Visit Hoa Lo Prison, Soak in the beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Visit Banh Mi 25, Visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi, Seek Blessings at Bach Ma Temple, Visit Lotte Tower Observation Deck, Try the egg coffee at Giang Cafe, Explore National Museum of Vietnamese History, Watch 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 of some of the best Vietnamese cuisines. Reserve your dates at Oriental Central Spa and indulge in exquisite massages to rejuvenate yourself.
National Museum of Vietnamese History and Vietnamese Women’s Museum are great sources for learning about the 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 into sumptuous delicacies like Honey Glazed Chicken and Egg Coffee at Banh Mi 25 and Giang Cafe.
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.
The perfume pagoda which is also known as the Huong pagoda is a huge complex of Buddhist temples which belong here. 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.
Among top things to do in Hanoi Vietnam, Banh Mi 25 is a must-have in your itinerary. It offers sumptuous delicacies like Avocado & Egg, Beef & Cheese, BBQ Pork, Honey Glazed Chicken, Smoothies and many more. Other than their specialities, 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
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 speciality 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
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. 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
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 unrivalled 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
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 which 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
Near the southeastern shore of Hanoi's Westlake, 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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
Suggested Reads: Vietnam Trip 5 Days
The must-try water sports in Hanoi includes
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.
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.
You Can Also Checkout: Vietnam 3 days 2 nights package
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.
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
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)
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
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.
You can head to various spots for jeep safari in Hanoi. The places that you can go to are:
The best biking routes in Hanoi are:
The best options for street food in Hanoi are:
Here are the various day & night tour packages that you can book with Thrillophilia:
Here is the list of best Vietnam tour packages that you can book with Thrillophilia: