Hanoi: The Complete Guide
Founded over 1000 years ago, Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, is steeped in history, with the streets of its winding Old Quarter dating back to the 14th century. Strolling through these tree-lined lanes and past weathered colonial facades feels like stepping back in time. Yet, modern-day Hanoi is far more than its historical roots. The ancient city is alive with modern cafes, world-class restaurants, and vibrant art galleries. As night falls, the city offers a variety of nightlife options, from sophisticated rooftop bars to lively bia hơi joints. For first-time visitors, these experiences are a must. From ancient temples to bustling markets, Hanoi is the cultural heartbeat of Vietnam, offering a blend of the old and the new.
History of Hanoi
Early History of Hanoi
Hanoi’s history dates back over 1000 years. Originally known as Thang Long, meaning “Ascending Dragon,” it was founded in 1010 by Emperor Ly Thai To of the Ly Dynasty. The city quickly became the political and cultural center of Vietnam.
Hanoi Under the Le Dynasty
During the Le Dynasty, Hanoi continued to flourish. It was during this period that many of the city’s iconic temples and pagodas were constructed, contributing to its rich architectural heritage.
Hanoi During the French Colonial Period
In the late 19th century, Hanoi fell under French colonial rule. The French significantly influenced the city’s architecture, infrastructure, and culture, evident in the grand colonial buildings and tree-lined boulevards that still exist today.
Hanoi in the 20th Century
The 20th century was a tumultuous time for Hanoi. It was the center of revolutionary activities against French rule, leading to the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945 by Ho Chi Minh. The city endured significant hardship during the Vietnam War but emerged as the capital of reunified Vietnam in 1976.
Modern Hanoi
In recent decades, Hanoi has experienced rapid development and modernization. The city has managed to preserve its historical charm while embracing economic growth and cultural evolution. Today, Hanoi is a vibrant metropolis that serves as the political, cultural, and economic heart of Vietnam.
Visiting Hanoi for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Hanoi on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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35 Best places to See in Hanoi
This complete guide to Hanoi not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Hanoi and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Temple of Literature
Location: Temple Of Literature, Phố Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: In summer ( From April to October) : 07:30-17:30 In winter (From October to April) : 08:00-17:00 | Price: Adults: 30,000 VND (~US$ 1.3) | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Temple of Literature
Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts
Location: Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, Phố Nguyễn Thái Học, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: 8:30 - 17:00 everyday | Price: Adults 40.000 VND | Website | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts
Vietnam Military History Museum
Location: Vietnam Military History Museum, Điện Biên Phủ, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Vietnam Military History Museum
Ho Chi Minh Museum
Location: Ho Chi Minh Museum, Phố Ngọc Hà, Đội Cấn, Ba Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: 8 am to 11:30 am Daily (closed on Mondays and Fridays) | Price: 40,000 VND/person | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Ho Chi Minh Museum
One Pillar Pagoda
Location: One Pillar Pagoda, Phố Chùa Một Cột, Đội Cấn, Ba Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: 08:00 - 17:00 (every day) | Price: Free | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting One Pillar Pagoda
Ba Dinh Square
Location: Quảng trường Ba Đình, Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Ba Dinh Square
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
Location: Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: Morning: from 08:00 to 12:00 Afternoon: from 14:00 to 16:30 Closed Monday & Friday | Price: 25.000 VND (~$1) | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Location: Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hoàng Diệu, Quán Thánh, Ba Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The Train Street
Location: Train Street, Phố Trần Phú, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: The train times for Train Street Hanoi is as follows: Monday to Friday: 7.00pm, 7.45pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm 10.00pm Saturday and Sunday: 8.30am, 9.30am, 11.30am, 3.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.00pm, 7.00pm, 7.45pm, 8.30pm, 9.00pm, 11.00pm | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting The Train Street
Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House
Location: Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, Đường Hoàng Hoa Thám, Ngọc Hà, Ba Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: It is open every day except on Monday and Friday, from 7.30 am to 11 am and 1 pm to 4 pm.| Price: 25,000 VND. | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House
Quán Sứ Pagoda
Location: Quan Su Pagoda, Phố Quán Sứ, Tran Hung Dao, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: Daily: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Quán Sứ Pagoda
Presidential Palace of Vietnam
Location: Presidential Palace, Hùng Vương, Ngọc Hà, Ba Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Presidential Palace of Vietnam
Hoa Lo Prison
Location: Hoa Lo Prison Relic, Phố Hoả Lò, Tran Hung Dao, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: Daily 08:00 until 17:00 | Price: 30,000vnd (~$1.5) | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Hoa Lo Prison
Hang Bong Street
Location: Hang Bong, Old Quarter, Hang Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Distance: 1.4km
Visiting Hang Bong Street
St. Joseph Cathedral
Location: St. Joseph Cathedral, Phố Nhà Chung, Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Distance: 1.5km
Visiting St. Joseph Cathedral
Hàng Gai (Silk Street)
Location: Phố Hàng Gai, Hang Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting Hàng Gai (Silk Street)
Ngoc Son Temple (The Temple of the Jade Mountain)
Location: Ngoc Son Temple, Phố Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Ly Thai To, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: Open 8-6pm daily | Price: Free | Distance: 1.9km
Visiting Ngoc Son Temple (The Temple of the Jade Mountain)
Dong Xuan Market
