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Language I CurrencyExplore Hanoi's top attractions, from the Old Quarter, temples, and the Imperial Citadel to street food and bus tours, with practical tips for first-time visitors.
By Admin
Hanoi pulls you in from the moment you arrive: motorbikes weaving through narrow streets, the smell of fresh pho in the air, and lion dancers performing on the corner. If it's your first time here, this guide covers the best things to do in Hanoi so you can make the most of your trip.
From night markets, hidden caves, and cyclo tours, its culture is a motley of Vietnamese, French, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences. Stroll the Old Quarter, visit the old temples and museums, relax at green gardens, join the group tours, or enjoy the water puppet shows.
In this guide, we will introduce all of this and more places to visit in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, and create a perfect itinerary to de-stress from the boring regular life.
Forget the flow of time, surrounded by a myriad of choices. Explore the 1000 years of history at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hoa Lo Prison, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Pay respects at Ngoc Son Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, and the oldest, Bach Ma Temple.
Stroll around the Old Quarter, drink coffee on Train Street, and try the mouth-watering Vietnamese food throughout the city. Relax by Hoan Kiem Lake or in the outskirts village, Quang Phu Cau, among the aromatic incense sticks garden. Enjoy the nightlife with Lion dances, impromptu concerts, and skit acts by talented artists.
Join the sightseeing tours with expert guides to explore without worrying about navigation. Such as Bike tours, Cyclo Tours, or Hanoi bus tours.
Start your journey in the heart of Hanoi, ambling through the streets and browsing the stores. Looking at the architecture throughout the Old Quarter, you’ll learn it used to be the commerce plus craft street, where young merchants did their business.
Visit the Bach Ma Temple, the oldest and most spiritual temple. In the old days, there were several temples dedicated to gods for successful relations, many of which were destroyed along with most city gates. You can also see the last-standing city gate, Ô Quan Chưởng.
After frolicking around Hanoi, explore the exterior of the Hanoi Opera House and find many hidden gems standing in plain sight. Enjoy the street performances in the Hanoi Old Quarter, taste local street food, and immerse yourself in the lively nightlife.
After a short walk, you’ll arrive at Hoan Kiem Lake, the lake of the returned sword. An unmissable location for all tourists, steeped in history, culture, and myths. A small oasis in the middle of a modern city.
Take your time exploring the nearby temples and landmarks, such as Ngoc Son Temple, Turtle Tower, the Statue of King Le, etc. Hold off on joining a tour, as just past the road stand St. Joseph Cathedral and Vietnam’s Women’s Museum.
This major cultural site was a world-changing development: Vietnam’s very first university. Even today, after countless repairs and restoration projects, the Temple of Literature retains its initial design and tranquil atmosphere.
Slow down to appreciate the iconic Asian touches in the architecture, marvel over the intricate designs, meander around, and learn about Vietnam’s tradition of valuing education and academic excellence.
Afterwards, walk straight to a few streets over to the Military History Museum. An organized display of the history of war, relics, artifacts, and documents for viewing. Observe the tanks, planes, and weapons used during the First and Second Indochina wars.
| Reminder: The Temple of Literature is a sacred site; please dress appropriately; do not cover your head or wear a short dress. |
History lovers must prepare to explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and learn Vietnam’s past all day long. Built on the remains of a Chinese fortress in the 11th century, it holds many significant events inside its walls.
From relics as proof of cultural change to the diverse influence seen in the multicultural architecture, this citadel has owned almost 13 centuries' worth of uncontested political power.
Immerse yourself in 1,300 years of history, enjoy the free water puppet show, and gaze around the area, such as old towers, authentic flags, Kinh Thien Palace, Lady Pavilion, the archaeological site in 18 Hoang Dieu, and exhibits.
Named after the beloved leader and heart of the revolutionary movement, affectionately called “Uncle Ho” by the masses. See the magnificent craftsmanship and detailed architecture around the complex, created in his honor.
