Choose from 59 Fun Things to Do in Hanoi
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 59 listings.
Long Bien Bridge
Designed by Parisian architects and built between 1899 and 1902, Hanoi’s Long Bien Bridge was the first steel bridge spanning the Red River and has long been a point of pride for the Vietnamese. During the war against the French in 1954, the bridge served as a vital transportation link for moving food into Northern Central Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, the bridge was bombed by American air attacks, and yet today, it still stands as a testament to the nation’s tumultuous history.
Apart from its historical significance, the bridge has a pedestrian path where vendors often set up stalls selling some of the city’s tastiest street foods. It’s also one of the best spots in Hanoi for watching a sunrise or sunset, and it’s not unusual to see young couples having their wedding pictures taken on the historic structure.
Practical Info
While the Long Bien Bridge has a footpath, pedestrians should still be careful of the often congested motorbike traffic crossing the bridge.
Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 31
Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Located in the Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc Districts of Northern Vietnam, Pu Luong Nature Reserve comprises 43,643 acres (17,662 hectares) and one of the largest swathes of limestone mountain forest remaining in the nation. The park attracts eco-tourists from around the globe with its incredible biodiversity: nearly 600 species of fauna, including the second largest population of Delacour’s langur in Vietnam.
While many visitors come – and rightly so – for the spectacular natural scenery and wildlife watching, the two mountain ridges that make up the reserve also sandwich a valley of agricultural land where a Thai ethnic minority live. In Hieu Hamlet, visitors can see traditional Thai water wheels, verdant rice terraces and traditional stilted houses. Homestays with local families living in the valley are also an option.
Practical Info
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located 112 miles (180 kilometers) from Hanoi.
Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 130
Sung Sot Cave (Cave of Surprises)
What many visitors may not know about UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay, just outside of Hanoi, is that the bay itself isn’t the area’s only attraction. The limestone karst formations of the bay look impressive from the outside, but many of them are just as impressive from within. Sung Sot Cave, or the Cave of Surprises, is the best known cave of Halong Bay and one of the most spectacular.
Located on Bo Hòn Island, the Cave of Surprises was first discovered by French explorers in 1901. Covering an area of more than 130,000 square feet (12,200 square meters), the massive cave consists of three smaller compartments, or “rooms,” each filled with impressive stalactite formations. In places, the grotto’s roof sits nearly 100 feet (30 meters) from the cave floor.
The grotto has been outfitted with a smooth walking path and is colorfully lit throughout, though you will have to climb a series of stone steps to reach the cave’s entrance.
Located on Bo Hòn Island, the Cave of Surprises was first discovered by French explorers in 1901. Covering an area of more than 130,000 square feet (12,200 square meters), the massive cave consists of three smaller compartments, or “rooms,” each filled with impressive stalactite formations. In places, the grotto’s roof sits nearly 100 feet (30 meters) from the cave floor.
The grotto has been outfitted with a smooth walking path and is colorfully lit throughout, though you will have to climb a series of stone steps to reach the cave’s entrance.
Address: Sung Sot Cave, Quang Ninh province, Vietnam
From $ 48
Soi Sim Island
With its mounds of primeval forest and swaths of white sand, Soi Sim Island presents an enchanting backdrop and it’s easy to see why the small island has become a firm favorite among cruise visitors. Located close to Titop Island, at the heart of Halong Bay, Soi Sim is easily reached by boat and takes its name from the native ‘Sim’ trees that cover much of its landscape.
In recent year, Soi Sim has become known as a center for ecotourism, with its endemic plants and two 200-meter high peaks drawing numerous hikers, wooden lodges providing unique waterfront accommodation and unspoiled beaches offering ample opportunities for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
Practical Info
Soi Sim Island is located in Halong Bay, just northeast of Cat Ba Island.
Address: Soi Sim Island, Vietnam
From $ 149
Lan Ha Bay
Sprawling off the southeast coast of Cat Ba Island, the remote Lan Ha Bay is an idyllic spot to escape the crowds of Halong Bay and those looking to venture off-the-beaten-track will find a natural playground ripe for exploring. Like the rest of Halong Bay, the best way to get around Lan Ha Bay is by boat and the startling turquoise waters are peppered with more than 300 karst islands and dozens of white sand beaches.
