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Things to Do in Hanoi
Visit Hoa Lo Prison. Soak in the beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi. Visit Banh Mi 25 and visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi. If you're on a 7-day Vietnam tour, Hanoi offers the perfect start with its mix of history, culture, and local charm. Seek blessings at Bach Ma Temple, visit Lotte Tower Observation Deck, Try the egg coffee at Giang Cafe, explore the National Museum of Vietnamese History, watch a puppet show at Water Puppet Theatre, tour the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, and many more.
A truly underrated and unexplored gem, there are a multitude of things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam. Offer prayers to the almighty and soak in harmony at auspicious places like Tran Quoc Pagoda and Bach Ma Temple. Voracious food lovers can opt for the Hanoi Food Tour, which includes tasting some of the best Vietnamese cuisine. Reserve your dates at Oriental Central Spa and indulge in exquisite massages to rejuvenate yourself, a popular pick in many Vietnam honeymoon packages for couples seeking a relaxing escape.
The National Museum of Vietnamese History and the Vietnamese Women’s Museum are great sources for learning about Vietnamese history, culture, and lifestyle. Or catch breathtaking views of Hanoi City from Lotte Tower Observation Deck. If you are in search of some thrill, go for the Sapa Trekking Tour, a must-include adventure in Vietnam tour packages. Other Hanoi top things to do include gorging on sumptuous delicacies like honey-glazed chicken and egg coffee at Banh Mi 25 and Giang Cafe.
Here are some of the best things to do in Hanoi
1. Watch a Performance at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre :
For tourists who want to experience some great performing arts in the city of Hanoi, this is the best place where all kind of performances happen. The theatre is quite famous for its theatrical water puppetry show with accompanying music that sounds lovely. It is also sort of spiritual in nature as the event is according to their culture.
Location: 57b ?inh Tiên Hoàng, Hoàn Ki?m Hanoi, Vietnam.
2. Visit The Perfume Pagoda:
The perfume pagoda which is also known as the Huong pagoda is a huge complex of Buddhist temples which belong here. Often included in Vietnam group tour packages, there are various shrines that are built into the limestone Huong Tich mountains. You will find many pagodas here but the perfume pagoda is quite famous for the way it is built.
Location: H??ng S?n, M? ??c, Hà N?i, Vietnam Highlights: It is also a popular site of various religious festivals that are held here. This attracts a lot of pilgrims which are local as well as foreigners. At the center of this huge complex is the perfume temple which is also known as Chua Tong which translates to Inner temple in English.
History: It is said that this site was discovered more than 2000 years ago and has a vast amount of history associated with it.
Best time to visit: Visit here when some religious festivals are taking place, it is really worth it.
3. Banh Mi 25 :
Among the top things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam, Banh Mi 25 is a must-have in your 4-day Vietnam itinerary. It offers sumptuous delicacies like avocado & egg, beef & cheese, BBQ pork, honey-glazed chicken, smoothies, and many more. Other than their specialities, it is also known for its pitch-perfect cleanliness and impeccable hospitality.
Location: 25 Hàng Cá, P, Hoàn Ki?m, Hà N?i, Vietnam
Timings: 7 AM- 9 PM
Price: 20,000 VND – 40,000 VND
4. Try the Egg Coffee at Giang Cafe :
Trying egg coffee, or "Ca phe trúng," at Giang Cafe is considered one of the unique things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam. Egg coffee, or "ca phe trúng, comes in two versions, i.e. hot and cold versions. It is a Hanoi specialty consisting of creamy and soft egg white foam rested on Vietnamese coffee.
Location: 39 Nguy?n H?u Huân, Lý Thái T?, Hoàn Ki?m, Hà N?i, Vietnam
Timings: 7 AM- 10 PM
Price: VND 30,000
5. National Museum of Vietnamese History
Located in the Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi, the National Museum of Vietnamese History is all about Vietnam's prehistory, which dates back to 300,000–400,000 years ago. With its educational exhibits and historical richness, it’s an ideal spot often included in Vietnam family holiday packages. The architecture of the National Museum is a beautiful blend of French colonial and traditional Vietnamese architecture. Exhibits in the museum include items from the Hung Era, Neolithic Age and Bronze Age.
