Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, located on the banks of the Red River in the northern region of the country. Vietnam’s second largest city is one of the most ancient capitals in the world, which is now rapidly developing. In Hanoi you can find a nice combination of Sino-Vietnamese and French influences as the city boasts ancient spiritual pagodas and well-preserved colonial buildings.
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Here is our comprehensive tourist guide to Hanoi, providing detailed information about what to do, where to stay, how to get there, best ways to move around the city, etc.
Things to do in Hanoi
There are plenty of things to see and do in the Vietnamese capital. Top things to do in Hanoi are listed below.
Attractions in Hanoi City Center
The main tourist attractions in Hanoi are scattered around the city center. It is possible to visit them independently, even if walking between the attractions would be time-consuming. To make traveling faster and more convenient, you can get on the City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus or join one of the city tours offered with different types of transportation, such as vans, motorbikes, jeeps, or even cyclo.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an important historical attraction as it is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the revolutionary leader who led Vietnam to independence and reunification. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a large building located in the center of Ba Dinh Square. The mausoleum is open to the public, and the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh can be seen there.
Flag Tower of Hanoi
The Flag Tower of Hanoi is one of the symbols of Vietnam’s capital, built more than 200 years ago. Located in the center of the city, the 33-meter-high Flag Tower is a historic attraction you shouldn’t miss while visiting the city.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on a small island in West Lake. The temple complex is surrounded by greenery, making it a very scenic place. The 15-meter-high main pagoda, made up of eleven levels, is the highlight of Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Hoan Kiem Lake is the lake in the center of Hanoi, which is considered to be a symbol of Vietnam’s capital. Centrally located, the lake is a perfect place to get away from the noise of the bustling city. There’s a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake where Ngoc Son Temple has been situated since the 18th century.
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature in Hanoi is a temple of Confucius built in 1070 and hosting the first university of Vietnam. The Temple of Literature is one of the most picturesque tourist attractions in the city, as the temple is very well preserved and is a superb example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Presidential Palace Hanoi
The Presidential Palace was built at the beginning of the 20th century and housed the French Governor of Indochina. The palace is built in colonial French architectural style with nice gardens and a pond surrounding it. Only the surroundings of the Presidential Palace can be visited, as the main building is still used for governmental purposes.
One Pillar Pagoda
One Pillar Pagoda is located behind Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in the center of Hanoi. One Pillar Pagoda is a Buddhist temple, which is about 400 years old. The original temple was built in the 11th century by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong for finally being blessed with a son, then destroyed by the French forces, and later rebuilt. This temple is an outstanding example of architecture, constructed from wood on a single stone pillar with a diameter of about 1.25 meters. This structure represents the lotus flower, which is the symbol of enlightenment. This is also a place where local people come to visit and pray for the fertility and health.
Get a feel for Hanoi's local culture and see the city's highlights on this guided City Highlights Tour, which brings you to catch the iconic train street and enjoy the visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda.
Saint Joseph Cathedral of Hanoi
St. Joseph's Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church in Hanoi. It was built in the late 19th century and is the oldest church in the capital of Vietnam.
The places of interest visited on each Hanoi city tour vary, so you should pay attention to the itinerary, especially if there are some specific attractions on your must-visit list.
The Guided Half-Day City Highlights Tour brings you to visit St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Ho Chi Minh Complex, a traffic-free area full of botanical gardens, monuments, memorials, and pagodas, where you can stop outside Ba Dinh Square and take a look outside the mausoleum, then continue to explore the One Pillar Pagoda.
The City Sightseeing Motorbike Tour takes you to the landmarks like the historic Opera House, dating back to the 10th century, St. Joseph Cathedral, and Long Bien Bridge, before heading to the Ba Dinh district with the Tran Quoc Pagoda located right near the West Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and One Pillar Pagoda. After that, you go to explore the Temple of Literature.
36 Streets Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter is a must-see district for those who are visiting Vietnam. The Old Quarter is located right next to Hoan Kiem Lake and consists of up to 76 streets in total. There were 36 prominent trading streets among 76 streets of the old quarter, so it is also known as 36 Pho Phuong (36 Streets) or the trading quarter. According to a history of over 600 years, 36 streets have originated from 36 different ancient trades and the streets were named after the things sold, such as Pho Hang Be (Bamboo), Pho Hang Bun (Vermicelli), and Pho Hang Bac (Silver). Now, it has become the largest local product shopping district. There are a variety of items for tourists to shop for, including clothes, shoes, souvenirs, and handicrafts. There are also many street food stalls and local restaurants. During Friday-Sunday, the night market opens, making this area even more bustling with people from around the world.
