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Your trip to Hanoi

Arriving

Getting into Hanoi

Hanoi

Hà Nội · Old Quarter streets, quiet lakes and a thousand years of history.

Places to visit

Hanoi Old QuarterMust-see
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter Free~2 h

Thirty-six narrow streets, each once devoted to a single trade, now packed with shops, street food and tiny pavement…

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Thirty-six narrow streets, each once devoted to a single trade, now packed with shops, street food and tiny pavement cafes. Best explored slowly on foot, with no fixed route.

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West LakeMust-see
West Lake Free~2 h

West Lake is the biggest freshwater lake of Hanoi, Vietnam, located northwest of the city center. With a shore length…

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West Lake is the biggest freshwater lake of Hanoi, Vietnam, located northwest of the city center. With a shore length of 17 kilometres and 500 hectares in area, this is the largest lake of the capital and a popular place for recreation with many surrounding gardens, hotels and villas.

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Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter Free~1 h

The green heart of the city, wrapped around a small island temple reached by a red wooden bridge. Locals walk and…

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The green heart of the city, wrapped around a small island temple reached by a red wooden bridge. Locals walk and exercise here from dawn; the surrounding streets close to traffic on weekend evenings.

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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - Ba Dinh Square - Presidential Palace Historical Site
Ba Dinh - Temple of Literature ~3 hMorning

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum—often affectionately referred to as Uncle Ho's Mausoleum—is situated in the center of Ba Dinh…

Good to know: Regarding photography at Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum: Taking photographs or videos…

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The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum—often affectionately referred to as Uncle Ho's Mausoleum—is situated in the center of Ba Dinh Square, the heart of the capital city of Hanoi. This site is far more than a mere geographical location; it embodies profound historical and political significance, inextricably linked to pivotal milestones in the nation's history.

Good to know: Regarding photography at Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum: Taking photographs or videos inside the Mausoleum—especially in the area where the body lies—is strictly prohibited. This is a rigorous rule that must be absolutely observed. Even in Ba Dinh Square, you should refrain from taking photos at locations too close to the Mausoleum or from angles that could be mistaken for shots of the Mausoleum itself. Regarding visiting hours for Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: It is advisable to arrive early to avoid long queues, especially on weekends and public holidays. Opening hours are subject to change, so you should check the schedule before your visit. Regarding children: Children under the age of three are not permitted to enter the Mausoleum. Older children should be reminded to maintain appropriate behavior and decorum within the solemn atmosphere of the site.

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Train Street Cafe
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter 100,000₫ – 200,000₫ ≈ $4–8~2 h

You can choose any café right by the railway tracks—a fascinating experience on this bustling street.

Good to know: Key safety warnings: As a train passes, the gap between the train body and a…

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Good to know: Key safety warnings: As a train passes, the gap between the train body and a person standing or sitting near the edge of the track is only about 50 cm; a slip or moment of carelessness could easily lead to a collision. Numerous warning signs prohibiting gatherings, photography, and the setting up of tables and chairs have been placed in the area, and police forces frequently clear the site and issue fines; however, re-encroachment persists.

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Hanoi Centre Shopping Mall
Ba Dinh - Temple of Literature Free~2 h

An air-conditioned mall with international brands, a supermarket and a food court. Useful on a rainy afternoon or when…

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An air-conditioned mall with international brands, a supermarket and a food court. Useful on a rainy afternoon or when you need a break from the heat.

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Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy
Ba Dinh - Temple of Literature 35,000₫ – 70,000₫ ≈ $1–3~1 h

Văn Miếu, literally translated as Temple of Literature, is a temple dedicated to Confucius in Hanoi, northern Vietnam…

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Văn Miếu, literally translated as Temple of Literature, is a temple dedicated to Confucius in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. The temple was founded and first built in 1070 at the time of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, and it hosted the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university, from 1076 to 1779.
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Every day of the week
6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Program
Temple of Literature Night Tour Experience

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LOTTE CENTER HANOI
Ba Dinh - Temple of Literature Free~1 h

LOTTE CENTER HANOI rises to 65 stories with 5 stories underground, to a height of 272 meters with a gross floor area of…

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LOTTE CENTER HANOI rises to 65 stories with 5 stories underground, to a height of 272 meters with a gross floor area of 253,402 square meters, becoming one of the landmark complexes in Hanoi.
The combination of Design by CallisonRTKL - a well-known United States architecture, planning, and design firm and Benoy - the best master planner, interior architect, and graphic designer from the United Kingdom.

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Lotte Mall West Lake Hanoi
West Lake Free~1 h

Lotte Mall Tay Ho is located right in the heart of Hanoi. Consequently, it is a highly popular destination for…

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Lotte Mall Tay Ho is located right in the heart of Hanoi. Consequently, it is a highly popular destination for entertainment, dining, and shopping.

