34 Bests Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam (Part 1) - 2023 Travel Guide

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is famous for centuries-old architecture and rich culture with the influence of from Southeast Asia, China and France. With more than 1000 years of civilization, from Thang Long time to present, Hanoi has always been the largest cultural center of the country with a lot of material and non-material relics. This is the land producing many legends, folk songs, proverbs, heroes and folk festival. What makes Hanoi especial is its diverse culture and various cultural culture activities, which makes it a famous and beloved destination for tourists when coming to Vietnam.

If you’re still wondering about what is are worth doing in this place or confused because of fragmented information, this article is what you need. 
In order to help you have the best and unforgettable experiences in Hanoi, this article will suggest you the best things to do when visiting this wonderful place. So now let’s explore Hanoi with us!

Explore Hanoi lifestyle in the Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter is a common name of a long-standing urban area of Hanoi located outside of Thang Long Imperial Citadel. This urban area focuses on small-scale industrial and commercial activities, which form the characteristic streets of the capital. Today Hanoi Old Quarter is an attractive destination for those who want to learn about Thang Long - Dong Do - Hanoi.

Read more: Hanoi tour (Best 65 things to do in Hanoi) - Part 2

1. Have a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake 

Hoan Kiem Lake is a famous icon of Hanoi, which is about 500 meters from the center of the Old Quarter. This is a favorable place for of the locals as well as tourists because it gives the tranquil and comfortable feel feelings among the bustling city. In the morning, the locals come here to do morning exercise and jog. In the evening, the lake is brightened brighten up with colorful lights and becomes an attractive spot with a lot of activities. What is more, Hoan Kiem Lake is at its best from Friday to Sunday night because all traffics are banned at that time so that you can leisurely walk around the lake and enjoy the beauty of Hanoi

Location: Hang Trong Street 

Best time to visit: From 7PM - 10PM Saturday and Sunday

2. Admire St Joseph’s Cathedral

St Joseph's Cathedral was built with the neo-Gothic style in the 19th century. The cathedral has a lot of imitation of the Notre Dame de Paris. This is a religious place of many Catholics in Hanoi and also a tourist attraction to many domestic and foreign visitors. Built-in the French colonial period, the Cathedral is a typical colonial-style architecture in Hanoi.

Location: 40 Nha Chung Street

Opening hours:  8–11AM, 2–5PM Monday to Saturday;  7–10:30AM, 3–9PM in Sunday

Read more: Places to visit in Hanoi, Vietnam

3. Visit Ngoc Son Temple 

 

Ngoc Son Temple is located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake. To reach Ngoc Son Temple, you have to cross the red The Huc Bridge. Coming to the temple, you can learn about the history of Hanoi associated with the Hoan Kiem Lake and view the entire Hoan Kiem Lake with Turtle Tower. This is a tourist destination that can not be missed when traveling Hanoi Old Quarter.

Location: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hang Trong Street

Opening hours: 7AM - 6PM Monday to Friday; 7AM - 9PM Saturday & Sunday

Note: Take on polite clothes when visiting the temple because this is a religious place 

Read more: Ngoc Son Temple Travel Guide - Everything you need to know about

4. Visit Hanoi Opera House 

Hanoi Opera House (in France: Opéra de Hanoï) is an opera house in central Hanoi, Vietnam. It was built by the French colonial government from 1901 to 1911. This is a famous and typical colonial architecture in Hanoi, attracting a lot of tourists.

Location: 1 Trang Tien Street

Opening hours: Daily 14:30 – 15:20/  15:30 – 16:20/ 16:30 – 17:20 Opening Opening  hours: 7AM - 10PM 

Price: VND 400,000/person

5. Enjoy Trang Tien ice cream

This ice cream brand was founded in 1958 and has the name Trang Tien because it is made and sold at Trang Tien Street. The delicious and perfect taste of the ice cream will make you want more. Additionally, what can be better than walking around Hanoi Old Quarter with the corn of ice cream? 

Location: 35 Trang Tien Street

Opening hours: 8AM - 10PM

Price: VND 7,000 - VND 20,000

6. Go shopping at Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market is one of the largest markets in Hanoi. Here you have the opportunity to visit and shopping with many items ranging from household items to clothes. You can also buy souvenirs and enjoy local street food at this market. It will definitely be a brand new experience for you.

Location: Dong Xuan Ward

Opening hours: 7AM - 7PM

7. Visit Bach Ma Temple

This temple is considered to be the oldest temple in Hanoi, located right in the center of Old Ol Quarter. It was formally built by King Ly Thai To in the 11th century to honor a white horse that helped him choose the right place to construct his city walls.

Location: 76 Hang Buom Street

Note: Dress politely and do not make to much noise when visiting the temple

8. Enjoy the view from Long Bien Bridge

Built-in Built in the late nineteenth century and completed in the twentieth century, Long Bien bridge has witnessed many attacks ravaging the capital Hanoi of the French empire. The bridge also contributes to the people and our army transporting weapons and food for the war. Until now, the bridge has been renovated many times but still retains the original features. The bridge is just over 2.3 km long so visitors can walk or go by bike to enjoy the view of the Red River, watch the barges floating underneath.

9. Visit Ma May old house

As one of the old houses of Hanoi, 87 Ma May House reflects the living space and typical Hanoi ancient architecture. Today, this place becomes an interesting tourist destination in the Old Quarter for the locals as well as international tourists. Besides cultural activities such as Ca Tru singing in the evening, this place also displays many Vietnamese traditional handicrafts.

Location: 87 Ma May Street

Opening hours: 8AM - 8PM 

Price: VND 5,000 - VND 10,000/person

10. Take photos at O Quan Truong

This is one of the gates of Hanoi capital which still remains until now. As time goes by, the gate stands still with time, witnessed many important historical events of the country as well as the ups and downs of Ha Thanh people. 

Location: Dong Xuan Ward

Have a visit to famous destinations around Hanoi

11. Temple of Literature 

If you have the opportunity to travel to Hanoi, you should take a moment to visit Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, the first university in Vietnam, where there are many interesting things for you to explore. Temple of Literature was built in October 1070, by King Ly Thanh Tong. In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong founded the Quoc Tu Giam, next to the Temple of Literature. This is the first university in Vietnam. Initially, the school was dedicated to the children from the royal family. Later, in 1253, King Tran Thai Tong changed the Quoc Tu Giam to Quoc hoc vien, also acquiring all the ordinary children with excellent academic qualities. 

Location: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street

Opening hours: 7:30AM - 6PM from Monday to Friday; 8AM - 9PM Saturday & Sunday

Price: VND 30,000/ adult, VND 15,000/ child Children under 15 years old: free ticket. 

Read more: Temple of Literature, Hanoi - Everything you need to know 2020

12. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum 

This is the final resting place of the greatest father of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh President, who devoted his whole life to Vietnamese. The construction of this mausoleum started on August 29, 1975. The mausoleum consists of three floors with a height of 21.6 meters and a width of 41.2 meters. Around the mausoleum are gardens where over 250 plant species from all parts of the country. 

Location: Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District

Opening days: From Tuesday to Sunday

Opening hours: 7AM - 11AM Summer: 7.30 AM - 11.30 AM; Winter: 8AM - 11AM

Price: VND 25,000/ person Vietnamese: free ticket/ Foreigner: 25,000 VND/person  

Note: Do not wear shorts or miniskirts

Read more: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi: Everything you need to know

13. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long 

Thang Long Royal Citadel is a historical relic of the ancient Thang Long Citadel, dating from the pre-Thang Long period (VII century) through the Dinh-Le Dynasty. This is a massive architectural work, built and developed under the Ly, Tran, Le dynasty, and then became the most important monument in the system of relics of Vietnam. Thang Long Citadel was recognized by UNESCO as the world's cultural heritage.

Location: 9 Hoang Dieu Street

Opening hours: 8AM -  11h30 AM 12:30 PM & 2 PM 1:30PM - 5PM everyday

Price: VND 30,000/ person 

Student: VND 15,000/person

Elders (>60 years old): VND 15,000/person

Children under 15 and those with meritorious services to the revolution: free ticket 

14. Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison, formerly known as Maison Centrale while the Vietnamese name is Hanoi Prison, is an old prison located on Hoa Lo Street , Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. This prison was built in 1896 by the French in that area with the purpose of capturing political prisoners. and patriotic anti-colonialists. Visiting the prison, you can learn a lot about the colonial period in Vietnam.

