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Top Ideas For A Girlie Weekend Getaway In Hanoi Vietnam

Day and night, Hanoi offers a wealth of experiences to enjoy with your friends — from cultural strolls and gourmet breaks to creative workshops and lively evenings. This unique blend of local charm and modern flair sets the stage for shared moments, laughter, and unexpected discoveries. For those seeking a stress-free escape, working with a travel agency in Vietnam like Autour Asia can be a great choice, offering tailored itineraries, insider tips, and peace of mind. Whether you're coming to unwind, have fun, or simply spend quality time together, the Vietnamese capital provides the perfect backdrop for a girlie weekend getaway in Hanoi — vibrant, friendly, and full of personality.

1. Café in the Old Quarter

Start your girlie weekend getaway in Hanoi at one of the Old Quarter’s most charming cafés, where local character meets sweet creativity. Whether you choose Ca Phe Giang—the birthplace of Hanoi’s iconic egg coffee (ca phe trung), a creamy delight first created in 1946—or Loading T, tucked inside a peaceful colonial house on Chan Cam Street, each spot offers a perfect gourmet interlude to begin your day in style.

Push open the door of Ca Phe Dinh, tucked away on the first floor of an old building at 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, overlooking the lake — quieter than its famous neighbors, but just as delicious. For a more contemporary vibe, head to Blackbird Coffee at 5 Chan Cam, where expertly brewed filter coffee (Aeropress, Chemex) meets minimalist décor, creating a calm space to unwind.

Craving a cheerful break? Drop by The Note Coffee at 64 Luong Van Can — its walls, completely covered with colorful sticky notes, make it the perfect backdrop for fun and candid photos with friends. Sit back, share your travel impressions, and let the gentle rhythm of a Hanoi morning sweep you away.

2. Dinh Le Book Street

If you're looking for things to do with your girls in Hanoi, start with a stroll down Dinh Le Street, just steps away from Hoan Kiem Lake. Over the years, this peaceful little street has become Hanoi’s go-to destination for book lovers. You can browse through stacks of novels, stunning art books, and historical works, all while discovering cozy, tucked-away cafés where time seems to slow down. The atmosphere is quiet, almost secretive — making it a perfect stop for a relaxed and intimate girls' day out in the city.

Among the most iconic spots, don’t miss Mao Bookstore, tucked away on the first floor of a small alley at number 5. Founded by Mrs. Mao and her husband, Mr. Luy, this family-run shop is the oldest bookstore in the area. It’s widely considered the starting point of Hanoi’s beloved “book street”: after it opened, other bookstores gradually appeared around it, turning Dinh Le into a literary hub for Hanoian readers. Filled with memories, emotion, and authenticity, Mao Bookstore is far more than just a shop — it’s a true institution, cherished by generations.

3. The pottery village of Bat Trang

For a creative getaway just a stone’s throw from Hanoi, head to Bat Trang pottery village — the famous pottery village located about 13 km (or a 30-minute drive) from the city center. Here, you can join a hands-on DIY workshop (from €5), often conducted in English, where you’ll get to shape your own creation — whether it’s a bowl, mug, or small vase. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience traditional techniques and return home with a meaningful souvenir crafted by your own hands.

Vigo Bat Trang is a warm and well-organized workshop where you can shape your own clay piece, have it fired, and leave with a unique souvenir of your visit. The experience is guided by a friendly and attentive team, making it a perfect addition to any girlie weekend getaway in Hanoi. This creative moment adds a handcrafted and authentic touch to your trip — a chance to slow down, get your hands dirty, and bring home a meaningful, handmade keepsake.

After the workshop, take some time to wander through the village’s alleys, lined with charming ceramic shops offering hand-painted treasures — colorful vases, earthenware jewelry, decorative objects, and more. You’re sure to find a few hidden gems to bring home. And before you leave, don’t miss the mosaic wall near the museum: vibrant, playful, and incredibly photogenic, it’s the perfect backdrop to capture a memory of your artistic interlude in Bat Trang.

