Choose from 59 Fun Things to Do in Hanoi
ShowingFilter 41-59 of 59 listings.
Temple of Literature (Quoc Tu Giam)
Few truly historic buildings exist in Vietnam, which makes the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) extra special. First built as a Confucian temple in 1070 AD, it became Vietnam’s first university (Quoc Tu Giam) and operated as one for more than 700 years. Between ponds, gardens, and tranquil courtyards, it’s a haven in the heart of the Hanoi
The Basics
The Temple of Literature is a surprisingly long and far from scenic walk from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where many hotels cluster, so many visitors choose to travel by taxi or as part of a Hanoi day tour.
One of the city’s key highlights, the Temple of Literature is a common stop on Hanoi city tours, be they by motorbike, cyclo, or minibus. Don’t expect to cover all five courtyards and learn about the principles of Confucianism and Vietnamese education on a multi-stop tour; if you’re interested in the cultural history, a private tour may be your best bet.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Temple of Literature is a place of worship, so dress respectfully—cover your shoulders and knees.
- The small admission fee needs to be paid in cash.
- This is a tranquil place that deserves to be experienced at leisure, so avoid overbooking the afternoon with other activities.
- Look for the Temple of Literature on the back of the 100,000 VND banknote.
How to Get There
The Temple of Literature is well over a mile (1.5 kilometers) from Hanoi Old Quarter and the walk is far from scenic. You can travel by bus (route) numbers 02, 03, and 41), hail a taxi—or motorbike taxi—on services such as Grab, or haggle with a cyclo driver. Save time and energy by visiting as part of a Hanoi city tour with a guide.
When to Get There
The Temple of Literature can get busy over Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, and is a popular weekend destination for Hanoians year-round. It closes on Mondays and during the middle of the day; visit on a midweek morning or afternoon. During the exam season (roughly March until early July), students pray at the altars—for good grades, of course.
The Temple and the Turtle
Since ancient times, the humble turtle has been a symbol of Vietnam; out of four sacred animals (the dragon, the phoenix, the unicorn, and the turtle), it’s the only one that really exists. While the sacred turtle of Hoan Kiem Lake has passed away, turtles still hold up the commemorative stelae in Hanoi’s Temple of Literature. That’s why students touch turtles’ heads in an effort to get good grades.
Address: Quoc Tu Giam Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Admission: Varies
From $ 28
Van Phuc Silk Village
On the banks of the Nhue River about 6 miles (10 kilometers) southwest of Hanoi sits Van Phuc Silk Village. Of Vietnam’s many officially designated craft villages, Van Phuc is perhaps the best known and best developed. It’s also one of the oldest silk producing villages, with a history dating back more than 1,200 years. More than 700 households within the village are involved in silk production, and visitors will find three main streets lined with over 100 shops.
While modern silk shops and mechanized weaving are now the norm in Van Phuc, it remains the best place in the Hanoi area for buying silk products, and even if you’re not in the market to buy, it’s an excellent place to see up close how silk is produced, both with modern methods and traditional looms. In general, silk items in the village tend to be slightly cheaper than in Hanoi, and Van Phuc silk is known for its light weight and smooth appearance, making it cool in the summer yet warm in winter.
Practical Info
Some shop owners in Van Phuc Silk Village speak a little English and French, but be prepared to bargain.
Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 39
Monkey Island
Monkey Island (Cat Dua) is accessible only by boat, but travelers who make the effort to get there are rewarded with numerous outdoor adventure possibilities, including access to a private beach. Visitors to the isolated Halong Bay island can spend time sipping coconut water on a white-sand beach; snorkeling or kayaking in the shallow turquoise waters; hiking the well-marked trails to the top of the island, or simply taking in the fresh air and lush island scenery.
While the island is perfect for a day trip, accommodations such as the Monkey Island Resort also exist for travelers who prefer to spend several days enjoying this out-of-the-way place.
Practical Info
As the name suggests, Monkey Island is home to wild long-tailed macaque monkeys who were introduced to the island years ago. While accustomed to having humans around, the monkeys can be aggressive"”keep a respectful distance, and don't try to touch or feed them.
Address: Monkey Island, Cat Ba, Northern Vietnam, Vietnam
From $ 223
Thac Bac Waterfall (Silver Waterfall)
The impressive Tac Bac or Silver waterfall draws visitors to its stop off just prior to the highest point on the Tram Ton Pass, a winding mountain road with panoramic views of the Hoang Lien range. Thac Bac Waterfall rains down through the cool mountain air, dropping more than 320 feet over multiple tiers of boulder-strewn and mist-shrouded pine forest. A loop track involving several stairways a safe distance away, but still close enough to feel the mist of the rushing falls, culminate at an observation bridge spanning a narrow portion in the waterfall’s path.