Location: 1 Hoa Lo Street

Opening hours: 8AM - 8PM

Price:  VND 35,000/ person

Price: VND 30,000/person

Student: VND 15,000/person 

Children under 15: free ticket 

Read more: Hoa Lo Prison, Hanoi, Vietnam: Everything you need to know

15. Hanoi Flag Tower

The flag tower built in the early 19th century is one of a few Hanoi remaining pre-war relics. Today, it becomes an important symbol of the nation. On the top of the Hanoi flag tower, the national flag flutters every day. Visitors can walk down the stairs leading up to the flagpole to admire the military museum and Lenin park below, then visit the museum nearby to learn more about the military history of Vietnam. 

Location: Le Hong Phong Street

Opening hours: 7AM - 9AM

16. Hanoi West Lake

West Lake is one of the famous destinations in Hanoi capital, where many historical and cultural relics associated with the development of Hanoi. The beauty of West Lake is a romantic, poetic charm in colorful paintings of Hanoi. You can truly find peace when walking around the lake.

Location: Tay Ho District   

Read more: West Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam - All you need to know

Must-do things in Hanoi by night

17. Drink beer at Ta Hien street

With a length of about 100 meters from Hang Buom to Hang Bac, Ta Xien is one of the most famous streets in the center of the old town. This street attracts a large number of young people and foreign tourists every evening aftẻevening. With adjacent bars and houses, people find this small street a perfect place to have a beer and chat with friends. Not only beer but Ta now also welcome visitors with unique local street food such as Banh Xeo, rice noodle, etc. 

Location: Ta Hien Street

Opening hours: 8AM - 10PM

Read more: Hanoi Nightlife - Top 32 things to do when you stay in Hanoi

18. Visit Night market in Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter night market is held from 6PM to 11PM every weekend evening at the walking street. The night market lasts nearly 3 km, starting from Dao Street, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square through Hang Ngang, Hang Duong Street, and ending at Dong Xuan Market. After enjoying delicious food at the night market, you can leisurely walk and go shopping. Especially, on every Saturday night, the night market street is a place for traditional arts such as contemporary hip hop, violin, Ca Tru,...which attracts a lot of visitors. This is also the unique highlight of the old town night market.

Location: Hang Dao Street

Opening hours: 6PM - 11PM Friday, Saturday & Sunday night

19. Enjoy street food in Dong Xuan Market

You will be lost in the street food paradise when visiting Dong Xuan market by night. There are a lot of choices for you to enjoy interesting interesting and unique local food of Hanoi. From Bun Cha, Banh Xeo, Nem Nuong to a lot of sweet and tasty dessert like sweet red bean soups, ice cream...All will make you feel the real life of Hanoi.

Location: Dong Xuan Market, Dong Xuan Street

Opening hours: 6PM - 11PM 

20. Watching Water Puppet Show

Water puppetry is a traditional stage that can not be missed in Vietnam in general and especially in Hanoi. Although the story is told entirely in Vietnamese, the music and gestures of the wooden puppets can still convey the story content to everyone, so the theater is always crowded with crowded domestic and foreign visitors. Famous historical legends are depicted by colorful wooden puppets on the stage are water, which will be a brand new experience for tourists.

Location: Thang Long water puppet Theater, 57b Dinh Tien Hoang Street

Read more: A Brief History of Hanoi's Water Puppet Theatre

Visit some famous museums in Hanoi

21. Vietnam history museum

The National History Museum, located in Hoan Kiem District, has a collection of monuments dating back to prehistoric times. The Museum is currently preserving about 200,000 objects and materials of Vietnamese cultural history. More than 80,000 documents and precious objects of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Uncle Ho ... can also be found here.

