15 must-visit attractions in Hanoi

What is great about Hanoi is that most of the must-see attractions assemble in the city center and the rest does not stretch out too far away. The distances are totally walkable and accessible by bicycle or motorbike. Here are the top 15 must-visit attractions recommended to you.

1. The Three Lakes

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Hoan Kiem Lake

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Truc Bach Lake (left) and West Lake (right)

If Saigon and other southern provinces are famous for a dense system of rivers, Hanoi itself is well-known for its poetic and scenic lakes scattered around the city. The three most iconic and accessible from the Hanoi center are Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake and Truc Bach Lake.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake (also known as Guom Lake) is located in the heart of Hanoi and in the middle of the old quarter, which means it is super convenient for your visit.

The name which literally means Sword-returning Lake (or Sword Lake) has been linked to a historical myth dating back thousand years ago. Legend has it that a divine Golden Turtle had lent King Le Thai To a magical sword to fight and win against the invaders; and after the victory, the King returned the sword to the Golden Turtle on this very lake.

When visiting this lake, you will not only feel the breath of history but also be amazed by other attractions built within it. In the middle of the lake are Thap Rua (the Turtle Tower) and the beautiful The Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple which has unique architecture and setting.

You will only be charged 30,000 VND ($1.5) if you go inside Ngoc Son Temple (crossing The Huc Bridge is still free).

Address: Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District

West Lake

West Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Hanoi. The lake view is so magnificent that it was chosen as a base for royal holiday palaces. It explains why you can still find a lot of historical remains around the lake. 

West Lake holds its own beauty regardless of the time you visit: tranquil and misty in the early morning while lively and activity-packed in the afternoon. Recently, there is a wide range of water activities added, making it not only a place to sit down and quietly enjoy the view but also a place to take part in outdoor activities.

Swan boats rental costs from 60,000 VND to 120,000 VND (varying according to the boat sizes).

SUP rental costs 150,000 VND (half weekdays) and 300,000 VND (full weekdays); 200,000 VND (half weekends) and 400,000 VND (full weekends).

If you have your bicycle with you, riding around the lake and catching the sunset is also a good choice.

Address: Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho District

Truc Bach Lake

Truc Bach Lake (originally a part of West Lake) is relatively smaller compared to the other two mentioned lakes, and somehow more locally preferred; however, it carries a breadth of history no less than any other location.

To the west of the lake stands the sacred Quan Thanh Temple which was built in the 11th century. This temple worships Saint Tran Vu (Thánh Trấn Vũ) who was said to assist many kings to defend the country.

To the east of the lake is Chau Long Pagoda (Chùa Châu Long) where a princess of the Tran Dynasty is worshiped.

And to the north of the lake is located Than Quang Pagoda (Chùa Thần Quang) with the largest bronze statue carved in one piece.

Probably due to its decent size, Truc Bach Lake gives a sense of intimacy, when you can watch all the activities taking place around the lake. This is also a favorite spot for locals coming for exercise and the young people gathering at the cafes, on little stools overlooking the lake view.

2. Temple of Literature

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Temple of Literature is considered as one of the famous tourist destinations in Hanoi. Built-in 1070 under King Ly Thanh Tong, it is a place of worship of Confucius, Confucian scholars, scholars and sages. Temple of Literature is also considered as the first university in Vietnam, which trained talented people for the country. Up to now, the temple has become a symbol of the thousand-years civilization cradle of Vietnam. The students religiously believe that this temple is going to bring them luck for their exams. That’s why during Tết (Lunar New Year) and examination time, the temple is packed with people praying and waiting for lucky calligraphy.

• Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District
• Ticket price: 30,000 VND, free for children under 15 years old
• Opening hours: summer from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM, winter from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum plays a political and historical role in Hanoi Capital and also in the heart of every Vietnamese – where our great former President’s corpse is preserved and remembered. The historical attraction was built on Ba Dinh Square covered with a vast green of grass and trees, giving you an instant feeling of peace and solemnity.

