful, reflective spot steeped in academic and cultural pride.

📍Temple of Literature in Google Maps

🧾 Entrance Fee: 70,000 VND/person (approximately ₱170 PHP or $3 USD)

⏰ Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

We loved how calm and atmospheric the area felt, it was a nice difference to the busy energy of the city and gave us a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s long-standing academic and cultural traditions.

After exploring the Temple of Literature, we booked a Grab ride to Cộng Cà Phê – Nhà Thờ for a well-deserved coffee break. It was a short and affordable ride, saving us a bit of energy during the hot afternoon.

Cộng Cà Phê is one of Vietnam’s most iconic local coffee chains, known for its nostalgic Communist-era interiors and creative coffee options. They’re especially famous for their coconut coffee, a frosty, creamy blend of strong Vietnamese coffee and coconut milk. We gave it a try, and it did not disappoint! Rich, smooth, and sweet for the coconut flavor. This quickly became one of our favorite drinks in Hanoi. (When we got back to the Philippines, we really missed this coffee. We're glad we bought some instant coconut coffee from Cong Ca Phe in Lotte Hanoi).

One thing to note: Coffee servings in Vietnam are smaller than what we’re used to in the Philippines, but they're really hitting us with the caffeine and espresso! The coffee here is stronger and more intense, which makes each cup feel like a powerful little wake-up call.

📍Cong Ca Phe - Na Tho in Google Maps

Coffee prices typically range from 35,000 VND to 65,000 VND (around 80–150 PHP or 1.50–2.50 USD), depending on your order.

The café’s vibe and view of the nearby cathedral made it a perfect mid-day recharge spot.​

Just a short stroll from the popular Cộng Cà Phê – Nhà Thờ is St. Joseph Cathedral, one of the most iconic landmarks in Hanoi. Built in 1886, this stunning church is the oldest in the city and was inspired by the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Its towering Gothic-style architecture, pointed arches, and weathered stone facade make it a must-visit for travelers exploring the Old Quarter.

📍 St. Joseph Cathedral in Google Maps

What makes this place extra special is the contrast around it. The streets surrounding the cathedral are always alive with the loud motorbikes across the streets, locals hanging out at nearby cafés, and tourists taking photos. Yet right in the middle of all the action stands this peaceful, beautiful church. Whether you're into architecture, photography, or just want a quiet spot to pause, St. Joseph Cathedral in Hanoi is absolutely worth the stop.

As the afternoon turned into golden hour, we made our way to Hoan Kiem Lake, one of the most beloved and iconic spots in Hanoi. Surrounded by shady trees, walking paths, and buzzing street life, the lake is a peaceful escape right in the middle of the city's chaos. It's where locals gather to jog, dance, play games, or just chill and where travelers like us come to slow down and soak in the atmosphere. This is actually one of our favorite place here in Hanoi.

Hoan Kiem Lake

We walked the entire area around the lake, which gave us a chance to experience it from all angles—temples, parks, street vendors, and people of all ages just going about their day. If you're someone who enjoys running, you'll feel right at home here. There were plenty of joggers and runners making laps around the path, even as the sun was setting.

One of the highlights is the bright red Huc Bridge, which leads to Ngọc Sơn Temple, a small but beautiful temple sitting on a tiny island in the middle of the lake. The bridge is super photogenic (especially around sunset), and the temple offers a glimpse into local spirituality and legends, including the famous story of the magical sword and golden turtle.

While you’re walking around, keep an eye out for street food vendors scattered along the lake. From savory snacks like banh mi and pho, to sweet treats like che (Vietnamese dessert) and fresh fruit, it's a foodie's paradise! The vibrant colors and smells make the walk even more enjoyable as you get a taste of Hanoi’s street food culture.

Fruit vendor at Hoan Kiem Lake

After a full day of sightseeing, we made our way to Cầu Gỗ Restaurant, which is conveniently located inside the famous “Shark Jaw” building right next to Hoan Kiem Lake. You can’t miss the unique architecture. It’s a landmark in itself and a popular spot for both tourists and locals.

The restaurant has a cozy yet stylish vibe, with large windows offering stunning lake views especially gorgeous around sunset. For dinner, we ordered a flavorful spread that included caramelized pork, crispy spring rolls, and grilled chicken with lime and salt. The pork was tender and rich, the spring rolls were golden and crunchy, and the grilled chicken had that smoky-salty tang we instantly loved.

**UPDATED: It's sad that the Sharkjaw building was already demolished. But hey we're glad that we are able to go there and maybe there's some better plans for this building. **

Spring Rolls with Shrimp

Caramelized Pork with Egg

Cầu Gỗ is known for serving Vietnamese classics with a modern touch, making it a great spot to unwind and enjoy authentic local flavors with a view.

Some of Cầu Gỗ’s specialties:

• Caramelized Pork

• Crispy Spring Rolls

• Grilled Chicken with Lime and Salt

• Vietnamese Grilled Fish

• Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

📍 Cầu Gỗ Restaurant in Google Maps

We wrapped up our first day in Hanoi with a visit to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, just a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. This traditional art form is one of Vietnam’s cultural gems featuring wooden puppets that dance and glide over water, all set to live music played with traditional instruments.

The show brings to life stories of Vietnamese folklore, rural village scenes, and ancient legends, making it a fun and unique way to dive into local culture. Since the performance is entirely in Vietnamese, we booked deluxe tickets through Klook, which came with a multilingual audio guide. Super helpful for following the stories and understanding the scenes. Tickets cost around ₱562 each (about $10 USD), and the seats gave us a great view of the stage.

It’s a charming experience that’s great for couples, families, or anyone curious about Vietnam’s rich storytelling traditions.

📍Google Maps: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre