Top 10 places to visit in Hanoi

Nestled in the corner of Hanoi, this beautiful lake gives you a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. This lake is a beloved spot by locals and tourists alike for relaxing, jogging and other activities like practising tai chi. The red Huc B...
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The Old Quarter, a busy tangle of 36 historic streets with names derived from traditional crafts, is a living museum of Hanoi's history and culture. Cafes, temples, neighbourhood restaurants, and merchants offering everything from silk to trinkets ...
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Dedicated to Confucius, this temple was Vietnam's first national university when it was founded in 1070. Its five courtyards have historic architecture, old steles, and well-kept plants. It continues to be a representation of Vietnam's academic his...
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Ho Chi Minh, one of Vietnam's founding fathers, is buried in this majestic marble building. It displays the nation's profound regard for his legacy and houses his embalmed body. A ceremonial area rich in contemporary Vietnamese history is the nearb...
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For more than a thousand years, this UNESCO-listed complex was the political hub of Vietnam. It consists of historic foundations, military bunkers, and royal palaces. Layers of historical significance, ranging from French colonial rule to Chinese d...
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Hanoi's largest lake, West Lake, is a popular choice among many other places to visit in Hanoi for picturesque strolls and lakeside cafes. Constructed in the sixth century, Trấn Quốc Pagoda is situated on a small island and is exquisitely reflected...
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Through cultural performances, traditional homes, and exhibits, this museum honours Vietnam's ethnic diversity. The visit is interactive and instructive thanks to outdoor reconstructions.
Location- Cầu Giấy District

This is a famous architectural masterpiece from the French colonial period, which is known for hosting cultural performances, ballet, opera, and traditional music.
Location- Hoàn Kiếm District
Why it is ...

This powerful museum is housed in a former prison that was originally used by the French to detain Vietnamese revolutionaries, and later by North Vietnamese forces to hold American prisoners of war. The exhibits in this museum provide a moving and ...
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This century-old bridge, which links old and new Hanoi, was constructed by Gustave Eiffel and provides unparalleled views of the Red River. Photographers, cyclists, and early-morning walkers all love it.
Location- Between...
Top places to visit in Hanoi for nature lovers

Location- Hanoi, Tây Hồ District
Why to Visit- The biggest lake in Hanoi has beautiful strolling routes, quiet pagodas, and outdoor cafés with views of the sunset. It's a peaceful place to ride your bike ...

Location- About 60 kilometres west of the centre of Hanoi
Why to Visit- This protected area has foggy woodland pathways, vistas of the mountains, and tropical plants. The cold weather and old French ruins...

Location- Near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in the Ba Đình District
Why to Visit- A quiet green place in the city with lots of plants, trees, and birds. It's a nice spot to have a picnic or enjoy some solita...
Top places to visit in Hanoi for culture seekers

Location- Hoàn Kiếm District
Why to Visit- There are 36 streets named after old trades, and they are full of historic buildings, local artists, and busy marketplaces. It shows what life was like in Hanoi ...

Location- District of Đống Đa
Why to Visit- The first university in Vietnam and a temple for Confucius. There are multiple courtyards, pavilions, and stone steles in the complex that make it a peaceful pl...

Location- Cầu Giấy District
Why to Visit- A great display of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, with traditional clothes, tools, and full-size village houses.
Travel Tips- Give yoursel...
Top places to visit in Hanoi for adventure seekers

Location- All across Hanoi, but usually starting in the Old Quarter
Why to Visit- Ride with skilled drivers who will take you through hidden alleys, local markets, and famous sights like a native, but fas...

Location- About 60 miles from Hanoi
Why to Visit- There are hikes through the forest, views from high places, and antiquities from the French colonial era. Great for hikers who want to get away from the c...

Location- Tây Hồ District.
Why to Visit- Paddle around Hanoi's biggest lake and see pagodas and the skyline in a way that no one else can. Some companies even let you kayak at sunset.
Tr...
Top places to visit in Hanoi for beach lovers

Location- About 160 kilometres east of the city of Hanoi
Why to Visit- This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its emerald waters and limestone karsts. You can go to the beach, take a boat trip, or j...

Location- Hải Phòng City, around 120 kilometres from Hanoi
Why to Visit- A secluded beach with colonial-era charm, pine-covered slopes, and moderate surf. Not as many tourists as in other seaside areas.<...

