Top 25 Hanoi Attractions (2023)
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is one of the ancient cities in the world. With a fascinating blend of the past in the modern town, it enables visitors to see and learn more about the country’s rich history and culture. It is easy to navigate around town with plenty of museums, temples and historical sites to visit. Come and discover the best of Hanoi starting with the top 25 attractions to visit while you are here.
1. Ba Vi National Park
Located 48 km away from Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park is a beautiful national park that is rich with tropical floras and faunas. Spanning across 11,000 hectares of land, this is a perfect place for nature lovers to immerse themselves in nature, enjoying the clear streams that flow through the forest. Located within this stunning landscape, you will find an old French Hill Station, a temple and also a Spa Resorts if you would like to have a rejuvenating stay away from the city.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00am – 7:00pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫150,000
2. Bãi Đá Vườn Hoa Sông Hồng
Located in Tay Ho, Bãi Đá Vườn Hoa Sông Hồng is a must-visit place for people who loves to take pictures. Just 20 minutes away from Hanoi City, this is a picturesque field which is still not yet popular among the tourists. In this secret garden, you will be able to see rows and rows of colourful flowers blooming. This is currently one of the top spots for locals to take their wedding pictures as it boasts a beautiful background just by the side of the river.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00am – 9:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates.
3. Bao Son Paradise
Bao Son Paradise is the largest entertainment hub in North of Hanoi. Opened in 2008, this 20 hectares land is one of Hanoi leading tourism attraction that is always patronised by tourists. You can easily spend a day here exploring the Zoo, the Aquarium and also the theme park that provides multiple carnival rides. The musical parade happens daily in Bao Son Paradise livening the atmosphere and bringing happiness to everyone who visits this place.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00am – 7:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – ₫200,000 | Child – ₫150,000
4. Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is the most famous indoor traditional markets in Hanoi. Located in the centre of the Old Quarter, this historic building was originally a French administration office that was built in 1889. Now it is the busiest market place that will offer you an enjoyable shopping experience; with a wide variety of goods such as fresh and local produce, clothes, handmade items and even household electronic appliances.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
5. Hanoi Night Market
Hanoi Night Market is located in the Old Quarters of Hanoi and only opens from Friday to Sunday. At the break of dusk, vendors will be busy setting up their stalls lining up on both sides of the road. Always busy and lively with music and illuminated with bright decorative lights; this is the perfect place to soak in the Vietnamese culture. There are a variety of items that are sold here, but the food is the centre of attention in this night market. You may want to check out the many iconic local dishes here such as the banh mi, bun thang, grilled seafood and beef pho.
Operating Hours: Friday – Sunday, 6:00pm – 12:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
6. Hanoi Opera House
Nestled in the intersection of the Hanoi city stands Hanoi Opera House that was built in 1911. This Grand Opera House was designed by the French colonial administration that resembles the Opéra Palais Garnier. This place is not only famous for its architecture but for the performances that they host as well; covering from local and renown plays from all over the world.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
7. Hanoi Train Street
One of the popular attractions in Hanoi, Hanoi Train Street is located in Old Quarters between Le Duan and Kham Tien street. Just behind a residential area, the train will pass by this track twice a day just inches away from the houses. Many people flock to this place to catch a glimpse at this unusual happening. There used to be cafes just by the tracks but were has since shut down due to safety.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
8. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the top must-visit attraction in Hanoi. This Mausoleum serves as a resting place for Uncle Ho, who is the most popular and iconic Vietnam leader of all times. The Mausoleum is located in the historic Ba Dinh Square, the place where Uncle Ho declared Independence of Vietnam in 1945. Upon entry, you will have to surrender your bags and camera which can be retrieved by the end of the tour. Within the Mausoleum, you will be able to see Uncle Ho’s well-preserved body in a glass case that is illuminated with spotlights, especially towards his face and hands. The glass case is guarded by four soldiers, each standing on the corner of the bier.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 7:30am – 10:30pm | Saturday – Sunday, 7:30am – 11:00pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫40,000
9. Hồ Tây Water Park
Hồ Tây Water Park is one of the most exciting places to visit in Hanoi but is only opened from April to November. This water park provides visitors with an exhilarating time bonding with their family and friends while they are here. Within the water park, you will find an extensive list of slides, diving pools to keep your adrenaline pumping. For a slower pace, you can float around the lazy pool or even the gigantic wave pool.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:30am – 7:00pm
Ticket Price(s): 160000
10. Hoa Lo Prison Memorial
Hoa Lo Prison Memorial is known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by American prisoners during the Vietnam War. What remains today is the gate of the prison, which acts as the entrance to the museum building now. It is an eye-opening experience to be able to see the remnants of prison bunkers, interrogation rooms, the guillotine room together with the other war relics that are put up for display.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): 30000
11. Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple are one of the most famous and relaxing places in Hanoi. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the temple is surrounded by the lake which can be accessed through the iconic Rising Sun Bridge. The Temple pays homage to Tran Hung Dao, a Vietnam military leader from the 13th century, as well as Confucian master Nguyen Van Sieu and scholar Van Xuong.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
12. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
This UNESCO Heritage site is a series of historical heritage buildings located in the centre of Hanoi. Constructed in the 11th century, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long still stands today to signify the unique cross-culture from China and the ancient Kingdom of Champa. The ancient heritage site comprises of 5 structures: the Flag Tower, Kinh Thien Palace, Princess Pagoda lastly the North and South gates. The tour will take you through all the structures, and you will get to see some ancient relics that were excavated from this place too.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:00am – 12.30pm, 1:30pm – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫30,000
13. Moon Park
Located within Hồ Tây Water Park, Moon Park is one of the theme parks that you should not miss. Spanning across 3.5 hectrares of land, most of the park equipments were imported from Spain, making it the most modern park in North of Vietnam. Within this area, you will be entertained through the series of attraction that is available here, such as the 3D cinema, outdoor courts, golf courses, just to name a few. The highlight of the park will have to be the 60 metres high swing, where you will be able to see the birds-eye-view of the entire Hanoi.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:30am – 7:00pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫160,000
14. Old Quarter
Old Quarter is a historical area in Hanoi that is home to series of temples, pagodas, building remnants and assembly halls. Old Quarter is one part of Hanoi you will have to visit as you will get to discover so many hidden treasures along this maze-like streets. There are walking guides provided by the locals to educate and spread the rich culture of Vietnam, which could be seen here. You will also find a myriad of street foods, street cafes and restaurants of where you will get to try out these local flavours.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
15. Phố Sách
One look at the name of the place, you will assume that this might be a pho or noodle street, but instead, it is a book street. Opened not to long ago, it is a good place to hang out if you are a book lover. You can browse through the 20 book stores or just relax in the many reading spaces that are provided all around this area. While you are here, why not participate in a reading session hosted by some of the cafes here.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
16. St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Located in the Old Quarters in Hanoi, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Cathedral that was built in the 19th century. The Neo-Gothic architecture style is similar to that of Notre Dame Cathedral that is located in Ho Chi Minh city. The exterior of the building exudes a different charm at night when all the lights are lit up. The church is open to the public; however, you must behave respectfully at all times.
