10 attractions in Hanoi that you must see!
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Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is full of surprises and also a lot of shock due to the extreme traffic of scooters! The city has developed over the last thousand years culturally, archaeologically and touristically. In addition, the city offers rich cultural experiences, delicious food, and interesting attractions. You will probably pass through the city on your way to nearby destinations such as Halong Bay , Mai Chau , Tam Coc , or if you are looking for example to Sapa , so it is worth spending about two days in the city and discovering its charm.
Please note! If you are arriving in Vietnam and do not have a connecting flight, it is a good idea to arrive at the airport with a fictitious flight ticket .
Here you can read about attractions in Hanoi, where to sleep, where to eat, weather and more!
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Table of Contents
Weather in Hanoi, Vietnam
○ December to February: Winter. Almost no rain at all but cold and cloudy, between 10-20 degrees.
○ March to May: Spring . Recommended season! Pleasant and not rainy. 23-29 degrees.
○ June to August: Summer . Rainy, very hot and humid, 30-35 degrees.
○ September to November: Autumn . Also a recommended season. A little rainy, humidity drops. 23-27 degrees.
10 attractions in Hanoi worth seeing
There are attractions in Hanoi that will help you understand and connect with Vietnamese culture and the country's interesting history! So what to do in Hanoi? All recommendations:
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The structure was built to preserve the body of leader Ho Chi Minh! Vietnamese people come to pay their respects to the deceased.
The Old Quarter
North of Hoan Kiem Lake, there is a huge and quite busy square, and the surroundings are full of local food, beers, Vietnamese culture and, in short, an experience.
Hoan Kiem Lake
You can find performances there from time to time, and you can also just sit in a calm corner in front of the lake.
Vietnamese Women's Museum
A modern museum that displays the history, culture, clothing, photos and memories of Vietnamese women over the past century.
Water puppet theater
A Vietnamese cultural show that began in the 11th century! An ancient art form that tells a lot about the culture of Northern Vietnam. The show combines colorful puppets on the water, accompanied by live music that tells stories about village life and local traditions. It is worth booking tickets in advance, during the peak tourist season.
Ngoc Son Temple
Accessible via a bridge, the temple is located in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake. It is especially stunning in the evening!
Temple of Literature
One of the oldest sites in the city and a national symbol of Vietnamese culture and education. Really beautiful and impressive!
Museum of Ethnology
There are 54 different ethnic groups in Vietnam! The museum showcases the different cultures, clothing, handicrafts, films about the cultures, and more.
St. Joseph's Church
An impressive and very central Catholic church. There are lots of cute places around to sit, drink tea, eat pho and connect with the locals.
Railway Street
One of the most intriguing places in Hanoi – a narrow street, in the middle of which there is an active railway track! When the train passes, the residents move the chairs and stalls from the tracks. This is one of the most characteristic experiences of the city. It is fun to sit in one of the cafes along the tracks and enjoy the atmosphere.
Recommendations for day trips from Hanoi
There are attractions in Hanoi that you can book in advance, such as food tours or guided walks. Here are recommendations for the most popular trips!
Why do I recommend VIATOR?
A special and fun way to get to know the city in more depth!
✅ Rated 5 ⭐ on VIATOR from over 9300 travelers!
✅ Visit the best attractions and lesser-known places
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A day trip to one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam.
✅ Rated 5 ⭐ on VIATOR from over 4800 travelers!
✅ You will reach all the most worthwhile places: Moa Caves, Bish Dong, Hue To him and more.
✅ Includes lunch
✅ Starting from $86
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Want to visit the perfect Halong Bay ? Here's your chance to do it in the most organized and convenient way possible, with hotel pickup and drop-off.
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✅ Includes kayaking, swimming in the sea and a visit to a cave
✅ Lunch on the cruise
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9 must visit restaurants in Hanoi
The truth is that it's worth coming to the city just for the culinary experience. Everywhere you look there's pho, banh mi, bubble tea, coffee, and also excellent Western food like pasta and pizza. Here are some highly recommended places:
Banh My Mama
The most delicious Vietnamese banh mi there is! You can find baguettes with meat, vegetarian, vegan, everything is delicious and very fresh.
