Are you planning a trip to Hanoi? Discover the top things to see and do in Vietnam’s historic capital.
Hanoi, like much of Vietnam, tends to spark your curiosity straight away. It’s a city that lives on the street and can be tough at the beginning. The noise is constant, and the rhythm takes time to understand. I don’t think anyone arrives here fully prepared, and that applies to Vietnamese travellers too, not just foreigners. You need a few days to adjust, to understand, but once that happens, you’ll start to enjoy the atmosphere.
Hanoi is one of the oldest capitals in Southeast Asia, with a history that goes back more than a thousand years. It developed along the Red River, which shaped both its economy and its layout, and for centuries it was the political and cultural heart of northern Vietnam. You can still see this layered history today, from the old merchant streets of the Old Quarter, each originally dedicated to a specific trade, to the wide boulevards and colonial buildings left by the French. Later on, war and reunification added another layer, creating the Hanoi you see now, a city where traditional courtyard houses, Soviet style blocks, and modern cafés exist side by side.
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
Contrary to what many people think, Hanoi can get surprisingly cold in winter. The city has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, sticky summers and cool, damp winters. The best time to visit is usually March to April and September to November, when the weather is milder, and you can avoid the intense heat and heavy summer rains. Summer, from May to September, is hotter and more humid, with temperatures often rising above 35°C and high chances of rain in the afternoons.
The main drawback of autumn is the occasional typhoons, which have become more frequent in recent years. Northern Vietnam is even colder in winter, and Sapa can be really chilly. I don’t recommend going there during winter.
Getting Around and Where to Stay
From the Airport, the cheaper option is Bus 86, the bright orange one. It costs about 45,000 VND ($1.80), has air conditioning, and drops you right in the Old Quarter.
Once inside the city, you can use Grab, which is basically the Uber of Southeast Asia. You see the price upfront, so there’s no need to haggle with drivers who “forgot” to turn on the meter.
If you are exploring the Old Quarter, you can just walk around: narrow streets, tiny alleys, and local shops are all perfect for street photography. When crossing the street, just keep walking at a steady pace. Don’t stop, don’t run, the motorbikes will weave around you like it’s second nature.
For accommodation, I recommend staying in either the Old Quarter or the French Quarter. They are neighboring areas around Hoan Kiem Lake, with the Old Quarter to the north/west (narrow streets, markets) and the French Quarter to the south/east (colonial architecture, government buildings).
The Old Quarter is the heartbeat of Hanoi, and everything is within walking distance. Perfect if you like being in the middle of the action. The French Quarter is quieter and a little more upscale, with wide boulevards and colonial buildings. Prices are higher, but if you want some breathing space after a full day of exploring, this is where you’ll find it. These are some of the best hotels in the area. Alternatively, you can check on Booking.
Things to do and see in Hanoi
Hanoi is a big city, but most of its main attractions are concentrated in just a few central quarters. I recommend setting aside a full three days to see Hanoi’s highlights, not counting any day trips.
Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi, and I think it’s the perfect place to start exploring the city. On weekends, the roads around the lake are closed to traffic, turning the area into a peaceful pedestrian zone. I really recommend staying nearby and planning your visit for the weekend if you can.
On the northern end, you’ll find Ngoc Son Temple, a small but beautiful shrine perched on a tiny island connected by the iconic red Huc Bridge. Around the lake, there are many cafes where you can stop for a traditional Vietnamese coffee or just sit and watch the locals practicing tai chi or strolling with their families.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda is Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, with a history stretching back over 1,500 years. It sits on a small island in West Lake, and I think it’s one of the most beautiful spots in the city. The pagoda is dedicated to Buddhist worship, and its grounds feature a mix of traditional Vietnamese architecture, elegant courtyards, and carefully maintained gardens. One of the highlights is the tall, slender pagoda tower, which rises above the lake and is especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset.
Quan Thanh Temple
Quan Thanh Temple is a historic site that dates back to the 11th century, built during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai To, and it blends Taoism and Buddhism perfectly. Perhaps the most picturesque part of the temple is its large entrance gate.
Inside the main hall sits a giant bronze statue of Tran Vu, dating back to the 17th century, and it is considered one of the best examples of traditional Vietnamese bronze work.
Hoa Lo Prison Relic
Hoa Lo Prison, often known by the ironic nickname “Hanoi Hilton”, was built by the French colonial rulers. It was originally intended to suppress Vietnamese resistance, and later it held American POWs during the Vietnam War. It’s clear that propaganda plays a big role in the displays. Some parts make it hard to separate fact from embellishment, and you almost get the sense that the treatment of prisoners is portrayed very differently from reality.
