Top 11 Must-See Attractions in Hanoi, Vietnam for Every Traveler

Vietnam's two largest cities are starkly different—

Ho Chi Minh City

charming capital of Hanoi is rich in ancient culture. Here, the sight of motorbikes balancing impressive loads—from fridges to families—is a common one. The city boasts the country's largest airport and serves as a gateway to

Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay

Ninh Binh.

Southeast Asia for the past decade, I've visited Vietnam annually for work.

Here's a list of the top attractions to explore in Hanoi, along with the ideal times to visit and

where to stay.

If you're short on time, consider a city tour to cover these highlights efficiently.

Note: This article contains affiliate links, earning a small commission at no extra cost to you, helping maintain this blog.

Planning Your Visit

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)Best Time to Visit: November and December bring cooler temperatures.Travel Insurance: Ensure you have SafetyWing travel medical insurance to protect against accidents and delays.

Mobile eSIM Card: For reliable 5G service in Vietnam, consider

using

Discover the Old Quarter

The Old Quarter of Hanoi is located north and slightly west of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, featuring 36 streets. It's perfect for leisurely walks and observing motorbike traffic. Streets are organized by their goods—here are some notable shopping spots:

Hang Dau – Shoe Street
Hang Ma – Lantern Street
Hang Bac – Silver Street
Hang Vai – Bamboo Street
Hang Duong – Sugar Street
Lan Ong – Traditional Medicine Street
Hang Gai – Silk Street

Ngoc Son Temple is a popular destination, especially on holidays.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake

No visit to Hanoi is complete without a stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. On weekends, traffic is restricted, allowing for easy exploration. You'll see a mix of locals and tourists. Don't miss crossing the iconic red bridge to reach the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple.

Cyclo Tour

For a city overview, hop on a cyclo, a three-wheeled bike, for a unique tour. While it may seem touristy, it's a fun way to experience this eco-friendly transport method amidst Hanoi's pollution. Rides start at around 400,000 VND ($4 USD).

For excitement, try coffee on Hanoi's famous train street.

Visit Hanoi's Train Street

On two streets, you can enjoy coffee as trains pass just inches from your table. The prime location is south of the Old Quarter, near Thong Nhat Park. I visited Hanoi 1990s, reserving via WhatsApp. Many walk-in, but I preferred a reservation. Simply call upon arrival, or walk past the crossing at Ngõ 222 Đ. Lê Duẩn.

Due to the train proximity, the café lays out tables, requiring drinks to be on the ground while you lean against the wall. It's thrilling! Drinks cost around 60,000 VND, with a minimum 40,000 VND charge if no purchase is made.

Check the Hanoi 1990s Instagram for train schedules; departures from Hanoi station run on time.

Relax at Cafes & Savor Banh Mi

Vietnam excels in café culture. The Note Cafeis filled with notes and stickers, making it a fun stop. Though popular on Instagram, the smoothies are delightful, offering great lake views. Climb higher for a quieter spot. Don't skip JOMA, my top café in Southeast Asia, known for homemade bagels and pumpkin soup!

For bánh mì, try the renowned Banh Mi 25. It boasts three storefronts on the same street, perfect for a budget-friendly, delicious meal. I enjoyed a tasty sandwich and a smoothie for just $3 USD.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Surroundings

Adjacent to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, a large park showcases various attractions linked to the former leader, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where his preserved body is displayed. The exterior is photogenic, particularly at night. Other highlights include Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House and the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1054 and resembling a lotus flower, later rebuilt after its destruction by the French in 1954.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

This museum explores the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. A standout feature is the outdoor garden, showcasing a replica of traditional homes, including the impressive 19-meter-high Bahnar communal house, my favorite.

Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Temple of Literature.

Temple of Literature

This historic site, known for its traditional Vietnamese architecture, was Vietnam's first university and a Confucius temple, established in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh. You'll recognize it from the back of the 100,000d bill. It's particularly busy during TET and graduation seasons, serving as a popular photo backdrop.

Water puppet shows are a captivating experience for all ages.

Water Puppet Show

Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese performance dating back over a century, shown in a waist-deep pool with folk music. While the show is in Vietnamese, the visuals convey the story well. I try to attend one show annually; it's a unique experience.

Regular performances are at Lotus Water Puppet Theater and Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. Tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance on Klook at the same price. The storylines are consistent across Vietnam, so seeing multiple shows isn't necessary.

St. Joseph Cathedral

Constructed in 1886, the neo-Gothic façade of St. Joseph Cathedral serves as a colonial-era landmark, distinguished by its tall bell towers. The main entrance is open only during mass, while the side entrance is available at other times. Nearby streets are dotted with charming cafés, including my favorite brewery, Pasteur Street.

Enjoy Rooftop Cocktails

Who can resist a sunset cocktail? On a recent visit, I found the Terraco Sky Bar next to my hotel, located atop the La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel & Spa, offering stunning lake views during happy hour. The food was also excellent. Wherever you're staying, just search for rooftop bars with a 4.5 rating or higher—this trick never fails!

Recommended Accommodations in Hanoi

Hotels: Top-rated budget options include Hanoi Saga Hotel ($27/night) and TrangTrang Premium Hotel & Sky Bar ($37/night). The La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel & Spa ($82/night) is lovely, boasting the rooftop I mentioned. I've also stayed at Hanoi Authentic Boutique Hotel ($62), which has a fantastic location.

Hostels: The Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel offers dorm rooms with a/c starting at $18.

Luxury Stay: For a lavish experience, consider the historic 1901 Sofitel Legend Metropole, a premier hotel in Vietnam. Even if you don't stay, book one of their historical tours to explore the wartime bunker.

Best Time to Visit Hanoi

May through October marks the rainy season, resulting in lush greenery. November and December bring cooler weather. January nights can be chilly (50s Fahrenheit). Personally, I enjoy October in Asia as it bridges the rainy and dry seasons.

In winter, expect cloudy skies and elevated air pollution due to heavy traffic and industrial emissions. In rural areas, farmers burn fields to prepare for planting, contributing significantly to pollution levels.

During TET (Lunar New Year), the city feels emptier as many places close, making it less ideal for travelers due to rising prices.

Where to Get a SIM Card in Vietnam

The simplest option is to purchase a Vietnam-specific eSIM card from

for immediate activation upon arrival. (Airalo partners with Viettel,

the fastest network in Vietnam.) For more information, see my

review of Airalo eSIM cards in Southeast Asia.

Promo Codes: New users can save  and existing users can

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