https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/hanoi/best-things-to-do/100000003721
Best Things to Do
Top 17 Best Things to Do in Hanoi [2025]
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Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
4.3
/5
396 reviews
6.4
From AU$ 7.55
Based on 12,404 reviews
Hồ Hoàn Kiếm Area | 144m from downtown
Phone +84 24 3824 9494
Address: 57B P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Hanoi
Highlights:
Water puppetry making & control
Vietnamese water puppet show
Saved by 774 users236 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
It was very exciting and super nice Show in the centre of Hanoi Business Hours:11-21
It was a wonderful cultural experience showcasing Vietnam's folk art. I especially appreciated the music during the water puppet show—each musician was incredibly talented. If you enjoy cultural experiences, this is highly recommended!
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Hoan Kiem Lake
4.6
/5
1123 reviews
6.3
Based on 13,773 reviews
Hồ Hoàn Kiếm Area | 231m from downtown
Address: Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
No.2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Hanoi
Highlights:
Jade Mountain Temple & Turtle Tower
Historic Turtle Tower & lake
Saved by 1259 users541 positive reviews
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This is the most famous attraction in Hanoi. It is also the most central location in Hanoi and a landmark symbol. I thought the lake was very big at first, but it turned out to be just like a pond. The most lively streets around Hoan Kiem Lake are all in Hanoi. Sanshiliuhang Street is nearby, and the Red House Cafe is also here.
It is recommended to stay near Hoan Kiem Lake because Hanoi is very small and the attractions can be walked. And the food is also concentrated in this area.
There is still a big difference between the north and the south of Vietnam. Anyway, Hanoi can be visited in one day.
Hanoi, Vietnam - Hoan Kiem Lake 💖 Pearl of Hanoi, Vietnam 💖🌈 Baozi, today I want to share with you the super beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake Park in Hanoi, Vietnam 😜! 🌳 Hoan Kiem Lake Park is located in the center of Hanoi, is a pearl of the city. Its lake is oval, narrow and long from north to south, about 12 hectares, the lake is clear like a mirror, the surrounding trees are green and shaded like cover. When you stroll around the lake, the breeze blows, the feeling of cozy is really in words to describe 😍. 🌟 There is a mysterious and moving legend here. It is rumored that the founder of the Vietnamese dynasty, Li Li, received an ancient sword in the lake, and later returned it to the turtle in the lake, so the name of the lake was changed to Hoan Kiem Lake. This legend adds a mysterious color to Hoan Kiem Lake, and it has become one of the symbols of Vietnam's history and culture.
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36 Pho Phuong
4.6
/5
276 reviews
6.0
10.7 km from downtown
Phone +84-826-563802
Address: 1 P. Trịnh Văn Bô, Xuân Phương, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Vietnamese culture & commerce showcased
Vietnamese snacks & live music
Saved by 823 users111 positive reviews
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Hanoi 36th block is Hanoi Old Street, it must be, it is worth a visit, Hanoi tourism must go, how can you say that you have been to Hanoi if you don't go here, here is a perfect tourist place for Vietnamese history, life, food, shopping. Very convenient, a lot of food, accommodation choice is also very convenient, there are many hotels and hotels. Don't regret it. I have been to Hanoi many times, and I live here. It is too suitable for swimming.
Night Tour of Thirty-Six Flood Streets/Hoan Kiem Lake
1. Thirty-Six Flood Streets (Hanoi Ancient Street)
Location: Hanoi Old Quarter, surrounding the northern part of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Features:
Historical Origin: Originated from the Li Dynasty (11th century), each street is named after a traditional industry, such as "Silver Street" (Hàng Bạc), "Silk Street" (Hàng Đào), "Chinese Medicine Street" (Hàng Thuốc Bắc), etc., and some traditional industries are still preserved.
City Style: The narrow streets are densely packed with French colonial buildings, family shops, street food stalls and handicraft shops, full of fireworks.
Nightlife: Thirty-Six Flood Street at night turns into a night market and bar street, which is very lively and suitable for experiencing Vietnamese beer culture (Bia Hơi) and night tours.
Play Suggestions:
- Stroll the streets during the day and look for handicrafts (lacquerware, embroidery, Ao Dai, etc.).
- Taste local snacks: Pho (beef rice noodle), Bún Chả (grilled meat rice noodles), Banh Mi (baguette sandwich).
- Experience coffee culture: Café Giảng (egg coffee) and Café Pho Co (lake view coffee shop) are recommended.
- Visit the **weekend night market** (Friday to Sunday) on weekend nights to experience street performances and handmade markets.
No.
4
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St. Joseph Cathedral
4.6
/5
748 reviews
5.9
Based on 3,016 reviews
Hồ Hoàn Kiếm Area | 438m from downtown
Phone +84-90-3425692
Address: 1 P. Nhà Thờ, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.2 of Night Attractions in Hanoi
Highlights:
French romance opposite church
Renaissance tower & nearby cafes
Saved by 1042 users383 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
I still recommend checking in at Hanoi Cathedral, because after visiting many cathedrals in Southeast Asian countries and China, this one in Hanoi is really magnificent and beautiful in appearance. The effects are completely different during the day and at night. You can check in during the day, and the design inside is also very beautiful.
It takes 15 minutes to walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, but it only takes half an hour to take photos and check in.