4. Shopping in the Old Quarter

No girls' trip to Hanoi is complete without a shopping session in the lively streets of the Old Quarter. On Hang Gai Street, you’ll find elegant silk boutiques offering made-to-measure Ao Dai starting from €25, with beautifully hand-embroidered fabrics that showcase remarkable craftsmanship. Among the top things to do with girls, bargain-hunting at Dong Xuan Market is a must — a true Aladdin’s cave filled with lacquerware, ethnic-style bags, handcrafted jewelry, and affordable clothing. One tip: bargaining in Vietnam is essentiel — and embracing it is all part of the local charm!

For a more intimate shopping experience during your girlie weekend getaway in Hanoi, stop by Hom Market on Hue Street. Quieter and more local, it offers handmade jewelry and unique fabrics that make for charming, personal souvenirs. Then, visit Manzi Art Space (14 Phan Huy Ich), a peaceful café-gallery showcasing contemporary Vietnamese art, ceramics, and paintings. To end on a modern note, head to Flo Concept Store on Yet Kieu Street. This stylish boutique features eco-friendly items like raffia bags, minimalist ceramics, and natural cosmetics — perfect for thoughtful gifting or indulging yourself while supporting ethical Vietnamese design.

5. Girls' Spas

After a busy day, nothing beats unwinding at a soothing spa — a perfect highlight of any girlie weekend getaway in Hanoi. Located on Lo Su Street in Hoan Kiem, Serene Spa charms visitors with its calming ambiance and hot stone massage, often followed by a cup of green tea served on the terrace.

For a more glamorous pause, La Beauté de Lily offers “golden light” facials and floral pedicures that are Instagram-worthy — all for around €25. If you're looking to share a moment of comfort with friends, Ziva Spa features a group package for four, including a private jacuzzi, relaxing massages, and a tropical fruit platter (€120 total). These serene spots blend perfectly into a girlie weekend filled with chatter, laughter, and indulgent self-care.

6. Where to go for a girlie weekend getaway in Hanoi ? Tipsy Art

For a fun and original evening, Tipsy Art Hanoi offers an experience that’s as creative as it is relaxing. Over the course of two hours, participants are gently guided step by step to paint a piece inspired by Hanoi — or simply to express whatever comes to mind. All of this takes place in a warm, welcoming setting with unlimited wine and plenty of laughter. It's a perfect activity to add a splash of color and joy to your girlie night out.

No need to have an artistic streak: here, everything is designed for the pleasure of the moment. The team is attentive, benevolent, and the equipment is fully provided. At the end of the session, each participant leaves with her personalized canvas, a unique souvenir to slip into her suitcase. Count about €22 per person, for a perfect creative interlude to share with the girls.

7. Ta Hien Street

Tạ Hiện Street, nicknamed the "beer street", is undoubtedly the liveliest area of Hanoi at night. Every evening, tourists and locals meet there to drink a cold beer for €0.50, sitting on plastic stools at ground level. The atmosphere is vibrant, good-natured, and perfect for a girls' night out in Hanoi, where you end the day in joy. Bars like Funky Buddha offer original cocktails and live music, while the quieter Polite Pub has a cozy rooftop to chat with friends. A little safety advice: choose a group outing (three or more people) after 10 p.m., for more tranquility.

From hidden corners of the Old Quarter to trendy art spaces and serene spas, Hanoi reveals a softer, more playful side when explored with close friends. Between creative moments, delicious street bites, and peaceful retreats, every step becomes a chance to reconnect and recharge. The city’s warm atmosphere and diversity of experiences make it easy to design a stay that feels both inspiring and relaxing. For a touch of ease, turning to a travel agency in Vietnam like Autour Asia can help shape the perfect girlie weekend getaway in Hanoi, combining trusted recommendations with thoughtfully curated moments you’ll remember long after you return.