9 Hanoi Hidden Gems: Off The Beaten Path In Hanoi

I’m almost sure not whether to class this as a Hanoi hidden gem anymore (probably due to blogs like mine calling it a ‘hidden gem’ – sorry world). Since you can still see so much local life on the tracks, I decided it’s still worthy of a mention.

Train Street is truly one of the craziest places I’ve been as the railway is far from out of use. A few times a day, the train comes roaring through the city, sending locals and tourists sprawling flat against the walls and rocking the buildings around it (I slept in a room on the tracks for two weeks so I would know!).

Read next: A guide to visiting Train Street Hanoi

You can drink coffee at a number of cafes whilst watching the train pass or opt to explore at other times of day. The second option is better for ditching the crowds and observing the locals cook, wash, socialise and go about their days.

Phan Dinh Phung is one of Hanoi’s grandest streets yet it remains a lesser-known attraction in Hanoi.

The impressive houses are shaded by greenery and set aside from city’s other attractions, hence why it’s overlooked. If you have time, take a stroll and admire the old French mansions, many peppered with contrasting pagoda entrances.

You’ll notice Phan Dinh Phung is flanked by police booths. Apparently, the area was once a military compound protecting the nearby Imperial Palace of Thang Long, but its since been opened to the public. One police officer told me to stop taking photos (after I’d already taken a million) but quite halfheartedly and without explaining why. If the Instagram tag is anything to go by, plenty of people take pictures all over Phan Dinh Phung so just assess the situation when you visit.

To find the gorgeous houses, start by locating the sunny yellow Cua Bac Church.

With your back to it, turn right. Don’t do what I did – turn left, not find anything of interest and leave, deeming Phan Dinh Phung a dud attraction. A few days later I drove down the street and realised all the gorgeous houses had been metres away, the other side of the cathedral. Doh!

You probably already know but Where Goes Rose LOVES a quirky caf. It’s not every day you end up at a Communist, military-themed hang out, is it?

(Actually, if you live in Vietnam and regularly visit coffee giant, Cong Caphe, you probably do!)

Trade Shop #37 (Vietnamese name Cửa Hàng Ăn uống Mậu dịch số 37) replicates a war era canteen. The menu resembles a ration card and the walls are adorned with 1970s military details. The only difference is that the food served is plentiful and tasty! Find it at 37 Nam Tràng on Truc Bach island.

As I walked up the hectic main road, Google Maps informed me I was just one minute away. Hmn. Ngoc Ha wasn’t looking like a Hanoi hidden gem, whatsoever! Perhaps this was where mine and Emily’s tastes would differ?

Nope – suddenly I turned a corner and a serene, quaint paradise appeared in front of me. The highlight was this gorgeous temple and bridge, not inhabited by another soul.

Read next: Why Ngoc Ha should be on your radar when visiting Hanoi

Ngoc Ha as a neighbourhood is very interesting and local. Take a walk around the ponds, admire the towering houses and get lost in the tightly-packed alleyways. It’s also a great place to meet the locals and experience daily life, free from tourist traps. Put Dinh Ngọc Ha into Google Maps and start there (right beside the temple).

Ever seen street stalls opening up at 6am, already frying up meat and veg? Chances are they bought it at Long Bein two hours earlier. Going there once to take photos was an exhausting mission so I don’t know how people work there every day! The market is hectic and tightly packed: an authentic, gritty and very real side to Hanoi. I’d recommend a visit if you have some stamina and don’t mind a 4.30am wakeup call.

Read next: Truc Bach: photo blog + visitor’s guide

This non-touristy area of Hanoi shares a location with State-run Food Shop, so you could combine visiting the two or check out some of the temples in the area.

I found this incredible modern art project by accident. I’d got stranded in the rain outside Long Bein Market and after cancelling on some annoying Grab drivers who accepted my journey then ditched me, I ended up getting banned from the app. Super annoying! I was forced to walk home in the pouring rain at 6am feeling very sorry for myself.

That all faded away when I stumbled upon these beautiful murals. The Phung Hung Public Art Project jazzes up the arches alongside Long Bein Bridge thanks to a Korean/Vietnamese art collaboration.

Mural walls are very popular in Korea as I learnt when I visited Tam Thanh Mural Village in Central Vietnam so I was thrilled to discover another one. Apparently, the works celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Aren’t they crazy lifelike? Head to 29 Phùng Hưng as the Phung Hung Public Art Project itself doesn’t appear to be mapped yet.