Enjoy the Old Quarter Trishaw Cyclo Tour as your driver pedals behind you, showing you the highlights and photo spots of the Old Quarter, while you ride at the perfect pace to enjoy some of the 36 shaded streets of this historic district. Admire the products made and sold on each street, such as sugar, bamboo, leather, or silver.
Halong Bay Cruise
Even if the magnificent Halong Bay is located quite far from the capital of Vietnam, going on a Halong Bay cruise is one of the things to do in Hanoi that shouldn't be missed, and most travelers visiting the city include it in their trip itinerary.
It can be done as a full-day trip to Halong Bay, which lets you immerse yourself in the beauty of the stone mountains, caves, sandy beach, and more while cruising through the turquoise waters and amazing rock formations. When choosing this option, you will be back at your hotel in Hanoi late in the evening.
To fully soak in the beauty of the surroundings, choose the 2-Day Halong & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise that includes luxurious cabin accommodation, meals at an onboard restaurant, and various activities, such as kayaking, swimming, tai chi, and squid fishing.
Water Puppet Show
If you want to indulge in the classic nightlife of Hanoi, it is recommended to visit Water Puppet Show. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is the world-famous theater, located next to Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter.
The water puppets originated 1,000 years ago in the rice fields of North Vietnam. At that time, the rice fields were heavily flooded. Farmers and villagers were making entertainment by standing in the water, which was waist-deep, and using the puppets to perform over the water. There are five Water Puppet shows per day, from mid-afternoon through late evening, with an additional morning show on Sundays. The performance of water puppets is supplemented by a Vietnamese orchestra and modern special effects.
Water puppet shows are very popular with tourists, so booking tickets in advance is recommended, particularly on weekends or holidays. Show tickets can be booked online here: Water Puppet Show Tickets.
Water Puppet Show tickets are often sold in combination with various city tours, making the price very worthwhile. The most interesting Hanoi tours that include a visit to Water Puppet Theater are as follows:
Hanoi City Day Tour with Water Puppet Show - a tour that takes you to the city’s most important landmarks in the morning and brings you to watch a traditional water puppet show in the evening.
Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour with Water Puppet Show - during this tour you will spend your time touring around the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter and trying a variety of local foods there and will end your day on a high note by watching a Water Puppet Show. It is a perfect choice for food lovers!
Hanoi Train Street
In the middle of Hanoi Old Quarter, the old railroad tracks built by former French colonists became a popular place for tourists. Hanoi Train Street is a narrow train route that runs along Dien Bien Phu or Phung Hung streets with loads of small cafés and houses along the side of the tracks. The train passes this route several times a day. It good to stop at one of the local bars that line the tracks and watch the train pass while drinking a good egg coffee or cold beer.
Join a street food tour in Hanoi and explore the city's Old Quarter with a local guide. Sample authentic Vietnamese street food and visit the iconic Train Street for a unique end to your tour.
Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum
Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum is a good place to visit if you are interested in art and history. It is a national museum established by the Vietnamese government to preserve and present the country’s artistic treasures. There are more than 3,000 artworks on display, arranged chronologically from the prehistoric era to the present.
French Quarter
French Quarter is the place where you can escape the congestion of the Old Quarter. French Quarter was built during the 19th century in the era when Vietnam was occupied by the French. Vietnamese buildings were destroyed, and French colonial-style buildings were built instead. Nowadays, it’s a luxurious area that is home to five-star hotels, retro French-style restaurants, and cafes. Trang Tien Plaza, where Hanoi's most famous luxury department stores are set up, is also located in the district. Hanoi Opera House and the National Museum of Vietnamese History are the main attractions in the French Quarter.
Experience the timeless elegance of Hanoi's French Quarter as you explore St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hoa Lo Prison, and the iconic Opera House, and indulge in local delights like Trang Tien ice cream during this French Quarter Walking Tour.
Incense, Hat Making, Lacquer Villages
You can experience the heart of traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship by visiting three artisanal villages near Hanoi that specialize in lacquerware making, conical hat making, and incense stick making.
If you are looking for some cool places off-the-beaten track nearby Hanoi with great local vibes, then this tour on Artisan Trail to Incense, Hat Making & Lacquer villages could be a perfect choice.
West Lake
Tay Ho Lake, commonly called West Lake, is the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi. Located in the northwest of the city, the lake has a perimeter of 17 km and covers an area of 500 hectares. You can rent a water bike or take a boat trip around West Lake. West Lake has become a place of relaxation for Hanoi people, whether at dawn or sunset. The scenery of West Lake is one of the city's most beautiful and romantic spots. West Lake is also home to important sights such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, the symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism, and Quan Thanh Temple, one of Hanoi's ancient temples.