Location: Dong Xuan Market, Old Quarter, Dong Xuan, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: Open 7-6pm Mon-Thur; 7-12noon (sometimes later) Fri-Sun. | Distance: 1.9km
Visiting Dong Xuan Market
Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Location: Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Distance: 1.9km
Visiting Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Museum of Vietnamese Women
Location: Vietnamese Women's Museum, Phố Lý Thường Kiệt, Hàng Bài, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 Monday to Sunday. | Price: 40,000 VND/adult | Website | Distance: 1.9km
Visiting Museum of Vietnamese Women
Hanoi Post Office
Location: Hanoi Post Office, Phố Đinh Tiên Hoàng, French Quarter, Trang Tien, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting Hanoi Post Office
Hoa Phong Tower
Location: Hoa Phong Tower, Phố Đinh Tiên Hoàng, French Quarter, Trang Tien, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting Hoa Phong Tower
Den Ba Kieu Temple
Location: Đền Bà Kiệu, Phố Đinh Tiên Hoàng, French Quarter, Ly Thai To, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: Open daily 08:30am – 04:30pm, midday break 11:30am-01:30pm. | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting Den Ba Kieu Temple
Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi
Location: Bach Ma Temple, Phố Hàng Buồm, Old Quarter, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM every day | Price: Free | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
Location: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, Phố Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Ly Thai To, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam | Website | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
Trang Tien Plaza
Location: Trang Tien Plaza, Phố Hai Bà Trưng, Trang Tien, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting Trang Tien Plaza
Ly Thai To Statue & Park
Location: Ly Thai To Monument Hall, Phố Lê Lai, French Quarter, Trang Tien, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Distance: 2.1km
Visiting Ly Thai To Statue & Park
Hanoi Ancient House
Location: Old House, Phố Mã Mây, Old Quarter, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: 8:30AM - 4:30PM | Price: Small fee | Distance: 2.1km
Visiting Hanoi Ancient House
Old East Gate (Ô Quan Chưởng), Hanoi
Location: Old East Gate, Phố Hàng Chiếu, Old Quarter, Dong Xuan, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 2.1km
Visiting Old East Gate (Ô Quan Chưởng), Hanoi
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Location: Tran Quoc Pagoda, Đường Thanh Niên, Yên Phụ, Tây Hồ, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: 8 am to 4 pm every day | Price: Free | Distance: 2.2km
Visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda
State Guest House, Hanoi
Location: Government Guest House (Tonkin Palace), Phố Ngô Quyền, French Quarter, Trang Tien, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Distance: 2.2km
Visiting State Guest House, Hanoi
Hanoi Opera House
Location: Hanoi Opera House, Tràng Tiền, Trang Tien, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Website | Distance: 2.5km
Visiting Hanoi Opera House
Vietnam National Museum of History
Location: Museo Nacional de Historia vietnamita, Tràng Tiền, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam | Hours: Morning: 8:00 to 12:00 Afternoon: 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Price: Adults: 40,000 VND/turn/person | Website | Distance: 2.7km
Visiting Vietnam National Museum of History
Co Loa Citadel
Location: Thành Cổ Loa, Thôn Chùa, Cổ Loa, Đông Anh, Hanoi, Vietnam | Distance: 10.2km
Visiting Co Loa Citadel
Perfume Pagoda (Huong Pagoda)
Location: Huong Pagoda, Hương Sơn, Mỹ Đức, Hanoi, Vietnam | Price: 120,000 VND | Distance: 46.4km
Visiting Perfume Pagoda (Huong Pagoda)
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
Visiting Hanoi in Spring
Spring, from March to April, is one of the best times to visit Hanoi. The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This season is ideal for exploring the city’s parks, gardens, and historical sites as they come to life with blooming flowers.
Visiting Hanoi in Summer
Summer, from May to August, brings hot and humid weather to Hanoi, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). While it can be quite warm, this season is perfect for experiencing the vibrant street life, enjoying cool drinks at rooftop bars, and participating in local festivals.
Visiting Hanoi in Autumn
Autumn, from September to November, is arguably the best time to visit Hanoi. The weather is cooler and more comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The city is particularly beautiful during this time, with clear skies and the scent of milk flowers in the air, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Visiting Hanoi in Winter
Winter, from December to February, is the coolest season in Hanoi, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). While it can be chilly, this is a great time to experience Hanoi’s cultural attractions, enjoy warm Vietnamese cuisine, and explore the city without the large crowds of the peak tourist season.
Average Temperatures in Hanoi
- January 23°C 73°F 6
- February 29°C 84°F 4
- March 29°C 85°F 6
- April 35°C 94°F 13
- May 36°C 96°F 28
- June 36°C 97°F 29
- July 36°C 96°F 31
- August 34°C 92°F 42
- September 32°C 90°F 31
- October 31°C 87°F 21
- November 29°C 85°F 6
- December 24°C 76°F 4
How to get to Hanoi
Traveling to Hanoi by Air
You can travel to Hanoi by flying into Noi Bai International Airport, located about 45 kilometers north of the city center. The airport serves both domestic and international flights. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or private transfer to reach the city.
Traveling to Hanoi by Train
Hanoi is accessible by train, with the main station being Hanoi Railway Station. Trains from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and Da Nang offer comfortable and scenic journeys. The station is centrally located, making it convenient for travelers to reach various parts of the city.
Traveling to Hanoi by Bus
Several bus companies operate services to Hanoi from various cities across Vietnam. The main bus station, My Dinh Bus Station, is well-connected to local transportation. Buses are a cost-effective and flexible option for reaching Hanoi.
Traveling to Hanoi by Car
Driving to Hanoi is an option for those who prefer flexibility and comfort. The city is well-connected by highways, with the National Highway 1A being a major route. The journey offers scenic views of Vietnam’s countryside and provides the convenience of traveling at your own pace.