What to see in Hanoi Vietnam? 26+ Must-See Destinations

Hanoi is a renowned travel destination chosen by many international visitors eager to explore the S-shaped land of Vietnam. The thousand-year-old capital captivates tourists not only with its historical landmarks but also with its unique and unforgettable travel experiences. So, what to see in Hanoi Vietnam? Let’s explore the city's must-see attractions with Joytime in this guide!

1. What to See When in Hanoi Vietnam?

Hanoi boasts a rich history and a vibrant cultural heritage, making it a fascinating destination for international travelers. The capital city preserves numerous cultural and historical values that visitors should not miss:

• Historical and cultural sites: As a land steeped in millennia of history, Hanoi is home to many famous landmarks, allowing visitors to explore and learn about Vietnam’s long-standing traditions.

• Bustling markets and streets: As one of Vietnam’s major economic hubs, Hanoi offers visitors a vibrant shopping experience in some of the country's busiest markets and shopping centers.

• Traditional craft villages: With a long history of development, Hanoi is also the birthplace of many renowned craft villages. Here, tourists can enjoy unique experiences, such as stepping into the shoes of traditional artisans and discovering the essence of Vietnamese craftsmanship.

• Other tourist attractions: Beyond historical and cultural landmarks, visitors can also explore entertainment areas, temples, museums, zoos, and parks—all of which add to Hanoi’s diverse appeal.

The capital Hanoi is a famous tourist destination that helps visitors discover the beauty of national culture - Photo source: Pixabay 

2. Admire the Majestic Beauty through 12+ Historical and Cultural Sites in Hanoi

Every historical site and cultural landmark in Hanoi tells a glorious story of the past, serving as a testament to Vietnam’s golden ages. Below are 12 must-visit sites that bear the marks of time:

2.1. Ngoc Son Temple

Location: Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 

Overview: Ngoc Son Temple sits on Jade Island in Hoan Kiem Lake, blending traditional architecture with nature to create a poetic and tranquil landscape amidst the bustling capital.

Highlights: The iconic red-painted The Huc Bridge, along with Pen Tower (Tháp Bút) and Ink Slab (Đài Nghiên), symbolizes Vietnam’s deep-rooted intellectual and cultural heritage. Visitors can walk across The Huc Bridge, admire the temple’s unique architecture, explore historical structures, and learn about Hanoi’s rich spiritual traditions.

2.2. Hoan Kiem Lake

Location: Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 

Overview: Hoan Kiem Lake is one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks, featuring crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush, shady trees, creating a peaceful oasis in the heart of the bustling city.

Highlights: The ancient Turtle Tower (Tháp Rùa) at the lake’s center, along with Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island and the vibrant red The Huc Bridge, make for a picturesque and nostalgic scene. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, explore historical sites, participate in cultural events at the weekend walking street, and savor Hanoi’s delicious street food.

A poetic photo corner at Hoan Kiem Lake - Photo source: Pixabay 

2.3. Temple of Literature

Location: 58 Ward Quoc Tu Giam, Temple of Literature, Dong Da, Hanoi 

Overview: The Temple of Literature is Vietnam’s first university, renowned for its ancient and solemn architecture. If you're wondering what to see in Hanoi Vietnam, this iconic site is a must-visit. One of its most distinctive features is the Khue Van Pavilion (Khuê Văn Các), a symbol of Hanoi with intricate and unique designs.

Highlights: Visitors can participate in traditional calligraphy sessions during the Lunar New Year, offer incense for academic success, and explore valuable historical artifacts that reflect Vietnam’s deep respect for education.

Dai Trung Gate area at the Temple of Literature - Photo source: Temple of Literature-Quoc Tu Giam Relics Fanpage 

2.4. One Pillar Pagoda

Location: One Pillar Pagoda Street, Doi Can, Ba Dinh, Hanoi. 

Overview: One Pillar Pagoda is an iconic symbol of Hanoi’s cultural heritage, featuring a unique lotus-inspired structure symbolizing purity and enlightenment in Buddhism. The most striking element is the Lotus Pavilion (Liên Hoa Đài), built on a single stone pillar, resembling a blooming lotus rising from Linh Chieu Lake.

Highlights: Visitors can admire a 70-year-old Bodhi tree or explore the traditional Three-Gate Entrance (Tam Quan) to gain deeper insights into the temple’s history and sacred atmosphere.

2.5. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Location: 1 Hung Vuong, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi 

Overview: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a solemn and sacred place where the remains of President Ho Chi Minh are preserved. The structure stands as a symbol of the nation's deep respect and gratitude towards the leader who devoted his life to Vietnam’s independence and freedom.

