Things To Do

2 km
from city center 1 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Old Quarter in Hanoi, also known as the Hoan Kiem District or simply 36 Streets, is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Hanoi. It is home to the most popular hotels, historical attractions, tourist street shops and cafes in Hanoi. Here, among the most popular things to do are sampling the delectable street food, visiting the Hoan Kiem Lake, observing the olden architecture and shopping at the Hanoi Weekend Night Market. To fully experience the Old Quarter in Hanoi in the best way, it is best to walk.

2 km
from city center 2 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake is a serene spot in Hanoi, ideal for unwinding after a long day. Surrounding the Ngoc Son Temple, with its iconic red bridge, it paints a pretty picture. On the northern shore is a small island where the Ngoc Son temple is located.

1 km
from city center 3 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, also known as the Hanoi Citadel, is a UNESCO world heritage site, home to a number of artefacts that signify the historical and cultural importance of Vietnam and its history.

The site was excavated in 20014 and a number of Bronze coins, ceramics, pottery, foundations of old roads, palaces, wells as old s 6th Century were discovered. The Citadel also served as the political centre of Vietnam for 13 consecutive years.

0 km
from city center 4 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Temple of Literature, also known as Van Mieu, is an 11th-century Vietnamese temple dedicated to Confucius. Built in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, the temple features picturesque pavilions, halls and statues surrounded by scenic ponds and gardens.

2 km
from city center 5 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Considered as the best nightlife spot in Hanoi, the Bia Hoi Corner is a busy and bustling junction for beer lovers. Bia Hoi, also known as 'fresh beer' is popular among tourists and locals in Hanoi because of it's low alcohol quantity and affordable prices. The corner is famous for the many makeshift stalls and small pubs that serve chilled beers and some delicious Vietnamese food.

2 km
from city center 6 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Hanoi Night Market, located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, is held every weekend. It is is a lively gathering of roadside shopping kiosks and food stalls. Here, you can shop for clothes, handicrafts, accessories and souvenirs, or indulge in delicious and inexpensive Vietnamese dishes.

1 km
from city center 7 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Hoa Lo Museum is all that remains of the Hoa Lo Prison, which was used to capture Vietnamese and American political prisoners during the colonial period and the Vietnam war respectively. It is located in the Hoan Kiem area.

The interrogation room, guillotine and John McCain's suit all are on display, a silent reminder of gruesome past Vietnam has had to witness.

2 km
from city center 8 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is the best place to witness the eponymous art form integral to the country. The Vietnamese tradition of water puppetry dates back to the 11th century when the rice fields got flooded and the villagers made entertainment by standing in water with puppets.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theater offers the most authentic experience with a Vietnamese orchestra playing traditional songs about agricultural harvests and mythical legends that are acted out by puppets in a pool of water.

2 km
from city center 9 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Ngoc Son Temple is popularly known as the Pagoda of Jade Mountain and is located in the Hoan Kiem lake. It is guarded by two towering posts decorated with Chinese writing.

The temple was built in the 18th Century in honour of General Tran Hung Dao (Defeated the Mongols), La To (patron saint of physicians) and a revered intellectual Van Xuong.

0 km
from city center 10 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, located in Ba Dinh Square, is the final resting place of the most popular leader of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, known to his people as Uncle Ho. It is also where Uncle Ho read the Declaration of Independence on September 2nd, 1945. It was opened to the public in 1975. Visitors are allowed a short time to look at the casket as the line has to keep moving forward.

2 km
from city center 11 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Popularly known as the 'International Intersection', the Ta Hien Street in Hanoi is where the western culture meets the eastern. Foreigners and tourists come to this place quite often.
A beer and food heaven, this crowded street is full of small alleyways with luxury restaurants, sidewalk shops and local vendors selling affordable beer and delicious Vietnamese dishes.

2 km
from city center 12 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Hanoi Opera House, located near the Hoan Kiem Lake is Hanoi, was built in 1911 by the French and mimics the Paris Opera House in its structure and interiors.

With its beautiful domes, pillars and balconies, Hanoi Opera House is a cultural and architectural landmark of the city. It can host a 600-member audience. Both Western classics and Vietnamese musicals are performed here by trained artists.

1 km
from city center 13 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Vietnam Military History Museum, also known as the Army Museum, houses authentic war relics, collection of weaponry used during the Vietnam War, artefacts, and some detailed accounts of war soldiers.

Some huge war evidences and notable attractions are an MiG21 jet fighter, M107 gun, a military tank and many others. The museum is a well curated and well documented one for those interested in the Vietnam war.