Travel to One Pillar Pagoda for blessings of Buddha. Visit Uncle Ho’s resting place, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Learn about his deeds in Ho Chi Minh Museum. Attend the daily flag-raising ceremony in Ba Dinh Square.
Nearby lies the Quan Thanh Temple, one of four sacred temples standing in each corner of the city. By placement, they create an impenetrable shield against the malevolent spirits. Quan Thanh Temple is the northern temple of the quartet.
| Reminder: Visiting rules, opening days, or access may change at times due to seasons, demands, weather, or unforeseen circumstances. Verify the latest information before finalizing plans. |
Discover the turning point in the treatment of Prisoners of War (POW) in Hoa Lo Prison, commonly known as “Hanoi Hilton”. This is one of the most notorious camps for American prisoners of war, for its worst conditions and being inescapable.
Consisting of several filthy, infested buildings, we lost many soldiers to hunger, thirst, and diseases. Today, this prison holds the past as a lesson, with interactive exhibits and models of prisoners to showcase their conditions and changes that have been implemented since.
Besides being a tourist spot, it is also a hub for spiritual blessings. Every corner has a temple or a story. So, if you want to explore Buddhist temples and pagodas, Hanoi is an excellent choice.
Besides those we named above, there are a few more locations to add to your pilgrimage.
There are many other locations to name, each holding their own stories.
Cuisine is the core of every culture. Try restaurants, street stalls, and cafes for authentic Vietnamese food. Try the Pho Cuon, Pho Chien Phong, Banh da Tron, Mien Luon, Bun Thang, and so many other delicious dishes.
Hanoi is not lacking in vegetarian options either. Locally called "nhà hàng ăn chay", Chay dishes are vegan versions of non-vegetarian recipes, so you’ll probably find mock meat and tofu in most of them.
These vegetarian restaurants are mostly located near shrines and temples.
Hanoi is a compact and walkable city, yet the sheer history and events ensure a traveler needs 3-4 days to completely explore the city. By joining tours, you get in-depth knowledge of events from experts and see attractions in the most efficient time possible.
One of the most popular tours to explore is the Hanoi Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, which provide easy access to attractions, onboard commentary from an expert, Free Wi-Fi, a pre-planned route, and flexibility to get off or on at your convenience, letting you combine walking and vehicle travel.
For first-time visitors, weekend travelers, explorers, families, and seniors, the bus sightseeing tour offers a comfortable and convenient routine for an overview of the city.
Be the master of your time; explore the nearby attractions before rejoining to continue the journey.
Hanoi holds many temples; avoid wearing a headscarf, cap, or short dress if there are any plans to visit them.
Wear comfortable sneakers to avoid blisters from walking too much.
Keep a small bag with local cash, a power bank, and a water bottle for travel ease.
Avoid being caught in Hanoi traffic during peak hours. Don't hesitate to abandon the vehicle and walk instead.
Check the latest attractions' opening times and conditions before finalising plans.
Choose transport that suits you, not what is popular. Compare the inclusions and prices before deciding.
Vegetarians and vegans: Hanoi cuisine focuses primarily on meat-based dishes. Be aware of what you are eating.
Explore the Old Quarter for its street food, temples, handcrafted items, and impromptu performances. You can also visit the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake for their tranquil atmosphere.
Yes, there are plenty of things to do in Hanoi for one-day visitors. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful sights.
Visit the Train Street for cafes and restaurants, and enjoy watching a train go by, close enough to touch.
Hanoi is a compact and walkable city that can be explored on foot. Yet, taking a vehicle to faraway attractions saves valuable time.
The must-see attractions of Hanoi are the Temple of Literature, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Ho Chi Minh Complex, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Hanoi Old Quarter.
The Hanoi Hop-On Hop-Off Bus provides free Wi-Fi, historical context, easy and comfortable travel, and flexibility to join the tour at any time within the ticket validity.
