What to do in Gia Lam

Activities, attractions and tours

A cluttered room with graffiti-covered walls, scattered stools, and a ceiling fan.

Places to Visit in Gia Lam

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Gia Lam, Hanoi while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Gia Lam attractions from NZ$0, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Gia Lam tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 2022 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Gia Lam. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Hanoi Food Tour with Train Street Visit

Hanoi: Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit

NZ$32
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Hanoi: Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit
Picture 9 for Activity Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour

Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour

NZ$79
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour
Picture 3 for Activity Vietnam Airports Fast Track: Skip The Line On Arrival

Vietnam Airports Fast Track: Skip The Queue On Arrival

NZ$40
per adult
Vietnam Airports Fast Track: Skip The Queue On Arrival
Ninh Binh Day Tour: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave

Ninh Binh Day Tour: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave

NZ$72
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Ninh Binh Day Tour: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave
Full-Day Heart of Hanoi Highlights Tour

Full-Day Heart of Hanoi Highlights Tour

NZ$64
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Full-Day Heart of Hanoi Highlights Tour
Incense Village & Conical Hat, Lacquer Art SMALL GROUP From Hanoi

Incense Village & Conical Hat, Lacquer Art SMALL GROUP From Hanoi

NZ$2
per adult
Incense Village & Conical Hat, Lacquer Art SMALL GROUP From Hanoi
Vietnam Day Trips All-Inclusive, Bus, Guide, Meals & Activities

Vietnam Day Trips All-Inclusive, Bus, Guide, Meals & Activities

NZ$17
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Vietnam Day Trips All-Inclusive, Bus, Guide, Meals & Activities
Amanda Cruise - Ha Long, Lan Ha Bay - All Inclusive 2D1N & 3D2N

Amanda Cruise - Ha Long, Lan Ha Bay - All Inclusive 2D1N & 3D2N

NZ$98
per adult
Amanda Cruise - Ha Long, Lan Ha Bay - All Inclusive 2D1N & 3D2N
Picture 21 for Activity Hanoi: Transfer to/from Ninh Binh by Daily Luxury Limousine

Hanoi: Transfer to/from Ninh Binh by Daily Luxury Limousine

NZ$24
per adult
Hanoi: Transfer to/from Ninh Binh by Daily Luxury Limousine
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Top places to visit

1. Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoàn Kiếm Lake is a popular meeting spot in Hanoi and the location of one of the city’s most picturesque temples. Just a short walk from the old town, the lake provides a leafy escape from the city crowds and heat. Join the locals for a game of chess, stroll around the lake or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy beneath the trees.
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A traditional temple with a dragon roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a calm lake.

2. Hanoi Opera House

Whether you're on your way to a show or just fancy a walk, it's definitely worth having a look at the exterior of the opera house as a monument. The French modelled it on the Palais Garnier, the older of the two Paris opera houses, and it now stands as a landmark of colonial architecture in Vietnam: a Renaissance-style building incorporating many Gothic and Neo-Classical features. A wander around the outside of the building will lead you through the beautiful gardens that surround it.
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A classical building with white columns and yellow accents, featuring ornate decorations and a balcony with a balustrade.

3. St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi

St Joseph Cathedral was built in the 1880s by French colonialists as a clear echo of the Notre Dame de Paris, and certainly stands out from its surroundings. The French tore down the 12th-century Bao Thien pagoda to make way for this Neo-Gothic monolith. The dark and looming structure is certainly a bold statement that establishes a domineering and European element within the Vietnamese capital. Today it holds regular services for Hanoi’s large Roman Catholic community and any visitors to the city.
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A Gothic cathedral with twin towers, a large rose window, and a cross at the top.

4. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Upon his death in 1969, Ho Chi Minh, former leader of the Viet Minh independence movement, was embalmed for posterity. His body appears to be in good condition and can be visited in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an extremely popular attraction in the Vietnamese capital. It is a monument of huge significance to many of the nation’s people.
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A large building with columns, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and trees.

5. Dong Xuan Market

The Dong Xuan covered market-hall was built by French colonialists in the 19th century and remains Hanoi’s biggest market today. There is an enormous range of wares on offer here: everything from traditional Vietnamese crafts and beautiful fabrics to electrical appliances and cheap plastic toys for children.
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A market with various stalls selling snacks and beverages.

6. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

An evening spent watching a show of hand-carved and lacquered wooden puppets dancing on water to a mesmerising live score is not something you're likely to catch outside of Vietnam. It is a truly stunning experience, and Hanoi is certainly one of the better places to see it.
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A stage with performers in costumes, a water feature, and a dark background.

Recommended things to do in Gia Lam

Number of things to do
2022
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Hanoi Egg Coffee making course: NZ$0
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Gia Lam

Our guide on where to stay in Gia Lam

Find the best Gia Lam areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A red bridge over a body of water with a city skyline in the background.

Old Quarter

Old Quarter is beloved for its panoramic lake views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street.

A historic building with traditional architecture, illuminated by artificial lighting at night.

French Quarter

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to French Quarter. A stop by Hoan Kiem Lake or Lý Thái Tổ Monument might round out your trip.

A red bridge with a wooden walkway leading to a traditional gate.

Hoan Kiem

Panoramic lake views interesting history and top sights from Hoan Kiem Lake to Trang Tien Plaza – discover Hoan Kiem, a destination also famous for its shopping.

A traditional temple with a dragon roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a calm lake.

Hang Trong

If you're spending some time in Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street are top sights worth seeing.

A serene lakeside scene with a pagoda, palm trees, and a traditional bridge.

Tay Ho

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Tay Ho. A stop by West Lake or Tran Quoc Pagoda might round out your trip.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Gia Lam

A woman in a yellow dress and a conical hat riding a bicycle along a riverside path with orange flowers and a green fence.

Hanoi

Frequently asked questions

Is Gia Lam worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to experience the cultural hotspots and local charm or sample unique foods and venture into nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Gia Lam.
How do I spend a day in Gia Lam?
Start your adventures with a visit to the must-see sights in the area. Then, tour other parts of Gia Lam for local restaurants and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Gia Lam?
Plan your dream escape by checking out our list of low-cost tours, family-friendly options and other fantastic things to do in Gia Lam.
Is three days enough to stay in Gia Lam?
Three days is plenty for a quick escape to Gia Lam — you'll hit the main attractions and get a good feel for the local vibe. But if you really want to experience it all, book for at least a week or more to explore the nearby areas too.
What are some activities to do in Gia Lam with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes all the difference. Browse our ideas for what to do in Gia Lam with kids.

What to do in Gia Lam for adults?
From tasty dishes and cultural gems to thrilling excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences, there's no shortage of interesting things to do in Gia Lam for adults.
Are there free things to do in Gia Lam?
There's a range of fun things to do in Gia Lam. Unwind in the parks or join in on free events and festivals. Gia Lam offers plenty of budget-friendly activities that let you experience this area without opening your wallet.