Aside from swimming, rock climbing, hiking and kayaking are the most popular activities in Lan Ha Bay. Additional highlights include the Monkey Island resort, so called for its boisterous population of free-roaming monkeys; camping on Hai Pai Beach (Tiger Beach); and visiting the Cai Beo floating village, one of the oldest of its kind in Vietnam.
Practical Info
Lan Ha Bay is located off the southeast coast of Cat Ba Island in Halong Bay.
Address: Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam
From $ 31
Sin Chai Village
Sin Chai Village is situated near Sapa in Northern Vietnam, at the foot of Mount Fansipan. Located in a rainforested area protected by the Hoang Lien National Park, the village is home to the Black H’mong people, whose traditional wooden houses are scattered across the valley.
Local life here is simple, with people earning a living from farming, dying indigo, planting flax, and textile weaving. Most tours of Sin Chai Village focus on the daily life of the villagers, who still maintain their ancestor’s way of life and take much pride in their community. The short yet scenic trek through the landscape of rice paddies, streams, and corn fields serves to culturally acclimatize visitors to Sin Chai and its pace of life.
The villagers draw fresh water from the stream running from the foot of the mountain range, and collect plants from the mountain to treat ailments and illnesses, instead of using modern medicines. It is thought that the pure water supply, fresh mountain air, and natural diet and remedies are among the reasons that the Black H’mong people living in Sin Chai Village live for so long, with many members of the community reaching their 100th birthdays and beyond.
Practical Info
Most visit Sin Chai Village as part of an organized tour from Sapa. These can be easily arranged either online or via any tour operator in town.
Address: Sin Chai Village, Sapa, Northern Vietnam, Vietnam
Admission: Dependent on tour
From $ 57
My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary is more than just the "beautiful mountain" its namesake describes. These Hindu ruins, which were constructed between the 4th and 13th centuries, pay homage to deities like Vishnu, Krishna and Shiva. Ancient and impressive towers and temples sit upon emerald hills in the Duy Xuyen District of the Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam. Visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site can wander through eight groups of 71 structures, which some visitors say are less impressive than Cambodia's Siam Reap.
Still, what was once considered the homeland of the Cham people today remains an incredible example of Vietnam's indigenous culture.
Still, what was once considered the homeland of the Cham people today remains an incredible example of Vietnam's indigenous culture.
Practical Info
Many hotels and hostels coordinate day trips to the park, located about an hour outside Hoi An. My Son is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $5USD to enter. Sunrise tours typically depart the city at 5 a.m., however travelers who arrive later in the day will find fewer visitors in the sanctuary.
Address: Duy Phu Commune, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $5USD
From $ 20
St Joseph's Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon)
Located in Hoan Kiem district, the neo-Gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Hanoi and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi. Modeled after Notre Dame in Paris, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is one of the most famous and striking landmarks in Hanoi from the colonial era.
The Basics
Constructed between 1882 and 1886, St. Joseph’s Cathedral was consecrated on Christmas Eve, 1886. It was built on the site of the ancient Bao Thien Pagoda, which was demolished to make way for the church. It’s known for its soaring façade, twin bell towers, and a majestic interior with rib-vaulted ceiling, original stained glass windows, and elaborate altars. Although mostly European in design and look, there are some traditional Vietnamese decorations on the aisles, walls, and altars of the church. Mass is held several times a day, and is often crowded to overcapacity; those that wish to attend should consult the schedule that is sometimes posted outside the church.
A number of sightseeing tours will feature a stop at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, along with other attractions like the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake, and may include additional activities like a cyclo ride, a food tour, or a water puppet show.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It’s free to enter the church, though donations are accepted.
- Enter through the side door, rather than the main entrance, except for mass.
- Mass is performed in Vietnamese and French.
- This is an active place of worship, so please be respectful of worshippers.
How to Get There
St. Joseph’s Cathedral is located west of Hoan Kiem Lake, and can be easily reached on foot from most of central Hanoi. It’s easiest to take a taxi from elsewhere in Hanoi. Local buses, including buses 1 and 2, also stop nearby.
When to Get There
The church’s opening hours tend to fluctuate, though it’s often closed for lunch. Services are performed throughout the week and weekend. The Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19. Christmas is a festive time to visit the church, and will have the biggest crowds.