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Hanoi Sky Lotte Observation Deck
Ba Dinh - Temple of Literature 300,000₫ – 400,000₫ ≈ $12–15~2 h

Exploring Hanoi is incomplete without a trip to LOTTE Hanoi Sky - LOTTE Observation Deck, situated on the 65th floor of…

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Exploring Hanoi is incomplete without a trip to LOTTE Hanoi Sky - LOTTE Observation Deck, situated on the 65th floor of LOTTE Center, one of the tallest buildings in the area which offers remarkable views. You'll board a high-speed elevator, reaching the deck in under a minute. A multitude of attractions await you for an unforgettable day.

Feel as though you're strolling among the clouds at the Sky Walk, gain a closer perspective of the city at the observatory, or capture countless photos at the gallery hall. Bring your favorite travel companion along to share this unique experience.

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Ha Noi City Tour by Mini Bus Ticket
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter 100,000₫ – 250,000₫ ≈ $4–10~1 h

Hop-on hop-off bus looping past the main sights, with audio commentary. Handy on a first day or in hot weather, when…

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Hop-on hop-off bus looping past the main sights, with audio commentary. Handy on a first day or in hot weather, when walking the whole route is tiring.

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Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Ba Dinh - Temple of Literature 50,000₫ – 100,000₫ ≈ $2–4~2 h

The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long is a complex of historic buildings associated with the history of Vietnam located in…

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The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long is a complex of historic buildings associated with the history of Vietnam located in the centre of Hanoi, Vietnam. Its construction began in 1010 and was completed in early 1011 under the reign of Emperor Lý Thái Tổ of the Lý dynasty.

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Bat Trang Pottery Village
Bat Trang Ceramic Village Free~6 h

Spanning 6,000 square meters and featuring around 300 stalls, the market brings together a wide array of ceramic…

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Saint Joseph Cathedral
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter Free~1 h

This is a historic church in the city that frequently hosts religious activities for parishioners of the cathedral…

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This is a historic church in the city that frequently hosts religious activities for parishioners of the cathedral parish as well as the entire archdiocese. The current parish priest is Father Giuse Ta Minh Quy.

Hanoi Cathedral is also one of the city's notable examples of French colonial architecture.Mass times: Weekdays – 05:30 and 18:15; Saturday – 18:00; Sunday – 05:00, 07:00, 09:00, 16:00 (Children's Mass), 18:00, 20:00 (Youth Mass).

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Tong Duy Tan Food Street
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter 200,000₫ – 300,000₫ ≈ $8–12~1 h

The food street comes alive from 6 PM and is located next to the train street.

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Where to eat

Thuy Ta cafe and restaurant
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter 100,000₫ – 400,000₫ ≈ $4–15~1 hAfternoon

Cafe view Lake, you can enjoy food and take pictures

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Café Giang
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter 35,000₫ – 100,000₫ ≈ $1–4~1 hMorning

Cafe Giang is the birthplace of the famous egg coffee. The brand is named after its founder, Nguyen Van Giang, and…

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Cafe Giang is the birthplace of the famous egg coffee. The brand is named after its founder, Nguyen Van Giang, and dates back to 1946.

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Hang Quat Bun Cha
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter 40,000₫ – 60,000₫ ≈ $2~0.5 hMorning

Bún chả is one of Hanoi's culinary delights that never fails to captivate visitors. The bún chả shop on Hang Quat…

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Bún chả is one of Hanoi's culinary delights that never fails to captivate visitors. The bún chả shop on Hang Quat Street has been around for a long time and is almost always bustling with customers. A standout feature of the shop is the distinctive flavor of the grilled pork; tender pork belly is marinated in a rich blend of spices, shallots, garlic, and fish sauce, then grilled over charcoal to create an irresistibly aromatic scent.

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La Vong Grilled Fish with Turmeric and Dill
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter 200,000₫ – 300,000₫ ≈ $8–12~1 hEvening

With a history spanning over 130 years, Chả Cá Lã Vọng is a renowned Old Quarter eatery well worth a visit. The rich…

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With a history spanning over 130 years, Chả Cá Lã Vọng is a renowned Old Quarter eatery well worth a visit. The rich, savory flavor of the turmeric-marinated fish, combined with the aroma of fresh herbs and shrimp paste, creates a mouthwatering experience that keeps diners coming back for more.

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Pho Bat Dan
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter 50,000₫ – 100,000₫ ≈ $2–4~0.5 hMorning

When it comes to delicious beef pho, true connoisseurs invariably mention Pho Bat Dan. Characterized by the authentic…

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When it comes to delicious beef pho, true connoisseurs invariably mention Pho Bat Dan. Characterized by the authentic flavors of traditional Hanoi beef pho—fragrant and rich—a bowl of Pho Bat Dan holds an irresistible appeal not only for locals but also for diners from near and far, both domestic and international.

