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Hanoi
Vietnam's 1,000-year-old capital of lakes, temples and French boulevards – home of pho, egg coffee and the bustling 36 streets of the Old Quarter.
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a 1,000-year-old city where ancient temples, tree-lined lakes and French colonial boulevards meet the buzz of millions of motorbikes. Founded as Thang Long in 1010, it is the country’s political and cultural heart. It is home to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Vietnam’s first university at the Temple of Literature, the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake. Hanoi is also Vietnam’s street-food capital, the birthplace of phở and egg coffee, and the gateway to Halong Bay, Ninh Binh and Sapa. This guide covers the top things to do in Hanoi, the best time to visit, how many days you need and how to plan your trip.
Why Visit Hanoi?
- A thousand years of history: temples, pagodas, the Imperial Citadel and museums tell the story of Vietnam from the Ly dynasty to the present.
- The Old Quarter: the 36 streets of the Old Quarter are full of shophouses, guild streets, cafés and night markets.
- World-famous food: phở, bún chả, chả cá and egg coffee; see our Hanoi food and drinks guide.
- Lakes and green spaces: Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake and Truc Bach Lake give the city a relaxed rhythm.
- French colonial heritage: the French Quarter, St Joseph’s Cathedral and the Hanoi Opera House.
- The gateway to North Vietnam: Halong Bay, Ninh Binh and Sapa are all within a few hours.
Top Things to Do in Hanoi
- Pay respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square.
- Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.
- Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and cross the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple.
- Get lost in the Old Quarter and shop at Dong Xuan Market.
- Discover the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.
- Learn Vietnam’s modern history at Hoa Lo Prison, the “Hanoi Hilton”.
- Meet Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
- Watch the sunset over West Lake from Tran Quoc Pagoda.
- See a traditional water puppet show near Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Join a street-food tour and try egg coffee.
Hanoi Attractions at a Glance: Opening Hours & Ticket Prices 2026
Opening hours and adult ticket prices for the main sights in Hanoi, checked in October 2026 against official and local sources. Prices are in Vietnamese dong (VND), can change without notice and are usually included in our private tours. Click a name for the full guide.
| Attraction | Opening hours | Ticket (adult) |
|---|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum | Closed for annual maintenance until 2 Nov 2026; then Tue–Thu & weekends, mornings only (closed Mon & Fri) | Free |
| Temple of Literature | Daily about 8:00–17:00 | 70,000 VND |
| Hoan Kiem Lake | Lake shore 24 hours; walking zone Fri 19:00–Sun 24:00 | Lake free; Ngoc Son Temple 50,000 VND |
| Ngoc Son Temple | 7:00–18:00 Mon–Fri; 7:00–21:00 weekends & holidays | 50,000 VND |
| Hanoi Old Quarter | Always open | Free |
| Imperial Citadel of Thang Long | Daily 8:00–17:00 | 100,000 VND |
| Hoa Lo Prison Relic | Daily 8:00–17:00 | 50,000 VND |
| Vietnam Museum of Ethnology | 8:30–17:30; closed Mon | 40,000 VND |
| Tran Quoc Pagoda | Daily about 8:00–16:00 | Free |
| Quan Thanh Temple | Daily about 8:00–17:00 | 10,000 VND |
| West Lake | Lake open 24 hours | Free (Quan Thanh Temple 10,000 VND) |
| St Joseph’s Cathedral | Exterior all day; interior around Mass times | Free |
| Vietnam National Museum of History | 8:00–12:00, 13:30–17:00; closed Mon | 40,000 VND |
| Vietnam Military History Museum | 8:00–11:30, 13:00–16:30; closed Mon & Fri | 40,000 VND |
| Vietnam Fine Arts Museum | Daily 8:30–17:00 | 40,000 VND |
| Vietnamese Women’s Museum | Daily 8:00–17:00, including holidays | 40,000 VND |
| Dong Xuan Market | About 6:00–18:00 daily | Free |
| Hanoi Train Street | Public lane, no set hours | Free |
| Hanoi Opera House | Closed for restoration since Feb 2026 (about 2 years) | Exterior free |
| Hanoi egg coffee cafés | Most cafés from about 7:00 to late evening | No entry fee; a cup about 35,000–60,000 VND |
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
Hanoi has four distinct seasons. Autumn (September–November) is the best time to visit, with mild temperatures, low humidity and clear skies. Spring (February–April) is cool and green, with flowers and festivals after Tet. Summer (May–August) is hot and humid, with temperatures around 35°C and heavy afternoon showers. Winter (December–January) is cool, with average temperatures around 16–17°C, so bring a jacket.
