Boating an endless wealth of history and culture, the 1000-year old city of Hanoi has a mind-boggling array of attractions for all kinds of travelers. From temples, ancient citadels, bizarre theatres, to rolling kush hills, there will be no dearth of places to visit in Hanoi on your trip to Vietnam. See what all you can explore in this city exhibiting an interesting blend of foreign French and American influences mingled with the unique Vietnamese heritage.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Hanoi, Vietnam
Wondering where to go in Hanoi? Check out our list below:
- Hoa Lo Prison
- Ba Vi National Park
- Dong Xuan Market
- Hanoi Old Quarter
- Thang Long Puppet Theatre
- Temple of Literature
- Hanoi Opera House
- Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
10. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Image Credit: Katiebordner by Flickr
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As royal as the name suggests, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is perhaps Vietnam’s most intriguing relic denoting its historical and cultural importance. This 40 meter high UNESCO World Heritage Site is among the best places to visit in Hanoi for its architecture as well as a powerful symbol of the history of Hanoi. The erstwhile centre of ancient Hanoi, this citadel had served as the political centre of Vietnam for as long as eight centuries.
Location: Quan Thanh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Timings: 8 AM – 7:30 PM
9. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
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Another one among the best Hanoi attractions is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which has left an indelible mark on Vietnamese history. Housing the preserved body of Hanoi’s greatest leader nicknamed ‘Uncle Ho’, this sombre mausoleum is now part of Vietnam’s living history.
Location: 8 Hung Vuong, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Timings: Tuesday – Thursday 07:30 – 10:30, Saturday & Sunday 07:30 – 11:00
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8. Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son
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Also known as Turtle Lake, the Hoan Kiem is a central feature of Hanoi and a famous place to hangout with friends and family. What adds beauty to this lake is the Ngoc Son Temple sitting on a small island in the middle of it, linked only by a small bridge where you can click pictures in the stunning backdrop of the lake and its green surroundings. Other than being one of the most charming Hanoi tourist attractions, Hoan Kiem serves as a good spot for young joggers and elderly people practicing Tai Chi and line dancing during sunrise and sunset.
Location: Hanoi Old Quarter
Ngoc Son entry fee: INR 60 per person (VND 20,000)
7. Hanoi Opera House
Image Credit: Prashant Ram by Flickr
The Hanoi Opera House is among the best Hanoi attractions owing to its elegant infrastructure and Parisian charm. Modelled after its Paris counterpart, Hanoi Opera House is famed for its ivory-toned columns, ornate balustrades, and Gothic domes. When here, guests can comfortably enjoy classical ballet performances, Vietnamese opera, dance shows, and even music concerts by world-renowned artists.
Location: 1 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Entry fee: Approx. INR 3,500 per person
6. Temple of Literature
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A soothing gem in the center of Hanoi, the Temple of Literature was originally built as a dedication to the Chinese sage and scholar Confucius and as an indisputable centre of learning. Beautified over the proceeding years, this large temple complex with ornate pavilions, shrines, and a verdant garden has turned into a rite of passage for graduating doctors and one of the best places to visit in Hanoi.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Tuesday – Sunday)
Location: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu, Dong Da
Entry fee: INR 30/- per person (VND 10,000)
5. Thang Long Puppet Theatre
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Every traveler’s favourite, this charming theatre showcases the ancient art form of water puppetry with a twist! Water puppetry has a long been associated with Hanoi, and while there are several theatres showcasing guests this art, it is only the popular Thang Long Puppet Theatre where guests can truly enjoy this uniquely Vietnamese take on Asia’s puppet tradition. The dancing and elegantly sliding puppets are the best things to see in Hanoi over a liquid stage. Catch the famous Legend of the Restored Sword of King Le show when you’re in town next!
Location: 57B, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Timings: Daily shows at 3 PM, 4:10 PM, 5:20 PM, 6:30 PM, & 8 PM
Average ticket cost: INR 300/- per person (VND 100,000)
4. Hanoi Old Quarter
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The Hanoi Old Quarter is an incomparably fascinating area in the city that allows visitors to feast their eyes upon many fine examples of colonial architecture packed along narrow streets. It’s the perfect place for a walk while also indulging in some spicy street food at dirt cheap rates. It’s definitely among the most attractive places to visit in Hanoi owing to its frivolous local vibe and delicious aromas of food.