Cua Bac Church
Cua Bac Church is one of the three major churches of Hanoi, together with Ham Long Church and Saint Joseph Cathedral. Cua Bac Church is an ancient Roman Catholic church which is located on Phan Dinh Phung Street. The church was established by the French colonial rulers in 1932 and originally named the Church of Martyrs. The church itself is beautiful, and you can see the vibrant yellow-colored paintings all around the church.
Long Bien Bridge
Long Bien Bridge has become a popular photography spot in the old city. Long Bien Bridge is simply an old steel bridge connecting Hoan Kiem District and Long Bien District of Hanoi.
Long Bien Bridge is also one of the most picturesque sites of the city that can be visited on this Army Jeep Tour.
Phung Hung Street Art
When you are coming to Hanoi, don't miss a chance to visit creative frescoes to enjoy the arts of the Vietnamese capital. Phung Hung Street is a famous place for mural paintings recalling memories of the old Hanoi. It was launched by Korean and Vietnamese artists. The murals expand for 200 meters with 19 paintings, such as the images of the old Trang Tien department store, Long Bien Bridge, and flower vendors.
Phung Hung Street Art is located along the north end of Phung Hung Street under the railway from the corner of Hang Huong to Han Luroc.
Hanoi Book Street
An ideal place for a "bookworm", Hanoi Book Street is a relatively new tourist attraction in the city. Previously, this area was simply a road with few people walking by, but once the bookstores came into existence, the space suddenly became bustling. If you are a book lover, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Hanoi Book Street and choose a new book for yourself.
Lotte Center
Lotte Center Hanoi is a skyscraper in Ba Dinh District and the 3rd tallest building in Vietnam. The building gives you an opportunity to admire the view of the entire capital from above. The best time to go there is in the evening when the city lights up.
Book an admission ticket for the Lotte Observation Deck and enjoy the view of Hanoi from the 65th floor.
Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi
Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi is the largest indoor aquarium in Vietnam. Spanning 9,094 square meters with 67 tanks, this underwater realm is home to over 31,000 captivating marine animals, ranging from delicate seahorses to formidable sharks. Here you and your little ones can experience educational entertainment at its best with hands-on exhibits that teach about the adaptations and ecosystems of marine life.
Significantly cheaper tickets can be booked online here: Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi Ticket.
Tasting Local Food in Hanoi
Hanoi cuisine is one of the reasons why this city attracts many local and foreign visitors. If getting familiar with Vietnamese cuisine is included in your must-do list, you can join this popular food tour around Hanoi's Old Quarter to experience local delicacies.
The best local dishes in Hanoi are as follows:
Pho: It is said that if you came to Hanoi and didn’t try local Pho, you have never been here. Pho Hanoi is different from other places, with the sweetness of beef bones, clear noodles, and thin and soft noodles. The famous beef noodle dish is Pho Ly Quoc Su.
Bun Bo Nam Bo: A noodle salad made with rice vermicelli noodles, stir-fried beef strips, vegetables, fried onion, and roasted peanuts.
Bun cha: A small piece of grilled chopped pork with a strong aroma of marinated spices, served with sweet and sour soup, cool noodles, and raw vegetables.
Cha Ca: A traditional specialty grilled fish with turmeric marinade and heaps of fresh dill. The best place to try this dish is Cha Ca La Vong restaurant.
Banh Cuon: A rolled rice flour pancake with ground pork and mushrooms. You can easily find it on any street of the city.
Banh Mi: Vietnamese bread sandwiches filled with any meat and sauce. It can be considered as the symbol of Vietnamese street food because you can find it everywhere.
Taste some of the favorite daily food of the locals on this Hanoi walking food tour, which will also take you to grab a coffee along a railway track as you watch a train pass by, stroll through the streets, and spot hidden street art.
Enjoying Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnam is also known as the 2nd largest coffee exporter in the world. Therefore, indulging in Vietnamese coffee culture is a must-do thing during a trip to Hanoi. Check out the 10 popular cafes in Hanoi that you should visit.
For a more exceptional encounter with Vietnamese coffee, participate in one of the Vietnamese Coffee Workshops and learn how to make the famous Egg Coffee.
Shopping in Hanoi
Hanoi is also one of the shopping hubs of the country. There are many places for tourists to shop, from traditional markets and boutiques to luxurious department stores. The best area for shopping in Hanoi is the Old Quarter. The souvenirs can be bought at the night market.