Train Street
Hanoi’s Train Street is one of the most unique places in Vietnam. The narrow street in the Old Quarter is still an active railway line, and houses and cafes are built almost right up against the tracks. When a train approaches, everyone has to step back. Despite being very touristy these days, this is a great place for photography.
Some areas of Hanoi have strict safety rules that prevent tourists from entering at certain times. For the best chance to experience Train Street, I’d recommend visiting the cafes along the tracks in the Dong Da district, where you can enjoy the view without any hassle.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a solemn tribute to the founding father of modern Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh. Completed in 1975, the monumental structure is an austere blend of Soviet architectural influence and traditional Vietnamese design. Surrounded by gardens, the mausoleum houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, allowing visitors to pay their respects in a solemn procession.
There are strict rules: quiet respect is required, photography inside is prohibited, and you’ll need to join the orderly queue for entry, just like the Mao mausoleum in Beijing.
One Pillar Pagoda
A short walk from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you can find the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s most famous landmarks. Built by Emperor Ly Thai Tong, it’s shaped like a blooming lotus, a symbol of purity in Buddhism, and stands, as the name suggests, on a single stone pillar in the middle of a small pond.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, located in the heart of Hanoi, is an incredible architectural gem, completed in 1886. This neo-Gothic cathedral is the oldest church in the Vietnamese capital, and it feels almost surreal to see a building like this in the middle of Southeast Asia. It’s not just a structure: it’s a true testament to Hanoi’s architectural and spiritual heritage.
Presidential Palace
Built between 1900 and 1906, the Presidential Palace is another example of French colonial architecture in Hanoi. Originally made to house the French Governor-General of Indochina, this yellow building is set amidst lush gardens. The palace itself is not open to the public, but you can explore the surrounding grounds, including botanical gardens and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the story of over a thousand years of Vietnamese history. Built in the 11th century by the Ly Dynasty, it served as the political and cultural center of Vietnam for many dynasties. Don’t miss the Flag Tower and the Dragon House.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre brings an ancient Vietnamese art form to life. Dating back to the 11th century, water puppetry originated in rural rice paddies, telling folklore and everyday scenes. Performances use wooden puppets controlled by hidden puppeteers in a shallow pool of water.
A visit to one of the many local markets
I’ve always enjoyed visiting local markets in Asia, and Hanoi is no exception. Walking through places like Dong Xuan Market in the Old Quarter is great, especially for street photography: you get to see the city’s daily life up close, and it doesn’t matter how much you’ve travelled, you’ll always find something weird to try that you’ve never seen before.
Trips outside Hanoi
A one-day (or two) trip to Halong Bay
Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about 4 hours from Hanoi. Situated in northeastern Vietnam is famous for its towering limestone karsts that jut dramatically from the Gulf of Tonkin. Legend has it that dragons descended to the bay, leaving behind these karst formations as they thrashed their tails, and the name “Halong” itself translates to “Descending Dragon.”
I’ll be honest. I found this place rather disappointing: lots of trash in the water, crazy unregulated real estate development, and way too many boats. But some people might enjoy it. If you are planning to visit it, I recommend spending at least one night on a boat. It will give you the chance to explore slightly less touristy bays.
An excursion in Sapa
Sapa sits in the northwest of Vietnam, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Hoàng Liên Son mountains. The area is famous for its rice terraces that change with the seasons. What makes Sapa even more fascinating is its diversity of ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Giay, each with its own traditional clothing, customs, and crafts. This area is not that different from the nearby Yuanyang rice terraces in Yunnan. But if you are not sure which one is best, I recommend the rice terraces in China.
The most common way to reach Sapa from Hanoi is by train or bus, both of which take around 5 to 6 hours. Many people choose to take a night train to Lao Cai, arriving early in the morning and then continuing by bus or taxi up to Sapa town. There are also private shuttle buses that depart from Hanoi and drop you directly in Sapa. Lao Cai is also the last city in Vietnam before the border with China, and if you’re interested, you can check out my Lao Cai – Hekou cross-border guide.
Final Thoughts
Hanoi is an incredibly interesting city, full of history, culture, and energy. From the peaceful corners of Hoan Kiem Lake to the busy streets of the Old Quarter, there’s always something to see, taste, or photograph. I think it’s one of those cities that surprises you at every turn, and you could easily spend days exploring its temples, markets, and hidden alleys.
That said, it’s also important to be aware that scams are very common here, much more than in southern Vietnam. From taxi tricks to overpriced tours or street vendors, stay alert, ask prices in advance, and trust your instincts. Being cautious doesn’t take away from the experience: it just helps you enjoy Hanoi safely and fully. With a bit of attention, you’ll find Hanoi to be an amazing city.
Here are some of the pictures I took in Vietnam. Here you can find my travel guide to Singapore.