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8:00am – 5:00pm | Sunday, 7:00am – 9:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
17. Temple of Literature
Temple of Literature is an ancient landmark that has been here since the year 1070. The temple ground was first built as a university dedicated to the learning of Confucious. Now, this temple ground is one of the most beautiful landscape that is frequented by locals and tourists. Strolling around the park, it is fascinating to be able to see ancient gates, courtyards, study halls and huge bells that can only be rung by residing monks still in existence.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
18. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is a popular attraction among tourists and locals to where the puppets’ performances are accompanied by traditional Vietnam orchestric music. Water puppet tradition stems back to the 11th century when farmer entertained themself with puppet performances during the flood period. Through this show, you will get to learn more about Vietnam’s history and folklore stories.
Operating Hours: Daily, 3:00pm | 4:10pm | 5:20pm | 6:30pm | 8:00pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫100,000
19. The Ceramic Road
Located along the Red River, you will find a 6.5km ceramic mural to display Vietnam’s tradition in ceramic craft, while telling stories of Vietnamese history. The Guinness Book of Records awarded this as the World’s Largest Ceramic Mosaic in 2010, and the mural has never stopped expanding. In recent years, Sri Lanka embassy and a Chilean artist added two more segments to the mural, making it even more interesting.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
20. The Perfume Pagoda
Situated among the limestone mountains of Huong Tich, The Perfume Pagoda is a huge Buddhist complex featuring shrines and pagoda on the temple ground. Built deep within the mountains, the journey to the temple is long and encompass you to traverse there by car, and a boat. To reach the actual Perfume Pagoda, you will need to hop on a cable car. Upon exiting the cable car and descending a flight of stairs, you will be welcome with a mystical view of the huge rock altar and fascinating shrine chambers within the cave.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates.
21. Thung Lũng Hoa Hồ Tây
Located just beside the lake, Thung Lũng Hoa Hồ Tây is home to one of the largest flower gardens in Hanoi. It is home to 200 international flower species such as roses, daisies, cleome, lavenders, just to name a few. The flower fields bloom all year round, but the types of flowers you will get to see varies depending on the season. December is the best month to visit this place as you will not only be able to see the flowers but the blooming lotus flowers from the lagoon that is located in the same vicinity.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫15,000
22. Vietnam Women Museum
Vietnam Women Museum was opened in 1995, and it is a museum that is dedicated to the women of Vietnam. This museum highlights the struggles and contribution of women during the war and in society now. It is a visual feast where you will be able to see an array of costumes and cultural accessories worn by women of Vietnam. There is also an information section that touches on marriage customary, childbirth and their role as a homemaker as well as a mother.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫30,000
23. Vietnam’s Military Museum
Situated near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, sits one of the seven national museums in Vietnam. Vietnam’s Military Museum was built in 1956 to tell the stories of Vietnam’s military history. You will be able to recognise this place due to the many war machines and vehicles parked at its compound. You will be able to see real-size war aircrafts, a military tank and many more. Once inside the museum, you will be able to see many war relics, weapons, and also pictures explaining the hardships during the time of the Vietnam and Indochina war.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Thursday & Saturday – Sunday, 8:00am – 4:30pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫30,000
24. Vinpearl Aquarium Times City
Vinpearl Aquarium Times City is the first and largest underground aquariums in Vietnam. Opened its door to the public in 2007, you will find this aquarium inside Vincom Mega Mall Times City. There are 22 exhibits and is home to 300 endangered and unusual looking creatures. It is divided into three areas; the Freshwater fish area, Reptiles area and Saltwater fish area. There is also a penguin exhibit where you get to see these cute creatures walking and swimming around the enclosure.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:30am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫170,000
25. West Lake
West Lake is one of the largest lakes in Hanoi and is situated in the heart of the capital. Spanning across 500 hectares, this is the locals’ favourite place for leisure and to relax; surrounded by renown hotels, restaurants, the botanic garden in the business district. Situated in the vicinity is Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda which stands at 15 metres and its famous for its 11 tiers.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
Everywhere you visit in Hanoi, you will get to see the thousand years imprint of the country’s history. This peaceful city has so much to offer from ancient museums to modern-tech aquariums and a book street to enhance the people’s quality of life. Besides that, food is a major part of Vietnam culture as well, so do try out as many local dishes as possible when you visit Hanoi.