Location: 1 Trang Tien Street & 214 Tran Quang Khai Street

Opening hours: 8AM - 12PM & 1PM - 5PM 

Price: VND 40,000/ adult, VND 10,000/ student child

Students of universities, colleges, and vocational schools: VND 20,000 / person/ticket

Children under 6/Heavy disabled person: free ticket. 

22. Vietnamese Women’s museum

Vietnamese Women’s Museum is located at 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Street. The museum honors the beauty and noble values of women across the country. The artifacts displayed in the Museum are arranged in 3 themes: Women in the family; Women in History and Women Fashion. Visiting the museum, visitors have the opportunity to learn and contemplate Vietnamese women through rituals, married family life; listen to stories about Vietnamese heroic women, admire the artistic achievements created by the women’s hand.

Location: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Street

Opening hours: 8AM - 5PM

Price: VND 30,000/ adult, VND 10,000/ student child

children under 10 and disabled people: free ticket 

23. Ho Chi Minh museum

Ho Chi Minh Museum is the place to store objects associated with President Ho Chi Minh - the pride of the Vietnamese people. The museum is located at 19 Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, just behind Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The exhibits in the Museum describe the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh. In addition to displaying, recreating his fighting career, the Museum also displayed, introduced the outstanding literature of President Ho Chi Minh, or the articles, documents on the beloved leader.

Location: 19 Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh District

Opening hours: 8AM - 12PM & 2PM - 5PM 

Price:  VND 25,000  

Foreigners: 40,000 VND/person 

Vietnamese/Disabled people/member of ICOM: free ticket 

24. Vietnam museum of ethnology

Come to the Vietnam Museum of ethnology, you will learn about the customs of 54 ethnic groups, from weddings, daily activities to traditional funerals. Specially, you will see typical houses of each ethnic group, such as the stilt house, the communal house, the longhouse ... Also/besides, In addition, there are also pictures of Southeast Asia with different topics.

Location: Nguyen Van Huyen Street

Opening hours: 8AM - 5PM

Price: VND 40,000/ adult person

VND 20,000/student; 10,000/children

See water puppet 90,000 VND / adult, 70,000 VND / children.

25. Vietnam Fine Art museum

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum was originally built by the French in the 1930s as a place for daughters of French officials from all over Indochina to study in Hanoi. In 1962, with the permission of the Government, the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism has renovated this western architectural house, added Vietnam architecture to permanently display Vietnamese artworks. It is the most important place in preserving and promoting the cultural artistic heritage of the nation. This will be a great destination for those who are passionate about art, especially Fine Art.

Location: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street

Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5 PM

Price: VND 40,000/adult & VND 10,000/ child From 6 to 10 

Have a trip to some traditional villages near Hanoi

26. Try making potteries in Bat Trang Village

Bat Trang village (Gia Lam district, Hanoi), about 14km from the city center, famous for pottery, has been a trademark for 500 years.

It is very interesting to see vases, pots, and other ceramic products are displayed in every corner of the village. Visiting the pottery village, tourists are also introduced to introduce each stage of producing pottery. Pottery Market is the most impressive destination where hundreds of shops focus on countless pottery, ranging from home appliances such as bowls, vases to artistic wall paintings, wind chimes and necklaces…You can also try to make your own ceramic product with the help of local people. It will be a very interesting experience for tourists.

Location: Gia Lam District

Best time to visit: 9 AM - 5 PM 

Read more: Things to buy in Hanoi, Vietnam - 2020 Travel Guide

27. Visit Van Phuc Silk Village

Ha Dong silk village or Van Phuc silk village, is located in Van Phuc Ward, Ha Dong district, about 10 km from Hanoi center. This is a beautiful silk-making village that has been famous for thousands of years

Two sides of the road to the village are full of silk shops with all kinds of clothing, bags, silk fabrics with full color, eye-catching patterns. You can also visit the textile workshop,  learn the process to create soft silk, from the stage such as silk sewing, spinning, sewing to dyeing ... Each stage must Strictly follow the rules. In addition to this not only do visitors can see, choose to buy silk, but they can also visit the village temple, which worships the Master of textile.