At this place, every morning at 6:00 AM and evening at 9:00 PM holds the flag-salute ceremony which is highly recommended to you. This experience will give a deeper understanding about how profound and sincere our gratitude is towards the Father of the country.

You are required to dress formally (no tank top and shorts are allowed) and remain silent during the ceremony. It is suggested that you arrive at the square at around 5:45 AM – 5:50 AM to find a good spot to watch the whole scene of the ceremony with soldiers marching, the flag being raised with the national anthem in the background.

To see inside the mausoleum, there are some specific regulations for opening and visiting times. The opening and visiting times vary each season as follows:

• The hot season (from 1st April to 31st October): from 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM on weekdays (excluding Mondays and Fridays) and from 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM on weekends and public holidays
• The cold season (from 1st November to 31st March): from 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM on weekdays (excluding Mondays and Fridays) and from 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM on weekends and public holidays

Note: If special occasions such as the first day of Lunar New Year, Uncle Ho’s birthday (19th May) and Independence Day (2nd September) fall on Mondays and Fridays, the attraction will be open to the public.

• Address: 19 Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh District
• Ticket price: 25,000 VND

4. Hanoi 36 Streets (Hanoi Old Quarter)

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Why 36 streets but not another number? According to folk beliefs, 36 is a lucky number that attracts prosperity and abundance. That explains why it permanently goes with the name Hanoi 36 Streets although the number does not exactly reflect the real number of the streets.

The highlight of the area is that each street (or Hàng) specializes in one characteristic product and each street name indicates what products are sold. For example, Hàng Tre (Bamboo Street) is where you will find all the tall bamboo poles and all kinds of items made from bamboo; Hàng Bạc (Silver Street) sells gold and silver jewelry; etc.

The setting of streets not only shows you a traditional trading culture but also displays the unique and iconic style of architecture including a hundred of long-standing architectural and historical buildings such as temples, pagodas, assemblies and ordinary residential housing. This is also where you can sample a great variety of local foods. Cyclos, bicycles or walking are recommended to explore this area.

5. Hanoi Cathedral

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Located in the city center neighboring Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Cathedral (or St.Joseph’s Cathedral) is a beautiful and historic architecture with Gothic style. The cathedral was built on the original site of Bao Thien Pagoda by the French after they entered Hanoi in 1882.

Although it is claimed to lose its vintage and weather-beaten look after the renovation, it remains a favorite gathering spot with many goods and well-decorated cafes and restaurants around. During Christmas time, the whole area is lit up with glorious lights and ornaments. If time allows, you should pay a visit at day and night time to see the different vibes it offers.

Address: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District

6. Hoa Lo Prison

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Hoa Lo Prison, also goes with the name “Maison Centrale”, was built in 1896 by the French to capture revolutionary soldiers against the colonial regime. The total area of the former prison is more than 12,000 m2. However, only 2,434 m2 is used for tourist purposes. The campus is divided into 4 zones: A and B (for minor crimes and warning sentences), C (for French and foreign perpetrators), and D (for serious and death-sentenced perpetrators). You will have to see with your own eyes the extreme conditions that the soldiers had to go through and how cruel the punishments were so that you can understand why the Vietnamese so explicitly and passionately show appreciation and patriotism in any events possible.

With its significant historical role, Hoa Lo Prison has become an exciting place to visit in Hanoi, attracting many domestic and foreign tourists.

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tickets: 30,000 VND
• Address: 1 Hoa Lo, Hoan Kiem District

7. Dong Xuan Market

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Dong Xuan Market is the busiest and oldest shopping area in Hanoi, which was built in 1889 under the Nguyen Dynasty. Dong Xuan Market is the leading wholesale market in the North. There is a wide variety of items on sale here, ranging from fabrics, clothes, silk brocade, dry food, jam, confectionery, food and souvenirs to electronic appliances. Although it is a good way to learn about the trading activities of the locals, it is not recommended for souvenir shopping since, as mentioned, it aims at wholesale, so you would probably not get the best prices. 

