One-Day Guide to Exploring Phan Dinh Phung Street in Hanoi

One-Day Itinerary around Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hanoi

Phan Dinh Phung Street is one of Hanoi’s most beautiful and charming roads, famous for its wide sidewalks and tall, shady trees. This street is close to some of the most famous historical attractions and delicious eateries in Hanoi. If you love history, culture, and food, spending a day exploring around Phan Dinh Phung Street is a must-do when you travel to Hanoi. Let’s find out how to enjoy this lovely neighborhood!

Morning Activities: History & Culture Exploration

Breakfast: Enjoying the Best Pho in Hanoi

Start your morning by tasting one of Vietnam’s most famous dishes, Pho, a delicious noodle soup that’s popular among locals and travelers alike. A great place to experience authentic Pho near Phan Dinh Phung Street is Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan Street). Known for its flavorful broth made from slow-cooked beef bones, tender beef slices, and silky rice noodles, this cozy restaurant is always bustling with visitors and locals. Arrive early to beat the crowd and experience Hanoi’s traditional breakfast culture at its best.

• Address: 49 Bat Dan Street, Hanoi Old Quarter
• Recommended dish: Pho Bo Tai Chin (Pho with rare and well-done beef)

Exploring the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

After breakfast, take a leisurely walk or a short taxi ride to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage tourism site. This historic citadel represents the rich history of Hanoi, once serving as the political center of Vietnam for over a thousand years. As you enter through the ancient Doan Mon Gate, you’ll find beautifully preserved buildings, archaeological sites, and fascinating artifacts.

Highlights to explore at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long:

• Doan Mon Gate: The majestic main gate, perfect for photographs.
• Kinh Thien Palace Foundation: The historic remains of the royal palace where Vietnamese emperors once held ceremonies.
• D67 House and Tunnel: Explore wartime underground tunnels and bunkers from the Vietnam War era.
• Artifacts Exhibition: Learn about Vietnamese history through ancient artifacts displayed on-site.

Visiting the Peaceful Cua Bac Parish Church

A short walk from the Imperial Citadel is the charming Cua Bac Parish Church. Built in the early 20th century during French colonial rule, this beautiful church combines European architecture with local Vietnamese details, making it a unique and serene place to visit. Take time to admire its distinctive red brick exterior, beautiful stained glass windows, and peaceful garden surroundings. It’s a perfect spot for reflection or simply enjoying the tranquility away from Hanoi’s busy streets.

• Address: 56 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
• Suggested activity: Capture beautiful photographs of the church’s architecture and tranquil setting.

Midday Activities: Authentic Local Hanoi Food

Lunch: Taste Delicious Banh Cuon

After exploring Hanoi’s historical sites, it’s time for lunch featuring one of the city’s favorite dishes—Banh Cuon. These silky steamed rice rolls filled with seasoned pork, mushrooms, and shallots are a beloved local specialty you should not miss. A highly recommended place near Phan Dinh Phung Street is Banh Cuon Thanh Van at 14 Hang Ga Street. Here, you’ll witness cooks skillfully steaming the thin rice batter, creating delicate rolls served hot alongside tasty dipping sauce, crispy fried shallots, fresh herbs, and flavorful Vietnamese sausage (cha lua).

• Address: 14 Hang Ga Street, Hanoi Old Quarter
• Recommended dish: Banh Cuon Thit (steamed rice rolls filled with pork and mushrooms)

Recharge with Herbal Chicken Soup (Ga Tan Thuoc Bac)

To keep energized for the rest of your afternoon adventures, visit Hanoi’s famous herbal chicken soup stalls on Hang Bo Street. Known locally as Ga Tan Thuoc Bac, this healthy and nourishing dish combines tender chicken simmered slowly with traditional medicinal herbs, lotus seeds, goji berries, and aromatic spices. It’s not just delicious—it also helps rejuvenate your energy, making it a perfect midday pick-me-up.

Enjoy your soup in a cozy street-side setting, surrounded by the bustling atmosphere of Hanoi. The unique flavor and nourishing benefits make this soup a beloved choice for both locals and travelers.

• Location recommendation: Ga Tan stalls on Hang Bo Street
• Recommended dish: Ga Tan Thuoc Bac (Herbal Chicken Soup)

Afternoon Activities: Iconic Landmarks near Phan Dinh Phung Street

Discovering the Historic  

Begin your afternoon by visiting the unique Hang Dau Water Tank, located right at the intersection of Phan Dinh Phung and Hang Dau streets. Built during the French colonial period, this cylindrical stone structure was originally designed to supply water to Hanoi residents. Although no longer in use, the water tank has become a fascinating architectural landmark in Hanoi.