Location: Van Phuc Ward, Ha Dong district

Best time to visit: 9AM - 5PM

28. Visit Duong Lam Old Village

On the way to the old village, urban life seems to be left behind, in front of are just the green fields and a peaceful village with banyan trees, wells. Please give yourself a peaceful weekend in this ancient village, and you will find it very interesting. There is a bicycle rental service for us to go all over the village without fear of leg pain anymore. You can contact Mr. Huyen's house (the most beautiful old house in Duong Lam) for renting bicycles and cars.

Lunch in the ancient village is available for guests with all kinds of rice, noodles, or you can enjoy a few Phu Nhi cakes - a specialty of the village. A meal here is also simple with the rural food gives you a warm and idyllic feeling.

Location: Tay Son town, about 60 km away from Hanoi

Best time to visit: 8AM - 5PM

Price: VND 20,000/ adult, VND 10,000/ child

29. Thach Xa bamboo dragonfly village

Thach Xa village, located at the foot of Tay Phuong mountain (Thach Xa commune, Thach That district, Hanoi) is not only known for Lam tea specialties but also famous for its unique bamboo dragonfly. Come to the dragonfly village, you will be overwhelmed by the eye-catching colors, along with the various small designs of the cute bamboo dragonflies, and especially it can be balanced by the head of the beak. Especially, if you have the chance to come to Thach Xa trade village, do not forget to visit Tay Phuong Pagoda - a famous sightseeing site in the suburbs of Hanoi.

Location: Thach Xa Ward, Thach That Town

Best time to visit: 8AM - 16PM

30. Chang Son fan village

Chang Son is a traditional village famous for its creative and sophisticated hand-crafted fans. Although it has existed for hundreds of years, Chang Son village always cleverly transformed itself with the development of the country, preserving and promoting the country's cultural quintessence. . In Chang Son, you cannot only visit the process of making traditional fans but also contemplate the idyllic landscape of village that Chang Son people always try to preserve. 

Location: Chang Son village, Thch That Ward

Best time to visit: 9AM - 16PM

Leisurely relax in some parks in Hanoi

31. Thong Nhat Park

Being one of the biggest parks in Hanoi, there is a lake in the heart of it, Thong Nhat Park is a great choice for young people as a place to study, take part in cultural activities, extracurricular activities. There are also many beautiful architectures that contribute to making the landscape more lively.

Location: Tran Nhan Tong Street, Hai Ba Trung District

Opening hours: 6AM - 10PM

32. Thu Le Park

Built-in 1977 with about 20ha, Thu Le Park is located on Cau Giay - Kim Ma. It is home to nearly 600 animals. It can be said Thu Le is a place associated with the childhood of many young people in Hanoi. Also, in Thu Le Park there are many games for children, so it is a great place for families at the weekend. 

Location: Kim Ma Street

Opening hours: 8AM - 610PM

Price: VND 5,000/person VND 10,000 VND/adult

33. Bach Thao Park 

Hanoi Botanic Garden or Botanic Garden is a green park located in the northwest of Hanoi capital, was established in the early years when the French arrived in Vietnam during the colonial invasion. Botanic Gardens nowadays have become a valuable botanical garden to study, visit, and relax. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to admire giant trees with long roots The group of si, poly, threads, wood vines, the baskets of Lan flowers, and colorful bonsai of the four heavens heaven. Botanic Gardens really contribute to the improvement of the living environment. The air here is always cool and fresh. The noise, smoke, and dust generated by transportation and industrial activities have been greatly reduced. The space is always quiet and pleasant.

Location: Ngoc Ha Ward, Ba Dinh District

Opening hours: 5AM - 10PM

Price: VND 5,000 - 15,000/person 

34. Cau Giay Park 

Having 3 special things compared to other parks in Hanoi: beautiful, safe, and free admission, Cau Giay Park now has become one of the most popular attractions in the city. The park is divided into three subdivisions: play area for children, sports area, the lake area, and the square is a walk of the residents living around the area. This is really the ideal destination for visitors to relax here, play after tired working days, pressure.

The above are 34 best things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam, which will give you unforgettable experiences when traveling to Hanoi. It is a wonderful city waiting for your exploration. Hope that Hope you will have a memorable trip to Hanoi an interesting capital in Vietnam!