Location: 216 ???ng Tr?n Quang Kh?i, Tràng Ti?n, Hoàn Ki?m, Hà N?i 110000, Vietnam
Timings: 8 AM- 12 PM | 1:30 PM- 5 PM
Price: 40,000 VND
6. Vietnamese Women’s Museum
Solely dedicated to the Vietnamese women, an excursion to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum is one of the excellent things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam. It has more than 1000 exhibits showing the unrivaled role of Vietnamese women in history and contemporary society. The main agenda of the Vietnamese Women’s Museum is to promote the role of gender equality and put Vietnamese women on a high pedestal.
Location: 36 Lý Th??ng Ki?t, Hàng Bài, Hoàn Ki?m, Hà N?i, Vietnam
Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM
Price: 30,000 VND
7. Memorial House
A classic example of old Hanoi architecture, Memorial House is an ideal place to get enlightened about the life and culture of Hanoi's locals during the previous era. It is filled with antiques and objects that are centuries old. The entire Memorial House is set up according to the tradition of Feng Shui, which allows good energy flow into the house.
Location: 48 Hàng Ngang, Hàng ?ào, Hoàn Ki?m, Hà N?i, Vietnam
Timings: 8:30 AM -11:30 AM | 1:30 PM- 4:30 PM
8. Tran Quoc Pagoda
Near the southeastern shore of Hanoi's West Lake sits one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Hanoi - Tran Quoc Pagoda. Admiring its beauty is one of the peaceful things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam. It was constructed in the 6th century and is thus more than 1,450 years old. The walls of the pagoda have lotus flowers carved on them which symbolizes the beauty of nature in Vietnam. Every year, during the Tet and Buddha's Birthday, Tran Quoc Pagoda attracts devotees from all across the globe.
Location: ?. Thanh Niên, Yên Ph?, Tây H?, Hà N?i 100000, Vietnam
Timings: 8 AM - 4 PM
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Visit Hanoi and witness the solemn grandeur of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Built from materials across Vietnam, it houses Ho Chi Minh's embalmed body in a glass sarcophagus, defying his wish for a simple cremation. Closed annually from 4 September to 4 November, it's a tribute to Vietnam's revered leader, echoing the monumental legacies of Lenin, Stalin, and Mao.
Located in Hanoi’s historical center the Hồ Hoàn Kiếm Lake or the Lake of the Restored Sword is one of the scenic places to visit in Hanoi. This lake offers a tranquil escape from the city’s maddening crowds and hectic pace. Legend has it that when Lê Lợi won the battle against the Ming Chinese, he became the king.
One of the most iconic places to visit in Hanoi is the Tháp RùaTower that built for commemorating Lê Lợi. Lê Lợi created an insurgent army and help Vietnam gain freedom from the Ming Chinese in 1400s. It was built in the 19th century on a tiny island in the lake of Hồ Hoàn Kiếm. People lovingly call this island the “Turtle Islet”. Public cannot access this attraction but view it from a distance while walking around the lake.
One of the most interesting places to visit in Hanoi the Bat Trang Ceramic Village belongs to Hani’s Gia Lam district. A location of the banks of the rivers Pho Hien and Thang Long, the traditional pottery and porcelain village has a history of seven centuries. The 14th century village has an area that is rich in clay hence the village potters have an advantage of ingredients required to create fine ceramics.
This magnificent temple today stands in customary hues of yellow and houses an orange tree in its premise. The Quan Su Pagoda is one of the popular places to visit in Hanoi that you cannot miss.
Location: 73 Quán Sứ, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Highlights: This religious Buddhist Pagoda houses Vietnam’s Central Buddhism Association Command.
Visit the tranquil 11th-century Confucian temple of literature, Van Mieu, in Vietnam. It now serves as a memorial to outstanding professors from its days as a leading Vietnamese institution. Here, you can stroll around its picturesque halls, pavilions, and sculptures set among peaceful gardens and ponds, and absorb the wealth of knowledge it contains.
Chua Tran Quoc is located in North Vietnam on the island of West Lake in Hanoi. It is a historical and ancient Buddhist Temple known for its beautiful architecture and cultural significance. The temple was built in the 6th Century by the Emperor Ly Nam De. Originally built across the river, it moved to its current location in the 17th century due to river encroachment.
The museum gives you a good understanding of how the Vietnamese society underwent evolution. There are artifacts from the Bronze Age as well as from the modern day. Some of the masterpieces that will boggle your mind are the ones from the Champa Kingdom and a phenomenal sculpture of Lord Shiva with a moustache.
