What to do in Hanoi

Activities, attractions and tours

Hanoi showing cycling as well as an individual female
Hanoi showing cycling as well as an individual female
Temple of Literature showing religious aspects, a temple or place of worship and interior views
Hoan Kiem Lake which includes a monument, a lake or waterhole and heritage architecture
Hanoi featuring signage, motorbike riding and street scenes

Places to Visit in Hanoi

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam 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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 2651 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 Hanoi. 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.

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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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Hoan Kiem Lake featuring heritage architecture, a monument and a lake or waterhole

2. 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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St. Joseph Cathedral which includes heritage elements, markets and a church or cathedral

3. 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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Hanoi Opera House featuring heritage architecture and theatre scenes

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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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum showing a monument and a garden

5. 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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Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre which includes night scenes, theatre scenes and performance art

6. 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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Dong Xuan Market showing markets and interior views

Recommended things to do in Hanoi

Number of things to do
2651
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Hanoi: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: NZ$0
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Hanoi

Discover the most popular places to visit in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake featuring heritage architecture, a monument and a lake or waterhole

Hoan Kiem Lake

Wander around the banks of this peaceful lake and discover an historic temple, observe locals going about their daily life or enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade.

Hoan Kiem Lake
Evening view in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi Old Town Night Market

During your trip to Hanoi, you can do some window-shopping at Hanoi Old Town Night Market. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.

Hanoi Old Town Night Market
Beautiful pagoda in Hanoi... possible to walk but recommend to have a motorbike take you as it’s just outside of the main city area and easy to rent or hail someone to take you. Worth the views!

West Lake

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at West Lake during your travels in Hanoi. Amble around this culturally rich area's lakeside or seek out the local tours.

West Lake
St. Joseph Cathedral which includes heritage elements, markets and a church or cathedral

St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi

Hanoi’s Roman Catholic Cathedral.

St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi
Hanoi Opera House featuring heritage architecture and theatre scenes

Hanoi Opera House

Located at the heart of the French Quarter, the magnificent Hanoi Opera House represents the pinnacle of music and performance in Vietnam.

Hanoi Opera House
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum showing a monument and a garden

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s revolutionary leader.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Train street

Train Street

You can take time to visit Train Street during your travels to Hanoi. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Train Street
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre which includes performance art, interior views and theatre scenes

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

A unique taste of Vietnamese traditional puppetry – watch out for splashes!

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Dong Xuan Market which includes markets, street scenes and a city

Dong Xuan Market

Experience the hustle and bustle of Hanoi’s largest market.

Dong Xuan Market

Explore areas of Hanoi

Hanoi featuring street scenes

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.

Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem which includes street scenes, a city and signage

Hoan Kiem

4.5/5(557 area reviews)

Lose yourself in the winding streets of old Hanoi, revel in the colours of traditional fabrics, soak up the scents of Vietnamese cuisine...

Hoan Kiem
Hanoi showing street scenes, night scenes and signage

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 Hanoi Municipal Party Committee might round out your trip.

French Quarter
View from our Apricot Hotel Hanoi

Hang Trong

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

Hang Trong
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum showing a monument and a garden

Ba Dinh

4.5/5(38 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Ba Dinh. A stop by Ho Chi Minh Museum or Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum might round out your trip.

Ba Dinh
Tay Ho which includes a lake or waterhole

Tay Ho

Escape the city and relax on the shores of Hanoi’s biggest lake. Enjoy local delicacies, gardens, historic sights, Buddhist temples and other attractions.

Tay Ho

 

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 Hanoi

Infinity pool and peaceful panoramic natural view bring to relaxation moment in Hoa Binh province, Vietnam

Hoa Binh

The Kim Son Bao Thang Pagoda at the top of Fansipan mountain 3143m is the highest in Vietnam. Sapa, Lao Cai

Tu Son

I only got to visit Vietnam for a few days while travelling through South-East Asia but it was easily one of my favourate places. Unlike a lot of places in SE Asia that have started to become very toursity, Vietnam still felt quite athentic. Fear that's not going to last too much longer so really hope I can a chance to get back there soon.

Lam Thao

Road from Ha Giang to Dong Van. Karst plateau , Vietnam

Van Giang

Frequently asked questions

Is Hanoi worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Hanoi is visit Ta Hien Street. Check this leading sight off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's views and history.
How do I spend a day in Hanoi?
Ta Hien Street and Vietnam Military History Museum are two awesome places to begin your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Hanoi while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hanoi?
The top tourist attraction in Hanoi is Ta Hien Street, so don't forget to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Hanoi?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off many city sights, including Ta Hien Street, Vietnam Military History Museum and Ho Tay Water Park. The average stay in Hanoi is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Tay Ho isn't far away.
Is Hanoi a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Hanoi, such as Ta Hien Street and Vietnam Military History Museum, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from central Hanoi is Hoan Kiem and Old Quarter is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Hanoi with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Hanoi with kids.

What to do in Hanoi for adults?
Train Street and Hang Ma Street are just a couple of the things to do in Hanoi. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Hanoi?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Hanoi is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Ta Hien Street is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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