Nearby Attractions
There are a number of boutiques, restaurants, and bars near the church. Hoan Kiem Lake is also nearby. This scenic lake is pleasant to walk around, and is home to Ngoc Son Temple, located on Jade Island, at the northern part of the lake.
Address: 40 Nha Chung St, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 22
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh, located in the Red River Delta of Northern Vietnam, is an ideal base for exploring the nearby karst scenery, particularly at Tam Coc (Three Caves). At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, limestone formations tower above verdant rice paddies in what is considered one of Vietnam’s most spectacular areas.
The Basics
Most travelers visit Ninh Binh Province on a day tour from Hanoi, and activity options are plentiful. Take in the gorgeous scenery of “Halong Bay on Land” from a traditional sampan boat along the meandering Hoang Long River, cycle along quiet rural roads past rice fields and through small villages, or learn more about the region’s feudal dynasties cultural heritage with visits to the temples of Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ninh Binh is a must-see for nature lovers and photographers.
- Day trips from Hanoi can last upwards of 10 hours, depending on the option you choose.
- Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, as the area can get hot and humid.
- Be sure to have some cash with you; there are no ATMs in Tam Coc or the area.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Ninh Binh is by bus from the Giap Bat bus station in Hanoi. The trip takes two to three hours.
When to Get There
There’s not really a bad time to visit Ninh Binh. While the rainy season (May to October) can get hot and humid, the rainfall means the rice fields are at their greenest and most photogenic. Visitors in the dry season (November to April) enjoy cooler, drier weather.
Other Points of Interest in Ninh Binh
While many Ninh Binh visitors head directly to Tam Coc, the region boasts many other worthy sights. An easy bike ride outside of town, the Trang An Grottoes are a series of caves similar to those at Tam Coc but less touristed. Bird-watchers should set aside time for a visit to Thung Nham Bird Garden, where the trees teem with nesting birds during the early morning and late afternoon. Adventure travelers will find plentiful hiking and biking opportunities within Cuc Phuong National Park, a rain forest area with a botanical garden and primate rescue center.
Address: Ninh Binh, Vietnam
From $ 32
Me Cung Cave (Bewitching Grotto)
The evocatively named Me Cung Cave, or Bewitching Grotto, stands out among the many caves of Halong Bay for more than just its beauty – it’s also an important archaeological find, where significant prehistoric remains have been found. Squeeze through the narrow doorway, a gaping hole etched into the cliff side, and you’ll find yourself in an underground wonderland, with small rocky chambers and tumbling stalagmites and stalactites, lit-up by trickles of daylight and sprinkled with fossilized shells.
Following the pathway out of the cave, a rock-cut stairwell leads to another dramatic sight - the shimmering Me Cung Lake, with its startling blue waters circled by karst cliffs and harboring a colorful array of coral, fish and sea creatures.
Practical Info
Me Cung Cave is located on Lom Bo Island, close to Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island in Halong Bay.
Address: Me Cung Cave, Halong Bay, Vietnam
From $ 312
Phu Tay Ho
Upon first look, Phu Tay Ho appears to be a traditional Buddhist temple. But locals are quick to inform that this beautiful religious and historical structure is actually a palace dedicated to three Mother Goddesses.
After passing through stalls selling cakes, flowers and incense intended for worship and offerings, visitors can enter into a building that houses three ornate thrones intended for the goddesses. This room also houses a statue of the Jade Emperor, who is also worshiped at this palace. A well-kept courtyard showcases a golden buffalo and its calf, which is part of ancient Vietnamese folklore dating back to the Ly Dynasty.
Practical Info
Phu Tay Ho is located on the northern bank of Phu Tay Ho Lake, near Xuan Dieu Street. It is open daily from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Address: Xuan Dieu Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.
From $ 80
Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)
A key landmark in the historical center of Hanoi, charming Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) offers a peaceful escape from the hectic pace and crowds of the city. It’s a popular meeting spot, and also makes a great place to people watch and experience local culture.
The Basics
The best way to enjoy the lake is on foot. A walking path circling the lake can be completed in 30 minutes. Plenty of trees and benches offer shade and a place to rest around the lake. Along the way, take in views of Turtle Tower, or visit Ngoc Son Temple, situated on an island in the lake. Or stop at a café or restaurant nearby and watch life in Hanoi unfold in front of you.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular destination and most sightseeing tours will feature a stop here, along with other attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hoan Kiem Lake is a must-see for first time visitors to Hanoi.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera for, as there are many photogenic spots in and around the lake.
