Hanoi

The popular destination of Hanoi should not be missed on any Vietnam round trip. As the capital, Hanoi has a lot to offer - lots of green spaces, local night markets, artists and many charming streets and corners to discover and explore. 

Destination Hanoi

The beautiful city of Hanoi capital and seat of government. On the banks of the Red River, Hanoi offers a mild climate compared to the sunny south.

Hanoi is a vibrant city - a cauldron of exotic ancient monuments, modern skyscrapers and numerous remnants of colonial imperialism, offering visitors a wealth of historical sights and tourist attractions.

At its heart lies the chaotic Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are filled with traders. There are many small temples, such as Bach Ma, in honor of a legendary horse, as well as the Đồng Xuân market, where household goods and takeaway food are sold.

Topics

  • Culture
  • Culinary delights

Highlights

  • Exotic city life
  • Numerous night markets
  • Famous water puppet theater
  • Colonial French architecture

Explore the authentic Hanoi

Discover Hanoi's historic colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and picturesque lakes. Famous impressive sights such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or the Temple of Literature await you, which will introduce you to the city's architecture and culture. In addition, you will experience the One Pillar Pagoda and the Ethnological Museum, which will give you an impression of the country's many ethnic minorities.

The best sights in Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia. The city offers a mixture of historical sights, cultural highlights and modern flair. In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the best sights in Hanoi that you should not miss during your visit.

Temple of Literature & National University

The Temple of literature is one of the oldest and most important sights in Hanoi. It was founded in 1070 as the Temple of Confucius and Vietnam's first university. The country's scholars were trained and examined here. The temple consists of five courtyards separated by walls and gates. Inside, you can admire the architecture in traditional Vietnamese style, as well as the stone tablets engraved with the names of the graduates. The Temple of Literature is a symbol of education and culture in Vietnam and a popular location for photo shoots.

Temple of Literature Hanoi

Address: Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi, 100000
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Entrance fee: 30,000 VND

Ethnological Museum of Vietnam

The Ethnological Museum of Vietnam is an interesting museum that gives you an insight into the diversity and richness of Vietnamese culture. The museum shows the way of life, traditions and handicrafts of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Among other things, you can see the typical houses, clothing, musical instruments and ritual artefacts of the different peoples. The museum also has a beautiful garden where you can admire some original buildings such as a watermill or a bamboo bridge.

Address: Đường Nguyễn Văn Huyên, Hanoi, 11306
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Entrance fee: 40,000 VND (approx. 1.50 euros) per person

Hoan-Kiem-Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi and a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike. The lake is surrounded by a picturesque park where you can walk, jog or simply enjoy the atmosphere. In the middle of the lake is a small island with a red wooden walkway leading to the Ngoc Son Temple. This temple is dedicated to the patron saint of scholars and houses a statue of a giant turtle which, according to legend, returned Emperor Le Loi's sword. On the northern shore of the lake, you can also visit the Thang Long water puppet theater, where you can enjoy a traditional performance with music and fireworks.

Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi

Address: Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: The park is open around the clock, the Ngoc Son Temple from 8:00 to 17:00
Entrance fee: The park is free, the Ngoc Son Temple costs 30,000 VND (approx. 1 euro) per person

Hanoi Old Quarter Hanoi's Old Quarter is a lively district full of history and culture. The narrow streets are lined with stores, street stalls and restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese dishes. Here you can admire the French colonial-style architecture and watch the hustle and bustle of the streets. A stroll through the Old Quarter is a must for any visitor to Hanoi.

Address: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Opening hours: The Old Quarter is accessible at all times Entrance fee: Entrance to the Old Quarter is free of charge

Hoa-Lo Prison

The Hoa-Lo Prisonalso known as the "Hanoi Hilton", was built by the French in 1896 and originally served as a prison for political prisoners. During the Vietnam War, American prisoners of war were held here. Today, the prison is a museum that documents the history of the prison and the conditions under which the prisoners lived.

Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi

Address: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Openeing Hours: Daily from 8:00 to 17:00 hrs. Entrance Fees: 30.000 VND per Person

Hanoi´s Old Quarter

Hanoi's Old Quarter is a lively district full of history and culture. The narrow streets are lined with stores, street stalls and restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese dishes. Here you can admire the French colonial-style architecture and watch the hustle and bustle of the streets. A stroll through the Old Quarter is a must for any visitor to Hanoi.

Address: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Opening hours: The Old Quarter is accessible at all times Entrance fee: Entrance to the Old Quarter is free of charge

Đồng-Xuân-Market

The Đồng Xuân Market is the largest covered market in Hanoi and a popular place for locals and tourists alike. Here you can buy everything from clothes and shoes to electronics and souvenirs. The market is also a good place to try Vietnamese cuisine as there are many food stalls serving traditional dishes.

Address: 68 P. Hàng Giấy, Hàng Mã, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Việt Nam
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 to 18:00
Admission price: Admission to the market is free of charge

Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House was built during the French colonial period and is one of the most beautiful buildings in Hanoi. It was inspired by the Paris Opera House and is located in the French Quarter of Hanoi. The opera house was renovated in 1997 and is now an important venue for art and culture in the city. Regular performances of opera, ballet and concerts take place here.

Address: 01 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: Opening hours vary depending on the event
Admission price: The admission price varies depending on the event

Hanoi is a city full of history, culture and charm. If you visit these sights in Hanoi, you will certainly get an unforgettable impression of the Vietnamese capital.

Hanoi Cuisine

Hanoi street food

Explore the streets of Hanoi. Wander through the small alleyways and streets past the numerous street food stalls. Here, dishes are prepared right in front of your eyes.

 

Banh Mi Vietnam

You have to try the food yourself in Vietnam to realize how good it is!

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Private transfer in and around Hanoi

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FURTHER QUESTIONS !?

Not sure where to go or what to expect? Just contact our travel experts at Unseen Vietnam Tours. We will be happy to answer your questions and give you helpful tips.
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Weather in Hanoi

Around Hanoi, the north is dominated by a subtropical climate with four seasons. The Vietnamese winter lasts from November/December to April and it can get quite chilly, especially in northern Vietnam. The summer is really hot between July and August - with temperatures of around 35 degrees.

The right time to visit

We recommend the months from November to April as the best time to travel to the north of Vietnam with Hanoi and Halong Bay. The winter months are the dry season with the best weather conditions in this region. December, January and February are the months with the least rainfall.

Cookery class Hanoi
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Transport Vietnam: get to your destination safely and cheaply

Are you planning a trip through fascinating Vietnam? Transport in Vietnam can seem overwhelming for first-time visitors. From the bustling metropolises to remote island paradises, choosing the right means of transport is crucial for a relaxing stay. In this guide, you'll learn all about reputable taxi companies, the most efficient apps and why private transfers are often the smartest choice for you.

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Hanoi day trips

Experience unique excursions with complete customizability

2-DAY PRIVATE NINH BINH EXCURSION

Ninh Binh is a truly breathtaking paradise with unspoiled natural beauty that will enchant your senses. Immerse yourself in the mysterious limestone caves of Tam Coc and the enchanting Trang An, where you can experience majestic nature up close on leisurely walks and boat trips. These regions promise an unforgettable adventure amidst spectacular scenery that will touch your soul.

279 € per person - 2 days/1night

Fabulous Ninh Binh day trip

Trang An is a fascinating destination that offers beautiful sights to explore. Another highlight of the area is the historical site of Hoa Lu. Here, visitors can learn about Vietnam's ancient past and enjoy the ancient ruins. Finally, a visit to the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda is a must.  

169 € per person 

AUTHENTIC NORTH VIETNAM 6 DAY ADVENTURE

Discover the untouched beauty of northern Vietnam on a 6-day trip that takes you through Ninh Binh, Pu Luong and Mai Chau. Experience the impressive nature of Ninh Binh with its majestic limestone cliffs and picturesque rice fields. Immerse yourself in authentic villages and green rice terraces in Pu Luong before getting to know the life of the hill tribes in Mai Chau and spending the night in traditional stilt houses.

879€ per person - 6 days/5 nights

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