How Many Days in Hanoi?
Plan 2–3 days for Hanoi itself: one day for the classic sights (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter) and one or two more for museums, West Lake and food. Then add Halong Bay (1–2 nights on a cruise), Ninh Binh (day trip or overnight) or Sapa (2–3 days). Our Hanoi travel tips explain visas, money, safety and what to pack.
Getting to and Around Hanoi
Noi Bai International Airport is about 28 km from the Old Quarter, 30–60 minutes by Grab or taxi, or about an hour by airport bus 86. In the centre, walking and ride-hailing apps are the easiest options; Hanoi also has two metro lines. Read our Hanoi transportation guide for prices and tips.
Plan Your Hanoi Trip with Local Experts
Vietnam Tour Expert is a Hanoi-based tour operator. We design private and small-group Hanoi tours with licensed English-speaking guides, and combine Hanoi with the best of North Vietnam. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.
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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: A Must-Visit Attraction in Hanoi – Complete Visitor Guide (2026)
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Hanoi Train Street (2026): Is It Open? Train Times, Cafés & Rules
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Ngoc Son Temple: The Jade Mountain Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake – Visitor Guide (2026)
St Joseph’s Cathedral Hanoi: Mass Times, History & Visitor Tips (2026)
Hoa Lo Prison Museum: Visitor Guide to the “Hanoi Hilton” – Tickets, History & Night Tour (2026)
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Hanoi Travel Guide
Frequently asked questions
1. Is Hanoi worth visiting?
Yes. Hanoi combines 1,000 years of history, the lively Old Quarter, world-famous street food and easy access to Halong Bay, Ninh Binh and Sapa. Most travellers rate it one of the highlights of Vietnam. Start with our guide to the top attractions in Hanoi.
2. How many days do you need in Hanoi?
Two to three days is ideal for the city, plus extra days for Halong Bay, Ninh Binh or Sapa. One day is enough for the classic sights: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake.
3. What is the best time to visit Hanoi?
Autumn (September–November) and spring (March–April) have the most pleasant weather. Summer is hot and rainy, and winter is cool and often grey. See our Hanoi travel tips for a season-by-season guide.
4. What is the weather like in Hanoi?
Hanoi has four seasons: hot, humid summers with highs around 35°C (May–August), mild autumns, cool winters averaging about 16–17°C (December–January), and fresh, drizzly springs. August is usually the wettest month. More details are in our Hanoi travel tips.
5. What are the top things to do in Hanoi?
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature, walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, explore the Old Quarter, see a water puppet show, tour the Imperial Citadel and join a street-food tour.
6. What are the must-see attractions in Hanoi for first-time visitors?
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple, and the Old Quarter. Add Hoa Lo Prison if you are interested in history.
7. What is Hanoi famous for?
Hanoi is famous for its 1,000-year history, the Old Quarter’s 36 streets, Hoan Kiem Lake, French colonial architecture, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and its food, especially phở, bún chả and egg coffee. Discover more in our Hanoi travel guide.
8. What food is Hanoi famous for?
Phở bò, bún chả, chả cá Lã Vọng, bánh cuốn, bún thang and egg coffee are Hanoi’s signature dishes. Our Hanoi food and drinks guide lists where to eat them.