3 km
from city center 14 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Perfume Pagoda or Chua Trong is among the two most important and revered temples in Hanoi - the other being 'One Pillar pagoda'. This temple is located in hills of Hung Tich near Hanoi and is at the centre of a sacred site in the mountain foothills.

The temple is revered mainly for its surroundings and is most popular for its 'Perfume Pagoda Festival'. It is believed by pilgrims and tourists that the stalactite and stalagmite formations inside the cave can bestow one with good luck!

2 km
from city center 15 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

St. Joseph's Cathedral lies in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and was built in 1886 by the French Colonialists. It is a stunning 19th-century neo-gothic church. Close to Hoan Kiem Lake, the church features twin bell towers and stained windows.

1 km
from city center 16 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Opened in 1990 on the anniversary of Ho Chi Minh's birth, this Soviet-style museum is a mind-blowing museum depicting Vietnamese and Ho Chi Minh's history in a rather bizzare way. You can find lack and white photos, copies of speeches, letters, a huge statue of Ho Chi Minh himself, 1970-style art installations among many other exhibits.

2 km
from city center 17 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Dong Xuan Market is Hanoi's oldest market located in the old quarter and stands tall over three storeys. A typical South-east Asian market, the ground floor is reserved for selling fresh seafood, vegetables and flowers. The upper floors contain all the other items like clothes, handicrafts, handbags, souvenirs, accessories and electronics - all sold at wholesale prices.

2 km
from city center 18 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Located in the centre of Old Quarter, Bach Ma temple is a beautiful 11th century Buddhist temple in Hanoi. It's dedicated to Bach Ma or 'White Horse', a legendary horse that is said to have led Emperor Ly Thai to the best area to construct a temple. A red-lacquered palanquin greets you upon entrance, along with a shrine dedicated to Confucius and a Phoenix altar.

10 km
from city center 19 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Bat Trang Pottery Village, popularly known as the 'Ceramic Village' is home to many local artisan families who excel at traditional as well as modern designs. Located in the Gia Lam District left of the Red River, there are many stores and workshops where you can not only purchase alluring ceramic products like vases, plates and bowls, but also watch them being made and learn.

2 km
from city center 20 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Run by the Woman's Union Of Vietnam, the Vietnamese Women's Museum is well-curated with various exhibits tribute to women across Vietnam over the years.

It celebrates women in all their roles including mothers, street vendors, war heroes, and business leaders and presents each one of the roles with detailed information.

2 km
from city center 21 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Undisputedly the best viewing point in the city, the Lotte Observation Deck, located on the 65th floor of the Lotte Centre, provides a stunning panoramic view of Hanoi. The floor-to-ceiling glass and scopes make the experience even better, and one can even go in for some refreshments at the many food joints available.

1 km
from city center 22 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

One of the most iconic temples of Vietnam, the One pillar Pagoda is one pillar built elegantly in the shape of a lotus blossom which is the Buddhist symbol of enlightment. The shrine inside the Pagoda is dedicated to the vietnamese Buddhist deity Quan Am. Built in the year around 1050 during the reign of the Ly Dynasty, this temple is said to bring blessings of fertility and health.

4 km
from city center 23 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a great place to explore the socio-cultural diversity of Vietnam. Built in 1995, the museum prides itself on housing and displaying relics of the South-East Asian culture.

It exhibits artefacts from the daily lives of the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups, including photographs, audiotapes, antiques and everyday objects such as baskets and knives. Information regarding the rituals and ceremonies of each group are also displayed, while the outdoor area houses replicas of Vietnamese homes.

2 km
from city center 24 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Quan Thanh Temple is a Taoist temple built to honour the God of the North 'Tran Vo'. Located near the Truch Bach Lake, it is among the most significant temples in Vietnam.

In his honour, the temple also uses the tortoise and snake as symbols of protection and wealth respectively. It houses a 4-metre tall bronze statue of Tran Vo.

49 km
from city center 25 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Nestled at the centre of three mountains summits, the Ba Vi National Park lies about 63 km away from Hanoi and can be reached by public as well as private transport. So stunning is the beauty of this place that it was used as a hill station by the French. Some of those resort ruins can still be seen scattered across its landscape.

The park offers many hiking opportunities, especially one up the Tan Vien peak where tourists and pilgrims go to visit the Mountain God shrine. There is also a bird and an orchid garden for visitors to see.

1 km
from city center 26 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Presidential Palace of Hanoi is located in the Ba Dinh District of Hanoi at Hung Vuong St. and Hoang Van Thu St. Constructed in 1900, the Presidential Palace of Hanoi was originally intended to be Ho Chi Minh's official residence. At present, tourists are not allowed to enter the interiors of the building.

