Things to do in Ha Noi
You’ve found yourself in the fast-paced city of Hanoi, Vietnam. Motorbikes are flying at you left and right. Now, what are you going to do while you’re here? Maybe you’ve got two days, maybe you’ve got three.
You are ready to pack in the sights, sounds and delectable tastes. This is a place to be experienced rather than seen, and this list will help you accomplish just that.
Unlike other religious temple, Temple of Literature is considered to be the first University of Vietnam. Nowadays, the temple is not only a historical attraction but also attracts many candidates, students coming to pray for their studying career.
Located in Dong Da District of Hanoi, Temple of Literature seats in the middle of 4 main crossing streets including Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ton Duc Thang, Van Mieu and Quoc Tu Giam street. Travelers can take bus No. 02, 23,38,25, or 41 to stop near the temple for a visit. You should show respect to the worship place by dressing conservatively. A small entrance fee (about $1) is collected for maintainance.
246 locals recommend
Temple Of Literature
Temple of Literature
Unlike other religious temple, Temple of Literature is considered to be the first University of Vietnam. Nowadays, the temple is not only a historical attraction but also attracts many candidates, students coming to pray for their studying career.
Located in Dong Da District of Hanoi, Temple of Literature seats in the middle of 4 main crossing streets including Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ton Duc Thang, Van Mieu and Quoc Tu Giam street. Travelers can take bus No. 02, 23,38,25, or 41 to stop near the temple for a visit. You should show respect to the worship place by dressing conservatively. A small entrance fee (about $1) is collected for maintainance.
Maison Centrale in Hanoi, also known as Hoa Lo Prison or the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ housed Vietnamese revolutionaries and American POW during the Vietnam War. The fortress was once a vast colonial-style prison, most of which was torn down in the 1990s.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 - 17:00
Location: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Tel: +84 43 824 6358
Price Range: VND 30,000
212 locals recommend
Hoa Lo Prison
1 Hoả LòMaison Centrale in Hanoi, also known as Hoa Lo Prison or the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ housed Vietnamese revolutionaries and American POW during the Vietnam War. The fortress was once a vast colonial-style prison, most of which was torn down in the 1990s.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 - 17:00
Location: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Tel: +84 43 824 6358
Price Range: VND 30,000
Rising from one pillar in the centre of an elegantly square shaped lotus pond, The One Pillar Pagoda is said to represent a lotus flower growing up out of the water. Built between the years of 1028 and1054 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong of the Ly Dynasty, the One Pillar Pagoda is one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples.
88 locals recommend
One Pillar Pagoda
phố Chùa Một CộtRising from one pillar in the centre of an elegantly square shaped lotus pond, The One Pillar Pagoda is said to represent a lotus flower growing up out of the water. Built between the years of 1028 and1054 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong of the Ly Dynasty, the One Pillar Pagoda is one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples.
Situated at the heart of Hanoi, the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is an outstanding place of interest not only for the capital city but also for the country as a whole. The site is one of the ten special national heritage sites proclaimed by the Prime Minister in 2009 and was inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in 2010. Its Outstanding Universal Values are reflected in its historical longevity, its continuous role as a seat of power, and its multiple cultural layers.
114 locals recommend
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
19c Hoàng DiệuSituated at the heart of Hanoi, the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is an outstanding place of interest not only for the capital city but also for the country as a whole. The site is one of the ten special national heritage sites proclaimed by the Prime Minister in 2009 and was inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in 2010. Its Outstanding Universal Values are reflected in its historical longevity, its continuous role as a seat of power, and its multiple cultural layers.
Inaugurated in 1959 and housing more than 40,000 exhibits, this museum enthusiastically presents the histories of conflict and revolution within Vietnam, from the liberation movements against the French occupation to the establishment of the Communist Party and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
50 locals recommend
Vietnam National Museum of History
1 Đường Trần Quang KhảiInaugurated in 1959 and housing more than 40,000 exhibits, this museum enthusiastically presents the histories of conflict and revolution within Vietnam, from the liberation movements against the French occupation to the establishment of the Communist Party and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
The Vietnam Women’s Museum delivers a beautifully presented tribute to the women of Vietnam across the ages. There are plenty of historical contexts alongside a wealth of information on today’s more modern Vietnamese woman.
Read more at: http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/vietnam-women-museum.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001
127 locals recommend
Vietnamese Women's Museum
36 Lý Thường KiệtThe Vietnam Women’s Museum delivers a beautifully presented tribute to the women of Vietnam across the ages. There are plenty of historical contexts alongside a wealth of information on today’s more modern Vietnamese woman.
Read more at: http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/vietnam-women-museum.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001
Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi attracts tourists and locals looking to get away from the noise and frenetic pace of the city. Peaceful and quiet, the lake surrounds Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda sitting in the centre on a small island. The temple attracts many visitors and was built in commemoration of the 13th century military leader Tran Hung Dao who was renowned for his bravery in the battle against the Yuan Dynasty. Homage is also paid to scholar Van Xuong and Confucian master Nguyen Van Sieu. The island on which the temple is built is known as Jade Island and is accessible by the iconic Huc Bridge or Rising Sun Bridge which is a charming scarlet-painted wooden bridge of classical Vietnamese design. The pagoda is also guarded by two towering posts decorated with Chinese writing. The lake and temple are probably the most famous places in Hanoi city in which to rest and enjoy the view and are a great place to sit back and watch the locals.
The lake and the temple offer plenty of trees and shaded spots in which to escape the busy city streets. To get there head towards the Old Quarter and the main post office which is located next to the lake. Tickets are purchased at a booth located on the left-hand side before you cross the bridge. The temple opens at 08:00 and closes at 17:00 every day and its best to get to the lake as early as possible to watch the locals do their morning yoga and Tai Chi. To get to the temple, walk across the flag-lined bright red Huc Bridge across to Jade Island.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 - 17:00
Opening Hours: Daily 07:30 – 17:30 (Ngoc Son Temple) Location: Hanoi Old Quarter
Price Range: VND 20,000 to enter the temple
513 locals recommend
Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi attracts tourists and locals looking to get away from the noise and frenetic pace of the city. Peaceful and quiet, the lake surrounds Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda sitting in the centre on a small island. The temple attracts many visitors and was built in commemoration of the 13th century military leader Tran Hung Dao who was renowned for his bravery in the battle against the Yuan Dynasty. Homage is also paid to scholar Van Xuong and Confucian master Nguyen Van Sieu. The island on which the temple is built is known as Jade Island and is accessible by the iconic Huc Bridge or Rising Sun Bridge which is a charming scarlet-painted wooden bridge of classical Vietnamese design. The pagoda is also guarded by two towering posts decorated with Chinese writing. The lake and temple are probably the most famous places in Hanoi city in which to rest and enjoy the view and are a great place to sit back and watch the locals.
The lake and the temple offer plenty of trees and shaded spots in which to escape the busy city streets. To get there head towards the Old Quarter and the main post office which is located next to the lake. Tickets are purchased at a booth located on the left-hand side before you cross the bridge. The temple opens at 08:00 and closes at 17:00 every day and its best to get to the lake as early as possible to watch the locals do their morning yoga and Tai Chi. To get to the temple, walk across the flag-lined bright red Huc Bridge across to Jade Island.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 - 17:00
Opening Hours: Daily 07:30 – 17:30 (Ngoc Son Temple) Location: Hanoi Old Quarter
Price Range: VND 20,000 to enter the temple
Dong Xuan Market is the largest market in Hanoi and has a wide array of products for sale over four floors. Located on the northern edge of the Old Quarter, it is an imposing Soviet-style building, surrounded on all sides by merchant shops and stalls. It is a rough-and-ready type of market (some might even say ‘dirty’), especially in the ground floor wet market area. However, head up the stairs and you will find cheap printed tees, bolts of fabric, school uniforms, luggage stalls and much more, all available at wholesale prices. It is quite an experience, even if you only leave with a pair of cheap sunglasses and a Vietnamese conical hat
Opening Hours: Daily 06:00 - 19:00
Location: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
147 locals recommend
Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is the largest market in Hanoi and has a wide array of products for sale over four floors. Located on the northern edge of the Old Quarter, it is an imposing Soviet-style building, surrounded on all sides by merchant shops and stalls. It is a rough-and-ready type of market (some might even say ‘dirty’), especially in the ground floor wet market area. However, head up the stairs and you will find cheap printed tees, bolts of fabric, school uniforms, luggage stalls and much more, all available at wholesale prices. It is quite an experience, even if you only leave with a pair of cheap sunglasses and a Vietnamese conical hat
Opening Hours: Daily 06:00 - 19:00
Location: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Saint Joseph Cathedral of Hanoi is known as the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the city. Prior to the construction of the cathedral in 1886, the French occupation demolished Bao Thien Pagoda, an important Vietnamese temple that was built during the Ly Dynasty. Saint Joseph Cathedral of Hanoi was inspired by Notre Dame de Paris, boasting a neo-Gothic architectural style, twin bell towers, intricately-designed altar, and colourful paintings and stained-glass windows from France. Surrounded by plenty of trees and flowers, a statue of Mother Maria is also set within the courtyard in front of the cathedral.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00
Location: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
209 locals recommend
St. Joseph's Cathedral
40 Nhà ChungSaint Joseph Cathedral of Hanoi is known as the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the city. Prior to the construction of the cathedral in 1886, the French occupation demolished Bao Thien Pagoda, an important Vietnamese temple that was built during the Ly Dynasty. Saint Joseph Cathedral of Hanoi was inspired by Notre Dame de Paris, boasting a neo-Gothic architectural style, twin bell towers, intricately-designed altar, and colourful paintings and stained-glass windows from France. Surrounded by plenty of trees and flowers, a statue of Mother Maria is also set within the courtyard in front of the cathedral.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00
Location: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
The Weekend Night Market in Hanoi is a busy, bustling gathering of stalls and vendors that brings crowds in droves. Taking place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 19:00, the market runs through the Old Quarter, starting from Hang Dao Street and running north to the edge of Dong Xuan Market. The fashion items on sale won’t turn many heads and the souvenirs can all be found in the surrounding stalls, but there it is a fun environment and the endless food vendors have interesting and exotic things to try. Bartering is normal here and, as with all busy markets, be aware of your belongings
Opening Hours: Friday - Sunday 19:00 - 23:00
Location: Hang Dao Street, Old Quarter, Hanoi
121 locals recommend
Hanoi Night Market
Phố Hàng BạcThe Weekend Night Market in Hanoi is a busy, bustling gathering of stalls and vendors that brings crowds in droves. Taking place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 19:00, the market runs through the Old Quarter, starting from Hang Dao Street and running north to the edge of Dong Xuan Market. The fashion items on sale won’t turn many heads and the souvenirs can all be found in the surrounding stalls, but there it is a fun environment and the endless food vendors have interesting and exotic things to try. Bartering is normal here and, as with all busy markets, be aware of your belongings
Opening Hours: Friday - Sunday 19:00 - 23:00
Location: Hang Dao Street, Old Quarter, Hanoi
In a couple of theaters in Hanoi, you can watch a water puppet show. A show where you will see puppets in the water perform Vietnamese traditions complete with Vietnamese talks and music. This ancient old art and form of entertainment is a Vietnamese unique traditional performance and therefore it will be something that you do not want to miss. It is not too expensive and time consuming then easy to fit into your busy travel schedule as well! You can find the venues for water puppet show in Hanoi as below:
- Thang Long water puppet theatre (57B Dinh Tien Hoang): 5 shows/day (15:10, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30 and 20:00), ticket price: 100,000 – 200,000 VND
- Vietnam Puppetry Theater (261 Truong Chinh): 2 shows/day (17:00 and 18:30), ticket price: 80,000 VND
- Bong Sen Water Puppet Theater (16 Ly Thai To/79 Hang Trong): 3 – 4 shows/day (15:30, 17:00 and 18:30), ticket price: 80,000 – 100,000 VND.
- Dao Thuc Water Puppetry Guild (Dao Thuc Village, Dong Anh District): Only 1 show each day, please book in advance, price up to the number of group.
