What to do in Hanoi

Activities, attractions and tours

A woman in a yellow dress and a conical hat riding a bicycle along a riverside path with orange flowers and a green fence.
A temple interior with red statues, incense burners, and floral arrangements.
A historic tower by a lake with surrounding trees and modern buildings.
A busy street with a white car, motorcycles, and people riding bicycles. There are buildings with signs, including one that says "KAKA".
A traditional pavilion by a lake with a flag, surrounded by trees and buildings in the background.

Hanoi Tourist Attractions & Activities

Always up for an eye-opening excursion and inventive ways to get your kicks, you’re eager to explore a new locale from top to bottom. You’re excited to set sail in a different direction. It’s not hard to fill your days, because Expedia Australia makes it simple to book tons of things to do. Reserve your activities today, and all you'll have left to do is count the days until your escape and start daydreaming. Next stop: Hanoi!

  • Book your favourite adventures on Expedia Australia at a great price, and you'll still have money for a top hotel or decadent dinner while you’re travelling. The things to do in Hanoi are not only among the best, but they won’t break the bank. We have 1279 things to do here, and you can reserve them starting at just AU$2.
  • Hanoi is popular among inquisitive minds like yourself. In fact, many travellers have been visiting to learn about local history and explore the best things to do, and most are already thinking of return. The top things to do can earn the attention of even seasoned explorers, and it's easy to see why. Our list includes a wide variety of entertainment and opportunities for excitement. From Seaplane Tour & Halong Bay Cruise to one-of-a kind ways to see the best this area has to provide like a Small-Group Halong Bay Day Cruise, there is a huge selection of active options to choose from when you browse through all the choices available here at Expedia Australia.

It takes an expert itinerary to fully explore Hanoi, particularly when you wish to include trips to museums and outdoor activities. And we realise you don't plan to sleep all day—you're ready to get out and play. You're eager to sign up for the most essential activities around, and an afternoon walk through charming neighbourhoods is what you love best. Our activities are the ideal way to organise your holiday. Book professional city tours on Expedia Australia, and leave your map behind.

Activities


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Top places to visit

1. Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoàn Kiếm Lake is a popular meeting spot in Hanoi and the location of one of the city’s most picturesque temples. Just a short walk from the old town, the lake provides a leafy escape from the city crowds and heat. Join the locals for a game of chess, stroll around the lake or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy beneath the trees.
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A traditional temple with a dragon roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a calm lake.

2. St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi

St. Joseph Cathedral is a 19th-century neo-Gothic church built with the Notre Dame of Paris in mind. The church is a gathering place for the large Roman Catholic community of Hanoi and is also popular with tourists. Constructed when the French first occupied the city, St. Joseph Cathedral is a striking example of colonial architecture in Hanoi.
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A Gothic cathedral with twin towers, a large rose window, and a cross at the top.

3. Hanoi Opera House

Admire the architecture of the Hanoi Opera House from the outside or buy a ticket to one of the shows to really appreciate this grand venue.
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A classical building with white columns and yellow accents, featuring ornate decorations and a balcony with a balustrade.

4. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

When the former Viet Minh leader died in 1969, his body was embalmed and placed in the grand Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This site is a place of great importance to many Vietnamese, and one of Hanoi’s most visited attractions.
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A large building with columns, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and trees.

5. Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s biggest marketplace, is a cavernous building full of tiny aisles. Built by the French at the end of the 19th century, the covered market today has stalls selling anything from household items and food, to clothes and shoes. Tourists visit the market mainly for the experience rather than the shopping.
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A shopping mall with a central fountain, multiple floors, and various shops.

What to do in Hanoi


Stay near popular Hanoi attractions

Our guide on where to stay in Hanoi

Find the best Hanoi areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Hanoi
Learn more about Hanoi

Old Quarter

Old Quarter is beloved for its panoramic lake views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street.

Tay Ho

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Tay Ho. A stop by West Lake or Tran Quoc Pagoda might round out your trip.

Ba Dinh

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Ba Dinh. A stop by Ba Dinh Square or Imperial Citadel of Thang Long might round out your trip.

French Quarter

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to French Quarter. A stop by Hoan Kiem Lake or Hanoi Municipal Party Committee might round out your trip.

Hai Ba Trung

Hai Ba Trung is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Vincom Center and Hom Market.


 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Hanoi

Frequently asked questions

Is Hanoi worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Hanoi is visit Ta Hien Street. Check this leading sight off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's views and history.
How do I spend a day in Hanoi?
Ta Hien Street and Vietnam Military History Museum are two awesome places to begin your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Hanoi while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hanoi?
The top tourist attraction in Hanoi is Ta Hien Street, so don't forget to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Hanoi?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off many city sights, including Ta Hien Street, Vietnam Military History Museum and Ho Tay Water Park. The average stay in Hanoi is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Tay Ho isn't far away.
Is Hanoi a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Hanoi, such as Ta Hien Street and Vietnam Military History Museum, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from central Hanoi is Hoan Kiem and Old Quarter is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Hanoi with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Hanoi with kids.

What to do in Hanoi for adults?
Train Street and Hang Ma Street are just a couple of the things to do in Hanoi. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Hanoi?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Hanoi is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Ta Hien Street is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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