The Presidential Place is a three-storey mustard yellow building with 30 rooms. It is mostly used for political gatherings. Built in French architectural style, the palace is surrounded by lush green botanical gardens.

3 km
from city center 27 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

West Lake, in the Tay Ho district, is quite simply the prettiest and largest manmade lake in Hanoi. It stretches across 17km and provides a scenic getaway. One can have lunch on the floating restaurants or hire a boat simply for gliding through the calm waters. Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple are some of the cultural attractions located closeby.

0 km
from city center 28 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi gives a visual representation of country caught in the throes of war. Located just across the Temple of Literature, the Museum houses a small collection of indigenous artwork of 20th and 21st centuries. The themes of patriotism and martyrdom abound in the artworks, while some of the effigies, lacquers and paintings provide a glimpse of Vietnamese heritage and folktales.

3 km
from city center 29 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

A symbol of the courage and resilience of Vietnam, Long Bien Bridge is strategically located across the Red River. In the days of the US-Vietnamese war, it was the only link between the port of Haiphong and Hanoi, and thus, was repeatedly attacked by the American Army. However, it is still operational and is used regularly by the locals!

2 km
from city center 30 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Ancient House in Hanoi, also known as Heritage House is located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and is a sneak peek into traditional living styles of the Vietnamese. The attraction is especially for the history and architecture lovers. The heritage house consists of a living room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, balcony and a courtyard. Today, it's become more of a souvenir shop than a museum where visitors can buy traditional Vietnamese decoration items.

3 km
from city center 31 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Located in the Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi, the National Museum of Vietnamese History exhibits artefacts ranging from prehistoric times- about 400,000 years ago-up to the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

Built in French colonial architecture with beautiful balconies, the museum has a collection of about 200,00 objects ranging from Axe heads to bright lacquerware. It was earlier used as am archaeological research institution of the French School of Asian Studies.

2 km
from city center 32 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural is the world's largest mosaic mural wall, built from ceramic that extends for 6.5 km. Conceptualized by Vietnamese journalist and artist Nguyen Thu Thuy, the decorative patterns on the wall are a visual narration of the country's history from different periods, along with modern artwork and children's drawings.

2 km
from city center 33 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The oldest in Hanoi, the Tran Quoc Pagoda was built in the 6th century during the reign of Ly Nam De Dynasty. With a height of 15 meters, the main pagoda is surrounded by an incense burning house, a museum, carved statues built in 1639 and lush greenery. Devotees pack the place during Tet festival and Buddha's birthday.

1 km
from city center 34 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The humble abode of one of the most important political figures in Vietnamese history, President Ho Chi Minh's Stilt house is a must-visit while visiting Hanoi. The two-bedroom house is surrounded by a carp pond, and still contains his personal typewriter and armchair. Its sparse furnishings are an ode to the simplicity of the man who lived there.

35 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Van Phuc Silk Village of Hanoi was introduced to the world at an international silk exhibition at Marseille in France in the 1930's. This traditional Vietnamese village became an instant hit in the international markets due to the quality of its silk and the smooth and lightweight nature of its textiles.

5 km
from city center 36 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Quang Ba Flower Market is a picturesque wholesale flower market in Hanoi. Every night, trucks from Da Lat bring in masses of colorful flowers like sunflowers, roses, tulips, orchids, lilies among many others. The local vendors buy from the truck and sell it to individual buyers. This night market is perfect for a photographer wanting to capture a street illuminated with colorful flowers.

2 km
from city center 37 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Thap Rua Tower, also known as the Turtle Tower, one of Hanoi's most iconic attraction was built to commemorate Le Loi who gave Vietnam freedom from the Chinese in 1425.

Constructed on a small piece of land in the Hoan Kiem Lake, this tower is inaccesible to the public, however, you can admire its glory from the edge of the lake.

3 km
from city center 38 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Phu Tay Ho is a temple dedicated to Mother Goddesses and the Jade Emperor. The pagoda has some brilliant architecture and many worship objects like the altar, statues, bronze bells, canopies and royal seat, all very beautifully decorated. The temple turns into a celebration on the 15th day of each lunar month. Tourists often come here to pray and enjoy the serene landscape of West Lake.

0 km
from city center 39 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Built in 15th century during the reign of Le Dynasty, the Ambassador's Pagoda is popularly known as the Quan Su Temple. Built to recieve Buddhist ambassadors, the temple is lesser known to tourists yet. The pagoda serves as the headquaters for Vietnam Buddhist Association. The temple also houses wax figures of Buddhist monks of the past.