207 locals recommend
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
57B Đinh Tiên HoàngIn a couple of theaters in Hanoi, you can watch a water puppet show. A show where you will see puppets in the water perform Vietnamese traditions complete with Vietnamese talks and music. This ancient old art and form of entertainment is a Vietnamese unique traditional performance and therefore it will be something that you do not want to miss. It is not too expensive and time consuming then easy to fit into your busy travel schedule as well! You can find the venues for water puppet show in Hanoi as below:
- Thang Long water puppet theatre (57B Dinh Tien Hoang): 5 shows/day (15:10, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30 and 20:00), ticket price: 100,000 – 200,000 VND
- Vietnam Puppetry Theater (261 Truong Chinh): 2 shows/day (17:00 and 18:30), ticket price: 80,000 VND
- Bong Sen Water Puppet Theater (16 Ly Thai To/79 Hang Trong): 3 – 4 shows/day (15:30, 17:00 and 18:30), ticket price: 80,000 – 100,000 VND.
- Dao Thuc Water Puppetry Guild (Dao Thuc Village, Dong Anh District): Only 1 show each day, please book in advance, price up to the number of group.
Located only 15km away from Hanoi center, Bat Trang village is a well-known attraction to tourists and locals who love traditional culture and new experience at the same time.
Travelling does not only include sight seeing, but also conquering new experiences. If you are looking for an interesting activity that you can actually hand on, then Bat Trang Ceramics Village is the choice for yours.
Bat Trang Ceramics Village can be easily reached by joining a day tour or public transportation. Many agents offer a one-day tour with meals and tour guide who can provide you with much interesting information about the ancient village and Hanoi also. The cheapest way is to travel by Bus No. 47 from the city center. Nevertheless, taking taxi is the most convenient way and does not cost much thanks to the short distance.
39 locals recommend
Bat Trang Ceramic Market
Located only 15km away from Hanoi center, Bat Trang village is a well-known attraction to tourists and locals who love traditional culture and new experience at the same time.
Travelling does not only include sight seeing, but also conquering new experiences. If you are looking for an interesting activity that you can actually hand on, then Bat Trang Ceramics Village is the choice for yours.
Bat Trang Ceramics Village can be easily reached by joining a day tour or public transportation. Many agents offer a one-day tour with meals and tour guide who can provide you with much interesting information about the ancient village and Hanoi also. The cheapest way is to travel by Bus No. 47 from the city center. Nevertheless, taking taxi is the most convenient way and does not cost much thanks to the short distance.
Far from Hanoi center about 50km, Duong Lam ancient village is located in Son Tay Town, Hanoi. The whole village is considered as a unique laterite museum with ancient houses dating back for more than 400 years ago. Duong Lam was the home of 2 Vietnamese kings, Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung. Their mausoleum is still located here. The village was recognized as National Historical & Cultural Monument on May 19th, 2006. It is the first ancient village of Vietnam to be recognized.
Heading to Son Tay province to visit Duong Lam ancient village on a bus is a good idea for travelers. Take bus No. 71, if you are coming from My Dinh station; bus No. 70, if you are coming from Kim Ma station; or bus No. 77, if you are coming from Ha Dong station. All the bus routes stop at Son Tay station, where you can take a taxi or xe om (taxi bike) to arrive in Duong Lam village. However, you still need to walk around the wide area to explore each of the historical attraction. If walking around takes too much time and effort, you can try renting a bicycle. They offer hourly rent or full-day rent depending on your preference.
Đường Lâm
Far from Hanoi center about 50km, Duong Lam ancient village is located in Son Tay Town, Hanoi. The whole village is considered as a unique laterite museum with ancient houses dating back for more than 400 years ago. Duong Lam was the home of 2 Vietnamese kings, Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung. Their mausoleum is still located here. The village was recognized as National Historical & Cultural Monument on May 19th, 2006. It is the first ancient village of Vietnam to be recognized.
Heading to Son Tay province to visit Duong Lam ancient village on a bus is a good idea for travelers. Take bus No. 71, if you are coming from My Dinh station; bus No. 70, if you are coming from Kim Ma station; or bus No. 77, if you are coming from Ha Dong station. All the bus routes stop at Son Tay station, where you can take a taxi or xe om (taxi bike) to arrive in Duong Lam village. However, you still need to walk around the wide area to explore each of the historical attraction. If walking around takes too much time and effort, you can try renting a bicycle. They offer hourly rent or full-day rent depending on your preference.
Food scene
This is probably the most exciting and culturally fun activity to experience in Hanoi. Ta Hien Street is a popular spot for locals as well as tourists. Many of the shops brew the beer daily on their premises, so if they run out, that’s it for the day. And do not expect any award-winning quality here either. The spot comes alive at night, and even more packed on weekends. There are other great little restaurants and bars spilling onto the side streets around it.