- It’s free to visit Hoan Kiem lake, but there is a fee to enter Ngoc Son Temple.
- It’s not possible to visit Turtle Tower.
How to Get There
The lake is located between the Old Quarter, to its north, and the French Quarter, to its south, making it easy to walk to from either location, as well as most of central Hanoi. It’s also accessible via taxi and the 9 or 36 bus.
When to Get There
In the early morning, catch locals exercising and doing Tai Chi. Come back at night to see the city lights reflected in the water. Weekend nights, the area around the lake is closed off to motorized traffic.
Lake of the Restored Sword
Hoan Kiem Lake is also known is the Lake of the Restored Sword. There are variations to the legend behind how the lake got that name, but they all feature Emperor Le Loi, whose borrowed magic sword enabled him to defeat the invading Chinese in the 15th century. In the center of the lake you can see Turtle Tower, which honors the magic golden turtle that delivered the sword back to its owner.
Address: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 20
Quang Ba Flower Market
The Quang Ba Flower Market in Hanoi is a night market situated on the edge of West Lake. It begins at around 2am and doesn’t wind down until well after the sun rises. As the largest flower market in Hanoi, Quang Ba has fresh flowers shipped in from all over Vietnam each and every day.
The Quang Ba market is at its busiest and most atmospheric when it first starts up in the early hours, when the bustle of commercial wholesale buyers arrive to strike their deals. Later in the morning, the market sees more individual buyers – locals shopping for flowers for celebrations, offerings, and other occasions. It is especially worth a visit here during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), when flowers are used in abundance to mark the festivities.
With its piles of fragrant blossoms – from chrysanthemums and roses to sunflowers and orchids – the beeping of moped horns, and teems of bustling locals, the Quang Ba Flower Market is one of Hanoi’s most colorful attractions.
Practical Info
The Quang Ba Flower Market is located not far from the Old Quarter and close to West Lake. It can be easily reached by taxi or cyclo.
Address: Au Co Street, Hanoi, North Vietnam, Vietnam
Hours: 2am- sunrise (often later)
From $ 46
Ta Phin
A popular hilltribe village, about six miles north of Sapa, Ta Phin village regularly welcomes trekkers to experience a more traditional way of life in mountainous northwest Vietnam. Here groups of Red Dao, Black Hmong and Kinh ethnic groups live side by side and continue to adhere to their distinct cultures, making a visit a unique opportunity to learn about their differences and spend time interacting with members of each ethnic group.
A suite of activities can be arranged with tour guides and include experiencing an herbal bath, making and drinking rice wine, taking an embroidery lesson, offering your skills to teach English or helping to prepare a meal. The trek to the village via a nine-mile countryside loop passes terraced rice fields, streams and other smaller villages. Other popular area attractions include a visit to the cave on the outskirts of the village, and a stop at a former French monastery ruined in the 1940s.
Practical Info
Most visitors arrive on foot from a drop-off point just outside of Sapa, though with Ta Phin’s popularization and the smoothing of local roads, it is now also possible to shorten the travel time and arrive by xe om (motor taxi). Same-day trek-in and trek-out tours are popular, but the village also offers the opportunity to spend more time and stay the night in the home of one of the Red Dao families. Ta Phin charges a 40,000VND (around $1.80) per person entry, a fee that is often incorporated in pre-arranged treks and that is funneled back into community infrastructure. Handicrafts, for sale by the village women, are another way visitors can help to support the community during a visit.
Address: Ta Phin, Vietnam
Admission: 40,000VND
From $ 75
Opera House (Nha Hat Lon)
The Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon) is a 100-year-old performance hall with architecture modeled on the Palais Garnier opera house in Paris. Nha Hat Lon was erected by the French colonial administration at the turn of the 20th century and is a landmark building in Hanoi. It was built in a typical French style with classic gothic features.
In 1997, the modernization and repair of the building was undertaken by Vietnamese French architects, and the decorative designs on the ceilings, arches, walls, and doors were renewed. Home to the Vietnam Symphony Orchestra, the Opera House also hosts the Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Ballet, plus both traditional and modern local productions.
No tours of the building are offered but the exterior makes for some good photo opportunities. In terms of atmosphere, the Opera House is best seen at night when it is illuminated by lights.