Dong Xuan Market is the city's largest indoor market, offering everything from local delicacies to traditional handicrafts. You can immerse yourself in the dynamic rhythm of local life at Dong Xuan Market, where a kaleidoscope of colors, aromas, and flavors beckons. Engage with vendors, learn about local ingredients, and perhaps even find a unique souvenir to remember your journey.
Massage in Hanoi
Finding a place to get a relaxing massage in Hanoi is pretty easy. You will find plenty of cheap massage parlors and luxury spas - just choose the most suitable for your taste and budget.
Normally you can get a significant discount by pre-booking your spa experience online. To get the best deal for your visit, check an extended list of vouchers at Top Hanoi Spa & Massages.
Orient Spa is one of the most popular spas in Hanoi, offering premium quality at great rates. By booking your spa visit online, you get discounted access to one of the best spas in the city that provide top-class services without breaking the bank.
Hanoi Nightlife
Hanoi nightlife is very lively, as there are many activities for everyone to enjoy after sunset, from watching authentic Vietnamese performances and tasting local food to partying at the city's famous nightclubs and bars. Let's find out what things to do and what places to visit in Hanoi at night.
Embark on a tipsy adventure to 2 bars and 1 club on a guided bar crawl in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Enjoy unlimited beer, free shots at every stop, and complimentary entry to a nightclub.
Where to stay in Hanoi
There are many areas in Hanoi that are good to stay in for tourists, and each of them has different advantages and disadvantages. If you are looking for accommodation in Hanoi and need help choosing the area that meets your needs the best, check our guide to Hanoi's best areas.
There is no shortage of hotels in the capital city, so you can easily find a hotel suitable for your budget. Some of the best-rated hotels in Hanoi are listed below.
Luxury hotels for the best relaxation:
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Nice hotels for a reasonable price:
Hanoi Lullaby Hotel and Travel
Suggested budget-friendly hostels in the city can be found here: Best Hostels in Hanoi.
How to get to Hanoi
There are three main options for getting to Hanoi from other cities in Vietnam, as most visitors come here by plane, train, or bus. The city also receives numerous international flights.
Flights to Hanoi
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is the second busiest airport in Vietnam, after Ho Chi Minh Airport. The airport is located about 25 km north of the city center.
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights to Hanoi are offered by low-cost airlines such as Vietjet Air, Vietravel Airlines, Bamboo Airways, as well as the national carrier Vietnam Airlines. Domestic flights are quite cheap, and there are many trips during the day, but they are quite often delayed. Vietnam Airlines are slightly more expensive but are more reliable in terms of delays, and the quality of service is also better.
There are plenty of flights to Hanoi from Ho Chi Minh City and other popular destinations in Vietnam. Flight schedules on the most popular routes can be found, and flight tickets can be booked here:
Flights from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi
Flights from Nha Trang to Hanoi
International Flights
Hanoi Airport also attracts a big number of international flights that let conveniently reach the city from other countries in Southeast Asia and more distant destination.
If you will be arriving on an international flight, save lots of time by booking this Fast Track Immigration service at Noi Bai International Airport, which allows travelers to bypass long queues and clear immigration quickly after a long flight.
Flights from Thailand to Hanoi
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi can be quite easily reached from Thailand. Direct flights from Bangkok are offered by full-service carriers Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, and Bangkok Airways, and low-cost carriers AirAsia, Vietjet Air, Thai Lion Air, and Vietravel Airlines.
Flight deals for this route can be found here:
Hanoi Airport to City Center
Even if Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is located about 25 km north of the city center, traveling from Hanoi Airport to City Center is easy, as there's a variety of transportation options to choose from.
Taxi: There are many taxi companies waiting at the airport and taxi fare for a trip from the airport to city center is about 300,000-400,000 VND.
Private Transfer: Many people think that taking a private transfer from the airport is expensive, but it's not like that in Hanoi, as booking a private transfer here is much more affordable. Various private airport transfer options can be found here: Private transfers from Hanoi Airport (HAN).
Bus: To save money, you can take a bus from the airport to the city, as there are several bus routes connecting Noi Bai Airport with different parts of the city:
- Express Bus No. 86: Noi Bai Airport → Hanoi Railway Station
- Public Bus No. 07: Noi Bai Airport → Cau Giay Bus Station
- Public Bus No. 17: Noi Bai Airport → Long Bien Transit Station
- Public Bus No. 90: Noi Bai Airport → Kim Ma Bus Terminal
- Public Bus No.109: Noi Bai Airport → My Dinh Bus Station
Airport shuttle buses: These buses are operated by the airlines and offer higher quality service but lower frequency than public buses.
