Hanoi

What are the most recommended things to do in Hanoi?

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple
Explore the Old Quarter with its narrow streets and local shops
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace
Discover the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university
Experience Hanoi’s street food on a guided food tour
Watch a traditional Water Puppet Show
Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and Vietnam National Museum of History
Enjoy French colonial architecture at St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Hanoi Opera House
Take a day trip to Perfume Pagoda or Ninh Binh
Shop and dine at Dong Xuan Market and night markets

Introducing Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital and second-largest city, blends over 1,000 years of history with modern development. Its rich historical heritage and numerous historical sites have earned it the nickname "The Land of Millennium Heritage." Hanoi is the city that best embodies Vietnam's socialist character.

The revolutionary slogan graffiti on the streets, the beautiful girls wearing ao dai on the streets, the motorcycles whizzing past, and the narrow single-family houses painted with colorful patterns can all clearly tell you that you are in Vietnam.

Climate and best time to travel

Hanoi is located in northern Vietnam. The weather is cool and there is little rainfall from January to March. The rainy season is from April to September, and the temperature continues to rise. There are occasional typhoons, so you should carry an umbrella with you. The temperature drops from October to December, and the weather is cool and comfortable. This period is the peak season for European and American tourists to travel to Hanoi, and accommodation prices rise.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Thirty-six Lines Street

With its intricate network of streets, each one essentially specializing in the same industry, it's Vietnam's most popular commercial district. Each street boasts unique handicraft shops, perfect for souvenir shopping. The variety of handicrafts and tourist souvenirs on offer is among the lowest in Vietnam, and the selection is extensive. The street also boasts numerous local artists' studios, whose modest facades reveal their unique creations.

Tips: The quality of handicrafts varies greatly, and the asking prices vary greatly, so compare prices from different stores.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake is a Hanoi landmark. Though small, it boasts clear, tree-lined waters and an elegant setting. Legends abound about Hoan Kiem Lake, including one that tells of a king, Lê Thị Thu, who was boating on the lake when he saw a giant turtle surface. Unable to shoot it with an arrow, he attempted to strike it with his sword, but the sword fell into the water, and the turtle sank with it. Furious, Lê Thị Thu ordered a dam built to block the lake's mouth, but even after draining the lake, he still couldn't recover the sword.

Another legend claims that Ly Thai To, in his early years, unearthed a precious sword from the ground here, which he later used to resist the Ming Dynasty. However, one day, while admiring the lake, he accidentally dropped the sword into the water. As he was about to unload it, a giant turtle suddenly retrieved it with its beak, hence the name "Hoan Kiem Lake." Along the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake are ancient buildings such as the Pen Pagoda, the Ho Phong Pagoda, and waterside pavilions. Dotting the waters are scenic landmarks such as the Ngoc Son Temple, the Qi Xu Bridge, the Zhen Bo Pavilion, and the Turtle Pagoda, making it Hanoi's premier scenic spot.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The remains of President Ho Chi Minh, the great leader of the Vietnamese people, are laid to rest here.

Ba Dinh Square

Vietnam's version of "Tiananmen Square"

St. Joseph's Cathedral

The oldest church in Hanoi, with a medieval style, is also a representative French building in Hanoi.

Most Popular FAQs for Hanoi

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, was founded over 1,000 years ago and has served as a political, cultural, and historical center. It blends ancient temples, French colonial architecture, and modern development. It played key roles during the French colonial period, the Vietnam War, and continues as the heart of Vietnam’s governance and culture.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Located in northern Vietnam, about 100 km from Ha Long Bay.
No metro yet, but local buses connect major areas.
Taxis, Grab (ride-hailing), and cyclos are common.
Walking is ideal in the Old Quarter and central areas.
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) connects Hanoi with international destinations.