28 Things To Do In Hanoi, Vietnam
Best Things To Do In Hanoi
If you’re searching for the best things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam, you are in the right place.
Exploring Hanoi has been an eye-opening experience. The Vietnamese capital offers far more attractions and activities than I ever anticipated. With its rich history, fascinating cultural sites, and some of the most delicious cuisine I’ve ever tasted, Hanoi is truly a remarkable destination.
This overview covers all the essential attractions and intriguing historical elements that make this city so captivating.
After spending four weeks navigating Hanoi’s streets, ancient temples, and busy marketplaces, I’ve compiled this list to ensure you have an extraordinary trip.
I understand that planning a Hanoi itinerary can be daunting – the abundance of options can be overwhelming, you might have safety concerns, and determining what’s genuinely worthwhile can be challenging.
However, I can assure you from personal experience that Hanoi is remarkably safe.
The most significant obstacle you’ll likely encounter is simply crossing the street amidst the sea of motorbikes!
During my visit, I was rather disappointed to discover that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum was closed for renovations. It’s one of the city’s most significant attractions.
Initially, I felt let down, but then I realised it provides the perfect excuse for a return journey!
Whether you’re exploring solo or with a companion, this guide will help you navigate Hanoi like a seasoned traveller.
Make sure you read my Southeast Asia packing list so you ensure to bring all you need to Vietnam.
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Hoan Kiem Lake
This lake is one of the most famous attractions in Hanoi, and you’ve probably seen it on a postcard or online by now.
When I visited Hanoi, walking around this lake, especially at night, was an enjoyable experience.
There was always something happening, whether live music, groups of Vietnamese ladies exercising, or even street performers.
My favourite thing to see was Turtle Tower illuminated at night. Along with the skyscrapers of Hanoi lighting the sky, it’s a fun place to explore pretty much any hour of the day.
I got my hop-on-hop-off bus tour from the north side of the lake. Additionally, you can buy snacks all around the lake from local vendors for reasonable prices.
Free to walk around and enjoy the vibe.
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Ngoc Son Temple
Close by the lake is Ngoc Son Temple.
I was blown away by the red bridge, which links the street and the temple. At night, it comes to life, making this part of Hanoi even more special.
Inside, you will find a beautiful temple where you can pose for some nice pictures on the south side with the lake as a backdrop.
What made it particularly impressive were the manicured orange trees and colourful entrance with its paint and distinctive Chinese-style design.
Get your tickets at the entrance.
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Train Street
Visiting Hanoi Train Street was the very first thing I did in the city, and I loved it!
When I visited, I didn’t know the train passed through twice per day at 11:45 PM and 3:15 PM.
Grab a seat and enjoy a drink while you wait. The train passes with very little room, so make sure you stay as close as possible to the wall; otherwise, you may get hit by the train – no joke.
A lady walked through the street, telling us to get out of the way. A bell rings loudly, and tension starts to build.
Once they move all the tables off the street, the train passes through. Though drinks can be more pricey here – I paid 70,000 Vietnamese dong for a coconut – it’s still worth it.
This was one of the best things to do in Hanoi, hands down, even though it only lasted a few minutes.
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Old Quarter
Walking through the Old Quarter is a fun and at times, stressful experience.
In all seriousness, I loved it, but it can be very busy at night. If you want to party, there are many places to dance, drink cocktails and beers, and eat great food.
The streets are narrow, and there were numerous staff members trying to entice me with offers of food, drink, and more. (Read about the best vegan food in Hanoi).
So whatever you’re looking for in the Old Quarter, it has it.
There are loads of amazing coffee shops (which sell the interesting egg coffee) that I loved visiting, like Hidden Gem Cafe Hanoi and Cong Cafe – Cau Go, where I can’t recommend the snow drink enough.
Read my detailed guide on the best coffee in Hanoi!
Weekend Night Market (Old Quarter)
I casually found this market one night while walking through the Old Quarter.
The street closes so no traffic can get past, and it starts from the DE LA SOIE Hotel & Travel, extending for 3 kilometres north. It opens at 6:00 PM and closes around midnight.
When I visited, the streets were packed, and it was hard to navigate through the crowds.
