Top 12 famous places to visit in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, boasts a multifaceted charm that harmoniously blends the modern with the traditional, consistently captivating both domestic and international visitors. Every journey here offers a unique opportunity to explore nature, culture, history, and cuisine, creating memories that are truly distinctive and unforgettable.

If you aren’t sure where to begin your exploration of Hanoi, let Aravinda Travel introduce you to some absolutely perfect spots to visit.

1. Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi is a well-known tourism destination, largely due to its national park. Beyond serving as a “green lung,” the park plays a vital role thanks to its rich and diverse flora, which encompasses numerous higher plant species from a wide range of botanical families.

Entrance Fee: 60,000 VND

Opening Hours: From 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Monday to Friday) and from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Saturday and Sunday).

Address: Suoi Hai Commune, approximately 60 km from the center of Hanoi.

2. Duong Lam Ancient Village

Duong Lam is a unique and distinctive ancient village, one of the few remaining in the country that draws visitors eager to pay tribute to a land that produced two kings who devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the nation.

Entrance Fee: 20,000 VND. Free for child 0-14.

Opening Hours: From 08:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week.

Address: Son Tay Ward, Hanoi, approximately 44 km from the city center.

3. Bat Trang Pottery Village

Bat Trang pottery village was established during the Ly Dynasty and has existed for over 500 years to this day. In Bat Trang, you will have the opportunity to admire the perfect combination of tradition and modernity.

Entrance Fee: Entry to the village is free, while workshops and museums cost between 60,000 and 198,000 VND

Opening Hours: From 08:00 AM to 6:00 PM, seven days a week.

Address: Bat Trang Commune (about 13–20 km from the center).

4. Perfume Pagoda

Perfume Pagoda is a large complex of Buddhist temples, limestone caves and riverside pagodas, located in the Huong Tich mountain range, about 60 km southwest of Hanoi center.

Entrance Fee: 80,000 VND for sightseeing and 50,000 VND for the basic metal/rowboat ride

Opening Hours: From 06:00 AM to 6:00 PM, seven days a week.

Address: Huong Son Commune, Hanoi, about 65 km southwest of the city center.

5. ST. JOSEPH’S CATHEDRAL

A Catholic sanctuary built upon the hallowed foundations of the Ly Dynasty’s Bao Thien Buddhist Pagoda, the Cathedral (officially known as St. Joseph’s Cathedral) was inaugurated on Christmas Day in 1887.

Entrance Fee: Free

Opening Hours: From 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM & from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Monday to Saturday) and from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM & from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Sunday)

Address: 40 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem Ward.

6. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, often called the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, is the resting place of the great leader and founder of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Entrance Fee: Free (25,000 VND per visit for the Presidential Palace Complex or the Ho Chi Minh Museum)

Opening Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays

Seasonal:

• April 1st to October 31st: From 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday); From 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM (Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays)
• November 1st to March 31st (following year): From 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday); From 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM (Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays)

Address: So 1 Hung Vuong, Ba Dinh Ward.

7. The 36 Old Streets

Hanoi’s Old Quarter (36 wards) is located along Hoan Kiem Lake, exploring Hanoi’s 36 streets, visitors not only pass through traditional craft streets but also encounter famous landmarks: Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi Opera House, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, O Quan Chuong Gate, Hang Ma Street.

Entrance Fee: Free

Opening Hours: From 07:00 AM to 23:00, seven days a week.

Address: North of Hoan Kiem Lake.

8. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

At Thang Long Puppet Theatre, visitors can immerse themselves in the magical world of graceful wooden puppets on the water, enjoying folk tales and historical stories vividly and colorfully recreated.

Entrance Fee: 100.000 – 200.000VND

Opening Hours: ~50 minutes/show. From 1:45 PM to 9:15 PM (Monday to Saturday); 9:30 AM & from 1:45 PM to 9:15 PM (Sunday)

Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang street, Hoan Kiem ward, Hanoi.

9. Van Phuc Silk Village

Van Phuc Silk Village is a traditional silk-weaving village renowned for its exquisite silk and brocade products, a vibrant, colorful umbrella street, and a distinctive traditional cultural atmosphere.

Entrance Fee: Free

Opening Hours: From 08:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week (silk shops and sightseeing areas are open all day)

Address: Ha Dong Ward, Hanoi City (about 10km southwest of Hanoi center).

10. Museum of Ethnology

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is one of the museums in Hanoi that you absolutely must visit at least once. It holds immense cultural and historical significance, making it ideal for tourists passionate about learning about and exploring Vietnam.

Entrance Fee: 40,000 VND

Opening Hours: From 8:30 AM to 5:30PM (Tuesday to Sunday)

Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Nghia Do.

11. The Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature, also known as the National University of Literature, was Vietnam’s first national university. Today, this temple represents the ancient architecture and intellectual traditions of the Vietnamese people.

Entrance Fee: 70,000 VND

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday

Seasonal:

• November to March: From 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• April to October: From 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam Ward.

12. Quang Phu Cau Incense Village

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village is a traditional incense stick making village over 100 years old, famous for its bright red incense bouquets like flowers.

Entrance Fee: 50,000 to 100,000 VND per person (charged at private courtyards where locals arrange the giant red incense bundles for photos).

Opening Hours: From 06:30 AM to 5:30 PM, seven days a week.

Address: Ung Thien Commune, Hanoi (about 35 km southwest of Hanoi’s center).

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: during autumn (September to November) and spring (February to April), when the weather features mild temperatures, lower humidity, and clear skies

Visa Requirements: an approved visa or e-visa

Getting Around: To get around Hanoi, the best options include ride-hailing apps like Grab, traditional taxis, and walking

Cultural Tips:

• Dress modestly.
• Remove shoes and wear modest clothing when entering temples.
• Always greet them with a smile.

These amazing places in Hanoi showcase the city’s cultural diversity and national identity. Through over a thousand years of wars, natural disasters, and various governments, the city has evolved from a swampy area into the captivating capital it is today. Admire the ancient architectural details, navigate through the bustling motorbikes of young people, and enjoy a refreshing cold beer in the Old Quarter.

For a smooth and unforgettable experience, utilize Aravinda Travel‘s transportation and local guides. Our team is ready to help you create your dream trip.

Start planning your trip to Hanoi today with Aravinda Travel!

Contact Aravinda Travel:

• Website: aravindatravel.com
• Facebook: Aravinda Travel – Loyal DMC in South East Asia
• Email: info@aravindatravel.com
• 24/7 Hotline: +84 989 383 572