Hanoi travel guide
Best Things to Do in Hanoi
The number one thing to do in Hanoi is to get lost in the Old Quarter — 36 ancient trade streets around Hoan Kiem Lake packed with sidewalk food stalls, temples and colonial shophouses. Go at dawn for the lake’s tai chi and the city’s calmest hour.
What to do in Hanoi
Hanoi is best absorbed slowly: one big sight per morning, the Old Quarter by wandering, and the spaces between filled with tiny plastic stools and excellent coffee.
The best things to do in Hanoi
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Old Quarter · Historic district
36 ancient trade streets of silk sellers, silver smiths and sidewalk kitchens
Area: Hoan Kiem · Time needed: 2–3 hours (minimum) · Cost: Free
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Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple · Lake & temple
The city’s soul — tai chi at dawn, the red Huc bridge to a island temple
Area: Hoan Kiem · Time needed: 1 hour · Cost: Temple ₫30,000
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Temple of Literature · Temple
Vietnam’s first university (1070), serene courtyards and stone stelae
Area: Dong Da · Time needed: 1–1.5 hours · Cost: ₫70,000
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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex · Historic site
The nation’s pilgrimage site plus the One Pillar Pagoda and stilt house
Area: Ba Dinh · Time needed: 2 hours · Cost: Free (mausoleum mornings only)
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Train Street · Photo stop
A working railway squeezed between houses — cafés inches from the tracks
Area: Old Quarter south · Time needed: 45 min · Cost: Price of a coffee
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Vietnam Museum of Ethnology · Museum
The country’s 54 ethnic groups, with full-size stilt houses in the grounds
Area: Cau Giay · Time needed: 2 hours · Cost: ₫40,000
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best things to do in Hanoi — FAQs
What is the number one thing to do in Hanoi?
The number one thing to do in Hanoi is to get lost in the Old Quarter — 36 ancient trade streets around Hoan Kiem Lake packed with sidewalk food stalls, temples and colonial shophouses. Go at dawn for the lake’s tai chi and the city’s calmest hour.
How many days do you need in Hanoi?
Two to three days is ideal for Hanoi: one for the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and Temple of Literature, one for the Ho Chi Minh complex and museums, plus evenings for street food and Train Street. Add a day or two more for a Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh side trip.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.