However, I would urge people to visit at least once to pick up nice souvenirs and enjoy the lively and fun atmosphere.
You can pick up anything from t-shirts to silk products or even handmade toys.
I Made A Full Guide About Hanoi Weekend Night Market For You To Plan Your Trip!
Dong Xuan Market
If you are looking for a place to pick up shoes, souvenirs, or just walk around and experience a local market, then you can visit Dong Xuan Market.
The narrow aisles were packed with people and staff who were restocking their items or chatting with locals working beside them.
The size and scale of this market blew me away.
I spent about an hour exploring this place and trying to chat with vendors after I visited Long Bien Railway Station, which is close by. You can easily combine these two attractions in a short space of time.
I got the lift upstairs and to my surprise, the market was even bigger than I expected.
This is one of Hanoi’s most unique places to visit.
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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
When I visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, I could not enter due to reconstruction, which was devastating.
However, walking around Công viên Ba Đình and the surrounding area was special.
Loads of tourists come here to pay their respects at the former leader’s mausoleum. From the outside, it’s impressive. It sits on a three-tiered platform and stands out prominently in the space.
It’s free to walk around outside, but don’t cross the yellow line on the ground or the soldiers will shout at you to get back. There are many of them on patrol outside.
This was before we entered through airport-style security, where bags would be checked.
Overall, I have to say the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the best things to see in Hanoi for history alone.
Ho Chi Minh Museum
A short walk from the Mausoleum is the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
This structure reminded me a lot of Central Asian Soviet architecture. Once inside, two girls approached me with good English and offered a free guided tour of the museum, which I accepted.
Their depth of knowledge was essential for me to understand more about Ho Chi Minh and Vietnamese history. While the tour was free, I gave a 200,000 Vietnamese dong tip, but it’s entirely up to you whether to give one or not.
When I visited, I was most impressed with some personal items that Ho Chi Minh himself used daily.
For example, you can see his rubber sandals on display as well as numerous photographs from significant political events during his time.
Visiting the Mausoleum and museum together is a good way to maximise your time in the same area.
One Pillar Pagoda
Another interesting place to see close to the museum is the One Pillar Pagoda.
While if I’m honest, it was one of the less impressive places in Hanoi, it still is a significant and popular place to visit and can easily be combined with a trip to the museum or mausoleum.
The pillar sits on top of a small pond, which is covered in lily pads and beautiful purple flowers.
I saw many people climbing the short steps up to pray.
I made a small donation when up there, and it’s a really nice place to find peace in one of Hanoi’s most chaotic cities.
Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace is one of the most vibrantly coloured buildings I’ve seen in Vietnam.
I paid 40,000 Vietnamese dong, which included access to the stilt house located nearby. While we couldn’t enter the palace itself, the exterior was stunning, extremely French in style and immaculately maintained.
There were plenty of information panels displayed to tell you more about the palace and its history.
When I visited the military hospital, there was an incredible art exhibition and display about Ho Chi Minh and the palace.
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is a truly beautiful attraction in Hanoi.
I loved walking through this complex. It feels long and narrow with distinct sections. I walked through some incredible gateways, including Khue Van Cac, finally ending at Trải nghiệm Đêm Văn Miếu.
It was founded in 1070 by Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, so this place is incredibly old. What made me love this place was the serene ponds and architecture that is so typically found throughout Vietnam.
Don’t miss the Stelae of Doctors, which are the large stone turtles that can be found inside. Overall, I spent about an hour and a half here, which was enough to cover the whole complex and enjoy it without rushing.
You could spend another half hour here if you really wanted.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is an incredible place to discover Vietnam’s past.
The museum covers the different ethnic groups (54) across Vietnam. It blew me away the number of tribes and the different clothing and the way they built their homes. Inside, there are 42,000 photos.
Outside, there is an exhibition where you can enter the bamboo homes, where I could go inside and see how people lived.
The museum showed me the best of Vietnam’s culture and history and it’s one of my favourite museums in the city.
I spent two and a half hours here in total, and it was plenty to see pretty much everything inside and outside.
Don’t miss the building to the east, which focuses on Southeast Asian Ethnology as well as covering Afghanistan, Yemen and Indonesia.