Practical Info
The Hanoi Opera House is situated on Trang Tien Street, near the Red River and not far from Hoan Kiem Lake.
Address: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hanoi, North Vietnam, Vietnam
Admission: Various
From $ 20
Ngoc Son Temple
Set on its own island on Hoan Kiem Lake, it’s easy to see why picturesque Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain) is one of the most visited places of worship in Hanoi. Full of history and scenic beauty, this fascinating 19th-century temple offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.
The Basics
Constructed in the classical Vietnamese style, the temple is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao (who defeated the Mongols), La To (patron saint of physicians), and scholar Van Xuong. Walk across the elegant Huc Bridge, painted in red, to Jade Island, where the temple is located. Admire the ornate Three Passage Gate, and take in the different structures, including the Pen Tower, Ink Slab, Moon Contemplation Pavilion, and Tran Ba Pavilion.
Many half-day and full-day sightseeing tours of Hanoi will feature a stop at Ngoc Son Temple, along with other top attractions such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. Or experience Hanoi like a local on a motorbike tour around the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees to enter the temple; appropriate clothing can be borrowed at the entrance with an ID deposit.
- Don’t forget to take in panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake from Huc Bridge.
- Periodic renovations can shut down significant portions of the temple grounds.
How to Get There
Ngoc Son Temple is located within Hoan Kiem Lake, just south of the Old Town and north of the French Quarter. You can walk to the temple from most areas of central Hanoi. It is also accessible by the 36 bus.
When to Get There
The temple is open daily. Visit early in the morning to see locals around the lake practicing Tai Chi, and to beat the crowds. The temple is very popular on weekends, with smaller crowds during the week. For the best photos, visit around sunset or in the evening, when the temple is lit up and reflected in the calm waters of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Turtle Tower
Turtle Tower is the other structure in Hoan Kiem Lake. A 3-tiered pavilion, it’s also known as Thap Rua. A key icon of Hanoi, it was built in the 19th century to commemorate the golden turtle and the returned sword of legend. Although it’s not accessible to the public, its illuminated after dark and offers a great photo opportunity, particularly with its shimmering reflection in the lake. accessible to the public.
Address: Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam
Admission: Varies
From $ 28
Mai Chau
Escape the kinetic energy and unmistakable chaos of Hanoi on a visit to the hillside destination of Mai Chau. Visitors can embark on a traditional homestay in the rural villages surrounding Mai Chan and spend the night tucked into old-school stilt houses amid wildlife and nature. The remarkable juxtaposition between city and country is never more evident than on a two-day escape to this popular stop.
Visitors will find plenty of rolling country trails for biking and hiking nestled amid the emerald hillsides of this stunning landscape. The breathtaking scenery is just part of what attracts locals and tourists alike and the quiet splendor of nature proves pure relaxation for those who travel through it. Visitors can mingle with White Thai locals and learn more about the cultures and traditions that make this ethnic minority so unique. Incredible brightly colored textiles handmade by local women make for the perfect keepsake to remember a stay in Mai Chau.
Practical Info
Mai Chau’s close proximity to Hanoi makes it the ideal escape for locals, which means weekends are often busy due to Vietnamese travelers. Visitors who want to experience Mai Chau at its best would do well to visit during the mid-week when crowds are fewer and the town’s rural beauty is most evident.
Address: Mai Chau, Hòa Bình Province, Vietnam
From $ 42
Tam Coc
Set on the Ngo Dong River banks, UNESCO-listed Tam Coc's limestone cliffs covered in greenery jut out from emerald rice paddies and waterways and are accessible by rowboat. The town, which forms part of the Ninh Binh province, draws fewer crowds than famous Halong Bay, resulting in a more serene experience of Vietnam’s spectacular scenery.
The Basics
Trips to Tam Coc typically include a ride by wooden rowboat along the waterways, which provides the best views of the limestone cliffs known locally as “Halong Bay on Land.” Most tours depart from Hanoi and also stop at Hoa Lu, home to ruins and tombs that date back to the 11th-century Dinh and Le dynasties. If you’re after something a little more active, opt for a tour that includes a bike ride through the rice paddies.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A must-visit for photographers and lovers of natural landscapes.
- Visit Tam Coc to escape the crowds of Halong Bay and the bustle of Hanoi.