KingRoti - 34 Hang Gai
This may look like an innocent bun, but the smell will probably steal you away from a few blocks away. A sweet bun with a variety of fillings, delicious to the max!
Bún Bò Nam Bộ Bách Phương
A warm salad with vegetables, meat and noodles with a sweet and sour flavor, really delicious, a classic Vietnamese dish.
An Café
A lovely cafe, with banh mi and an excellent selection of drinks.
Pizza Belga Hang Be
If you're craving excellent pizza or pasta, this is the place for you.
Pho 10
If you haven't tried pho yet – this is the perfect place to try it. Classic pho soup, with a variety of meats to choose from. There's usually a pretty long line, but the thing is, everything is super fast – you sit down, order, eat and leave.
The note cafe
A cafe with several floors and a view of Hoan Kiem Lake. The thing about it is that you can take a note, write whatever you want on it and stick it on the walls and tables there.
Hong Hoai's Restaurant
A restaurant with excellent Vietnamese food and also many vegetarian and vegan dishes.
MẸT Vietnamese restaurant & Vegetarian Food 1
One of the popular restaurants in the lake area. It has excellent authentic Vietnamese food and also vegetarian options.
Hanoi Accommodation Recommendations
There are plenty of places to stay around the city, from simple dorm rooms to five-star hotels. It is recommended to sleep in the Hoan Kiem Lake area, or in the Old City.
⭐ Rating of 8.4 on Booking.com
✅ Excellent location near Hoan Kiem Lake
✅ Perfect for backpackers
✅ Dormitories or private rooms
✅ Starting from $16 per night
Compare prices to get the best price:
⭐ Rating of 9.3 on Booking.com
✅ In the city center near the lake
✅ Luxurious 4-star hotel
✅ Breakfast included
✅ Starting from $68 per night
Compare prices to get the best price:
⭐ Rating of 9.4 on Booking.com
✅ Excellent location near the lake
✅ Luxurious 4-star hotel
✅ Includes a good breakfast and food/drink credit
✅ Starting from $86 per night
Compare prices to get the best price:
Destinations to continue from Hanoi, Vietnam
Once you've exhausted all the attractions in Hanoi that you wanted to do, you'll definitely want to continue to other interesting destinations. One of the popular destinations is Tam Coc , also called "Halong Bay on land", with rice fields, a river and ancient temples. If you're looking for a less touristy place, Mai Chau is the perfect place, an authentic village surrounded by green rice fields and beautiful mountains. Another magical destination is Pu Luong , a mountainous area with hiking trails between the mountains and villages. And of course, don't forget Halong Bay , an extraordinary bay with thousands of small islands and hidden caves. You can take a luxurious cruise there with an overnight stay or a stunning day trip. All of these destinations are a (relatively) short drive from the city and each of them offers a different charm that is really worth getting to know.
For those who want to continue north – a six-hour drive will take you to beautiful Sapa or authentic Mu Cang Chai .
Questions and Answers
How much time should you spend in Hanoi on a trip to Vietnam? ⏳
It is recommended to dedicate at least 2-3 days To enjoy all the main attractions and its special atmosphere.What to do in Hanoi on your first day in the city? 🏯
First, head to Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter to quickly get a feel for the city.What is the best time to visit Hanoi? 🌤️
It is best to come In the spring between March and April or In the fall between September and November, which is pleasant and not rainy.What attractions are recommended for families in Hanoi? 👨👩👧👦
Hanoi is suitable for families with children thanks to attractions such as:- Museum of Ethnology: Suitable for both children and adults.
- Water puppet theater: a unique cultural experience.
- Bao Son Paradise Park: Suitable for a family fun day.
Is it easy to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay or Sapa? 🌄
yes! Halong Bay It's a 3-hour drive from the city, so you can get there by shuttle or take a day trip there. Also Sapa Not very far – about 6 hours by bus.What are the must-try foods in Hanoi? 🍜
- Pho: The famous Vietnamese soup served with beef and green leaves.
- Bun Bo Nam Bo: Warm salad with rice noodles, beef and vegetables.
- Egg Coffee: A special Vietnamese coffee served with sweetened egg foam.
