Hanoi is a poetic city. No matter which season it is, when you’re in Hanoi, you’re bound to find a suitable couple activity to let love bloom. Thanks to such abundance, Hanoi can offer you date ideas at any rate, high-end or more inexpensive. But love doesn’t have to go along with a price tag, right? So let us show you cheap date ideas in Hanoi that’ll sure make your lover swoon.
Cheap Date Ideas in Hanoi
Take a Stroll at the Parks and Lakes
What’s better than strolling through the romantic atmosphere of green spaces in Hanoi? Leave behind the hustle and bustle of city life and reward both of you with a few relaxing hours in public parks or famous lakes.
When you’re tired of walking, you can grab a few snacks and drinks, sit down, and watch people dancing, exercising, and going about their daily routine. Or you can plan and bring food for a lovely picnic date, then try duck boat paddling at Thu Le Park for some guaranteed fun.
Some names to keep in mind are:
- Public parks in Hanoi: Thu Le Park, Bach Thao Park, Thong Nhat Park, Cau Giay Park.
- Lakes in Hanoi: Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake.
Hoan Kiem Lake and Thong Nhat Park are near-and-dear names to the locals
Explore Street Food
Running out of cheap date ideas in Hanoi? Then go with street food, which is always a safe choice. Hanoi is one of the major culinary cradles of Vietnam, offering food full of umami and taste explosion. Check out this list of Hanoi cheap eats, which will introduce to you dishes that won’t cost an arm and a leg but also taste divine. We’re sure that your couple will have a nice memory of exploring the nooks and crannies of Hanoi, taking in that streetside culture, while having a hot bowl of goodness.
A light snack such as beef jerky salad will be suitable for a hot day
Soup and congee on a cold day will warm up your souls
Taste Vietnamese Coffee
There are various types of coffee and ways of drinking this addicting liquid in Vietnam. That’s why taking your beau on a coffee adventure or go cafe-hopping through the narrow streets will be refreshing, cheap date ideas in Hanoi. A must-try that you should put on your list is the egg coffee. It’s the Vietnamese take on the cappuccino, which is creamier than the classic drink thanks to the eggy foam used. You can also discover some hidden gems of the city through this series of picturesque coffee houses in Hanoi.
The Note café will let you leave romantic post-it notes
Try cappuccino the new way with egg coffee
Visit Museums and Historical Places
What cheap date ideas in Hanoi that’ll also be intellectual? The answer is visiting museums and historic places! You’re in Hanoi – the 1000-year-old capital of Vietnam! There’s no doubt that you’ll come across some interesting places to quench your knowledge thirst together with your significant other. What’s better is the fees for these places are very reasonable, even cheaper than getting coffees!
Some Hanoi attractions and activities to keep in mind: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Temple of Literature, National Museum of Vietnam History, Hoa Lo Prison Museum.
Temple of Literature
Hoa Lo Prison
Watch a Water Puppet Show
Water puppet is the traditional folk art form of Vietnam and now an intangible cultural heritage. Water puppet depicts the daily life in ancient Vietnam through folklores performed on the water surface. What’s special is that the performers must stand in the water to control the wooden puppets as well. You can admire this art at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre or the Vietnam Puppet Theatre for VND 60,000 – VND 100,000/ticket.
Find Peace in Duong Lam Ancient Village
Taking day trips from Hanoi can be an exhilarating memory for couples. But many people don’t think of this for cheap date ideas in Hanoi due to the cost included. However, day trips don’t have to come with a price! Just take a look at Duong Lam Ancient Village.
A peaceful morning at Duong Lam Village
Duong Lam Ancient Village is a 2-hour drive from the Hanoi Old Quarter. The town has a rustic charm that can bring tourists back in time through its well-preserved 300-year-old buildings, pagodas, and brick roads. Even Hanoi locals love visiting this village for downtime at the weekends. You and your lover can take a walk or ride a bicycle through the old town roads, taking in how people used to live in ancient times.
Check prices and reviews of the best hotels in Hanoi:
Our Take on Cheap Date Ideas in Hanoi
No matter where you are, as long as you’re with your loved one, the day will be exciting, especially in a city filled with romance like Hanoi. Our recommendations above aren’t just cheap date ideas in Hanoi but also suggestions for you to explore more of the city’s identity. What other cheap date ideas that we should cover? Tell us your suggestions down in the comment section!
Read next: Romantic Places to Stay in Hanoi.