What to do in Thanh Oai

Activities, attractions and tours

A row of colorful buildings reflected in calm water during twilight.

Places to Visit in Thanh Oai

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Thanh Oai, 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 Thanh Oai attractions from NZ$26, 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 Thanh Oai tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 14 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 Thanh Oai. 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

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
90% of travellers recommend
Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour
Hanoi Food Tour with Train Street Visit

Hanoi: Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit

NZ$33
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Hanoi: Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit
Vietnam Airports Fast Track: Skip The Line On Arrival

Vietnam Airports Fast Track: Skip The Line On Arrival

NZ$40
per adult
Vietnam Airports Fast Track: Skip The Line On Arrival
Full-Day Heart of Hanoi Highlights Tour

Full-Day Heart of Hanoi Highlights Tour

NZ$63
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Full-Day Heart of Hanoi Highlights Tour
Picture 8 for Activity From Hanoi: Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Mua Caves Full-Day Trip

Hanoi/Ninh Binh: Trang An/Tam Coc, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu Day Tour

NZ$80
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Hanoi/Ninh Binh: Trang An/Tam Coc, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu Day Tour
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$92
per adult
Amanda Cruise - Ha Long, Lan Ha Bay - All Inclusive 2D1N & 3D2N
Hanoi: Transportation to/from Cat Ba

Hanoi: Transportation to/from Cat Ba

NZ$20
per adult
Hanoi: Transportation to/from Cat Ba
Hanoi City Half Day Private Tour: Hidden Corners & Train Street

Hanoi City Half Day Private Tour: Hidden Corners & Train Street

NZ$95
per adult
Hanoi City Half Day Private Tour: Hidden Corners & Train Street
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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. 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.

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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A classical building with white columns and yellow accents, featuring ornate decorations and a balcony with a balustrade.

4. 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 shopping mall with a central fountain, multiple floors, and various shops.

5. 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.

Recommended things to do in Thanh Oai

Number of things to do
14
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Equestrian Experience at Noble Horse Society: NZ$26
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Thanh Oai

Our guide on where to stay in Thanh Oai

Find the best Thanh Oai areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Thanh Oai
Learn more about Thanh Oai
A wooden bridge with red railings leading to a traditional gate with intricate designs and Chinese characters.

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 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 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 Hanoi Municipal Party Committee might round out your trip.

A cathedral with two tall towers and a large bridge overhead.
Photo by Botak Jon
Open Photo by Botak Jon

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 pond with a white balustrade, surrounded by lush greenery and a traditional house with a tiled roof.

Ba Dinh

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are just a few popular features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Ho Chi Minh Museum or Ba Dinh Square while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Cầu Giấy Station to get around town.

 

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 Thanh Oai

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 Thanh Oai worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to discover the cultural attractions and local charm or try unique foods and explore in nature, there are plenty of things to do in Thanh Oai.
How do I spend a day in Thanh Oai?
After you've checked off the most popular attractions, spend the rest of your day exploring the shopping and food scene in Thanh Oai.
What is the top tourist attraction in Thanh Oai?
Plan your perfect escape by checking out our list of low-cost adventures, family-friendly activities and other amazing things to do in Thanh Oai.
Is three days enough to stay in Thanh Oai?
Three days is enough for a short trip to Thanh Oai — you'll hit the main sights and get a feel for the vibe of the place. But if you truly want to experience it all, book for at least a week or more to check out the nearby areas too.
What are some activities to do in Thanh Oai with kids?
Deciding what to do in Thanh Oai with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there's a range of family-friendly activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Thanh Oai for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of nature, there are many things to do in Thanh Oai for adults.
Are there free things to do in Thanh Oai?
You don't need to spend big to have a great holiday here. There are plenty of fun things to do in Thanh Oai for the budget-conscious traveller. Unwind in the parks, soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or ask a local tour guide for tips.