If you are still keen on having an experience shopping at Dong Xuan Market, here are some tips:

1. It is acceptable to bargain (and bargain hard but not exceed 50% off the initial price).

2. You should go in groups and the bigger the quantity is, the bigger discount you could possibly ask for.

3. Pickpockets could take advantage of the busy and crowded scene, so make sure you always keep an eye on your belongings.

• Address: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District

8. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

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Hoang Thanh Thang Long (Imperial Citadel of Thang Long) is an important historical and cultural relic of Vietnam, which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2010 when it celebrated its 1,000th anniversary. This campus is home to various imperial palaces and other ancient royal constructions under thousands of years of feudal regime and continues to be the political center of the country up to now. Some of the highlighted attractions are listed below (just to name a few):

• The Flagpole (or Hanoi Flagtower) was built in the 19th century with spiral stairs leading to the top where you can have a 360-degree view of the whole Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.
• The gates were built to the four directions which reflect the magnificence and iconic architectural style at the time.
• Dien Kinh Thien (Kinh Thien Palace) is a historic fort and former royal residence where all the significant ceremonies of the royalty took place.

Some tips and notes: 

1. In early 2022, a 90-minute night tour “Giải mã Hoàng Thành Thăng Long” (Decoding the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long) was launched – which takes you through all the significant landmarks with many worshiping and performing activities along the way. This is highly recommended not only because it is the best time to walk the citadel but also because the golden light and the tranquility yet mystique of the night will bring up a whole new experience.

• Time: Tour starts from 7:00 PM on Fridays and weekends
• Tickets: 300,000 VND ($13) for adults and 150,000 VND ($6.5) for children
• Check out their website for more information

2. The Imperial Citadel sits on a large campus, so if you visit it during the daytime, make sure you have your sun protection (hats or umbrellas) and water.

3. There are some lovely cafes on the campus where you can sit down under the shade of big trees to enjoy a drink while embracing the peaceful vibes in the air.

• Address: 19 Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District
• Tickets: 30,000 VND
• Opening Hours:  8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

9. Hanoi Opera House

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Hanoi Opera House is known as an artistic and cultural symbol of the city. It’s also a tourist destination in Hanoi that is loved by many visitors. Hanoi Opera House is the place for many national-level performances, as well as international art performances. Coming here, you will enjoy many unique art forms, not only famous Vietnamese plays such as Tuong, Cheo and Cai Luong but also the French opera, classical Italian opera, Chinese opera and Ballet.

Unfortunately, it is not open for public visits. However, art show tickets are available from 400,000 VND, which allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of architecture and culture as well as the music and art space here. Please visit the website to update information about the performance schedule. Also, you can book early to get a good position.

• Address: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Website: hanoioperahouse.org.vn

10. Long Bien Bridge

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This is the first steel bridge built across the Red River initially to facilitate the process of colonial exploitation under the French invasion. Little did you know about this historical construction is that it used to be the second-longest bridge in the world (just ranked after Brooklyn Bridge in the U.S) and even called the horizontal version of the Eiffel in Hanoi.

Among countless bridge constructions, Long Bien Bridge remains the most iconic and is favorably nicknamed “the historical witness”. This is because the bridge witnessed all the bittersweet the nation went through: it survived several bombing campaigns and it bridged thousands of people from all remote and inaccessible areas to Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence.

Long Bien Bridge is divided into two traffic lanes mostly used for light vehicles and pedestrians and a railway in the middle. Being on the bridge when the trains go by is a fascinating experience and walking on the bridge will give you a panorama view of Hanoi from a distance. Under the bridge is a lush banana island with peaceful countryside landscapes which you can access by taking the secret stairs in the middle of the bridge (possible for bicycles also).