It’s truly fantastic and worth every penny! (40,000 Vietnamese dong plus 50,000 for taking photos with a camera).
Vietnam National Museum of History
Another fascinating exhibition to visit in Hanoi is the Vietnam National Museum of History.
The museum has two buildings close to one another. There are lockers to leave your backpack in the museum, as well as a coffee shop right outside.
What stood out to me was a red and shiny Buddha statue with numerous hands. There were a couple of school tours when I visited, so it was full of children who were quite loud, so be aware that this can happen from time to time.
There is so much information and interesting items on display.
Building two was more about Vietnamese modern history, such as the US war, and I loved seeing Ho Chi Minh’s armoured car, which is on exhibit. This is also known as the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution.
A great place to eat is right beside the museum, which has only locals, called Com Ngon.
Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)
Visiting Hoa Lo Prison was a scary and intimidating experience, but an important one when in Hanoi.
The prison could hold up to 450 people at its maximum capacity, but you definitely didn’t want to end up inside. Harsh treatment and cramped spaces gave it a notorious reputation.
I was shocked to learn that John McCain was a POW here, along with many other US personnel.
The biggest “wow” moment I had was seeing the guillotine, which was used to decapitate prisoners. It stands in the middle of the room and was one of the first things that stopped me in my tracks.
I paid 50,000 Vietnamese dong to enter and an additional 100,000 for an audio guide.
I spent 1 hour and fifteen minutes moving through the complex, but you can easily spend 2 hours here.
Pro tip – don’t miss the memorial found outside, which was impactful with human form carvings in the wall.
West Lake (Ho Tay)
Check the map of Hanoi and you’ll immediately notice West Lake (Ho Tay).
It’s massive at 500 hectares, and I loved passing by on foot or motorbike, admiring it and seeing the light reflect on the water at night.
According to Vietnamese mythology, the lake was once a lagoon created after a golden buffalo stomped on the land.
Some locals say that the golden buffalo’s stomp transformed the lagoon into the lake we see today.
Many fun activities around the lake include visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda, Phủ Tây Hồ and the Highlands Coffee boat. You can expect more peace at West Lake than at Hoan Kiem Lake.
Tourists tend to flock to the smaller lake closer to the Old Quarter, whereas West Lake is so vast you, can easily find peaceful escapes from the city bustle.
A friend recommended Phở Cuốn Chinh Thắng, an amazing local place to eat by the lake with very affordable prices and friendly staff.
Go here for a delicious meal before or after exploring West Lake.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
One of the more impressive things to do in Hanoi is to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda.
This Buddhist pagoda dates back to the reign of Emperor Lý Nam Đế in the 6th century.
When I arrived, I was bombarded with local Vietnamese women trying to sell me a sarong to cover my knees. When I overheard a tour guide explaining that they could be rented, I opted for that option. It cost me 30,000 Vietnamese dong.
But be aware, it opens back up at 13:30, so I had to wait around. During this time, I enjoyed the best coconut mango yoghurt at LaiKa Cafe and made a quick stop at Đền Thủy Trung Tiên right beside the coffee shop.
Once inside the pagoda, I was blown away by the colour and design.
The 15-metre stupa is magical. It has six arched niches, each housing a statue of Amitābha Buddha made of precious stone, which caught my eye.
Pro tip – don’t miss the bodhi tree at the back of the garden. I walked right past the stupa and visited the garden first.
Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the most ancient pagodas in the whole city.
Lenin Statue
Just opposite the Hanoi Flag Tower, you can find an impressive statue of Lenin.
It stands just over 5 metres tall and overlooks the park below.
When I visited, there were local skateboarders skating around, and while they refused to be photographed, they looked pretty damn cool.
It was put here to commemorate Lenin’s 110th birthday in 1980. Of course, you won’t have to pay anything to visit this place.
It won’t take much time to see, but it’s worth stopping by to appreciate this monument that represents Vietnam’s historical ties to the Soviet Union.
Thống Nhất Park
Thống Nhất Park is a beautiful space to connect with nature.
I used to visit this place when I was working at MONO Coffee Lab – Vân Hồ, the best workspace/coffee shop I found in Hanoi.
