One of the best places to visit in Vietnam, Hanoi offers a mix of East and West with its historically significant spots and pulsating city streets. Attractions highlight its traditional culture, while outdoor adventures can be found around picturesque lakes and a national park. Immerse yourself in rich Vietnamese culture by exploring the best things to do in Hanoi.
Wander Hanoi Old Town Quarter
What Is It? Located in the Ba Dinh district, the Old Town Quarter is a great place to get oriented with the city.
Why Do It? You can stroll the bustling streets of this area and get lost in the labyrinth of narrow alleys as you explore the commercial heartbeat of Hanoi and admire medieval era architecture as you soak up the buzzing atmosphere.
Good to Know: Filled with motorbikes, street vendors and the trading of commerce, it is an ideal place to experience Hanoi street life and pick up souvenirs.
Take a Stroll Around Hoan Kiem Lake
What Is It? Arguably Hanoi’s most well-known landmark, Hoan Kiem Lake is nestled on the southern edge of the Old Town.
Why Do It? Take a walk around the pedestrian path around the lake, then head inward to explore the Ngoc Son Pagoda, which is set in the middle of the lake and connected by a beautiful red-painted bridge.
Good to Know: It’s a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset, and you can opt to explore the lake on two wheels with a rented bike.
Tour the Temple of Literature
What Is It? A 1,000-year-old landmark, the Temple of Literature is a beautiful temple complex in the center of Hanoi.
Why Do It? It was built to be the center of learning in the 11th century and now stands as a tribute to the nation’s scholars, where the philosophy of Confucianism and literature was taught.
Good to Know: Explore its interior to discover tranquil gardens and a pagoda where a statue of Confucius sits, in addition to a series of pillars where the names of the former students can still be seen.
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
What Is It? The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese and is a sprawling complex set within the city’s gardens.
Why Do It? Ho Chi Minh was the first Communist leader of Vietnam and defeated the French in 1954, and the marble mausoleum contains his tomb.
Good to Know: You can also browse the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which boasts a fascinating collection of his personal memorabilia in addition to highlighting information on the history of the Vietnamese Revolution.
Watch a Water Puppet Theatre Performance
What Is It? Playing a significant part in the Vietnamese culture, Hanoi’s water puppet shows offer a delightful way to experience local artistry and entertainment.
Why Do It? Kids will delight in this ancient art form, which first evolved in Vietnam’s rural areas during the months of monsoon paddy field flooding.
Good to Know: Watch as the plays are performed in custom-made water pools and live bands play traditional music, as the one-hour shows include puppets dancing over water as they reenact tales of history and mythology.
Take a Step Back in Time at the Imperial Citadel
What Is It? A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial Citadel was the center of ancient Hanoi.
Why Do It? It was once the vital seat of military power here and had an important role up to the 1960s during the Vietnam War.
Good to Know: You can explore the landmark’s 1,000-year-old history by seeing archaeological sites such as the Flag Tower, the Kinh Thien Palace and a bunker that dates back to the Vietnam War that includes military maps.
Spend an Afternoon at West Lake
What Is It? Known as West Lake, Ho Tay is the biggest freshwater lake in Hanoi and is dotted with upmarket suburbs, restaurants and bars.
Why Do It? It’s a great place to spend a day walking or cycling the pathway that rings the shore, while there’s also plenty of temples nearby to explore such as the ornate Tay Ho Pagoda.
Good to Know: It offers a great place to admire Hanoi’s glittering skyline at night, while the fresh seafood is served at local restaurants that overlook the waters.
Shop for Bargains at Dong Xuan Market
What Is It? A four-story establishment full of clothes, electrical appliances, home decor, and fresh food, the Dong Xuan Market offers a colorful landscape of local vendors selling souvenirs.
Why Do It? Hanoi’s biggest indoor market, it’s a great place to chow down on hearty fare and pick up handicrafts, fashion apparel, and printed t-shirts at the best prices.
Good to Know: Located on the northern edge of the Old Quarter, it has everything you could possibly want for a shopping excursion.
Enjoy the Outdoors at Ba Vi National Park
What Is It? Escape the city’s bustle and enjoy the beautiful landscapes found at Ba Vi National Park.
Why Do It? Located 36 miles outside of Hanoi’s city center, it is an ideal place for those looking for a day of hiking with a temple from the 11th century at the peak of its tallest mountain. Admire the three-peak mountain covered in clouds and explore a diverse range of rugged terrain that is home to exotic animals.
Good to Know: When you need to rest your weary muscles, head to the forest floors to relax in the natural hot springs.
Browse Exhibits in the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
What Is It? If you’re a fan of history, head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to explore its impressive collection.
Why Do It? It boasts an extensive national collection and details the stories of Vietnam’s diverse cultures through a collection of impressive exhibits. Learn about Vietnam’s ethnic communities through artifacts and artwork, wooden carvings, metalwork and traditional costumes.
Good to Know: You can stroll outside the museum to see its garden area that features rural dwellings used by ethnic minorities and a fascinating Giarai tomb.
Get a Dose of Culture at the Hanoi Opera House
What Is It? Modeled after the Paris Opera House, the Hanoi Opera House is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Hanoi.
Why Do It? Renovated in 1997, it is a great place for an evening of entertainment and culture, with Vietnamese Opera Performances, music concerts and Asian dance and ballet performances held regularly.
Good to Know: Located in the French Quarter, this historic building dates back to 1911 when the French invaded Hanoi and was designed to entertain the French elite at the time.