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Highlands Coffee - Truc Bach Lake
Ba Dinh - Temple of Literature 50,000₫ – 150,000₫ ≈ $2–6~1 hMorning

A branch of Vietnam's best-known coffee chain, with terrace seating looking straight out over Truc Bach Lake. An easy…

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A branch of Vietnam's best-known coffee chain, with terrace seating looking straight out over Truc Bach Lake. An easy stop for a drink and a photo after visiting the Temple of Literature area.

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Cha ca Thang Long
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter 180,000₫ – 300,000₫ ≈ $7–12~1 h

A "chả cá" (turmeric fish with dill) restaurant in the Old Quarter with over 30 years of history.

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Snail Noodle Soup in Dong Xuan Market Alley
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter 40,000₫ – 50,000₫ ≈ $2~0.5 hAfternoon

Despite being a small shop tucked deep within the Dong Xuan Market alley, it draws huge crowds thanks to its delicious…

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Despite being a small shop tucked deep within the Dong Xuan Market alley, it draws huge crowds thanks to its delicious, well-balanced flavors. Bowls of noodles here cost between 30,000 and 35,000 VND, and the shop is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

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Vermicelli with Tofu and Shrimp Paste – Trung Hương Shop
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter 30,000₫ – 50,000₫ ≈ $1–2~0.5 hAfternoon

Trung Huong Bun Dau, located in Hanoi’s historic Hoan Kiem district (now Hoan Kiem Ward), is a favorite spot among…

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Trung Huong Bun Dau, located in Hanoi’s historic Hoan Kiem district (now Hoan Kiem Ward), is a favorite spot among enthusiasts of this dish. To ensure high quality, the shop prioritizes the finest ingredients—such as shrimp paste sourced directly from Thanh Hoa, which boasts a distinctive pinkish hue and a rich, savory flavor without being overly pungent. This pairs perfectly with "Lang Mo" tofu, featuring a crispy golden crust and a soft, aromatic, and creamy soybean interior.

Depending on your preference, you can order various accompaniments such as green rice pork patties (chả cốm), regular pork patties, boiled pork, offal, and cartilage-filled blood sausage (dồi sụn).
Open from : 07:00 – 21:00

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Ba Duc's Bun Thang
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter 40,000₫ – 100,000₫ ≈ $2–4~0.5 hEvening

Hanoi Old Quarter’s bún thang is renowned for its delicate, sweet broth—derived from chicken bones and dried…

Good to know: Opening hours: Late afternoon/Evening

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Hanoi Old Quarter’s bún thang is renowned for its delicate, sweet broth—derived from chicken bones and dried shrimp—exquisitely paired with paper-thin omelet strips, finely shredded Vietnamese pork sausage, and firm, flavorful free-range chicken.
A shop with over 30 years of history, featuring a crystal-clear broth with a naturally delicate sweetness and free-range chicken meat that is firm, chewy, and flavorful.

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Hang Hanh's Bun Thang
Hoan Kiem - Old Quarter 40,000₫ – 60,000₫ ≈ $2~0.5 hMorning

Shop opens from 06h00 – 14h00

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Good to know before you go

How do I get from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi's Old Quarter?

Grab or a metered airport taxi takes about 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. The cheaper option is the airport express bus 86 to the Old Quarter and train station. Avoid drivers who approach you inside the terminal.

What do I need to know before visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum?

It opens only in the morning and closes on some weekdays and for several weeks each year for maintenance, so check the schedule before you go. Dress modestly (no shorts or sleeveless tops), stay silent, keep hands out of pockets and don't take photos inside.

Where should I stay in Hanoi on my first visit?

The Old Quarter is the easiest base for a first visit: you can walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, the night market and street food.

  • Old Quarter: lively, lots of small mid-range hotels, noisy on weekend nights.
  • Around Hoan Kiem Lake and St Joseph's Cathedral: quieter than the Old Quarter, still walkable to the centre.
  • West Lake (Tay Ho): airy, many cafés and Western restaurants, good for longer stays; you need a ride into the centre.
  • Ba Dinh: near the Mausoleum and Temple of Literature, quiet, fewer places to eat at night.

Note: the walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake close to traffic Friday to Sunday evenings, so taxis may not reach your hotel door.

Can I still visit Hanoi Train Street?

The "Train Street" area remains bustling with tourists—especially in the evenings, with plenty of dining and entertainment—but you should keep the following points in mind to ensure a safe visit:

  • Since early 2026 Hanoi has cut passenger trains and stopped freight trains through the area, so trains are fewer and harder to predict.
  • Don't pay anyone who invites you into a café to "watch the train"; those cafés operate illegally.
  • A legal alternative: Hoa Xa café inside Long Bien Station, overlooking the tracks.

Note: never stand on the rails or take photos close to a moving train.

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Make it a longer trip

Travellers often combine these with Hanoi.