Must-Visit Attractions in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi, the cultural capital of Vietnam, is full of things to see and do – we’ve rounded up the best for you.
Keen to visit Hanoi? Let our local insider show you the best of the city on Culture Trip’s specially curated 12-day Vietnam adventure, led by our local insider.
A few days in Hanoi don’t do it justice, but, luckily, most attractions are located within walking distance of one another. So, you can easily map out an itinerary for yourself and enjoy a day of wandering around, taking in the contrasting beauty of the old and new. Make sure to visit as many of these attractions as possible to fully experience Hanoi.
Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long
Memorial

Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre
Theater

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Memorial

Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Park
Đồng Xuân Market
Market

Hanoi Old Quarter
Natural Feature
Hanoi Old Quarter is a lively area where travellers can enjoy many fine examples of colonial architecture packed into narrow streets. This is the ultimate shopping spot in the city, and it is full of cafes and restaurants, where you can indulge in some delicious Vietnamese cuisine. You can explore it with Culture Trip on our specially curated 12-day Vietnam adventure.
Perfume Pagoda
Buddhist Temple

Ba Vì National Park
Forest, Park
Hanoi Opera House
Opera House

Temple of Literature
Buddhist Temple

Hoa Lo Prison
Museum

Museum of Ethnology
Museum
One Pillar Pagoda
Buddhist Temple

St Joseph’s Cathedral
Cathedral, Church
Vietnam Military Museum
Museum

This is one of the seven national museums in Vietnam and is perfect for those interested in wartime artillery. There are both indoor and outdoor displays of military artefacts, some dating from as far back as the Hung Vuong era, which is considered the official start of Vietnam’s history.
West Lake
Park

Ho Chi Minh Museum
Museum

Bao Son Paradise Park
Park, Zoo, Amusement Park, Aquarium
Long Biên Bridge
Bridge
Hanoi Train Street
Train Station

This is a narrow street in the Old Quarter, where train tracks running right down the middle allow trains to pass terrifyingly close to the houses. The daily life of the locals has to be packed up multiple times a day when trains are scheduled to pass. It’s somewhat similar to Maeklong Railway Market in Thailand.
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