Address: Long Bien, Hoan Kiem District

11. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

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In 1969, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater was established, and it quickly became one of the most famous water puppet art venues in Vietnam. The fairy tales and Vietnam historical legends are vividly reproduced by wooden puppets and uniquely performed on water. It is an exciting experience not to be missed for visitors when visiting Hanoi. Watching a water puppet show will help you learn more about Vietnam’s traditional culture and art forms. Tickets can be booked in advance and more information can be found on the website.

Note: small charges of 20,000 VND and 60,000 VND are applied for taking pictures and recording videos.

Address: 49 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District

12. Quang Ba Flower Market

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If you are a flower lover or simply looking for a night-life activity with a local breath, Quang Ba Flower Market will definitely blow your mind. Unlike other traditional markets which open throughout the day, Quang Ba Flower Market starts setting and stacking up flowers around 11:00 PM and closing at dawn at around 6:00 AM. The most bustling and lively time is from 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM. When the rest of the city is falling asleep, Quang Ba Market starts waking up, filled with laughter, bargains and fragrance, which will stimulate all your senses. Since this is a wholesale market, flowers are sold in bulk and very reasonably priced.

Depending on whether you are an early riser or a night owl, you can choose to visit the market around midnight or around 5:00 AM. This is worth getting up for and will surely bring you a unique experience.

Address: Nghi Tam, Au Co, Tay Ho District

13. One Pillar Pagoda

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One-pillar Pagoda or Chua Mot Cot as it is locally known was built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong and has undergone many restorations due to the destruction of wars. Legend has it that the Emperor dreamed of Deity Quan Am (or Lady Buddha) sitting on a blooming lotus and asking him to join her enlightenment journey; after the dream, he ordered to build this pagoda which resembles a lotus blossom – a Buddhist symbol for purity and enlightenment. This is where the Emperor practiced his religion and Buddhism also witnessed its flourishing and prosperity since then.

Although the pagoda is not a spectacular and large-scale construction, it has a particular historical and religious value that is totally worth a visit.

Note: on the 1st and 14th monthly (lunar calendar), there will be Buddhist ceremonies which will allow you to have a full picture of the place.

• Address: Chua Mot Cot, Doi Can, Ba Dinh District
• Price: 25,000 VND
• Opening Hours:  7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

14. Bat Trang Ceramic Village

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For thousands of years, ceramic has been synonymous with Bat Trang, which is a testimony to its excellent quality and outstanding handicraft quality. Located on the east side of the Red River and only 15km from Hanoi center, Bat Trang Ceramic Village is a complex of ceramic museums, workshops, ancient houses and markets. Every corner of the village sets up a colorful and vintage background for your photographs. You can sign up for ceramic-making workshops, which will give you hands-on experience and help you create your own piece of ceramic. The ceramic market is where you can get lovely and one-and-only ceramic items since each of them takes hours to be painted by hand by the artisans.

The attraction allows free entrance, and you are only charged if you want to take part in ceramic-making activities (the cost starts at 30,000 VND).

From Hanoi, you can check out bus number 47A or bus 52B to go to Bat Trang. It is also easily accessed by motorbikes and there are many tourist agencies that offer a full-package tour to Bat Trang Ceramic Village which will save you from all the hassle.

Address: Gia Lam District

15. Hanoi Train Street

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Hanoi Train Street (or Phung Hung Train Street) is most famous with the 2-kilometer section from Phung Hung Street to Le Duan Street, running across Tran Phu Street and Cua Dong Street. This has been recognized as a unique attraction for tourists to experience the coming together between French and Vietnamese architecture and also the local life of those residing along the railway. At the end of 2019, the street was closed down for safety purposes. In mid-2022, this route was restored to tourist activity, but visitors must ensure strict safety guidelines.

• Address: Phung Hung Street
• Train times:
  • Weekdays: 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 10:00 PM
  • Weekends: 9:15 AM, 11:20 AM, 3:20 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM, 11:00 PM