13 Best Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam

1. Introduction

With more than a thousand years of history, Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, boasts an extensive must-see itinerary that reflects its many years as the country’s most important political center. You’ll find places in Hanoi that reflect the full breadth of the Vietnamese cultural and historical experience, from the country’s founding as a Chinese vassal state a thousand years in the past to its liberation from French and American colonial powers in the 20th century and its confident stride into the 21st.

2. Explore Must-See Sights in Hanoi

Don’t say you’ve been to Hanoi in Vietnam until you’ve seen the majority of the sights on this list.

Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Address: Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam

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This historic lake is home to foundational legends of Vietnam. The name Hồ Hoàn Kiếm means “Lake of the Returned Sword,” referencing the myth that a future emperor received a sword from a magic turtle at the lake’s edge. The emperor later used this sword to drive the Chinese out of Vietnam.

Today, Hoan Kiem Lake stands as a charming social and cultural center for Hanoi citizens—it’s a favorite stop for wedding photos and fitness enthusiasts. The lakeside is an excellent opportunity to take in local culture and offers an easy walk to the Old Quarter afterward.

A graceful, red-painted wooden bridge leads from the lakeside to Ngoc Son Temple, where devotees continue their religious duties as they have for nearly a millennium.

Tour the Temple of Literature

Address: Temple of Literature, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội, Vietnam

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The Temple of Literature is a 1,000-year-old temple dedicated to education and the site of the country’s oldest university. Almost destroyed by war in the 20th century, restoration work has brought back much of its former glory.

The layout consists of five courtyards from south to north, connected by three pathways. The northernmost courtyard houses the former university for mandarins called Quoc Tu Giam, or “Temple of the King Who Distinguished Literature,” established in 1076.

Shop in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Address: Tạ Hiện, 2VM2+VVM, P. Lương Ngọc Quyến, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

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Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and the city’s ultimate shopping hotspot. The Quarter’s maze of streets offers an extensive selection of cheap shopping, delicious must-try dishes, and essential travel services.

Iconically triangular in shape, the Old Quarter’s streets are named according to the goods sold within them. Visitors encounter narrow sidewalks with persistent shopkeepers inviting them to explore a variety of products, from Chinese knockoffs to lacquerware and silk shirts.

Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

Address: 1 Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam

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“Uncle Ho” would have preferred cremation over a massive mausoleum built in Soviet style at Ba Dinh Square, but the people, nonetheless, honored him in this way. The Mausoleum opened to the public on August 29, 1975.

Inside, Ho Chi Minh’s preserved body lies under glass, with a military honor guard overseeing visitors. Strict rules govern the visit: no photography, no shorts or miniskirts, and silence must be maintained. Hours vary by season.

After paying respects, explore the Presidential Palace grounds, including Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, which retains its original appearance from when he lived there.

Tour Hoa Lo Prison, the “Hanoi Hilton”

Address: 1 P. Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

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Phone: +84 825 112 668

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The term “Hoa Lo” translates to “stove,” aptly illustrating this infamous prison built by the French in the 1880s. This location was where American POWs, including Senator John McCain, were imprisoned. Some remnants of their cramped quarters remain visible today.

Despite much of the prison being demolished in the 1990s, the preserved sections allow visitors to explore exhibits showcasing the sufferings of Vietnamese prisoners and a sanitized representation of the American POWs.

Explore The Imperial Citadel

Address: 19c Hoàng Diệu, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

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Phone: +84 24 3734 5427

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The Hanoi Imperial Citadel spans 18 hectares and represents the remnants of a much larger complex originally consisting of three forts constructed by Emperor Ly Thai To in 1011.

Though much of it was destroyed by French colonial authorities in the 1800s, some historic elements remain open to the public. The Forbidden City Wall and several gates from the Nguyen Dynasty stand as a testament to the capital’s rich history.

Sip Vietnamese Coffee

Address: P. Triệu Việt Vương, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam

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The Vietnamese reinvented French coffee culture by adopting the French press into their own uniquely efficient drip filter, known as phin, using condensed milk instead of cream. The result is a hot, strong, and exceedingly sweet beverage—perfect for fueling exploration of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Café options in Hanoi range from open-air street stalls to upscale establishments. To experience both, visit Trieu Viet Vuong, where numerous cafes coexist in a quaint, tree-shaded lane.