Location: 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Timings: 8: 00 AM- 11:30 AM, 1: 30 PM – 5 PM
Highlights: Built in the year 1929 this museum is a combination of French and Asiatic architecture. The encompassing green enclosures of the museum give you an alluring escape from the city’s clamor.
Regarded as the freshwater lake of Vietnam, West Lake is spread over 500 hectares of land. Known for its soothing atmosphere, scenic beauty, and historic pagodas, it is an iconic escape from urban hustle attracting travellers and locals from all around the globe.
Built in 1911, the Hanoi Opera House is one of the notable architectural landmarks and cultural places to visit in Hanoi. It lies very close to the Hoan Kiem Lake and bears resemblance to the Opera House of Paris in its interiors and structure. The sight of the balconies, pillars and beautiful domes of the 600-seat opera will mesmerize you to the core. You can enjoy Vietnamese musicals and Western classics here.
Old Quarter in Vietnam is an iconic district known for its narrow lanes, bustling markets, and ancient temples situated in every nook and corner. When exploring its busy street, get ready to indulge in mouth-melting street food and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture that will leave all travelers awe-struck!
Legend has it that when the Vietnamese Leader was crossing the Red river in a boat during Vietnam’s independence struggle against America, he faced many challenges. Eventually Ho chi Minh got so frustrated with the challenges that he manifested a reunification of the South and North by building a dam to calm the ferocious river.
Location: Hòa Bình province, Vietnam
Timings: 07:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 14:00 PM to 17:00 PM
Highlights: The Hoa Běnh Dam produces 27 percent of Vietnam’s electricity.
One of the most outstanding places to visit in Hanoi is the Ba Vi National Park that is known for its splendid natural beauty. It lies in the center of a three-peaked mountain that juts steeply out of the landscape.
Hoan Kiem Lake, nestled in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam, is a shimmering gem steeped in legend and history. Spanning approximately 12 hectares, it serves as a tranquil oasis amid the bustling cityscape, attracting locals and tourists alike seeking respite from urban chaos. The lake's name translates to "Lake of the Returned Sword," derived from an ancient tale of a mystical sword bestowed upon a Vietnamese emperor by a divine turtle, which he later returned to the lake.
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The Vietnam Military History Museum is one of the notable Hanoi tourist places that features a massive weaponry collection right at the front. The Museum displays Chinese and Soviet Equipment alongside US and French-made weapons that were captured during several years of warfare. You will spot the Soviet-built triumphant MiG-21 jet fighter displayed as a centerpiece here.
Treasures abound, this museum lets you witness the lacquered statues of the Tay Son Dynasty’s Buddhist monks and an awe-inspiring collection of both folk-naive and contemporary paintings.
Location: 66 P Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Hanoi 10000
Timings: 9:15 AM 5:00 PM
Highlights: You can revel in the beauty of the artworks at this museum as tour crowds have not crowded it like the Temple of Literature. The ceramic statues and wood carvings are bound to enamor you.
You cannot come to Hanoi and not visit this outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This citadel is Vietnam’s history’s intriguing relic that signifies its cultural and historical importance. Many artifacts in this Citadel date back between the sixth and the twentieth century. This ancient site remained the country’s political center for thirteen consecutive centuries. You have to pick a map from the ticket counter to visit the places inside the fortress.
Built in the year 1917, the two-story building of the Vietnam Museum of Revolution once served as Vietnam’s trade department. Later at the start of 2008 the museum was upgraded with thirty displays that contain 40000 chronicled exhibits.
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology features a fabulous collection of well-presented artifacts, tribal art and objects of use related to the ethnic minorities of Vietnam. If you dabble into anthropology then this museum is worth your time. To ease your experience the items collected from the traditional village houses are labeled in English, French and Vietnamese.
Located on the 65th floor of the Lotte Center the observation Deck of Lotte is one of the chief Hanoi attractions. This deck offers sweeping views of the city from the top and is divided into four major sections. The zones are namely: the Romantic Zone, Experience Zone, Welcome Zone and the Attraction Zone. This undisturbed vantage point lets you compare the Old Quarter’s size relative to the voracious growth of Hanoi. You can walk out on the steep drop through the glass-floor skywalks and enjoy drinks at the rooftop bar on the same floor.
More Hanoi Activities
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Hanoi Things To Do FAQs
What all adventure sports can be done in Hanoi?