Practical Info
Thac Bac can be reached by car or motorbike from Sapa—it is a seven mile trip from town and is included in many area day and multi-day tours, some coming from as far afield as Hanoi. Admission (3,000VND) is generally included in tours, which often also stop at Tram Ton Pass’ highest vantage and incorporate treks to local ethnic minority villages.
Address: QL4D, Lào Cai, Vietnam
Admission: 3,000VND
From $ 75
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
The art form of water puppetry originated at least 1,000 years ago in the rice fields of north Vietnam. Particularly if you’re traveling with kids, you’d be remiss to leave Hanoi without catching a show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. A Vietnamese orchestra accompanies the water puppets, with some modern special effects.
The Basics
Right next to Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) in the heart of the Old Quarter, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater offers five shows a day complete with dry ice and fireworks. Shows are very popular, so book your water-puppet tickets ahead of time during high season; consider having tickets delivered to your hotel room to beat long lines upon arrival.
A few Hanoi city tours include Thang Long Water Puppet Theater tickets, sometimes combined with a walking tour or food tour of the Old Quarter, a street-food haven with plenty of historical alleys.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is a must for families.
- The puppet performance lasts barely an hour, so neither adults nor children will have time to get bored.
- Unlike some outdoor water-puppet shows, Thang Long is an enclosed theater, which means it’s pleasant even during winter.
- There is a café on-site if you’d like to eat before or after your performance, as well as souvenir shops.
How to Get There
Right in the heart of the Old Quarter, close to Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is an easy, pleasant walk from Old Quarter hotels, where most tourists stay. If you’re staying farther afield, buses 8, 9, 14, 31, and 36 run to Hoan Kiem Lake—or simply book tickets as a package with round-trip transfers.
When to Get There
Like most theaters, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is busiest on weekends, so visit during the week for a quieter session. There are five shows per day, from mid-afternoon through late evening, with an additional morning show on Sundays. As with elsewhere in Vietnam, it can be packed over the Tet (Lunar New Year) period.
The History of the Water Puppets
Both China and Southeast Asia have a rich puppeteering tradition, but water puppets are a specifically Vietnamese creation. They originated in the flooded rice paddies of the Red River Delta and have been documented for over 1,000 years—since Hanoi was first established. During summer, outdoor performances feel more atmospheric and closer to the original rice fields.
Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Admission: Varies
From $ 11
Cao Son Market
Cao Son Market is a small, local market situated in the Muong Khuong district of Lao Cai province in Northern Vietnam. For visitors, it's a chance to interact with the hill tribe villagers of the area, including the H'Mong, Nung, Black Dao, and Han tribes. Visiting the market gives international guests the opportunity to learn about the culture of these tribes via the food, crafts, and customs adopted in the villagers' daily lives.
Open each Wednesday, this colorful ethnic market is set against the backdrop of a magnificent mountainous landscape, surrounded by lush farmland, rice fields, and pine plantations, as well as the mighty Chay River. Along with handmade crafts and clothing, the market sells all manner of food, and the local cuisine can even be washed down with the region's very own wine.
Practical Info
Cao Son Market is open each Wednesday, with the early morning being the best time to visit. Visitors can arrive via road or opt for the scenic route by booking a boat tour along the Chay River.
Address: Muong Khuong District, Lao Cai, Vietnam
From $ 135
Tran Quoc Pagoda
One of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, and the oldest in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda was built in during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De (AD 541–547) and moved to its present location in 1615. Located on an islet within West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda offers beautiful architecture, historic relics and artifacts, and a serene and scenic environment.
The Basics
The most recognizable part of the pagoda is the main stupa, which stands 49-feet (15-meters) tall and features 11 levels and gemstone statues of Amitabha within each vaulted window. At the very top is a 9-story lotus made from gemstone. Surrounding the stupa are an array of statues, ancient steles, incense-burning houses, a Buddhist shrine, and a museum housing historical relics, some dating back over a thousand years. Don’t miss the gold sculpture of the Shakyamuni Buddha's Parinirvana.
Tran Quoc Pagoda is very popular and features on many sightseeing tours of Hanoi, which typically also include other top attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. If you want to experience Hanoi like a local, take a bicycle or motorbike tour around the city. It’s also possible to combine sightseeing with a cyclo ride, food tasting, or water puppet show.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is an active place of worship, so visitors should be respectful of worshippers.
- Visitors must wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
- It’s free to enter the pagoda, but donations are encouraged.
How to Get There
Tran Quoc Pagoda is located near the eastern shore of West Lake. It’s connected to Thanh Nien Road by a small causeway. From the center of Hanoi, it’s about a 20-minute taxi ride to get to the eastern shore of West Lake. Or you can take bus 14.
When to Get There
Tran Quoc Pagoda is open daily, with a break for lunch, so time your visit accordingly. For the most striking photos, visit around sunset. The pagoda will be at its most festive, and most packed, during Tet (Vietnamese New Year) and Buddha’s birthday.
Bodhi Tree
In 1950, when Indian Prime Minister Razendia Prasat visited Vietnam, he visited Tran Quoc Pagoda and presented a bodhi tree as a gift. The tree was grafted from the bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, where Gautama Buddha was said to have sat in meditation and achieved enlightenment. The bodhi tree sits in the courtyard of Tran Quoc Pagoda and can be recognized by its heart-shaped leaves.
Address: Tanh Nien Road, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 28
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, or VME, has two distinct areas - indoor and outdoor.
Indoors is a permanent exhibition divided into 9 sections proudly informing of Historical & Cultural Periods, the 3 Major Sub-Regions, and the 54 ethnic groups classified according to the 5 Language families. Audiotapes highlight fascinating ethnic linguistic differences.
Outdoors is a maturing exhibition showing full-scale examples of ethnic house-building techniques and design. Carefully sourced indigenous trees are sympathetically planted around each appropriate house.
Practical Info
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is located in Cau Giay district. You can take a no.14 minibus from Dinh Tien Hoang Street, heading north past Lake Hoan Kiem to Nghia Tan a few blocks from the museum.
A well-thought out display for anyone interested in history, anthropology, and the diverse ethnicity of Vietnam.
Address: Nguyen van Huyen Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hours: Tues - Sun 8:30am - 5:30pm. Closed Mondays and during Vietnamese New Year (late Jan or early Feb)
Admission: Adults: VND 25,000, Children: VND 5,000
From $ 18
Vietnam National Museum of History
Located in the Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi, the Vietnam National Museum of History forms part of the Vietnam National Museum. With an extensive collection of over 200,000 objects, including numerous precious artifacts and antiquities, it traces the history of Vietnam from prehistoric times to the present.
The Basics
The museum is housed in an architecturally impressive building built in 1925, which incorporates both Vietnamese and French design elements. Exhibits are organized in chronological order. Highlights include bronze pieces from the Dong Son period, Bat Trang pottery, Vietnamese imperial jewelry, and Hindu statues from the Khmer and Champa kingdoms. There’s also a delightful garden with steles and bonsai trees.
A number of sightseeing tours feature a stop at the Vietnam National Museum, along with other top attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. Or experience Hanoi like a local on a motorbike tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is a must-visit for those with an interest in Vietnamese history.
- The admission also covers entry to the Vietnam Museum of the Revolution, across the street.
- There’s an extra fee to take photos or videos inside the museum.
- Guided tours are available in Vietnamese, English, and French.
- Bags must be stored at the entrance; lockers are available.
How to Get There
The museum is located in the Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi, close to the Opera House. It can be reached by walking from the Old Quarter, or an easy taxi ride from elsewhere. It can also be reached by bus, including buses 2, 3, and 4.
When to Get There
The museum is open every day, except the first Monday of each month. There is a break for lunch, so plan your visit accordingly. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here. Allot more time if you plan to visit the Vietnam Museum of the Revolution as well.
History of the Building
The Vietnam National Museum of History was formerly home to the Louis Finot Museum of the École Française d'Extrême-Orient, built in 1929 and opened in 1932. The building was designed as a work of art and features Indochine architecture, a blend of French and Vietnamese styles. In 1958, the Vietnamese government took over the building and reopened it as the Vietnam National Museum of History.
Address: 1 Trang Tien St, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 34
Presidential Palace
Travelers looking to experience a bit of royalty can venture to the Presidential Palace in the heart of Hanoi. Built in the early 1900s, this French Colonial-style structure, protected by impressive wrought iron gates, was meant to house local dignitaries. But in 1954, after leading Vietnam to independence, Ho Chi Minh refused to live in the palace's gilded halls and instead built a rustic stilt house on the royal grounds.
Today, travelers can explore the area surrounding this ornate government structure, which includes well-kept botanical gardens and lush fruit groves. Guides are available for hire, but visitors are not allowed into the palace. Those looking to learn more about the history and life of Ho Chi Minh can visit his silt home, which also sits on palace grounds.
Practical Info
The Presidential Palace is located off of Hung Vuong, just north of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. and closed between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The entrance fee to the grounds is about VND 25,000.