To order like a local, ask for the hot, sweet coffee by saying “ca phe nau“. Prefer a black coffee? Then ask for “ca phe den“. Don’t miss the chance to try their renowned egg coffee, “ca phe trung“, featuring whipped egg yolk and condensed milk.

See Hanoi’s Four Sacred Temples

Address: 76 P. Hàng Buồm, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

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According to feng shui, the ancient Emperors of Thang Long constructed four directional temples to block harmful energies. Bach Ma, Voi Phuc, Kim Lien, and Quan Thanh temples are collectively referred to as Thang Long Tu Tran (the four guardians).

Bach Ma Temple, established in the 9th century, faces east and is the oldest of the four, dedicated to a white horse guiding the construction. Voi Phuc Temple looks west, honoring a prince whose kneeling elephants enabled him to defeat invasions from the north.

Kim Lien Temple guards the south, despite its location being the northernmost. Finally, Quan Thanh Temple, located by West Lake, is dedicated to a deity who wards off evil spirits and foreign invaders.

To express gratitude, Hanoians celebrate the Thang Long Tu Tran Festival every spring, coinciding with the Gregorian calendar from mid-March to late April.

Take in Sky-High Views at Lotte Center

Address: Lotte Center Hà Nội, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam

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For breathtaking views of Vietnam’s capital, visit the Lotte Center Hanoi. Completed in 2014, it is the city’s second-tallest building with a 360-degree viewpoint to take it all in.

For thrill-seekers, the Glass Skywalk offers a transparent floor experience, providing a heart-stopping view of the 65 stories below. Afterward, relax at the roof-deck bar to unwind.

The view deck is open daily from 9 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (last ticket sales by 11 p.m.). For those who need more time, consider reserving a room at the Lotte Hanoi for extended city views.

Watch a Traditional Performance at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Address: 57B P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

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Phone: +84 24 3824 9494

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Vietnam’s creative farmers invented water puppetry, utilizing over-water rice paddies for puppet shows. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre stage reflects this tradition while keeping updated with modern smoke effects and lighting.

Daily performances showcase tales from Vietnamese village life and national legends, attracting over 150,000 visitors annually. Both locals and tourists relish this traditional art form.

Take a Red River Cruise

The Red River has always been at the center of trade and military engagements that shaped Hanoi’s history. Tourists can take trips along its length, obtaining a unique view of the capital while visiting significant sites just outside city limits.

As you boat east toward the Red River Delta, take in picturesque farmland while stopping at historic temples like Chu Dong Tu in Hung Yen province, or traditional manufacturing villages like Bat Trang, renowned for high-quality porcelain.

Longer cruises even extend west toward Hoa Binh or east to Ha Long Bay. Budget options can be arranged through Hanoi hotels, while luxury tours, such as the 11-day Red River tour offered by Pandaw Travel, present unforgettable experiences.

Shop and Eat at West Lake

Address: 46 Đ. Thanh Niên, Yên Phụ, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội, Vietnam

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For culture and nightlife, West Lake—Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake—offers a vibrant atmosphere with international-quality restaurants, trendy bars, and exciting shops.

Along Duong Thuy Khue, seafood restaurants offer affordable meals boasting breathtaking views. For a luxurious experience, travelers can venture toward Tay Ho’s expat enclave homes to upscale hotels, shops, and dining options.

Visiting West Lake on Saturday mornings reveals the Tay Ho weekend market, where locally-crafted artisanal products are showcased. If watching your spending, enjoy the scenic views on foot or bike while visiting temples such as Tran Quoc Pagoda.

Bargain Hunt at Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market, established in 1889, remains Hanoi’s largest indoor market despite its devastation by fire in 1994. The first floor caters primarily to locals, offering an array of meats, vegetables, and seafood.

The upper floor provides wholesale prices on handicrafts, souvenirs, and local foods, allowing tourists to enjoy a hearty meal for just a few cents.

For a wider selection, visit the Hanoi Weekend Night Market, where an array of goods spans from Chinese products to handmade items from craftspeople in the villages outside Hanoi.