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

day 1
Exploring Hưng Yên's Heritage
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜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.

Phố Hiến ancient town

Historic streets, temples and old architecture offer atmospheric shots of traditional Vietnamese structures and decorative communal houses.

Riverside and canals

Early morning and late afternoon light on river channels showcases boat traffic, fishermen and reflections—good for candid cultural and landscape shots.

Rice paddies and orchards

Wide agricultural landscapes provide seasonal color contrasts—especially photogenic at sunrise and sunset during planting and harvest times.

Local markets

Markets are rich in colour, activity and portrait opportunities—capture vendors, produce stalls and traditional food preparation.

Culinary Guide

Food in Hưng Yên

Hưng Yên’s cuisine is typical of the Red River Delta: rice- and vegetable-forward, with fresh river fish, seasonal fruits and simple, home-style preparations. Meals emphasize balance—light soups, steamed or grilled fish, leafy greens and snacks from street vendors.

Hưng Yên Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fresh river fish and grilled fish

Locally caught fish prepared grilled or in simple sour soups—find them at family-run restaurants and market stalls along riverside areas.

Must-Try!

Bún (rice noodle dishes)

Local variations of bún with pork, fish or herbs are common for breakfast and lunch at street stalls and small diners.

Seasonal fruit

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

Hưng Yên Central Market

A lively market where you can sample breakfasts (phở, bún), buy fresh produce and see vendors preparing snacks; ideal for morning food hunting.

Local night stalls

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.

Climate Guide

Weather

Hưng Yên has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: hot, rainy summers (May–September), cool dry winters (December–February), and transitional spring and autumn periods. Summer brings high humidity and heavy showers while winter is cooler and drier with occasional cold snaps; spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable times to visit.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect at temples

Dress modestly, remove your hat inside worship spaces and speak quietly. Follow signs and local rules at religious sites.

Greetings and respect

A polite 'xin chào' and a nod go a long way. Show deference to elders and avoid loud or confrontational behavior in public.

Shoes and personal space

Remove shoes when entering homes; avoid touching people's heads and ask before photographing individuals, especially in rural communities.

Bargaining

Bargaining at markets is common but keep it friendly and respectful—hard bargaining is less common than in major tourist hubs.

Safety Guide

Safety

Hưng Yên is generally safe for travelers; petty theft is rare but use common-sense precautions—watch belongings in markets and on crowded transport. Road safety is the primary concern: motorbike traffic can be chaotic and road surfaces in rural areas vary. Carry basic first-aid items, stay hydrated in summer, and ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation to Hanoi for serious issues.

Tipping in Hưng Yên

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Summer

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.

Autumn

Often the most pleasant time: clearer skies, comfortable temperatures and harvest activity in the fields—ideal for cycling and photography.

Winter

Cooler and drier, with occasional cold spells and mist. Layers are useful; temple visits and cultural sightseeing are comfortable in cooler weather.

Spring

Mild temperatures and floral blossoms; this season brings festivals and wet patches on rural roads—carry a light jacket and expect some rain.

Nightlife Guide

Hưng Yên at Night

Nightlife in Hưng Yên is low-key and local: small cafés, riverside spots, a few casual bars and seasonal night markets or temple festival evenings. Expect early-closing hours compared with Hanoi; live music and late-night entertainment are limited, so visitors seeking vibrant nightlife usually travel to nearby Hanoi.

Hiking in Hưng Yên

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Ba Vì National Park

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.

Tam Đảo National Park

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.

Nội Bài International Airport (Hanoi)

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.

Cát Bi International Airport (Hải Phòng)

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.

Getting Around

Walkability

The main town and Phố Hiến area are walkable on foot for short visits; however, much of Hưng Yên’s appeal lies in spread-out villages and agricultural roads best explored by bicycle or motorbike. Sidewalks may be limited outside central zones.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Kinh (ethnic Vietnamese)

The vast majority of the population are Kinh people engaged in agriculture, trade and local services—villages often have multi-generational households.

Rural communities

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.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport across the province with community games and local matches commonly played in school and village fields.

Badminton and volleyball

Common recreational sports played in community centers, schools and open spaces, popular for informal group activity.

Traditional boat racing

Held during some local festivals on rivers and canals—colorful and culturally significant events for communities.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Hưng Yên consists mainly of motorbikes, bicycles and a smaller number of cars and trucks. Rush hours near town centers can be busy and intersections may be chaotic by visitors’ standards. Intercity buses and minibuses connect to Hanoi and neighboring provinces; road conditions are generally good on main routes but secondary roads can be narrow or uneven.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Hưng Yên.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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.

Gluten-free

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.

Allergies

Street food vendors may not understand complex allergy requests—carry translations of critical allergy information and prefer established eateries when concerned.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Hưng Yên has provincial hospitals and clinics that handle routine care and minor emergencies. For serious or specialized treatment, Hanoi’s hospitals (e.g., at Nội Bài area) are the closest major centers and are reachable within about an hour by car from central Hưng Yên. Pharmacies are common in towns for basic medicines.

Discover Vietnam

Read more in our Vietnam 2025 Travel Guide.

Vietnam Travel Guide