Location: Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem
Opening: At night to 2am everyday
110 locals recommend
Old Quarter
Phố Lương Ngọc QuyếnThis is probably the most exciting and culturally fun activity to experience in Hanoi. Ta Hien Street is a popular spot for locals as well as tourists. Many of the shops brew the beer daily on their premises, so if they run out, that’s it for the day. And do not expect any award-winning quality here either. The spot comes alive at night, and even more packed on weekends. There are other great little restaurants and bars spilling onto the side streets around it.
Location: Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem
Opening: At night to 2am everyday
Interesting Things To Enjoy
The Quintessence of Tonkin (or Tonkin show) is the first “real life performance” in Vietnam with the participation of 250 performers including 120 amateurs who is actually farmers in day life and from nearby villages. The show is performed entirely on water with mini scenes and properties moving flexible with special techniques.
The show is about 1-hour driving from Hanoi. Guests can reach it by car or taxi; however, as most of the drivers do not know exactly where the show is, there is a better choice for people who want to enjoy Tonkin show – shuttle bus. Each performance night, the show always offers a shuttle bus (a big modern 45-seat bus) for the audience with cheap price: only 80,000 VND/person (about USD 3.5/person) and it start at 5.30 p.m. from Hanoi Tower (49 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi). Please note that the shuttle bus choice is only available for the group under 11 people.
The Quintessence of Tonkin
The Quintessence of Tonkin (or Tonkin show) is the first “real life performance” in Vietnam with the participation of 250 performers including 120 amateurs who is actually farmers in day life and from nearby villages. The show is performed entirely on water with mini scenes and properties moving flexible with special techniques.
The show is about 1-hour driving from Hanoi. Guests can reach it by car or taxi; however, as most of the drivers do not know exactly where the show is, there is a better choice for people who want to enjoy Tonkin show – shuttle bus. Each performance night, the show always offers a shuttle bus (a big modern 45-seat bus) for the audience with cheap price: only 80,000 VND/person (about USD 3.5/person) and it start at 5.30 p.m. from Hanoi Tower (49 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi). Please note that the shuttle bus choice is only available for the group under 11 people.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Install "GRAB" or ''BE" app for easy to take taxi or motor bike for cheap price going around
Let 's install some app to take a taxi or cab, it helps you know price and cheap.And you don't worry to pay the high price because taxi drivers ask you more. There many types of cab like taxi, cab, motorbike,.. so you could choose the type of car that you needs.
I recommend you Grab app, cause of many functions and lot of vehicles. You could search local foods or any kind of foods in need there (sometime you need to order in demand, you could use it)
Useful phrases
How is to say "How is Bathroom?"
When you are in demand, but don't find the toilet, let s ask guy by " Toilet o dau?" or " WC o dau?" or " Phong ve sinh o dau?" :)
Useful phrases
How to say "Pay money"
When you need to pay, It is easy to make them understand
- Just say "payment, please" and do your symbol hand :)
- Or " Tinh tien"
- Or " Thanh toan"
Customs and culture
Shorts do not allowed to wear when visit some places
When you are planning to visit Temples, please don't forget to wear your clothes like pants over your knees
Useful phrases
How to say "Thank you" in Vietnamese
you just say "Cam On", or if you are in good pronounce, you could say" Cám ơn" :)
Customs and culture
How to do in the first greeting
When you meet some one for the first time, you could shake hands with them to show more close and Hanoian like that way.
What to pack
Bring your comfortable slip-on shoes
There are many attraction places that you can see and go, they are not so far, so don't forget to bring your comfortable slip- on shoes with you.
Book before you go
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater need to book before
Tickets sell out well in advance so it’s worth booking yours as soon as you arrive in town.
Opening Hours: Daily 15:00, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30 & 20:00 Location: 57B, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Tel: +84 43 824 9494
Price Range: VND 100,000
Book before you go
Tonkin Show – The Quintessence of Tonkin
You are highly recommended to install the Klook to order the show with good price for you.
The price is arund 800,000 vnd- 1,200,000vnd
Show time: 19:00 - 20:00