For more details about all the ways for getting into the city check our detailed guide to traveling from Hanoi Airport to City Center that will help you choose the most suitable type of transportation.
If you will need cash for getting into the city, you can exchange money at Hanoi Airport.
Train to Hanoi
Train is the choice for leisure travelers who want to see the mountains and rivers along the way. Certainly, you will have an enjoyable experience when traveling to Hanoi by train.
If you will be traveling by train from Ho Chi Minh City, it can take more than 32 hours to reach Hanoi, as the distance between Vietnam’s two largest cities is about 1,700 kilometers. However, along the way, you can get off and visit other popular destinations, including Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hue, Dong Hoi, Vinh, and Ninh Binh.
The current train departure schedule can be found, and train tickets can be booked online here:
Train from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi
As the route between Hanoi and Lao Cai (station near Sapa) is one of the most popular train routes in Vietnam, the train travel service on this route is offered not only by Vietnam Railways but also by private companies. Private companies have designed special carriages for tourists that are more luxurious and have a higher standard than the ordinary train. If you are planning to take a train to Sapa, you can choose one of the luxury trains from Hanoi to Sapa.
Bus to Hanoi
Buses are chosen by a significant part of tourists traveling to Hanoi because most of the provinces and cities in Vietnam have bus routes connecting them with the capital of Vietnam.
While there are several bus stations in the city, tourist bus companies often do pick-up and drop-off at their offices in the city center.
The current bus departure schedule for the most popular routes can be found, and bus tickets can be booked online here:
To discover other bus services in the city, explore the Hanoi Bus guide.
Other Transportation Options
For a full range of transportation options on the most popular routes between the capital of Vietnam and other popular destinations, check the following guides:
How to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay
How to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
How to get from Hanoi to Mui Ne, Phan Thiet
More transportation options for a trip can be found, and transport tickets can be booked by this search form.
How to get around Hanoi
Most tourists explore Hanoi on foot, especially central areas around Hoan Kiem Lake and the nearby Hanoi Old Quarter. For a faster and more convenient experience, you can use different types of transportation to travel between places of interest in the city.
Cyclo: This vehicle is now quite popular with tourists visiting attractions around the old town. The cyclo should cost you around 200,000 VND per hour. Experience cyclo as city transportation on the Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour with Cyclo Ride for exploring the city.
Motorbike: This is a good choice for its convenience, as by a motorbike you can go everywhere you want in Hanoi while enjoying a true local experience. The motorbike rental price is about 100,000-200,000 VND per day.
Taxi: Taking a taxi is much safer than riding a motorbike for tourists, even if the taxi ride is more expensive. The taxi fare ranges from 10,000-12,000 VND to 13,600-17,000 VND per kilometer.
Private Car: When booking Full Day or Half Day Hanoi Car Rental with Driver, you can choose from different types of air-conditioned vehicles that can accommodate different group sizes. With this transportation option, you can also travel according to the reference route and easily visit the city's famous attractions.
Public Bus: The public bus is another good option to get around Hanoi if you are familiar with Vietnam. Hanoi bus tickets are very cheap, as the ticket price is only from 7,000 to 10,000 VND. However, Hanoi has terrible traffic jams during rush hour, so the journey by bus can take a lot of time.
Hop On Hop Off Bus: Taking a Hop On Hop Off Bus is the best choice if you are traveling in Hanoi for the first time, as it is an easy way to go to most of the attractions. There are 2 main companies providing this service:
Hanoi City Tour Hop-on Hop-off Bus
City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus
Weather in Hanoi
The weather in Hanoi is defined by 4 distinct seasons, with every season bringing its own beauty.
February - April
Spring is a good time to travel to Hanoi. The season of growth and vitality gives you opportunities to admire the beauty of many blooming flowers. The weather is also starting to get warmer.
May-July
This is the summertime in Hanoi, so the weather becomes very hot and humid, and it often rains at the end of the day, so it can be uncomfortable to travel. The temperature in the daytime can rise up to over 40 degrees Celsius. However, this is a good time to organize picnics on the outskirts of Hanoi or enjoy time at the lake.
August-October
Autumn in Hanoi is an ideal time for exploring the dreamy, beautiful capital. At this time of the year, the rainy season in Hanoi usually ends. The temperature is moderate, the sky is clear, and it is not too sunny. The trees leaves across the streets begin to change color making it a perfect time for photography lovers.
November-January
For those who prefer colder weather when traveling, this is the best time to visit Hanoi. The weather is dry, and sometimes the temperature can be below 10 degrees Celsius. The city is quieter and less lively than during other seasons. You might see the capital city hidden in the fog on some days.
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