A short walk across and I found myself surrounded by joggers and dancers. I walked around the lake, and at the north end, there’s a beautiful garden area with trees. Here, I found many elderly local men playing board games.
It was especially hot in this park during the day, so grab a soft drink or a cold bottle of water from the Solar Bar found in the park.
Children were skateboarding here and playing football, so it felt very safe during the day.
Visit Some Of Hanoi’s Fun Skybars
Hanoi has numerous skybars.
You can have a cocktail and experience the best views of the city from above.
If you get a thunder and lightning storm, you can have an even more impressive view.
For me I loved chilling at Solar Sky Bar, which had an impressive, fancy-looking bar with great cocktails. I recommend getting a ginger tea, which costs me 189,000 Vietnamese dong plus tax and 5% service charge (this was common at these sky bars).
Worth every penny for those views.
Another space I loved was the Cloud Sky Bar which has a nice cushioned circular seat in the middle and a luxe bar overlooking the Hoan Kiem Lake.
There are loads of options in Hanoi for great city views, especially at night.
Read My Full Guide On Hanoi’s Rooftop Bars
Geology Museum
I loved spending time at the Geology Museum.
While I must note that many displays were a little hard to see because of dust on the glass, it was a worthwhile visit.
I spent a little over an hour inside. While there was literally nobody else inside at 8:00 AM, I had it all to myself, and it’s a small museum compared to others in Hanoi.
The museum dates all the way back to 1898 and has three floors in total.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
This is a beautiful Christian church in the city, not far from Hoan Kiem Lake, less than 300 metres away.
When I was planning my trip to Hanoi, it always popped up as a unique place to visit in the city.
You can expect many people outside in front of the church taking photos. Once inside, you have to keep quiet.
You can sit down and take a moment of reflection, which I did, and admire the church interior. It’s beautiful, and you can light a candle to add to the experience.
Outside, its large, grey and white exterior is impressive.
It was built in 1886 and, not to my surprise, is a French colonial construction made with local terracotta bricks and stone in a neo-Gothic style.
Pro tip – don’t forget you can walk around the whole church! At the back, I found some interesting perspectives of the church, and most people only flock to the front.
For a local’s experiences, grab a coffee at Trà chanh nhà thờ just beside the church and sit and watch the world go by
Phủ Tây Hồ
This place feels like a really unique place to visit.
I got a grab bike from the Old Quarter, and it felt like escaping the big and noisy city.
When I arrived at West Lake, there were only a few locals here who came to pray and meditate.
It’s located right on the river. I was shocked to see jet skis zip past in such a peaceful setting. However, the shrine here is one of the most beautiful I have seen in Hanoi.
It’s a Taoist temple and dates back to the 17th century.
I sat on the wall after a while to catch my breath from the heat, and it was so nice to hear the bell ringing and the smell of incense in the air.
Hanoi Opera House and the Square of August Revolution
The Opera House is another fun thing to see in Hanoi.
It was built between 1901-1911, and its beautiful yellow and white exterior is famous for its horseshoe auditorium and frescoes.
You can attend traditional Vietnamese performances or even classical international performances, too. You can also tour the building.
Outside the doors is the Square of the August Revolution. This was named after the rebellion, which ultimately led to independence from France and its rule.
From here, you can get the hop-on hop-off tour bus to take you around the city.
Another place right by which is a nice place to see for a brief moment is Vườn hoa Nhà hát lớn – a peaceful garden in the busy city.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long was another fun place to explore.
At the time, I felt it was small and a little underwhelming. However, when I reflect back on how important this place was, I understand its significance.
It became a UNESCO site in 2010 and, most impressively, served as the political and cultural centre of the country for over 1,000 years.
It was even the French headquarters during the French colonial period.
My favourite thing to see was the General Command Headquarters Bunker. Built in the 1960s during the American bombing campaign, it was made with reinforced steel to protect people from the onslaught from above.
This is a top thing to do in Hanoi and probably all of Vietnam.
Ceramic Mosaic Mural Road
When I heard there was a mural wall, I thought it could be quite impressive.
