Things To Do
in Hưng Yên
Hưng Yên is a quiet province in Vietnam’s Red River Delta, a short drive southeast of Hanoi, known for its rice paddies, fruit orchards and historic Phố Hiến ancient town. The region blends rural Vietnamese life with scattered temples, communal houses and pagodas that reflect centuries of local culture. Visitors come to experience relaxed village roads, seasonal markets and riverside scenery rather than busy tourism infrastructure.
Hưng Yên is well suited for day trips from Hanoi and for travelers seeking authentic countryside sights, local food and easy cycling routes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Đình Bến Phú, an ancient communal house in Hưng Yên, where you can admire stunning traditional architecture and learn about local history. Stroll through the bustling morning market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and taste fresh local produce. Don’t miss the chance to try a steaming bowl of phở at a popular street vendor for breakfast.
Visit the beautiful Chu Diên Pagoda, set against a serene backdrop, where you can spend time reflecting in the tranquil gardens. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, savoring dishes unique to Hưng Yên, like bánh tẻ. Afterwards, explore the Nghĩa Lộ Tombs, a poignant historical site that offers insights into Vietnam's past.
As evening approaches, take a leisurely walk along the riverbank, where vibrant locals gather to socialize and relax. Enjoy dinner in a riverside restaurant, feasting on grilled fish and seasonal vegetables. Wrap up your day by watching the sunset, painting the sky with beautiful colors, perfect for photo opportunities.
Begin your second day by visiting the Phố Hiến ancient town, known for its historical architecture and rich cultural blend of influences. Spend your morning wandering through the quaint streets, exploring old shops and cafes where you can sip local coffee. Don't forget to take a guided tour to learn about the significance of each historic building.
After enjoying lunch at a cozy café, attend a traditional Vietnamese cooking class to learn how to make local dishes. This hands-on experience allows you to engage with locals and understand the nuances of Vietnamese cuisine. Visit local artisan workshops where you can see skilled craftspeople creating ceramics and textiles.
As the sun sets, head to the local theater to watch a traditional water puppet show, a unique aspect of Vietnamese culture. Enjoy a dinner at a restaurant featuring a mix of modern and traditional Hưng Yên dishes. Afterward, take a stroll through the town, enjoying the lively ambiance and perhaps indulging in some street snacks.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Street food/snack | $0.50 - $2 |
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2 - $5 |
| 🚕Short taxi/motorbike taxi ride | $1 - $5 |
| 🚌Local bus or intercity bus ticket | $0.20 - $5 |
| ☕Coffee or drink at café | $1 - $3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Vietnamese atmosphere with fewer tourists
- Close to Hanoi for easy day trips
- Pleasant agricultural and riverside landscapes ideal for cycling and photography
- Limited tourist infrastructure and English-language services
- Nightlife and entertainment options are minimal
- Public transport within rural areas can be infrequent
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Xin lỗi" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much does it cost?
- "Tôi ăn chay" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Hưng Yên
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic streets, temples and old architecture offer atmospheric shots of traditional Vietnamese structures and decorative communal houses.
Early morning and late afternoon light on river channels showcases boat traffic, fishermen and reflections—good for candid cultural and landscape shots.
Wide agricultural landscapes provide seasonal color contrasts—especially photogenic at sunrise and sunset during planting and harvest times.
Markets are rich in colour, activity and portrait opportunities—capture vendors, produce stalls and traditional food preparation.
Food in Hưng Yên
Hưng Yên Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally caught fish prepared grilled or in simple sour soups—find them at family-run restaurants and market stalls along riverside areas.
Must-Try!
Local variations of bún with pork, fish or herbs are common for breakfast and lunch at street stalls and small diners.
Hưng Yên’s orchards offer seasonal fruit sold at markets and by the roadside — try what’s in season and visit small gardens for fresh tastings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market where you can sample breakfasts (phở, bún), buy fresh produce and see vendors preparing snacks; ideal for morning food hunting.
Small clusters of food stalls and chè vendors operating after dusk near the town center and temple areas—good for dessert and light evening bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, remove your hat inside worship spaces and speak quietly. Follow signs and local rules at religious sites.
A polite 'xin chào' and a nod go a long way. Show deference to elders and avoid loud or confrontational behavior in public.
Remove shoes when entering homes; avoid touching people's heads and ask before photographing individuals, especially in rural communities.
Bargaining at markets is common but keep it friendly and respectful—hard bargaining is less common than in major tourist hubs.
Safety
Tipping in Hưng Yên
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Hưng Yên; small tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants, guides or drivers. Round up fares or leave small change at cafés and for helpful staff.
Cash (Vietnamese đồng, VND) is the most common payment method, especially in markets and small restaurants. Cards are accepted at larger eateries; mobile payments (Momo, ZaloPay) are increasingly used but may not work everywhere—carry cash for village purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with heavy afternoon rain (monsoon season). Expect lush green fields and abundant fruit; bring lightweight rain gear and plan outdoor activities for mornings.
Often the most pleasant time: clearer skies, comfortable temperatures and harvest activity in the fields—ideal for cycling and photography.
Cooler and drier, with occasional cold spells and mist. Layers are useful; temple visits and cultural sightseeing are comfortable in cooler weather.
Mild temperatures and floral blossoms; this season brings festivals and wet patches on rural roads—carry a light jacket and expect some rain.
Hưng Yên at Night
Hiking in Hưng Yên
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Approximately 60–80 km from Hưng Yên, Ba Vì offers forested trails, mountain viewpoints, temples and cooler highland air—good for day hikes and nature photography.
Around 80–120 km away, Tam Đảo has hill trails, cloud forests and panoramic views—suitable for multi-day trips or a full-day excursion from Hưng Yên.
Airports
How to reach Hưng Yên by plane.
Main international gateway for northern Vietnam, approximately 40–60 km northwest of Hưng Yên; frequent taxis, shuttle buses and private transfers connect to Hưng Yên.
Regional airport serving Hải Phòng and the coast, roughly 70–100 km to the east; accessible by road and useful for coastal travel combined with a Hưng Yên visit.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The vast majority of the population are Kinh people engaged in agriculture, trade and local services—villages often have multi-generational households.
Many residents live in villages and farmland areas with traditional lifestyles centered on rice cultivation and orchard farming.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the province with community games and local matches commonly played in school and village fields.
Common recreational sports played in community centers, schools and open spaces, popular for informal group activity.
Held during some local festivals on rivers and canals—colorful and culturally significant events for communities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hưng Yên.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available, especially at temples and small restaurants that serve vegetable dishes, tofu and noodle soups—ask for 'ăn chay' (vegetarian). Bring a phrase card if your Vietnamese is limited.
Rice-based dishes are widespread, so many meals can be gluten-free, but check sauces (soy sauce may contain wheat) and clarify ingredients at restaurants.
Street food vendors may not understand complex allergy requests—carry translations of critical allergy information and prefer established eateries when concerned.