Visitors to the mausoleum can pay their respects and also explore nearby historical sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Presidential Palace, and Uncle Ho's Stilt House - where he lived and worked during the later years of his life.

Uncle Ho's mausoleum with solemn and sturdy beauty - Photo source: Facebook Nga Le - ltn.agn 

2.6. Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Location: 19c Hoang Dieu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi  

Overview: The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized in 2010. If you're wondering what to see in Hanoi Vietnam, this historic landmark is a must-visit. It stands out for its ancient and majestic beauty, reflecting the cultural fusion of multiple dynasties.

Notably, the site includes the 18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site, which preserves invaluable artifacts showcasing the 1,000-year history of the Thang Long capital. Visitors can explore this archaeological area along with other historical landmarks such as Doan Mon, Kinh Thien Palace, and Hau Lau.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel still retains its majestic and ancient beauty - Photo source: Pixabay 

2.7. Presidential Palace

Location: 2 Hung Vuong, Ngoc Ho, Ba Dinh, Hanoi  

Overview: The Presidential Palace is a grand French colonial architectural masterpiece, surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees, offering a solemn yet tranquil atmosphere. Inside, visitors will find a simple wooden stilt house, where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from 1954 to 1969, embodying his humble lifestyle.

Visitors can explore the Presidential Palace, the stilt house, the fish pond, and the lush garden, gaining deeper insights into Ho Chi Minh’s life and legacy.

The Presidential Palace possesses majestic classical French architecture - Photo source: Fanpage Hanoi News 

2.8. Hoa Lo Prison

Location: 1 Hoa Lo Ward, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 

Overview: Hoa Lo Prison, located in the heart of Hanoi, is a powerful historical site that testifies to the Vietnamese people's resilience. If you're wondering what to see in Hanoi Vietnam, this landmark offers a profound look into the nation's past. Built with narrow, cramped cells and torture equipment, it reflects the brutal oppression by French colonialists against the Vietnamese independence movement.

Visitors can explore historical artifacts, prisoner life re-creations, and the stories of revolutionary fighters once held here. A special exhibition, "Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the Air," vividly depicts the 12-day battle in 1972, allowing visitors to deeply appreciate the city's courage and history.

Hoa Lo Prison - one of the famous historical relics  

2.9. Long Bien Bridge

Location: Phuc Xa, Ba Dinh, Hanoi 

Overview: Long Bien Bridge was the first steel bridge to span the Red River and is considered a "historical witness" to Vietnam’s resilience. Completed in 1902, the bridge features French architecture with 19 steel spans and 20 sturdy pillars, making it an enduring structure. Today, it remains a nostalgic and romantic symbol of Hanoi, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the golden light reflects beautifully on the iron framework.

Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk, admire panoramic views of the Red River and Hanoi, take memorable photos, or simply immerse themselves in the slow-paced, tranquil charm of the city.

Long Bien Bridge - "historical witness" of the nation - Photo source: Pixabay 

2.10. St. Joseph's Cathedral

Location: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 

Overview: St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a famous attraction in Hanoi, is known for its distinctive Gothic architecture, characterized by soaring arches and intricate stained-glass windows. It also features two towering bell towers, nearly 32 meters tall, creating an impressive and solemn presence in the heart of the city.

Visitors can participate in religious ceremonies, admire the stunning design, and capture memorable photos in front of the cathedral.

Hanoi Cathedral possesses a unique and solemn architecture - Photo source: Pixabay 

2.11. Hanoi Opera House

Location: 1 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 

Overview: Hanoi Opera House is a stunning neoclassical French structure, inspired by Paris’ Opéra Garnier. The most remarkable features include the grand staircase leading to the second floor, marble-tiled floors with classic motifs, and the Mirror Room, where major governmental events and cultural ceremonies take place.

Visitors can admire its elegant architecture, attend world-class performances, and explore the rich cultural history of Hanoi.

Admire the unique architecture at Hanoi Opera House - Photo source: Fanpage aFamily.vn 

2.12. Hanoi Railway Station

Location: 120 Le Duan Street, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 

Overview: Hanoi Railway Station was inaugurated in 1902, bearing the mark of classical French architecture with a steep roof and magnificent three-storey main hall, portraying ancient and elegant beauty in the heart of the capital. In particular, the station has an ancient clock on the facade with more than a century of history, making this place a traffic and cultural symbol of Hanoi.

Visiting Hanoi Station, visitors can admire the unique architecture, learn about the history of development of Vietnam's railway industry and feel the bustling atmosphere typical of one of the largest stations in Southeast Asia.

