HANOI ACTIVITIES (2)

HANOI ACTIVITIES

WHAT TO DO IN HANOI

With a city plan almost tailor-made for exploring, Hanoi will keep you busy for days on end. From the main thoroughfares to the maze of back alleys there's something to see around every corner.

There are several walking tours to join and they seem like a good idea as only those with a working knowledge of Hanoi's layout should venture out alone.

For the athletically minded fitness clubs abound along with Golf and Hash House Harriers running opportunities. 

Most Popular Activities in Ha Noi

Hanoi Spas & Massages

Anam-QT Spa

Defining itself as a sanctuary for the senses, the Anam QT Spa delivers an Oriental setting with intimate pavilions acting as treatment rooms. This is one of Vietnam’s oldest luxury spas offering a blend of body treatments, beauty and hair care from professional therapists. The full spa menu has a list of packages designed for you to get the most out of a full day at the spa in addition to individual one-off treatments.

Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 
Location: 26-28 Le Thai To Street, right next to Hoan Kiem Lake & Turtle Tower 
Tel:  +844 3928 6116

Bellissima Salon and Spa

Bellissima is one of Vietnam’s most well established day spas with a flagship branch in Hang Bun and additional sites in the Sheraton Hotel, Hilton Hotel and the Saigon Centre. Popular treatments include a lava stone treatment and collagen facials. There is also a range of spa packages for men.

Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00 
Location: 45B Hang Bun St, Ba Dinh District 
Tel:  +844 3716 4672

Qi

Detox treatments, honeymoon packages and a selection of different massages including a Qi signature four-hands massage where therapists are trained to not only massage symmetrically but also to breathe at the same time to optimize the energy flow. Qi is an authentic Vietnamese spa with an emphasis on rebalancing mind, body and soul. Beautifully relaxing and very stylish, Qi is possibly the chicest spa in town.

Opening Hours: 10:00-23:00 
Location: 27 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District 
Tel:  +844 3824 4703

Zen Spa

Zen Spa uses ancient herbs to bring healing and rejuvenation based upon traditional Vietnamese practices. Pampering includes herbal baths, facials, massages and more - for top-to-toe indulgence.

Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00 
Location: Red River Ha Noi, 310 Nghi Tam alley, Tay Ho (near West lake) 
Tel:  +844 3719 9889

Other Activities in Ha Noi

Biking in Hanoi

Hanoi biking tours give riders a chance to leave the city and visit some of the countryside villages dotted further afield. Sites include rice fields, pagodas dating back to the 12th century, a chance to meet and talk with a host family, a visit to a war memorial and other historic places of interest. One special place worth a bike outing is Duong Lan, an old village that has its roots in the origins of rice farming and includes ancient houses still in use today with fascinating architecture built four centuries ago.

Bike tours are a great way to see how the locals live and explore some of Hanoi beyond the city limits where life gears down to a much slower pace. Prices for bike tours include equipment, lunch and refreshments and can be booked through most tour operators. There are also a handful of biking specialists online offering more adventurous cycling in remote rural parts of northern Vietnam.

Hanoi Water Park (Ho Tay Water Park)

A great day out and a great way to cool off when the city gets too hot and dusty, Hanoi Water Park is perfect for a fun family excursion. Located five kilometres north of Hanoi city, the water park features 12 slides and tube rides, a hydrotherapy pool, dive pool and wave machine. Smaller kids will enjoy the lazy river whilst older kids will love the corkscrew roller-coaster at the Moon Park next door. There is even a 3D cinema and mini-golf attached. The water park is best avoided at weekends when its gets really busy with locals.

Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00 
Location: 614 Pho Lac Long Can, Ho Tay District 
Tel:  +844 3753 2757

Megastar Complex

The Megastar Complex centres around an ultra-modern cinema geared towards tourists showing all films in English with Vietnamese subtitles. All the latest films are presented including 3D movies with five-star comforts provided; you can choose a couple’s seat or use the separate VIP cinema. Drinks and snacks are readily available and there is a huge games arcade located on the fifth floor. The complex is a five-minute taxi ride south from the city centre.

Opening Hours: 09:00-Late 
Location: Level 6 VinCom City Towers, 191 Ba Trieu Street, Hai Ba Trung District 
Tel:  +844 3 974 3333

Trekking in and around Hanoi

There are quite a number of trekking tours, ranging from half-day walks to more challenging trekking lasting a number of days. Options include Mai Chau valley, Pu Luong nature reserve, and Tam Do and Cat Ba national parks. The most popular trek is Pu Luong nature reserve which usually takes four days and will take you to Thai hamlets nestled in mountain foothills. Despite its length, this trip does not require too much exertion or skill. Alternatively, Mai Chau valley is a great option if you are short on time and it will offer a rare chance to see rural Vietnamese villages. Additionally, there are an array of jungle treks designed to test more advanced trekkers, including a seven-day challenging trek to Ha Giang and Bac Ha in Northern Vietnam.