Address: Hung Vuong St. and Hoang Van Thu St., Hanoi, Vietnam
Hours: Daily from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Closed between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Admission: VND 25,000
From $ 30
Vietnam Museum of Revolution
Located in the Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi, the Vietnam Museum of Revolution contains over 40,000 exhibits across 30 galleries covering the country’s history of conflict and revolution from the French colonial occupation in the 19th century onwards, and forms part of the Vietnam National Museum.
The Basics
The content of the museum is divided into three parts, 1858-1945, 1945-1975, and 1975-present, which correspond with the French colonialism period, the American War (Vietnam War) period and the post-war period. Exhibits include historical photos and documents, weapons and flags used by revolutionaries, propaganda posters, statues of Ho Chi Minh and other revolutionary figures, and even gifts from the Vietnamese people and people from other countries to Ho Chi Minh and the Communist government.
A number of sightseeing tours feature a stop at the Vietnam National Museum, along with other top attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Or experience Hanoi like a local on a motorbike tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission also covers entry to the Vietnam National Museum of History across the street.
- There is an extra fee to take photos or videos inside the museum.
- Bags must be stored at the entrance; lockers are available.
- It’s best to view the exhibits in order, starting with the first room.
- Those who have some historical background knowledge will appreciate the museum more.
How to Get There
The Vietnam Museum of Revolution is located in the Hoan Kiem district, close to the Opera House. It can be reached by walking from the Old Quarter, or it’s an easy taxi ride from elsewhere. It can also be reached by bus 2, 3, or 4.
When to Get There
The museum is open every day, except the first Monday of each month. There is a break for lunch, so plan your visit accordingly. Expect to spend an hour here, longer if you are very interested in the subject matter. Allot more time if you plan to visit the Vietnam National Museum of History as well.
History of the Building
The museum is housed in a yellow, colonial-style building that once housed the Indo-China Chamber of Commerce, built by the French in 1917. It later housed the Trade Department of Vietnam. The museum itself opened in 1959.
Address: 25 Tong Dan Street, Hanoi, Northern Vietnam, Vietnam
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Dien Bien Phu
Deep in the highlands of northwest Vietnam lies the historic battlefield of Dien Bien Phu, where Viet Minh forces defeated the French in 1954, thus ending nearly 100 years of colonization. In addition to battlefields, bunkers, cemeteries, and a museum, Dien Bien Phu also offers beautiful mountain scenery and access to ethnic minority villages.
The Basics
A trip to Dien Bien Phu is a must for war and history buffs, and for most visitors here, the main draw is the decisive and bloody battle of Dien Bien Phu. A number of strategic locations have been maintained or reconstructed, and commemorative monuments erected. Independent visitors can explore the sites on their own, at their own pace. A popular option for more in-depth exploration is a multi-day guided tour from Hanoi, which often also includes a visit to a nearby Tay, Hmong, or Si La village. For those with more time, there's a popular loop itinerary that starts in Hanoi, then travels to Mai Chau, Son La, Dien Bien Phu, Pa So, and Sapa, before returning to Hanoi.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Some of the sites, such as A1 hill and the museum, will be closed for lunch.
- If you plan to visit independently, be aware that not all hotels and guesthouses are licensed to rent to foreigners.
- There is limited internet in the area, so make sure you've planned out navigation in advance.
How to Get There
Dien Bien Phu is located about 292 miles (470 kilometers) west of Hanoi and 22 miles (35 kilometers) east of the Laos border. For those not visiting as part of a tour, it's easiest to fly here directly from Hanoi. Bus service is also available from Hanoi, Sapa, Lao Cai, or from Laos (Muang Khua or Muay Xai).
When to Get There
The best time to visit Dien Bien Phu is between November and April, when the weather is warm and dry. Avoid visiting in July and August, the height of the rainy season, when the roads in the area can become muddy and often impassable.
Things to See at Dien Bien Phu
Top sites include a reconstructed A1 hill (known as Colline Eliane to the French), site of the pivotal final battle, and cemetery; D1 hill, which now contains a monument wall, statue, and expansive views of the valley; the reconstructed command center of General Vo Nguyen Giap; the reconstructed French command bunker; and the Vietnam Military History Museum (or Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum).
Address: Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam
From $ 314
Tam Dao National Park
Tam Dao National Park, a protected area located 53 miles (85 kilometers) northwest of Hanoi, was founded in 1996 as one of the largest national parks in Vietnam. The park covers a vast area of tropical mountains rich in biodiversity – it’s home to 490 species of flora and 281 species of fauna. For birdwatchers, the park offers the chance to spot rare species like the Blue-naped Pitta, Purple Cochoa, Pale-footed Bush Warbler, Rufous-headed Parrotbill and the Chestnut-headed Tesia.