9. What should I buy in Hanoi?
Popular Hanoi souvenirs include silk scarves from Hang Gai Street, lacquerware, Bat Trang ceramics, embroidery, conical hats, lanterns, Vietnamese coffee and lotus tea. Our Hanoi shopping guide covers the best markets, prices and bargaining tips.
10. Where should I stay in Hanoi?
The Old Quarter and the Hoan Kiem Lake area are the most convenient for first-time visitors, with most sights within walking distance. The French Quarter is quieter and more upscale, and West Lake suits longer stays. See our Old Quarter guide.
11. How do I get from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter?
Grab, Be or Xanh SM cars cost about 250,000–350,000 VND and take 30–60 minutes. Airport bus 86 costs 45,000 VND and stops near Hoan Kiem Lake. Details are in our Hanoi transportation guide.
12. How do I get around Hanoi?
Walk in the centre and use Grab, Be or Xanh SM for longer trips. Hanoi also has two metro lines, city buses, cyclos and hop-on hop-off buses. Read our Hanoi transportation guide.
13. Is Hanoi safe for tourists?
Yes. Hanoi is very safe, with little violent crime. The main risks are traffic, bag snatching and overcharging. Our Hanoi travel tips explain how to stay safe and cross the street.
14. Do I need a visa to visit Hanoi?
Most visitors need a Vietnam e-visa, valid for up to 90 days. Citizens of 24 countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Japan and South Korea, can enter visa-free for up to 45 days. See our Hanoi travel tips for details.
15. How much does a trip to Hanoi cost per day?
Budget travellers spend about US$30–45 a day, mid-range travellers about US$70–150, and luxury travellers US$200 or more. Street food costs only 35,000–100,000 VND a dish. See our Hanoi travel tips.
16. Is Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City better to visit?
They are very different. Hanoi offers more history, culture and traditional atmosphere, plus easy access to Halong Bay and Sapa; Ho Chi Minh City is more modern and fast-paced. Most first-time visitors include both on a north–south trip. Explore our North Vietnam guide.
17. Can I visit Halong Bay as a day trip from Hanoi?
Yes. Halong Bay is about 2.5–3 hours from Hanoi by expressway, so a day cruise is possible. An overnight cruise is more relaxing. See our Halong Bay guide.
18. Is Ninh Binh worth visiting from Hanoi?
Yes. Ninh Binh, about 2 hours from Hanoi, is famous for boat trips through limestone karsts at Trang An and Tam Coc. It works as a day trip or an overnight stay. See our Ninh Binh guide.
19. How far is Sapa from Hanoi?
Sapa is about 5.5–6 hours from Hanoi by limousine bus on the expressway, or about 8 hours by night train to Lao Cai plus a 1-hour transfer. Plan at least 2–3 days. See our Sapa guide.
20. What should I wear in Hanoi?
Light clothing in summer and layers in winter. Cover your shoulders and knees for temples, pagodas and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
21. What are the best things to do in Hanoi at night?
Walk the weekend walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake, browse the Old Quarter night market from Hang Dao to Dong Xuan Market, watch a water puppet show, drink bia hơi on Ta Hien Street, or join the Hoa Lo Prison night tour.
22. Where can I see a water puppet show in Hanoi?
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre on Dinh Tien Hoang Street at Hoan Kiem Lake holds several shows daily, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology also hosts performances. Book ahead in high season.
23. Can I visit Hanoi Train Street?
Since March 2025, the city has asked tour operators not to take groups to Train Street for safety reasons, and train services through the area have been reduced. If you go, follow local instructions and stay off the tracks. Read more in our Old Quarter guide.
24. What is the best way to explore Hanoi?
On foot in the Old Quarter, combined with Grab and a local guide for the main sights. A guided Hanoi city tour covers the highlights efficiently and explains the history behind them.
25. Should I book a Hanoi tour or travel independently?
Hanoi is easy to explore independently, but a private guide saves time, explains the history and handles transport, especially for day trips to Halong Bay or Ninh Binh. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.
