A vibrant city bursting with attraction, Hanoi is one of Asia’s most fascinating destinations. The Vietnamese capital is a wonder to behold with exquisite temples, colonial architecture and traditional monuments weaved throughout the city showcasing the stunning Vietnamese heritage. As one of the world’s most ancient cities, Hanoi boasts a historic heart but a contemporary exterior is flourishing. A rich melting pot of Southeast Asian culture perfectly blended with French and Chinese influence, Hanoi is a magnificent and eclectic city. With a perfect mixture of historic, cultural and modern attractions, you will never be short of exciting things to do in Hanoi.
Tour Hoa Lo Prison
Whilst Hanoi is so much more than its war history, the Vietnamese War is undoubtedly one of the most important and pivotal events in the country’s past. Previously a place of significance during the Vietnam resistance movement, Hoa Lo Prison held US prisoners of war captured during the conflict. Whilst the museum focuses less on the Vietnamese War and more on the colonial era, elements of the prisoner of war experience are highly evident throughout the prison. Whilst most of the prison was demolished during the 1990’s, the remaining section is now a museum. The tour is highly educational providing a detailed insight into the prison’s history with both eerie and moving elements.
Price: Adults 30,000₫ and children under 15 years admitted free.
Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
Discover the Military History Museum
Home to various planes, tanks and weaponry from various points in Vietnamese military history, this museum is the most famous in Vietnam and celebrates the country’s military victories. In addition to browsing galleries and discovering the educational side of Vietnam’s military history, you can also see authentic equipment including a Soviet fighter plane and aircrafts taken down during the Vietnamese War.
Price: 40,000₫ with a camera fee of 20,000₫
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday 8am-11:30pm and 1pm-4:30pm
Stop by the Imperial Citadel
The Imperial Citadel played an important role in the Vietnamese War as the former seat of Vietnamese military power. Throughout the grounds, you can find an array of war evidence including military bunkers, maps and weaponry collections. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the history of the Imperial Citadel precedes the Vietnamese War with over a thousand years worth of history discovered on the grounds. You can also explore the ruined foundations of ancient palaces and numerous archaeological discoveries.
Price: 30,000₫
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8am-5pm
Visit the National Museum of Vietnamese History
To understand the depths and historic past of Vietnam, a tour of the National Museum of Vietnamese History is a must. Not only is the building one of the finest examples of the French and Chinese influence in Vietnamese architecture, the museum’s exhibits are fascinating. The museum features galleries documenting life throughout the French colonial period and the Vietnamese war in addition to showcasing Hindu statues and Vietnamese jewellery.
Price: 40,000₫ and children under 6 years admitted free
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-5pm
Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake
Hanoi is not short of beautiful scenery and Hoan Kiem Lake is no exception. One of the most famous spots in Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake boasts picturesque scenery with stunning waterfront views. Translating to Sword Lake, Hoan Kiem is shrouded in mythology with claims that the lake is a mystical body of water, home to a heroic turtle from Vietnamese legend. On a small islet within the lake is Thap Rua, also known as Turtle Tower. This traditional Vietnamese pagoda is not only said to be home to the golden turtle, it is also one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks.
Price: Free
Hours: 24/7
Admire the view from Lotte Tower
Hanoi has a unique mixture of nature spots, historic architecture and contemporary areas making up an eclectic scene. The city’s diverse landscape can best be viewed from the observation deck at Lotte Tower. The tower offers panoramic views over the city and is the best place to enjoy a birds-eye view of Hanoi. Whilst you’re at Lotte Tower admiring the view, don’t miss out on exploring the rest of the tower by enjoying a meal at one of the restaurants or grabbing a drink at the rooftop bar.
Price: Observation deck entrance is 230,000₫ (adults), 170,000₫ (children under 12) and under 3’s visit free.
Hours: Observation deck is open 9am-midnight
Catch a show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
When it comes to entertainment, Hanoi’s offerings are unique and sensational. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre tops the list of incredible performances on offer in the city. The theatre holds the Asian record for the longest consecutive days of water puppetry performance with up to five performances daily of multiple different shows. Puppets are operated in a waist-high pool and seem to flawlessly dance on water as they perform tales of Vietnamese legend. The puppet theatre is an ancient form of Vietnamese entertainment that has lasted throughout the ages and is one of Hanoi’s most authentic Vietnamese experiences.
Price: Tickets rom 100,000₫
Hours: Daily performances at 3pm, 4:10pm, 5:20pm, 6:30pm and 8pm
Discover the Old Quarter
Showcasing the charm of a Vietnamese neighbourhood, the Old Quarter offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese life within the borders of the capital city. This quaint area of the city is densely packed and is a busy hub of shopping and dining. Not only will you get a taste of authentic Vietnamese lifestyle, the Old Quarter is also the best place to purchase unique souvenirs and gifts in addition to trying some local dishes.
Price: Free
Hours: 24/7 but individual establishment opening times vary
Explore West Lake
West Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi and with a 17km shoreline, West Lake is a popular leisure spot in the city with multiple points of interest and recreation areas. The lake also boasts numerous historic monuments including Tran Quoc Pagoda located on an islet in the centre of West Lake. Tran Quoc is the oldest temple in the city, built in the 6th century and is an exceptional piece of architecture.
Price: Free
Hours: 24/7
Enjoy Bahn Mi
The most famous dish in Vietnam and now one of the most famous sandwiches across the world, Bahn Mi is a must-try when in Hanoi. The succulent sandwich is a balanced fusion of French and Vietnamese flavour. The crusty baguettes are bursting with fresh, local ingredients with pate, mayonnaise, pickled vegetables the main features. Each Bahn Mi is complemented by your choice of meat and other additions, a staple dish in Vietnamese culture.
Price: Varies by location
Opening hours: Varies by location
Hanoi is a diverse and breathtaking city that is one of the most vibrant and fascinating capitals across Asia. Highly underrated as a tourist destination, Hanoi is destined to satisfy any culture bugs with the endless array of historic monuments, incredible museums and insightful attractions on offer throughout the city.