- Rowboats provide no shade, so ensure you bring sunscreen and a hat.
- Tam Coc means “Three Caves” in Vietnamese, and boats explore each of the three grottoes.
How to Get There
From Hanoi, you can take either a public bus, which takes around 2.5 hours, or a train, which arrives in significantly less time. Both routes are incredibly scenic and reveal Ninh Binh’s gorgeous landscapes. The majority of tours from Hanoi include hotel pickup and drop-off, making for a much more convenient option that requires far less advance planning.
When to Get There
The wet season in Northern Vietnam lasts from May to October, when rainfall is high and the air is hot or humid. To avoid the rain, choose to visit Tam Coc outside of these months and aim to arrive in the late morning, when the sun begins to burn off the morning mist that can obscure the view.
North Vietnam’s Caves
If you want to continue exploring Vietnam’s cave systems, head south to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to some of the world’s most spectacular caves. Dark Cave provides high-octane activities, while Paradise Cave exhibits majestic stalactites and limestone formations.
Address: Tam Coc, Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư, Vietnam
From $ 39
One-Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot)
Legend has it that while Emperor Ly Thai Tong was troubled about being childless, he dreamt that he met the bodhisattva, Quan Am, who, sitting on a lotus flower, offered him a son. Soon after he married a peasant girl who bore him a son, and in gratitude he built the One Pillar Pagoda (or Chua Mot Cot) in the design of a lotus flower on its stem rising from a square pond.
The original temple was destroyed by the French Union in 1954, it was rebuilt on a single concrete pillar of 1.25 meter (4 foot) diameter. The temple itself is made from wood and bears a statue of Quan Am, to whom it is dedicated, inside.
Practical Info
The One-Pillar Pagoda is situated in the park behind Ho Chi Minh Museum.
Half-light at early morning or sunset gives a beautiful and mysterious photographic view of the temple and its reflection across the pond.
Address: Off Pho Chua Mot Cot, Ban Dinh District, Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hours: Open daily 6am - 6pm
Admission: Free
From $ 28
Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong)
One of Vietnam’s most important pilgrimage sites, the Perfume Pagoda is a vast complex of Buddhist temples, grottos, and shrines dotted around Huong Tich Mountain. The shrines lie amid a flooded valley of towering karst cliffs and lotus fields—a stunning backdrop that makes for some incredible photo opportunities.
The Basics
The journey to the Perfume Pagoda is as much a part of the experience as the destination. Cruise along the scenic waterways of the Yen River aboard a traditional row boat, then arrive at the Perfume Pagoda, where you can hike between the cliff-side temples, or ride the cable car to the mountaintop Huong Tich Cave, home to the most impressive shrines. Most visitors choose to take a Perfume Pagoda tour from Hanoi, and many tours include hotel pickup, lunch, and entrance fees.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Touts, hawkers, and unofficial guides are in abundance around the Perfume Pagoda—it’s worth pre-booking a guided tour with a reputable guide to ensure professional service.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you will be required to climb in and out of small boats and walk over uneven ground.
- There are plenty of street vendors selling water and snacks, but bring your own to avoid paying inflated prices.
- Due to its tricky-to-reach location, the pagoda is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Perfume Pagoda is located around 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Hanoi—about a 2-hour drive. From there, it’s a 45-minute boat ride from Ben Yen pier to Thien Tru harbor, followed by a short cable car ride or a 1.3-mile (2-kilometer) hike uphill to Huong Tich Cave.
When to Get There
By far the busiest time to visit the Perfume Pagoda is during the annual Tet (Vietnamese New Year) celebrations, normally held in January or February. Huge crowds of pilgrims descend on the shrines during the festivities, and it’s best to avoid visiting at this time. The high season runs from February to April, and it’s a good idea to make an early start during this period, especially if you are traveling down from Hanoi.
A Perfume Pagoda Pilgrimage
Pilgrims from all over the country bring offerings for Buddha to the Perfume Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most important religious sites. After descending the 120 steps into Huong Tich Cave, pilgrims often leave offerings by the various stalactites, each named after its appearance. The most revered are Nui Co (the Maiden) and Nui Cau (the Youth), where offerings are left in hope of fertility.
Address: Huong Tich, Hanoi, Vietnam
Admission: Free. Cable Car Roundtrip Ticket: VND 70,000
From $ 30