Why to visit Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, Old Quarter, and a blend of French colonial architecture and ancient temples. The city is a great destination for travelers who want to experience the authentic essence of Vietnam. Hanoi is a gateway to exploring other areas like Ha Long Bay and Sapa, and it has a range of natural beauty and cultural landmarks.
What’s special in Hanoi
- Hanoi Old Quarter: It is a maze of narrow streets, each specializing in a particular trade or craft. It’s the heart of the city’s history and culture.
- Temple of Literature: It's Vietnam's first university, which was built in the 11th century and now serves as a beautiful historic site.
- Hoan Kiem Lake: It is a lake in the city center that offers a peaceful escape and relaxing views.
- Water Puppet Show: It is a traditional Vietnamese art form that showcases unique puppetry on water. It is often accompanied by live music and is highly recommended by our experts.
Things to do in Hanoi
- Explore the Old Quarter: Wander through the 36 streets that make up the Old Quarter, experiencing the hustle and bustle of local markets and street food.
- Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Enjoy the scenic lake, take a walk around the island, and visit the historic temple.
- Discover the Temple of Literature: You can take a tour of this ancient university. It offers deeper insights into Vietnam’s scholarly traditions that you would love.
- Watch a Water Puppet Show: You can experience this traditional art form at one of Hanoi's famous theatres.
- Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: To pay respects to Vietnam's beloved leader, you can visit this monumental site.
Unknown Facts
- Hanoi’s Old Quarter was originally designed in the 11th century as a trading hub. The streets still retain their original layout, each named after the goods sold there.
- The Water Puppet Show was originally a rural entertainment form, but it has since become a popular attraction for visitors to Hanoi.
- Hanoi is home to more than 600 pagodas and temples, which makes it one of the most religiously significant cities in Vietnam.
Entry fee
- Temple of Literature: 30,000 VND (Approx. $1.30)
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Free entry (but limited hours).
- Water Puppet Show: Around 100,000 VND (Approx. $4.30)
Timings
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Open all day; best visited in the morning or evening.
- Temple of Literature: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Closed on Mondays and Fridays)
- Water Puppet Show: 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM (two daily shows)
Average duration to explore
- Old Quarter: 2-3 hours
- Temple of Literature: 1-2 hours
- Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: 1-2 hours
- Water Puppet Show: 1 hour
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: 1-1.5 hours
Distance from key locations
- City Center: The main attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and the Temple of Literature are within walking distance of each other.
- Hanoi Railway Station: 3-5 km, 15 minutes by car.
- Noi Bai International Airport: 30 km, 45 minutes by car.
Nearby tourist spots
- Hoan Kiem Lake (0 km)
- Temple of Literature (1 km)
- Water Puppet Theatre (1 km)
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (2 km)
- West Lake (5 km)
- One Pillar Pagoda (1.5 km)