3. Explore 5+ Culinary Streets and Major Markets in the Capital

Besides famous historical relics, visitors wondering what to see in Hanoi Vietnam can explore the culture and lifestyle of the capital's people through its top bustling traditional markets:

3.1. Dong Xuan Market

Location: Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi  

Overview: Dong Xuan Market is located in Hanoi's Old Quarter area, within the territory of Dong Xuan ward. The market has existed for hundreds of years, becoming one of the largest and most modern markets in Hanoi.

Beauty and impressive attractions: Dong Xuan Market is famous for its French-style architecture, including 5 triangles with honeycomb holes, 5 bridges and 5 arches. Later, the market was renovated and divided into 3 gates, 2 niches and 3 floors, each floor classified into separate items to provide for people.

What you can expect when visiting this place: As one of the major wholesale markets in the capital, coming to Dong Xuan market, visitors can choose from countless different items, from food, electronics to familiar daily items such as shoes, household appliances, etc. In addition to the above items, Dong Xuan market is also a familiar culinary paradise for many Hanoi residents with a series of shops, shrimp cake shops, bun cha, snail vermicelli, sweet soup,...

Other considerations: 

• Opening hours: 

• Monday - Thursday: From 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

• Friday - Sunday: From 6:00 AM - 10:30 PM 

• Dong Xuan Market has a large area, so visitors should choose appropriate means of transportation to avoid getting lost.

• Make sure your bags and personal belongings are complete and thorough.

Best time to visit: Tourists who want to walk around the market or experience the hustle and bustle of the market should go between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM - the busiest time.

Dong Xuan Market is one of the busiest markets in Hanoi - Photo source: Instagram VII (thuan.jpeg)

3.2. Ta Hien Street

Location: Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 

Overview: Ta Hien Street is also known as "sleepless night street" - a bustling, noisy world in the heart of the capital. During off-hours, after finishing work, the lights on Ta Hien street are turned on one by one, creating a brilliant and bustling scene. There are mainly sidewalk shops and shops selling at affordable prices.

Beauty and impressive attractions: Although there are no luxury restaurants or famous brands, Ta Hien Street is also considered an "international crossroads" - a place of cultural intersection and a gathering place for many domestic and foreign tourists. 

When they arrived at Ta Hien, they all sat on plastic chairs and plastic tables, chatting together under colorful lights to share about life, joys and sorrows. The space is comfortable, free and not constrained by any rules, making anyone who comes to this street feel excited and excited.

What you can expect when visiting this place: Visitors to Ta Hien Street, in addition to enjoying delicious sidewalk dishes at affordable prices, also have the opportunity to enjoy street music programs, from folk music to youth music... Besides, if visitors want to "party" to their fullest, they can visit the vibrant pubs and bars located on the street such as Bar 1900, Prague Pub,...

Other considerations: 

• Although it is rated well in terms of security, during crowded times, visitors should pay attention to preserving personal property to avoid theft.

• When having problems moving or finding things, visitors can go to the police force on the street for quick assistance.

Best time to visit: Ta Hien Street often welcomes a large number of tourists at night, especially on weekends. Therefore, if you want to enjoy a quiet space, you should come on weekdays/daytime. If visitors want to experience the bustling, bustling space, they can come in the evening.

Ta Hien Street opens for sale - Photo source: Instagram Hanoi 

3.3. Hanoi Old Quarter – 36 Streets

Location: Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 

Overview: Hanoi's Old Quarter with 36 streets is a space that preserves and contains traditional beauty and cultural values ​​in Hanoi's golden development history. Each street has its own name, hidden deep within it are individual stories associated with traditional occupations inherited from thousands of years.

Beauty and impressive attractions: Hanoi's 36 streets have a simple, ancient beauty with small streets, moss-tiled roofs and traditional lifestyle. Even in the heart of a modern city, this place still retains its unique culture, attracting tourists with ancient houses, street food and folk art activities.

What you can expect when visiting this place: Visitors to Hanoi's 36 streets can walk around small streets, check-in, admire ancient architecture and enjoy typical cuisine such as pho, bun cha, egg coffee. In addition, visitors can refer to a number of other activities such as experiencing folk arts such as water puppetry, Xam singing,...

Other considerations: 

• Take care of your belongings carefully, avoid pickpockets or losing things when going into crowded areas.

• Ask the price before buying a product or using a service to avoid price gouging

• Respect local culture, do not make noise at spiritual places or residential areas

• Walk or rent a bicycle or cyclo to explore the old town more conveniently.

