TOP THINGS TO DO IN HANOI: USEFUL TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP

Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, is a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. With its bustling streets, rich history, Hanoi offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. I will introduce you to the top things to do in Ha Noi as well as the top attractions in this city that you must visit.

1. Hanoi Opera House

Hanoi Opera House is located right at the spacious August Revolution Square. From the opera house, visitors can easily access famous tourist attractions in the capital, such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the National History Museum, the Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel, and many other shopping centers and entertainment venues in downtown Hanoi.

The Hanoi Opera House is a magnificent architectural masterpiece, classified as a National Heritage Site. It is associated with many significant events in the capital. The opera house is one of the most prominent theaters in the country, renowned for its many performances of classical arts.

With its unique architecture, it is a popular tourist destination that attracts a large number of visitors who come to explore and take photos when they arrive in Hanoi.

Hanoi Opera House

Since its establishment, the Hanoi Opera House has played a vital role as one of the most important cultural centers in the capital. It regularly hosts cultural activities and artistic performances by both Vietnamese and international art troupes.

Specifically:

– Organizing cultural and artistic activities to serve important political and social missions of the Party and the State;

– Organizing cultural and artistic activities, conferences, seminars, and national and international press receptions according to the plans of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism;

– Organizing high-quality cultural and artistic activities.

The Hanoi Opera House is an ideal performance venue in the capital. From just 17 performances in 2000, by the early 2010s, it hosted an average of 400 performances each year, welcoming over 140 international art troupes.

Currently, the Hanoi Opera House offers tours that combine visits with artistic performances. Visitors can choose from the following tours:

Tour of the Hanoi Opera House:

– Ticket price: 120,000 VND/person (4.8 USD).

– Tour duration: 70 minutes/visit

– Tour schedule: Monday to Sunday (except Friday)

– Time slots: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.

Tour combining a visit with an artistic performance:

– Ticket price: 400,000 VND/person (16 USD).

– Tour duration: 90 minutes/visit

– Tour schedule: Every Monday and Thursday

– Time slots: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.

If you want to watch performances at the Hanoi Opera House, tickets can be booked starting from 300,000 VND/person (12 USD).

Hanoi Opera House

Address: No. 1, Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours:

2. Vietnamese Women’s Museum

Vietnam Women’s Museum is located on one of the most beautiful streets in Hanoi and is a place where visitors can learn about the role and importance of Vietnamese women in the cultural and historical flow of the country.

Ao dai is one of the traditions in Vietnam.

With an area of nearly 5,000 square meters, the Vietnam Women’s Museum has been renovated and upgraded in a modern and impressive style, consisting of two main buildings along with a restaurant and café. Inside the main building, there are four floors, each showcasing different themed artifacts.

The first floor features a souvenir shop rich in Vietnamese culture and people. The second floor simulates the lives of traditional Vietnamese women. The third floor depicts the image of heroic Vietnamese women. The fourth floor is dedicated to the theme of “women’s fashion.”

Additionally, the Vietnam Women’s Museum is close to many famous tourist attractions in the capital, such as Hoa Lo Prison, the Old Quarter of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral, allowing for a combined visit.

Address: No. 36, Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

3. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is located in the heart of Hanoi, right next to the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. This is the venue for a unique form of cultural art—water puppetry. While puppetry exists in many countries around the world, water puppetry is a cultural specialty that is unique to Vietnam.

Water Puppet Theatre

In a performance lasting less than an hour, visitors can enjoy a captivating puppet show on the water, following an interesting storyline. The performances are accompanied by enchanting sounds from traditional instruments such as the two-stringed fiddle (đàn nhị), the zither (đàn tranh), and the monochord (đàn bầu), as well as folk music from the northern region of Vietnam.

Ticket prices at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre are divided into three categories:

– Standard ticket (third row, farthest from the stage): 100,000 VND/person (4 USD).

– Regular ticket (second row): 150,000 VND/person (6 USD).

– VIP ticket (first row, closest to the stage): 200,000 VND/person (8 USD).

Notable performances at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre include “Tễu Giáo Trò,” “Vinh quy bái tổ,” “Dragon and Phoenix Dance,” and “Four Sacred Beasts Dance.”

Address: No. 57B, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (according to the schedule of show).

4. Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake covers an area of about 12 hectares and is surrounded by bustling old streets such as Hang Dao, Luong Van Can, and Hang Ngang, as well as modern Western-style streets like Trang Thi, Trang Tien, and Ba Trieu. This prime location makes it a crossroads between the traditional and modern beauty of Hanoi.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake has long been a symbol of the capital and is an unmissable tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors. If you have the chance to stroll around the lake, you can enjoy the fresh, cool atmosphere and admire the tranquil waters reflecting the shadows of the ancient trees.

Some attractions around Hoan Kiem Lake include: Turtle Tower, Ngoc Son Temple, Pen Tower – Ink Stand, The Huc Bridge, Hanoi Opera House, the Old Quarter of Hanoi, and Ba Kieu Temple.

Address: No. 51, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

5. Temple of Literature

Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam is the first national university in Vietnam. It has trained many generations of talented individuals for the country. The Temple of Literature honors three wise kings of the nation: Ly Thanh Tong, Ly Nhan Tong, and Le Thanh Tong.

When visiting this site, you will have the opportunity to admire many valuable documents and artifacts, especially the 82 stone steles of doctoral laureates, which have been recognized by UNESCO as a “World Documentary Heritage.”

Today, the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam has become a fascinating cultural tourist destination. With its cultural and historical significance, it was designated a National Heritage Site in 1962.

Some attractions at the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam include: the Temple Gate (Van Mieu Mon), Van Lake and Giam Garden, Dai Trung Mon, Khuê Van Cac, the Doctor’s Steles Garden, and the Thien Quang Well.

