These are the best places to travel this summer

Hanoi

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Old City. Hanoi. Vietnam.

Getty Images

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Hanoi

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

Vietnam's capital races to make up for time lost to the ravages of war and a government that as recently as the 1990s kept the outside world at bay. Its streets surge with scooters vying for right of way amid the din of constantly blaring horns, and all around, layers of history reveal periods of French and Chinese occupation – offering a glimpse into the resilience of ambitious, proud Hanoians.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • HANOI, VIETNAM — April 16, 2025 Gardens in the Temple of Literature, Hanoi

    Temple of Literature

    Hanoi

    Set amidst landscaped grounds near the centre of Hanoi, the Temple of Literature honours Vietnam's finest scholars, and also offers visitors a chance to…

  • Hoa Lo Prison, an infamous prison built by French colonists where American POW were kept during Vietnam war.

    Hoa Lo Prison Museum

    Hanoi

    This thought-provoking site is all that remains of the former Hoa Lo Prison, ironically nicknamed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by US prisoners of war (POWs) during…

  • Hanoi, Vietnam, January 2023. view of Ngoc Son Temple, Confucian temple on the Hoan Kiem lake crossed by a bridge, with tower and pavilions dedicated to the national hero. 1461603412 holy, heritage, hoàn kiếm lake, ornament, construction, religious, destination, confucian, ngoc son, bridge, ngoc, building, entrance, landmark, historic, vietnamese, colorful, asian, oriental, traditional, culture, temple

    Hoan Kiem Lake

    Hanoi

    Legend claims that, in the mid-15th century, heaven sent Emperor Le Loi a magical sword, which he used to drive the Chinese from Vietnam. After the…

  • HANOI, VIETNAM — April 19, 2025 Thang Long Citadel, Hanoi

    Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

    Hanoi

    Added to Unesco's World Heritage List in 2010, Hanoi's Imperial Citadel was the hub of Vietnamese military power for over 1000 years. Ongoing…

  • National Museum of Vietnamese History

    National Museum of Vietnamese History

    Hanoi

    Built between 1925 and 1932, this architecturally impressive museum was formerly home to the École Française d’Extrême-Orient. Its architect, Ernest…

  • Museum of Ethnology, exterior.

    Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

    Hanoi

    This fabulous collection relating to Vietnam's ethnic minorities features well-presented tribal art, artefacts and everyday objects gathered from across…

  • HANOI, VIETNAM — April 13, 2025 Praying in Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi

    Bach Ma Temple

    Hanoi

    In the heart of the Old Quarter, the small Bach Ma Temple (literally 'White Horse Temple') is said to be the oldest temple in the city, though much of the…

  • Vietnamese Women’s Museum

    Vietnamese Women’s Museum

    Hanoi

    This excellent and highly informative museum showcases the roles of women in Vietnamese society and culture. Labelled in English and French, exhibits…

View more attractions

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Hanoi can be chaotic, messy and charming – and it’s never boring. Here are nine ways to get to know the exciting Vietnamese capital.

Read article

Plan with a local

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Hanoi