Location: Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District
3. Dong Xuan Market
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The largest of its kind in Hanoi, the sprawling complex of Dong Xuan Market is established within a four-storey Soviet-style building and offers a staggering collection of fashion, apparels, and souvenirs at rock bottom rates. Everything from printed T-shirts, cheap sunglasses, to exotic handicrafts are available here. Without a doubt, Dong Xuan Market is your one-stop shopping destination and one of the finest Hanoi points of interest.
Location: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
2. Ba Vi National Park
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A nature reserve with unimaginable beauty till where the eyes can see, Ba Vi National Park provides as a great relief from the hustle and bustle of the otherwise frolic city of Hanoi. The park is famed for its cloud-kissed Famous three-peaked mountain that juts steeply out into the striking blue sky and bestows travelers and hikers with dramatic views and a diverse range of flora and fauna. A prominent part of all Hanoi tours is a visit to the 11th century temple here that offers mesmerising vistas of the surrounding countryside as well as natural hot springs for a healing dip.
Location: 60 km west of Hanoi
1. Hoa Lo Prison
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Literally meaning ‘stove’, Hoa Lo was nothing short of a hell-hole in the name of a prison built by the French in the 1880s to imprison Vietnamese soldiers. Maintained till the end of the Vietnam War, it houses grisly exhibits showcasing the sufferings of Vietnamese prisoners and the brutal torture they had to endure day after day.
Location: 1 Hoa Lo, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (Google Maps);
Entry fee: INR 90/- per person (VND 30,000)
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Know of any more places to visit in Hanoi that should have been on this list? Let us know in the comments below. Till then, book your trip to Vietnam with TravelTriangle for the best deals on a customised trip and a rejuvenating holiday experience!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places to Visit in Hanoi
What is Hanoi best known for?
The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi is known for its rich cultural and historical monuments such as the ancient temples, citadels, etc. Hanoi is architecturally profound and comprises several beautiful structures that define Vietnamese culture. You could also purchase elegant jewelleries and artifacts in the colorful markets that are really famous in Hanoi.
What are the best attractions in Hanoi?
The top tourist attractions that you must explore during your visit are the Old Town Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Literature temple, Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Ethnology museum, Prison museum, Water Puppet theater, Military museum, Imperial Citadel, and West Lake.
Is it safe to visit Hanoi during covid times?
The Vietnamese Government has put up restrictions on tourism, although certain individuals are allowed to visit for business purposes, etc. March onwards, the Government will be easing up on the restrictions that will allow tourists to visit, and has issued some important guidelines such as visitors should quarantine themselves for 6-7 days and should provide a negative RT PCR report done &2 hours prior to departure.
What are the best things to do outdoors in Hanoi?
Enjoy your Hanoi tour by indulging in some of the adventurous outdoor activities such as exploring the Hoan Kiem and West lake, visiting the Ngoc Son temple, and visiting the Ho Tay Water park. Other attractions to visit include Thong National park, Botanical garden, and Thu Le park.
How can I spend a week in Hanoi?
Hanoi is a gem of a place and there are several attractions that you can explore in a week such as Ba vi national park, Dong Xuan market, Thang Long Puppet theater, Hanoi Opera house, Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, and the Imperial Citadel in Thang Long.
What can you do in Hanoi at night?
The capital city of Vietnam offers some of the enticing things to do at night such as visiting Dragonfly and 1900 Le Theater, enjoying a drink at Craft’s beer club, strolling around West lake, and experiencing the Hanoi Rock City.
Which are the best months to visit Hanoi?
Hanoi experiences pleasant weather twice a year, that is during spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November). These are the best months to visit the major tourist attractions in Hanoi.
How many days should I spend in Hanoi?
If you are visiting Hanoi for the first time, then at least 2-3 days are required in order to explore this beautiful city during your Vietnam tour. These many days are sufficient to indulge in some of the best experiences that Hanoi offers and explore some of the mesmerizing sights.
Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