Yet when I drove past it many times, it seemed to go on endlessly. The colours vary across the entire wall, making it quite beautiful in many places.
However, there is so much traffic passing by that it’s very loud and can be intimidating when trying to view it up close. Even if you use the path.
The best way is to simply drive past and take it all in. It’s beautiful, and the sheer size will leave you impressed, no doubt.
Vietnam Military History Museum
This museum is the most grandiosely impressive in all of Hanoi.
In what looks like an airport is a fascinating museum that delves into the country’s military history.
I got a grab bike from my hotel close to Hoan Kiem Lake to the museum, which cost 96,000 Vietnamese dong. I don’t recommend this.
My driver went very fast, and the helmet didn’t work properly. Get a car to be safer.
The museum exterior is nothing like I would expect in Vietnam. The most impressive things to see here were the wreckage of the B-52 bombers outside, along with other aeroplanes.
Once inside, there is a large screen which is the centre point of the museum, and each corner has a room dedicated to something different. T
The first one covers contradictions of Vietnam, the second is French colonialism, the third examines American effects on Vietnam, and the fourth spans from 1975 until the present day.
This was the most interesting museum I visited during my 4 weeks in Hanoi.
Air Force and Air Defence Museum
The Air Force and Air Defence Museum is a fascinating outdoor and indoor exhibition.
It opened to the public in 2004 and is packed with planes, tanks and other military gear from the American War in Vietnam.
Inside, there is so much memorabilia like helmets, radios and even debris from planes that were shot down.
Do note the outdoor exhibition is open all day, but the indoor exhibition closes from 11:00-1:00 pm, which I found frustrating when planning my trip. I spent an hour inside, but could have doubled that time if I’d read all the information panels.
As somebody who has a keen interest in military history, this is the best thing to do in Hanoi for that subject.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Attending a water puppet show is synonymous with visiting Hanoi.
It started in 1969 and is one of the most unique and popular things to do in Hanoi. When I visited or walked past, there were always people lining up to get tickets.
I would suggest buying tickets well in advance because during busy periods, it can take days to get a place. It’s located on the northeast side of Hoan Kiem Lake, so it’s a great location to include walking around the lake afterwards.
A perfect addition for a true Hanoi city experience.
Water puppets originated over 1,000 years ago in the Red River Delta, which is in northern Vietnam.
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In Vietnam, they covered hundreds of dollars of expenses after I became unwell in Ninh Binh.
You can read about our experience using Satey Wing here.
Final Thoughts/Conclusion
There are numerous things to do in Hanoi, and I was lucky enough to explore many of these places and make an educated comment on them.
For me, the best activities are history-related. Vietnam has a tough history with China, the US, and France, and the museums certainly show in great detail the hardships that the Vietnamese had to contend with for centuries.
The food is fantastic too. Even if you aren’t a huge Vietnamese food fan, you can get great Indian food and European dishes.
I made a post dedicated to finding the Best Pho in Hanoi just for you.
Not to mention the numerous French-style coffee shops that offer incredible egg coffee and other beverages.
I urge you to spend as long as you can in Hanoi, as there are so many unique things to do in the city.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
Is Hanoi, Vietnam, Worth Visiting?
Yes, after spending 4 weeks in Hanoi, I can confirm there are many wonderful things to do. The capital has Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Museum, which were incredible. The Temple of Literature and numerous museums showcase Hanoi’s rich history. The food is some of the best in Vietnam. All things considered, Hanoi is a great place to add to your itinerary for North Vietnam.
How Many Days Are Enough For Hanoi?
I suggest spending 5-7 days to get a good grasp of Hanoi. If you wanted to visit all the major attractions, much longer would be needed, as there are simply so many things to do in Hanoi. Some people stop over for just one day, and while that gives you a taste, I do suggest spending several days in the city to experience the full picture of what it offers.
When To Avoid Visiting Hanoi?
If you want the best time to visit Hanoi, it’s from October to February. When I visited in July, it was very hot and humid, and the air quality was poor. This is the worst time to visit Hanoi, but the good thing is that there are fewer tourists visiting all the best attractions, so you won’t have as many crowds. When I visited, there were still plenty of tourists in the city, but in the high season, there are many more.
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