A check-in corner in Hanoi's Old Quarter  

3.4. Tong Duy Tan Street

Location: Tong Duy Tan Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 

Overview: Tong Duy Tan Street is one of the most famous culinary streets in Hanoi, known for its many long-standing restaurants that operate all day. This is an ideal place for visitors to explore the unique culinary culture of the capital.

Beauty and impressive attractions: Tong Duy Tan Street is a combination of the ancient features of old Hanoi and modern excitement. Coming here, visitors will be impressed by the restaurants located close together, with bright signs every evening, creating a vibrant and bustling space. 

What you can expect when visiting this place: DVisitors can enjoy many typical dishes such as vermicelli with tofu and shrimp paste, chicken with traditional herbs, hot rolls... This is also an ideal place to enjoy the street atmosphere of Hanoi in the evening, when the restaurants become crowded with tourists and locals.

Other considerations: 

• The street operates from morning until late, many shops are open 24/7.

• Park your car at parking lots near the street to avoid congestion.

Best time to visit: In the evening from 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM is the busiest time, avoid rush hour if you don't want to be too crowded.

3.5. Quang Ba Flower Market

Location: 236 Au Co Street, Quang An, Tay Ho, Hanoi 

Overview: Quang Ba flower market is the largest fresh flower wholesale market in Hanoi, specializing in providing flowers to the entire city. The market operates mainly at night, a place not only for traders but also attracts many tourists to visit, take photos and immerse themselves in the bustling night time atmosphere.

Beauty and impressive attractions: The flower market stands out with its colorful space with countless flowers from all over the country. On every market occasion, the atmosphere here is vibrant, bustling and bustling with the presence of small traders buying and selling. 

What you can expect when visiting this place: When coming to Quang Ba flower market, visitors can admire and buy many types of fresh flowers at reasonable prices, and at the same time check-in in a world filled with brilliant flower colors.

Other considerations: 

• You should go early to have more beautiful flower options at better prices.

• You need to preserve your belongings carefully because the market is quite crowded.

• Bring cash because many stores do not support electronic payments.

Best time to visit: From 2:00 AM and 5:00 PM is the busiest time for the market, ideal for buying flowers and feeling the vibrant atmosphere.

Colorful flower corner at Quang Ba flower market - Photo source: Instagram Lam Hong Apricot 

4. Experience Activities at 4+ Traditional Craft Villages in Vietnam

Inheriting the folk crafts of our ancestors passed down from ancient times until now, traditional craft villages are still preserved and developed, becoming one of the famous attractions in the capital Hanoi:

4.1. Bat Trang Pottery Village

Location: Bat Trang, Gia Lam, Hanoi  

Overview: Bat Trang pottery village is one of the craft villages with a long-standing culture developed since the Ly dynasty. Through hundreds of preservation and inheritance, up to now Bat Trang pottery village has continued its pottery craft and become an experiential tourist destination imbued with national cultural identity. 

Beauty and impressive attractions: This place stands out with its ancient beauty and traditional craft village space that has existed for hundreds of years. Small tiled alleys, ancient pottery kilns, and stalls displaying exquisite ceramics create a unique appeal.

What you can expect when visiting this place: Coming here, visitors can not only admire artistic ceramic products but can also experience making ceramics themselves, visit the ceramic market and explore the long history of one of the most famous craft villages in Vietnam.

Other considerations: 

• Opening hours: Monday - Sunday operating from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

• When entering the market, you should ask the price first to avoid being pressured.

• Be careful when handling and walking near ceramic stalls.

• Store personal belongings carefully.

Bat Trang Pottery Village displays handmade art products at the museum - Photo source: Facebook Bat Trang Ceramics 

4.2. Van Phuc Silk Village

Location: Van Phuc, Ha Dong, Hanoi 

Overview: Van Phuc Silk Village is one of the famous silk weaving villages in Vietnam, the cradle of silk weaving with a history of more than a thousand years of development.

Beauty and impressive attractions: The harmonious beauty combined between tradition and modernity is an impressive point for visitors when coming to Van Phuc silk village. In addition, the colorful umbrella streets, soft, shiny silk stalls... that visitors can easily see anywhere in the silk village also contribute to embellishing the ancient picture of a traditional village.

What you can expect when visiting this place: Coming to Van Phuc silk village, visitors have the opportunity to approach the quintessence of Vietnamese silk brocade to understand the wonders and value of a piece of silk. In addition, this is also a famous check-in point for tourists to keep beautiful memories.

Best time to visit: The silk village is open and welcomes visitors all year round, however the brilliant time and also the time of the cultural week is usually in November every year.