Hanoi Cathedral, also known as St. John's Cathedral (St. Joseph Church, Vietnamese: Nhà thờ Lớn Hà Nội/Nhà thờ Chính ta Thánh Giuse). Hanoi Cathedral was built in 1888 and has a history of more than 100 years. This is the oldest church in Hanoi, a Roman Catholic church, belonging to the European medieval Gothic architectural style; surrounded by various coffee shops
No.
5
Train street coffee
4.6
/5
35 reviews
5.8
Temple of Literature | 1.8 km from downtown
Phone +84-564-312-900
Address: 1 P. Khâm Thiên, Khâm Thiên, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Highlights:
Vietnamese coffee by century-old tracks
Unique coffee culture by tracks
Saved by 694 users95% positive reviews
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Hanoi, Vietnam🇻🇳【Hanoi Train Street】
Hanoi train street
Hanoi Train Street, also known as "Railway Street" or "Train Alley", is located in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter. It is located between Le Duan Street and Kham Tien Street, just a few blocks away from the famous Hoan Kiem Lake. The street is only 200 meters long and is surrounded by residential buildings. One of the main attractions of Hanoi Train Street is the charming cafes lining the alley. These cafes offer a unique experience, where you can enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee or delicious food while watching the trains pass by.
Train schedule:
9:20～15:20～20:20～21:40～22:00
There is also a 18:20 train on Saturdays and Sundays
This is a must in Hanoi. I would recommend going to friends. The locals are very friendly and the coffee was delicious!
No.
6
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Hanoi Sky Lotte Observation Deck
4.7
/5
62 reviews
5.5
From AU$ 12.61
Based on 335 reviews
4.2 km from downtown
Phone +024 3333 6565
Address: 54 P. Liễu Giai, Cống Vị, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Highlights:
VR zone: virtual reality sightseeing
65th-floor observatory in 52s
Saved by 338 users91% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Aboard the Hanoi City can be seen, with seats and art installation exhibitions. The package includes tickets and a drink. Compared with the observation deck in many places, the price is high, and the drinks are quite delicious. Suitable for sitting in the evening until dark and enjoying the sunset and night view.
It was fun even if I went there solo. The view was nice during night time. I recommend you book the one that has drinks because it’s more expensive if you buy it there. The scenery was nice and the people working there were accommodating too. Even if I am alone I don’t feel lonely.
No.
7
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Old Quarter
4.5
/5
193 reviews
5.5
Based on 28,914 reviews
Hồ Hoàn Kiếm Area | 562m from downtown
Phone +84-4-39264381
Address: Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
Highlights:
Evening traditional water puppet show
Hanoi's ancient commerce culture
Saved by 774 users49% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
definitely worth visiting and walking down each and every lane and lake side. beautiful cute cozy cafes will cheer you up and so many street sopping you can do here.
very convenient place to live when visiting Hanoi. You can find anything you need within walking distance to hotels. Good spot for tours to pick up. Stores, cafes and restaurants close late too.
No.
8
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West Lake
4.5
/5
234 reviews
5.4
Based on 1,814 reviews
3.7 km from downtown
Address: Tây Hồ, Hanoi, Vietnam
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.3 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Hanoi
Highlights:
Blue vistas from Umbrella Mountain
Hanoi's heritage around lake
Saved by 473 users109 positive reviews
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Living in Hanoi West Lake Intercontinental, just next to Hanoi West Lake, it is very convenient to go to the old town, the front desk service is also very good, like it. Hanoi West Lake is different from the West Lake, there is no mountain, but it is not bad.
West Lake is a place to relax, run, take pictures, chat, and enjoy the scenery
No.
9
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Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
4.4
/5
358 reviews
5.3
Based on 11,874 reviews
Ba Dinh Square | 2 km from downtown
Phone +84 24 3845 5128
Address: 1 Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Over 240 Vietnamese flowers surround
Ho Chi Minh's resting place
Saved by 424 users143 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Vietnam and we share the same roots and similar systems. The location here is similar to Tiananmen Square, a very open square with Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum in the center. When I visited, it was under maintenance and I was unable to pay my respects.
Location: Ho Chi Minh's MausoleumTime I visit: early morningYes, this place was amazing. Big park. People come around having for early morning jogging around 6 in the morning.If you want to enter the Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, you will need to pass through the guard.They will not allow you to to use short cut. The guard is everywhere. So be careful.Overall, I enjoy my view and jogging around the Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Will visit it again if I have a chance to visit Hanoi.
No.
10
Hop On Hop Off HaNoi
4.5
/5
20 reviews
5.2
From AU$ 9.62
Hồ Hoàn Kiếm Area | 117m from downtown
Phone 84 -1900558865
Address: 7 P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Hop-on, hop-off and choose your own attraction stops
Multi-lingual tours to explore cultural history
Saved by 174 users
Verified User Reviews
Definitely a must do tour to get an overview of the city. It is very convenient to get to famous places and and on to the next while listening to the history while on the bus. Ticket prices are very reasonable.
Hop On Hop Off is a very convenient transportation way to experience local life. More than ten points can be on and off, and the next bus will be available in half an hour. Plus, if you want to take pictures, you can go to the roof. If you want to blow the air conditioner, you can stay on the first floor. It is really comfortable. Very recommended 👍
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