2 km
from city center 40 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Truc Bach Lake is one of the many lakes in Hanoi. It is an ideal spot for those looking for a beautiful landscape with many historic relics and unique architecture. Around the lake you can visit the ancient pagoda and statue of Amida, the Quan Thanh temple to worship Saint Tran Vu or the Chau Long pagoda. There are many shops selling coffee, beer and a delicious lunch for you to grab.

3 km
from city center 41 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Museum of Vietnamese Revolution is nothing compared to the National Museum of Vietnamese History, but is still an interesting attraction. The rooms contain photographs, documents, maps, flags and other exhibits of Vietnam's revolutionary history. Some rooms showcase items like carpets and batteries that indicated Vietnam's blossoming into the modern era.

1 km
from city center 42 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Ba Dinh Square, the huge yard in front of Ho Chi Minh Masoleum, is a historical milestone where the Declaration of Independence of Vietnam was read in 1945.

3 km
from city center 43 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

With a peaceful ambience, the Kim Lien Pagoda of Hanoi is an ancient temple founded in the 12th Century by the Ly Dynasty. The pagoda has a very sophisticated and elegant architecture with three pavillions constructed in a curved shape. It houses the statue of Buddha, Princess Tu hoa and Lord Trinh Giang among others.

40 km
from city center 44 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Duong Lam Ancient Village takes you on a unique journey through ancient culture and traditions of Vietnam. Tourists can admire the mossy houses with brilliant architecture dating back 400 years, and even engage in some conversation with the locals. The village is like a living museum situated in a mountainous area where tourists can get an authentic experience of Vietnamese culture.

2 km
from city center 45 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Located in Old Quarter of Hanoi, Heritage House is a lovely and well-preserved 19th century trader's home. Featuring traditional Vietnamese architecture and antique furniture, the house allows visitors to get a glimpse into the culture of a bygone era. Craftspersons can often be found selling trinkets here, and the old-world charm of this building makes it a must-visit.

7 km
from city center 46 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Aeon Mall is a Japanese-owned shopping mall in Hanoi with over a 100 retail outlets. There are many international brands like Adidas, Yves Rocher and Dr. Martens. Families can even catch a movie, enjoy bowling or head to the games arcade with their children. There are plenty of cuisine options like Thai, Vietnamese or Western food in the food court.

1 km
from city center 47 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Hanoi Botanical Gardens, locally known as the Bach Thao Park, is a green space located in the Ba Dinh district. It was built when the French ruled over the country. The garden is home to many different varieties of trees like coconut, palm, orchid, banyan, along with various species of animals such as squirrels and long-tailed macaques.

3 km
from city center 48 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Royal City Vincom Mega Mall is a beautifully built structure with a slight touch of Greek architecture to it. This mall is one of the most visited destinations in Hanoi and lies 45 minutes from the centre of town. With a modern and luxurious rich setup, this two storied building is home to a number of retail shops, food joints, especially like the ice-skating rink.

5 km
from city center 49 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

Vinpearl Aquarium is the largest, most modern and the first underground aquarium in Vietnam situated in the Vincom Mega Mall Times City. With a capacity of 3 million litres of water, this aquarium is home to thousands of sea species. Some rare creatures here are penguins, otters and seacows. Families and those interested in learning about some gorgeous marine ecosystem should head here.

1 km
from city center 50 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The Statue of Lenin located on Nguyen Thai Hoc avenue in Hanoi is the legacy of the communist leader's influence on the culture and politics of Vietnam. The legacy of Vladimir Lenin may have fallen in Russia, but his statue stands tall in communist Vietnam.

Constructed in 1980, the stone sculpture is a sign of the Bolshevik history. It is one of the very few Lenin statues left in the world as a reminder of the impact USSR had on Vietnamese and world political movements.

1 km
from city center 51 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

DIY Box in Hanoi is a quaint 'Do It Yourself' workspace where you can spend some time creating leather goods while sipping coffee. It also has handcrafted leather and coffee workshop. The friendly staff here will guide you through the process, you can then easily spend two to three hours in the workshop and take your own DIY leather souvenir back home.

11 km
from city center 52 out of 74
places to visit in Hanoi

The biggest entertainment and tourism complex of Hanoi, the Bao Son Paradise Park consists of four main areas, traditional craft villages, ancient quarters, an eco-tourism area and a culinary section. This vast theme park of 20 hectares is Vietnam's own version of Disneyland offers gardens, local village settings, a ferris wheel, swimming pool, ocean world, 3D cinema and a lot more attracting tourists and locals from everywhere.