There are plenty of adventure activities that can be done in Hanoi such as:
Hiking
Climbing Mountains
Paragliding
Go Canyoning
Para sailing
Backpacking
Mountain Biking
Which are some must try water sports in Hanoi?
The must-try water sports in Hanoi includes
- Kayaking
- Cruising and
- Scuba diving.
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How to reach Hanoi?
- By Plane: Newly developed Noi Bai International Airport is the destination you need to land if you are visiting this wonderful town. Flights of several international airlines have their operations in this airport.
- By Train: There are also train connections to the city from Beijing, Lao Cai, Nanning and more making it more convenient for the travelers to reach here. Most trains arrive at Gia Lam station which is just 5 km away from Hanoi Station.
- By Bus: There are also bus services, crossing over China, to reach this wonderful town. There are numerous bus station or bus lines making it convenient to reach here.
From the above locations, you will get a number of other conveyance like a cab, local bus and more to reach your destination, like hotel or so.
Explore More: Things to Do in Hanoi
How can I spend 2 days in Hanoi?
1. Offering Prayers at Bach Ma Temple: Offering your prayers to the Almighty straight from the heart at Bach Ma Temple is one of the pious things to do in Hanoi Vietnam. It is said to be the oldest temple in the city and was built by the King Ly Thai To, the legendary founder of the great Vietnamese Ly Dynasty.
2. Egg Coffee at Giang Cafe: Tasting the frothy Egg Coffee at Giang Cafe is one of the unique things to do in Hanoi. As you take the first sip, get ready to feel the sweet froth in your mouth which rests above the murky Vietnamese coffee.
3. Spend Time at National Museum of Vietnamese History: Take out a day and spend time at the National Museum of Vietnamese History. It is one of the prime Hanoi top things to do when in Vietnam. It is the perfect place for history enthusiasts who are willing to know more about the episodes from Vietnam’s prehistory up to the August 1945 Revolution.
4. Visit Lotte Tower: Lotte Observation Deck is perched on the 65th floor of Lotte Tower, and is a great spot for viewing the urban landscape of Hanoi. Undoubtedly, it is one of the finest things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam. One needs to reach the 65th floor in a speedy elevator that travels at 360m/minute. Besides, there is also a small shop at the Observation Deck where you can purchase snacks and drinks.
How to reach Hanoi?
Hanoi can be reached via Flight. Hanoi is connected to all the major cities in the world via N?i Bài International Airport. Airlines like Asiana Airlines, Qatar Airways, China Airlines, Dragon Air, Hong Kong Airlines, and Korean Air operate on this route.
Must Visit: Ho Chi Minh City Tourist Places
Which are best places for scuba diving in Hanoi?
You can visit Nha Trang as well as Halong Bay to enjoy Scuba Diving in Hanoi. These are the two best places for scuba diving in Hanoi.
Is Hanoi worth visiting?
What are the famous hiking trails in Hanoi?
There are plenty of famous hiking trails available in Hanoi. A list of the top ten amazing hiking trails is:
Sapa
Lang Bian Mountain
Cat Tien National Park
Ba Be National Park
Cat Ba National Park
Mai Chau
Cuc Phong National Park
Cao Bang
Ba Na Hill
Pu Luong National Park
Which are some famous beaches in Hanoi?
There are no beaches in Hanoi. The closest one is situated at a distance of 116 kilometres. The beaches you can visit close to Hanoi are:
Bai Chay Beach (Quang Ninh) Bai Chay Beach is located in Quang Ninh Province, around 100km to the Northeast of Hanoi. ...
Tuan Chau Beach (Ha Long)
Do Son Beach (Hai Phong)
Cat Ba Beach (Hai Phong)
Hai Thinh Beach (Nam Dinh)
What is the best time to visit Hanoi?
Which are some famous cruises tours in Hanoi?
Some famous cruise tours in Hanoi are:
Halong Bay Day Cruise
Day Tour of the Ancient Binh
Trang An Bai Dinh Tour
Lan Ha Bay Tour
Cong Dam Bai Tu
Which are some famous places for snorkeling in Hanoi and how much does it cost?
Hanoi lies in the vicinity of South China Sea which is extremely beautiful. There are plenty of sites here which are great for snorkelling. The closest places for snorkelling to Hanoi are the following:
Halong Bay
Mekong River Delta
Con Dao Islands
Phu Quoc Islands
All of these places charge a rough estimate of 5,25,000 VND for snorkelling.