Address: No. 58, Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: 30.000/person.

6. Museum of Ethnology

Museum of Ethnology is one of the must-visit museums in Hanoi. It holds significant cultural and historical importance, making it ideal for travelers eager to learn about and explore Vietnam.

Museum of Ethnology

The museum spans 4.5 hectares and features many unique architectural structures, resembling a miniature representation of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. A wide array of artifacts is displayed here, including jewelry, clothing, weapons, religious items, musical instruments, and cultural beliefs.

The ticket price for the Museum of Ethnology is 40,000 VND per person (1.6 USD). The museum features three interesting exhibition areas: the Dong Drum Hall, the Architectural Garden, and the Kite Hall. There are also many exciting experiences not to be missed.

At the museum, you can also learn about traditional craft villages. This is an opportunity to admire the skill and artistry of artisans and craftsmen as they weave mats, create brocade, weave bamboo and rattan, make pottery, drill gun barrels, produce traditional paper, craft folk toys, and print Dong Ho paintings.

Every Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy performances of traditional water puppetry. Many captivating acts from rural puppet troupes in Northern Vietnam await visitors.

Address: No.1,Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay District, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM from Tuesday to Sunday.

7. Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter, also known as the “36 Streets,” has long been an attractive destination for visitors to the capital. The area is characterized by its old-world charm during the day and a bustling, lively atmosphere at night. This article will suggest interesting attractions and authentic dining spots in Hanoi.

Hanoi Old Quarter – an attractive destination in the capital’s tourist itinerary.

The Old Quarter is defined by specific boundaries: to the north by Hang Dau Street; to the west by Phung Hung Street; to the south by Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go, and Hang Thung Streets; and to the east by Tran Quang Khai and Tran Nhat Duat Streets.

The Old Quarter of Hanoi is home to many famous tourist attractions in the capital. Here, you can stroll through the streets, visit historical sites, explore traditional markets, and experience the vibrant urban nightlife. Below are 9 must-visit destinations in the Old Quarter that you should not miss during your trip to Hanoi: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hang Ma Street, Ta Hien Street, Dong Xuan Market, O Quan Chuong, Ma May Ancient House, Bach Ma Temple, Phung Hung Mural Street, and the Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market.

Address: Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.

8. One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar Pagoda, known by various names such as Dien Huu Tu, Lien Hoa Dai, or Mat Pagoda, is one of the ancient temples in Hanoi, built during the reign of King Ly Thai Tong. The architecture of One Pillar Pagoda is incredibly unique. Today, when visiting the pagoda, tourists can easily see the Tam Quan gate with the wooden plaque inscribed with the three characters “Dien Huu Tu.”

The original structure of One Pillar Pagoda is supported by wooden panels firmly attached to a stone pillar. The structure includes the Lotus Platform, the pagoda roof, and the supporting pillar.

One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar Pagoda represents the radiant lotus that the Goddess of Mercy, Quan Am, granted to King Ly Thai Tong in a dream. Additionally, the pagoda was the site where the king chose to perform rituals on the first and fifteenth days of each month, wishing for national peace and prosperity.

The temple has a small altar and a donation box inside.

Address: Ong Ich Khiem Street, Ba Dinh District, Ha Noi.  

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.

9. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is located at the former podium in Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh once led important rallies. To reach the mausoleum, you can use personal vehicles, rent a motorcycle in Hanoi, or take public transportation, all of which are convenient and easy options.

Where is Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum is a question many tourists search for before setting foot in the capital.

When visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, tourists will immerse themselves in a solemn atmosphere and delve into the historical past of the great leader of the Vietnamese nation.

The flag raising and lowering ceremonies are solemnly performed in front of Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum every morning and evening.

Here are some engaging activities you should participate in for a meaningful trip: Witness the flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies at Ba Dinh Square, explore the architecture of the mausoleum, visit the interior of the mausoleum, stop by the Presidential Palace, stroll around Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house and fish pond, and visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Presidential Palace

Address: No. 2, Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM (Tuesday – Thursday) and 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM (Saturday and Sunday).  

10. Saint Joseph’s Cathedral

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, located in Hoan Kiem District at the intersection of three major streets—Nha Tho, Ly Quoc Su, and Nha Chung—is the oldest Catholic church in Hanoi.

If Saigon is famous for the ancient Notre Dame Cathedral, Hanoi is also famous for the hundreds of years old Great Church.

The cathedral holds services on both weekdays and weekends. From Monday to Friday, services take place from 5:30 AM to 6:15 PM, while on Saturday, the service is at 6 PM. On Sundays, St. Joseph’s Cathedral offers multiple service times, including:

– French Mass: 5 AM, 7 AM, 9 AM, and 11 AM.

– Children’s Mass: 4 PM.

– Youth Mass: 6 PM and 8 PM.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral is renowned for having the most beautiful architectural design in Hanoi. Built during the French colonial period, it is a prime example of European Gothic style, modeled after the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The cathedral is 21 meters wide and 65 meters long, featuring two bell towers that rise nearly 32 meters, supported by large stone pillars.

The ancient and majestic appearance of the church is over a hundred years old.

The church was built in 1884.

The overall structure of the cathedral is divided into three sections: the welcoming hall, the sanctuary for ceremonies, and the worship area. Inside the sanctuary, there are three tombs of Cardinal Trinh Van Can, Cardinal Trinh Nhu Khue, and Cardinal Pham Dinh Tung. In the center of the sanctuary stands a statue of Saint Joseph holding the Christ Child, flanked by altars dedicated to the Virgin Mary and various other saints.

Address: No. 40, Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Monday – Saturday). 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Sunday).