Location- Off the shore of Hải Phòng, you can get there by ferry.
Why to Visit- It has stunning beaches, national parks, and fun things to do like rock climbing and snorkelling.
Travel T...
Underrated or Hidden Gems in Hanoi

A ceramic village that is hundreds of years old and not well known to most tourists. Its charming alleys and busy kilns give you a real, unfiltered experience.
What to do there: Watch artisans work, try making pottery, an...

A peaceful stretch of railway arches covered in art that shows life in Hanoi through beautiful murals and old-fashioned scenes.
What to do there: Walk around and look at 3D street art, take pictures in front of colourful ...

Despite its lovely architecture and serene location, tourists frequently overlook this tranquil Buddhist temple close to West Lake.
What to do there: Take in the centuries-old architecture encircled by lotus ponds, serene...

Tourists hardly ever see this wholesale market, which bustles before sunrise but is hidden in plain sight beneath the historic Long Biên Bridge.
Things to do there: Take in the dim lighting as locals exchange produce, fru...

A must-visit place in Hanoi's modern Tây Hồ area, it offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s traditional village life, with well-preserved architecture and cultural artefacts.
Things to do there: Look at the traditional buildings...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tourists and locals alike love this capital city of Vietnam for its timeless beauty, rich culture, and lively street life. Hanoi offers a glimpse into what makes Vietnam unique. It has buildings that are hundreds of years old, traditional pagodas, and historical sites that show off the country's rich history and booming present. Hoàn Kiếm Lake, the Old Quarter, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Temple of Literature are some of the best places to see in Hanoi. Each site tells a story about Hanoi's religious culture, political history, and educational legacy. Hanoi has more than just monuments. It also has tasty street food, artistic performances like water puppetry, and peaceful green spaces like West Lake. There are so many interesting places to visit in Hanoi that it's a must-see for anyone who loves culture, food, or just wants to know more about the world. You can walk through narrow alleys, try local foods, or visit ancient temples.
Yes, two days can be plenty to see some of the best places to visit in Hanoi, especially if you organise your trip wisely. You can visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, the Old Quarter, and Hoàn Kiếm Lake, to name a few. You might go around West Lake or go to a traditional water puppet show. You won't be able to see everything in two days, but you'll get a worthwhile cultural experience. An extra day is great for visiting more local sites and hidden jewels if you enjoy nature or want to understand more about Hanoi's rich history.
The area around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, which is in the middle of Hanoi, is one of the most beautiful parts of the city. This calm lake is surrounded by tree-lined streets, colonial buildings, and the famous Ngọc Sơn Temple. It has both natural beauty and cultural significance. It's also near some of Hanoi's most popular tourist spots, like the Old Quarter and the Opera House. Early mornings here are especially magical, with people doing tai chi and the city waking up slowly. This beautiful and spiritual centre captures the essence of Hanoi's beauty that will never go out of style.
Yes, travellers should definitely visit Hanoi. There are a lot of tourist places in Hanoi that you shouldn't miss. As Vietnam's cultural capital, it possesses the appropriate balance of history, tradition, and modern life. There are a lot of things to do in the city, such as visiting old temples and French colonial buildings, shopping at busy street markets, and eating delicious local food. People enjoy visiting Hanoi's Temple of Literature, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and the Old Quarter. Hanoi has something for everyone, whether you like food, history, or culture.
The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is a lively blend of culture, history, and everyday charm, making it a great place for first-time tourists. Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Ngọc Sơn Temple are two of the best places to visit in Hanoi since they are so peaceful and beautiful in the middle of the city.
The busy Old Quarter is a great place to learn about Hanoi's street culture and everyday life. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long are all great places to learn about Vietnam's long history. People who love culture will enjoy the Hanoi Opera House and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. People who want to find peace of mind can go to Trấn Quốc Pagoda beside West Lake. The Long Biên Bridge and Hoa Lo Prison, which are both historic, lend complexity to the city's heritage. Hanoi is a great place to start your trip to Vietnam because it has a unique mix of history and modernity.
Hanoi is a must-see for history buffs because it has a lot of interesting places that show off its long history. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to learn about Vietnam's famous leader, and then go to the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a long and important history.
The Temple of Literature, which was Vietnam's first university, gives us a look at how people learnt in the past and what Confucian values were. Hoa Lo Prison is one such place in Hanoi because it tells the story of the country's colonial and wartime past. These amazing sights make Hanoi the best place for anyone who wants to learn about Vietnam's history and how its culture has changed over time.