Planning to visit Vietnam? Don’t miss out on curated South And Central Vietnam Tour Package.
How many days should I spend in Hanoi on a 10-day Vietnam trip?
If you're following a 10-day Vietnam itinerary, spending 2 to 3 days in Hanoi allows you to explore major attractions like the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and nearby cultural spots, while leaving time for other destinations across Vietnam.
Where can I experience jeep safari in Hanoi?
You can head to various spots for jeep safari in Hanoi. The places that you can go to are:
- Saigon
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Hoan Kiem District
- Truong Son Range
What are the most happening nightlife experiences in Hanoi?
- The most happening nightlife experiences in Hanoi are:
- Take a heritage walk at night
- Enjoy the street food at night
- Enjoy the local beer on tap
- Catch an orchestra show
- Enjoy cocktails in the old quarter
Which are the pilgrimage sites which are a must visit in Hanoi?
- The pilgrimage sites that you must visit in Hanoi are:
- One Pillar Pagoda
- Tran Quoc Pagoda
- Bach Ma Temple
- Dong Huong Temple
- Nam Huong Temple
- Cau Dong Temple
- Hoe Nhai Pagoda
- Ba Da Pagoda
- Ly Quoc Su Pagoda
- Phu Ung Temple
- Ngoc Son Temple
Which are the best biking routes in Hanoi?
The best biking routes in Hanoi are:
- Ho Chi Minh Trail
- Coastal Road from Quy Nhon To Nha Trang. … CV
- Back-Road From Cao Bang to Ban Gioc waterfall. ...
- The road crossing the Rock plateau in Ha Giang. ...
- Motorbike Ride from Tu Le to Sapa.
Which are some famous lakes to visit in Hanoi?
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Thien Quang Lake
- Truc Bach Lake
- Turtle Tower
- West Lake
Where is the famous locality for shopping in Hanoi?
- Dong Xuan Market
- Hanoi Weekend Night Market
- Hang Da Market
- Cho Hom Market
- Quang Ba Flower Market
Does Thrillophilia Offer Vietnam Tour Packages from Multiple Indian Cities?
1. Vietnam Tour Packages from Mumbai
Tour Inclusions: Flights (optional), accommodation, guided sightseeing, and transfers
Itinerary: Explore Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, and Hoi An.
2. Vietnam Tour Packages from Delhi
Tour Inclusions: Visa assistance, hotel stays, internal flights, and cultural tours
Itinerary: Discover Hanoi city, enjoy a Halong Bay cruise, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, and explore the Mekong Delta.
3. Vietnam Tour Packages from Chennai
Tour Inclusions: Round trip airfare (optional), top-notch accommodations, and adventure activities
Itinerary: Experience Ninh Binh, trek in Sapa, savor a food tour in Hanoi, and relax on Phu Quoc beaches.
4. Vietnam Tour Packages from Ahmedabad
Tour Inclusions: Local transport, heritage tours, and island trips and hotel stays
Itinerary: Visit Ho Chi Minh City, the Mui Ne sand dunes, and enjoy the Hoi An lantern festival
5. Vietnam Tour Packages from Kolkata
Tour Inclusions: Flights (upon request), cultural tours, guided sightseeing, and transfers
Itinerary: Wander through Hanoi's Old Quarter, take an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, and unwind at Da Nang beach resorts.
6. Vietnam Tour Packages from Kerala
Tour Inclusions: Local transport, heritage tours, and island trips and hotel stays
Itinerary: Discover Hanoi city, enjoy a Halong Bay cruise, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, and explore the Mekong Delta.
Which are the best areas to taste the street food in Hanoi?
The best options for street food in Hanoi are:
- Pho (Noodle Soup)
- Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup)
- Pho Ga(Chicken Noodle Soup)
- Cha Ca(Grilled and Fried Fish with Rice Noodles)
- Xoi (Sticky Rice)
- Bun Cha (Grilled Pork and Noodles)
- Bun Bo Nam Bo (Beef and Noodles)
- Banh Mi(Baguette Sandwich)
- Pho Cuon( Rice Noodle Rolls)
- Pho Chien Phong (Fried Rice Noodles)
Which are the best places for day trips from Hanoi?
- Mai Chau
- Hoa Lu
- Bat Trang
- Tam Coc
- Huong Pagoda
- Van Phuc Silk Village
- Duong Lam Ancient Village
- Ha Long Bay
- Ancient Capital Hoa Lu
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