Take a leisurely stroll around its impressive structure, admiring the blend of Vietnamese history and French colonial design. It’s a great spot to capture memorable photos and experience a different side of Hanoi’s history.

• Location: Intersection of Phan Dinh Phung Street and Hang Dau Street
• Suggested activity: Take unique, Instagram-worthy photos highlighting its impressive architecture.

Visiting Historical Ba Dinh Square

Next, make your way to Ba Dinh Square, one of the most significant landmarks in Hanoi and an iconic tourism site in Vietnam. Ba Dinh Square is known worldwide as the historic site where President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence in 1945. Today, it houses several important attractions, including:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: A solemn and revered place where visitors can pay respects to Vietnam’s beloved leader.
• Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Museum: Discover Vietnam’s history, Ho Chi Minh’s life, and Vietnamese cultural heritage through fascinating exhibitions and historic buildings.
• One Pillar Pagoda: An iconic Buddhist temple shaped like a lotus blossom, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.

If you visit around sunset, don’t miss the daily flag-lowering ceremony held at the square. This event is a meaningful and memorable experience, connecting visitors deeply to Vietnamese culture and traditions.

• Location: Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
• Suggested activity: Join the flag-lowering ceremony around sunset (approximately 6:00 PM).

Evening Activities: Hanoi’s Street Food & Old Quarter

Dinner: Experience Authentic Cha Ca La Vong Hanoi

After an afternoon filled with exploration, it’s time to enjoy one of Hanoi’s most celebrated dishes—Cha Ca La Vong, Hanoi’s iconic grilled fish specialty. Head over to Cha Ca Thang Long at 19-21-31 Duong Thanh Street, a popular restaurant serving the best grilled fish in town.

The experience here is truly unique—you’ll grill turmeric-marinated fish right at your table, along with fresh dill, spring onions, and peanuts. Enjoy it sizzling hot with rice noodles, shrimp paste or fish sauce, and fresh herbs. The lively atmosphere combined with delicious food makes for an unforgettable dining experience.

• Address: 19-21-31 Duong Thanh Street, Hanoi Old Quarter
• Recommended dish: Cha Ca (Grilled fish with herbs)

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter by Night

After dinner, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of the Hanoi Old Quarter, a bustling tourism site known for its ancient streets, colorful shops, and delicious street food. Take a leisurely stroll through the busy streets, browsing for souvenirs, handicrafts, and enjoying the lively atmosphere that defines Hanoi at night.

Must-visit spots in Hanoi Old Quarter:

• Ta Hien Street: Known as the “beer street” and popular for local snacks, street eats, and friendly gatherings.
• Hang Ngang and Hang Dao Streets: Famous shopping areas with plenty of clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts.
• Trang Tien Ice Cream: Hanoi’s legendary ice cream shop, offering delightful flavors to finish your night perfectly.

Try Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang

Before ending your night, stop by Cafe Giang (39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street), a hidden gem famous for its rich and creamy Vietnamese Egg Coffee. This delightful blend of strong espresso topped with sweet, whipped egg yolks offers a smooth, velvety texture. It’s a perfect treat to conclude your day of adventures.

• Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hanoi Old Quarter
• Recommended dish: Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung)

My Personal Experience

As someone who was born and raised in Hanoi, I’ve always felt a special connection with Phan Dinh Phung Street. Whenever I walk down this beautiful road, shaded by rows of old, towering trees, I feel an indescribable sense of peace and nostalgia. There’s something incredibly calming about seeing the sun rays gently filtering through the leaves onto the old French-style buildings lining the street. Each step brings back childhood memories of walking here with my family on weekends or riding my bike after school, feeling the cool breeze on my face. Even now, as an adult, Phan Dinh Phung Street always feels like a peaceful escape from Hanoi’s bustling pace—a place where time slows down, letting me appreciate the simple, quiet beauty of my beloved city.

Conclusion

Exploring Phan Dinh Phung Street and its surrounding attractions offers travelers an ideal blend of Hanoi’s history, culture, and mouthwatering local cuisine. From iconic landmarks like the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Ba Dinh Square to delicious specialties like Pho, Banh Cuon, herbal chicken soup, and Cha Ca La Vong, this itinerary ensures a memorable Hanoi experience. Each attraction and dish tells a story, making your journey through Hanoi both flavorful and meaningful.

Ready to start your Hanoi adventure? Plan your perfect day around Phan Dinh Phung Street today and dive into the heart of Hanoi’s vibrant culture and cuisine. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us at VNITourist—we can’t wait to hear your Hanoi stories!