Hanoi has a lot of cultural sites that give you a deep look into Vietnamese traditions and ways of life. The Old Quarter is one of the best places to visit in Hanoi to experience the culture. The narrow streets, street food, and artisan shops all show what life is like there. The Temple of Literature shows how much Vietnam cares about education and Confucianism, and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre puts on live shows that tell traditional tales. The Tran Quoc Pagoda, which is next to West Lake, is Hanoi's oldest Buddhist temple. These famous places show what Hanoi's culture is all about by combining history, religion, art, and daily life in ways that will stick with you.
Yes, Hanoi has a lot of off-the-beaten-path or hidden places that are quieter. The Trúc Bạch Lake area is one of the lesser-known places to visit in Hanoi. It's a quiet place near West Lake that's great for leisurely walks and cafes by the lake. It's not every day that you see trains passing so close to homes on Hanoi Train Street. In the early morning, the Quảng Bá Flower Market comes to life with local colour and trade. The Old Quarter's secret alleys also display hidden temples and everyday life. These places help travellers get to know Hanoi better.
The old temples and pagodas are among the best places to see in Hanoi because they are cultural treasures. The Temple of Literature, which is Vietnam's first university, shows off traditional Vietnamese architecture and scholarly culture. The One Pillar Pagoda, which looks like a lotus flower, is a famous landmark in the city. Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, is a peaceful place along West Lake. Ngoc Son Temple, which sits on Hoan Kiem Lake, is a great place for both history buffs and photographers. These spiritual sites not only show off Hanoi's religious history, but they also give you a quiet place to get away from the busy city life.
Most of the sites in Hanoi that are open to tourists are open all year, but others change their hours depending on the season. The Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Thang Long Imperial Citadel are all open every day from 8 AM to 5 or 6 PM. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is harder to get to. It's open most mornings but closed on Mondays and Fridays, and it closes for restoration once a year (usually in October or November). Many businesses that aren't tourism-related close for a few days during Tet (Lunar New Year). However, most of the important tourist destinations in the Old Quarter and historic temples stay open. Check for holiday or maintenance closures before you go to Hanoi to make sure everything goes well.
You can see the best places to visit in Hanoi in one day, but it will be a busy schedule. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda are great places to start your day. After that, travel to the Temple of Literature. At noon, have lunch in the Old Quarter, which is noted for its street food and lively atmosphere. Go to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple in the afternoon. End your day with a traditional Water Puppet Show or a wander around the French Quarter. One day is enough to get a taste of the cultural centre of Hanoi.
There are multiple tourist places in Hanoi, Vietnam, which are family-friendly. Interactive exhibitions and displays outside are part of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. The lively Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre is a traditional art form that is performed on water.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a great place to take a walk or see street entertainment. You may go on rides and see animals in the Hanoi Zoo and Thu Le Park. The Vietnamese Women's Museum has exhibitions that are great for kids and adults. It's a pleasant and educational place to go. These family-friendly sites to see in Hanoi make it a fun spot for both kids and adults to visit.
There are a lot of places in Hanoi that are great for taking pictures. Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the most beautiful spots to see in Hanoi, especially at sunrise or sunset. The red-painted Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple are also there. A lot is going on in the Old Quarter, with lively street activity, colonial buildings, and colourful marketplaces that are great for candid photography. Long Bien Bridge has amazing views of the Red River and the skyline of the city. Train Street is a one-of-a-kind spot to take pictures since trains go through narrow residential streets. These places highlight how Hanoi combines old and new energy.
Many places to visit in Hanoi come alive at night. The Night Market in the Old Quarter is a terrific place to shop, eat, and learn about the local culture. People know Ta Hien Street for its street food and lively nightlife.
Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at night, when the lights shine brilliantly on the water. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre has fun acts every night that give you a taste of Vietnamese culture. You may also enjoy panoramic views from rooftop bars in the French Quarter, which makes Hanoi's nights just as memorable as its days.
Museums are among the best locations to learn from in Hanoi. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology has interactive exhibitions and traditional exhibits that show the country's many ethnic groups. The Hoa Lo Prison Museum gives a serious yet vital look at Vietnam's history during the colonial and war years. The Vietnamese Women's Museum displays how women have been important in society and during conflict. These museums are not only interesting to look at, but they also teach you things. They are great places for history fans, students, and travellers who want to learn.