The colorful umbrella street and famous ao dai shops in the silk village - Photo source: Fanpage Van Phuc Past and Present 

4.3. Duong Lam Ancient Village

Location: Duong Lam, Son Tay, Hanoi 

Overview: Duong Lam ancient village is a village with a long history in Hanoi, considered a "living museum" of a delta village while still fully preserving the spaces and institutions of an ancient Vietnamese village.

Beauty and impressive attractions: The traditional beauty expressed through each lane of the village makes visitors feel like they have entered another world - a peaceful, relaxing world, imbued with the mark of time.

What you can expect when visiting this place: Coming to Duong Lam ancient village, visitors can admire the rustic space and architecture, imbued with Vietnamese national identity. This is a famous check-in point and also a tourist destination full of works related to social and spiritual life for visitors to fully experience.

Cost:

• Adults: 20,000 VND/person, equivalent to 0.8 USD/person.

• Children: 10,000 VND/person, equivalent to 0.4 USD/person.

Other considerations: 

• Opening hours: Weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Park the car at the correct place.

• Have a respectful attitude towards the homeowner, before taking photos you need to ask permission.

Best time to visit: Ripe rice season is around May - June or January of the lunar calendar.

Duong Lam ancient village is a space that preserves the beauty of ancient Vietnamese villages - Photo source: Duong Lam Ancient Village Tourism Fanpage 

4.4. Ha Thai Lacquer Village

Location: Ha Thai, Thuong Tin, Hanoi 

Overview: Ha Thai lacquer village is famous as the predecessor of Cu Trang gilded lacquer village. Although it has a later history than other traditional villages, this is a place where the painting profession strongly develops, turning this profession into an art thanks to the meticulousness of the lacquer artist.

Beauty and impressive attractions: Marked by sophisticated, shiny lacquer products and imbued with Vietnamese identity, the elaborate manufacturing process, from hand-painting, mother-of-pearl inlay, gilding to polishing, is an impressive feature of the craft village.

What you can expect when visiting this place: Visitors here can visit the factory, learn about traditional lacquer techniques and choose to buy exquisite handicrafts, from lacquer paintings to high-end decorations.

​When planning your trip, consider how many days to spend in Hanoi, Vietnam. Spending at least two to three days in the city allows you to fully experience its rich culture and history. 

Elaboration and meticulousness are shown in each painting by the craftsman - Photo source: Ha Thai Lacquer Village 

5. Unique Tourist Attractions and Entertainment in Hanoi City

In addition to the famous attractions suggested above, visitors can visit a number of other destinations to explore and experience the depth of the capital.

5.1. Famous and Sacred Temples

Overview: Hanoi is home to many sacred temples, imbued with cultural and historical significance. The temples here are not only spiritual destinations but also possess unique architecture, reflecting the traditional beauty of Vietnamese Buddhism. Visiting the temple is also a way to explore the cultural depth and long history of the capital.

Suggested some attractions:

Tran Quoc Pagoda - The oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi - Photo source: Pixabay 

5.2. Museums Preserving Historical Memories

Overview: Hanoi has many museums preserving historical, cultural and artistic traces of the nation. Visiting museums in the Capital, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the formation and development of the country through valuable artifacts and documents. 

Suggested some attractions:

The Museum of Ethnology is a place to display and introduce the cultures of ethnic groups in Vietnam - Photo source: Fanpage Vietnam Museum of Ethnology - Vietnam Museum of Ethnology 

5.3. Modern Entertainment Venues

Overview: From large shopping centers, amusement parks to indoor and outdoor amusement parks, visitors can experience many diverse activities such as watching movies, ice skating, participating in virtual reality games... in the capital Hanoi.

Suggested some attractions:

5.4. Parks and Zoos

Overview: Hanoi owns many green parks and zoos, this is an ideal place to relax, roam and enjoy fresh air. These are ideal locations for families and groups of friends who want to find an airy space to rest and entertain.

Suggested some attractions:

A shady green corner at Thong Nhat Park - Photo source: Fanpage Beautiful scenery of Thong Nhat Park - Hanoi 

5.5. Famous Check-in Spots in Hanoi

Overview: Hanoi has countless beautiful check-in locations, bearing the architectural imprint and breath of the Capital. From ancient buildings, art streets, to unique cafes, visitors can easily find impressive photography angles.

Suggested some attractions:

A romantic sunset view from West Lake - Photo source: Pixabay 

Hopefully, this article has provided useful information on what to see in Hanoi Vietnam to help you enjoy a fulfilling journey in Hanoi. To make your trip even more comfortable and seamless, consider exploring the city with Joytime’s Private Tour services. Joytime will take care of everything - from planning your itinerary to arranging every detail of your trip. Contact Joytime today for more information and to book your tour!