Most pleasurable ways to explore Hanoi

A night tour and culinary exploration of Hanoi and a cruise around Halong Bay are among the "must-have travel experiences in 2025" rated by the world's leading online travel platform recently announced the TripAdvisor Awards 2025.

These experiences are part of the Travelers' Choice Awards - Best of the Best, which includes categories such as "Destinations," "Beaches," "Hotels," "Things to Do," and "Restaurants.

Hanoi's cuisine is socially and economically important, enhancing its reputation and attracting domestic and foreign visitors. Photo: Emma Vu/Beyond Vietnam

TripAdvisor ranks Hanoi's Night Motorbike Tour, led by a female driver, 4th in the "Things to Do" category. This stress-free tour is hailed as a unique and fun way to explore the city, according to the travel site.

“Travelers in small groups will zip along streets lined with centuries-old architecture, passing iconic landmarks and monuments, while learning about the capital’s fascinating history. Along the way, stops at charming restaurants offer the chance to sample authentic Vietnamese dishes,” it suggested.

Meanwhile, a two-day Halong Bay tour on the luxurious Mon Cheri cruise also ranked #7 on TripAdvisor's list. The site describes the experience as "the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure," with fine dining, oceanfront suites, and exceptional service. Travelers will not only enjoy the beauty of Halong Bay but also explore the stunning scenery of Tuan Chau Island and Lan Ha Bay."

International visitors to Hanoi usually crave local food, especially traditional dishes that are steeped in Vietnamese cultural identity, such as beef noodle soup, egg coffee, and others. Photo: Emma Vu/ Beyond Vietnam

The Travelers' Choice Awards - Best of the Best recognizes excellence in travel and is awarded to experiences with a high volume of exceptional reviews from the TripAdvisor community over a 12-month period. Less than 1% of the eight million listings on TripAdvisor achieved this milestone.

This year, Hanoi and Hoi An Ancient Town are also recognized in the “Destinations” category. TripAdvisor noted that Vietnam's charming capital has skillfully preserved its Old Quarter, monuments, and colonial architecture while embracing modern development. The city is also home to more than 600 temples and pagodas, adding to its appeal. Hanoi's shady boulevards are best explored by taxi.

For those visiting the historic town of Hoi An, TripAdvisor recommends exploring the nostalgic ambiance of this 15th-century trading port and having custom clothing made by the town’s talented tailors.

Ta Hien Street in Hanoi's Old Quarter Area. Photo: Vietnam Travel Guide

For travelers looking for a change from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, TripAdvisor suggests a day trip to Ninh Binh. The "Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour" offers a mix of natural beauty, adventure, and historical learning. Activities such as hiking, biking, and cruising through picturesque villages provide plenty of photo opportunities and are led by knowledgeable and engaging guides.

Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said the capital is a harmonious blend of ancient charm and modern energy. While the Old Quarter, historical landmarks, and architectural wonders preserve Hanoi's nostalgic beauty, the city continues to thrive as a dynamic, modern metropolis. Recent efforts have focused on developing tours that showcase the city's rich culture and history, attracting a growing number of visitors.

During the recent Tet holiday, Hanoi welcomed one million tourists, a 6% increase year-on-year, with 142,000 international visitors, up 15.8% from the previous year.