Travel Keyring

Hanoi travel guide

Vietnam

Basics

CountryVietnam

Time zoneAsia/Ho_Chi_Minh

CurrencyVND

Official language(s)Vietnamese

Make sure to try the street food in Vietnam. Also, use reliable transportation to avoid scams.

Places to visit

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

A major Hanoi museum covering traditional arts, modern painting, and sculpture. It is a strong place to understand the evolution of Vietnamese art in one visit.

Location66 Nguyễn Thái Học, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Nearest stationCát Linh Station

HoursTue-Sun 08:30–17:00

Admissionabout VND 40,000

Travel tipThere are many popular galleries, so allow at least 1.5 hours if you want to browse slowly.

West Lake

Hanoi's largest lake, surrounded by lakeside cafés, temples, and walking paths. The sunset views are especially attractive.

LocationTây Hồ, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Nearest stationTrấn Vũ stop

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipA good area for cycling along the shore or stopping at cafés.

Ba Dinh Square

An iconic square in Hanoi surrounded by major national monuments including Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. It is known for morning walks and official state ceremonies.

LocationBa Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Nearest stationQuảng trường Ba Đình bus stop

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipSecurity and access rules may apply in the surrounding area, so allow extra time.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

A UNESCO World Heritage site where you can explore layers of Vietnam’s dynastic history.

LocationBa Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Nearest stationNo nearby station

Hours08:00–17:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipThe site is fairly large, so allow at least 1–2 hours to visit comfortably.

Vietnam National Museum of History

A major museum covering Vietnam’s history from ancient times to the modern era.

Location1 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

Nearest stationNo nearby station

Hours08:00–12:00, 13:30–17:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipThere is a lot to see; plan for 1.5 hours minimum, or longer if you like reading exhibits in detail.

Hoan Kiem Lake

The iconic symbol of Hanoi, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

HoursOpen all the time

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

A museum showcasing the diverse ethnic cultures of Vietnam.

Hours8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission70,000 VND

Travel tipConsider booking a guided tour based on your areas of interest.

Lotte Center

A skyscraper offering stunning views of Hanoi.

Hours10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Admission150,000 VND

Travel tipThe sunset views are particularly beautiful.

Temple of Literature

A temple dedicated to Confucian traditions.

Hours8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission100,000 VND

Travel tipIt’s recommended to visit on weekdays due to crowds on weekends.

Cultural Palace

A venue for cultural events and performances.

Hours9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

AdmissionFree

Travel tipCheck the schedule in advance before your visit.

Food to try

Banh Mi 25

A popular banh mi shop in Hanoi serving crispy baguettes with a variety of fillings.

Location25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

Nearest stationNo nearby station

Hours07:00–21:00

AdmissionAbout VND 25,000–50,000 each

Travel tipIt’s a good quick bite while exploring the Old Quarter, especially if you want something easy and filling.

Cha Ca La Vong

A restaurant specializing in traditional Hanoi fish dishes.

Hours10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Admission120,000 VND

Travel tipIf you love fish, this is a must-try!

Events

Perfume Pagoda pilgrimage festival

A major pilgrimage event leading to the Perfume Pagoda area near Hanoi. It combines temple worship with boat and cable car rides and is one of the best-known spring events in the region.

WhenAround February every year

LocationHương Sơn, Mỹ Đức, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Nearest stationYen Nghia bus stop

HoursHeld during the festival period

Admissionseparate charges for boat, entrance, and transport

Travel tipCrowds are heavy during peak season, so an early morning start is a good idea.

Basic travel phrases (English)

Hello

Hello · Greeting

Thank you

Thank you · Thanks

Nice to meet you

Nice to meet you · Nice to meet you

Have a great day

Have a great day · Wishing a good day

Welcome

Welcome · Welcome

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