Tam Dao town, which lies within the confines of the national park, was established in the early 1900s by French colonists as a hill station to escape summer heat. Another worthwhile site in the area, the Tay Thien site, is considered the birthplace of Vietnamese Buddhism and includes a monastery, temple and several pagodas.
Practical Info
The best time to visit Tam Dao National Park is during the summer, but remember to pack rain gear, as the area is affected by tropical monsoons.
Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 508
West Lake
West Lake, Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake with 10.5 miles (17 kilometers) of shore, is one of the most popular places for outdoor recreation in the Vietnamese capital. The eastern shore of the lake has transformed into an upscale residential area where expats and wealthy Hanoians live, but the lake is also dotted with several historical points of interest.
Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on a small island in West Lake, was built in the sixth century, making it the oldest Pagoda in Vietnam. Near the northern gate of the lake, Quan Thanh Temple is a Taoist temple dedicated to Tran Vo and dating back to the early eleventh century. Apart from its historical attractions, West Lake is also a popular place to hire a boat, dine at a floating restaurant, people watch and walk or bike along the banks.
Practical Info
West Lake is free and always open, but it’s particularly beautiful around sunset.
Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 23
Vietnam Fine Arts Museum (Bao Tang My Thuat)
The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi is the country’s premier art museum. A well-curated and exhibited permanent collection of over 2,000 items, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, lacquerwork, and temporary exhibits, trace the development of Vietnamese art from prehistoric times to the 21st century.
The Basics
There are two branches to the museum. The main branch is spread over two buildings, including a stunning French Colonial building renovated to include elements of traditional Vietnamese communal houses. Within an exhibition space of 32,292 square feet (3,000 square meters), the exhibits are arranged into six themes (prehistoric arts, art from the 11th to 19th centuries, art from the 20th century to present, traditional art, folk art, and ceramics), and chronologically from bottom to top. There’s also a Creative Space for Children. The second branch, located at Hoang Cau Street, focuses more on storage, conservation, and restoration.
A number of sightseeing tours feature a stop at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. Other stops may include the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Ho Chi Minh Complex, depending on the option chosen. If you want to see Hanoi like a local, take a motorbike tour of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is a must-visit for art lovers.
- Guided tours are available in Vietnamese, English, Chinese, and French.
- Educational programs at the Creative Space for Children require a separate ticket.
- The museum shop offers original paintings by local artists.
- There is a cafe on-site, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
How to Get There
The museum is located in the Ba Dinh District, across the street from the Temple of Literature. It’s about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) west of Hoan Kiem Lake, and will take about 15 minutes to walk from there.
When to Get There
The museum is open year-round, except for the Tet holidays. The museum rarely gets crowded, making it an ideal alternative when other attractions are busy. The Temple of Literature is across the street and many visitors visit both sites.
Highlights of the Museum
Highlights of the museum include ancient Champa stone carvings, ceramics excavated from five ancient boats, extraordinary effigies of Guan Yin (the 1,000-armed and 1,000-eyed goddess of compassion), lacquered statues of Buddhist monks from the Tay Son dynasty, and its collection of contemporary paintings.
Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hanoi, Vietnam
Admission: Varies
From $ 68
Vietnamese Women's Museum
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum, one of the best museums in Hanoi, chronicles the history, culture and contributions of Vietnamese women in society throughout the country’s history. The small museum is divided into three themed galleries, Women in Family, Women in History and Women’s Fashion, and all posted information includes French and English translations.
Highlights of the museum include photographs and stories of heroic women during wartime, a set of propaganda posters and the collection of bridal, tribal and religious clothing that serves to highlight the cultural diversity of Vietnamese women. Rotating special exhibitions cover topics like the Vietnam Women’s Union, domestic violence, sex trafficking and Mother Goddess worship, as well as collections of art by female artists.
Practical Info
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is located within easy walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake. It is closed on Mondays.
Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hang Bai Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 62
Hanoi Cooking Centre
Anyone lucky enough to have traveled to Vietnam knows its cuisine is among the best in Asia, characterized by its delicate flavors and fresh local ingredients. At the Hanoi Cooking Centre, visitors can learn the secrets and techniques used in preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes so they can be recreated back home.
A typical half-day cooking class at the Hanoi Cooking Centre begins with a visit to a local market, where students learn about typical Vietnamese ingredients (and how to buy them). Back in the kitchen, students pair up for a hands-on lesson before sitting down to sample their creations for lunch.
Class themes and dishes vary from day to day and might cover Vietnamese street food, food from Hanoi and the Northern Highlands, food from the coast, vegetarian dishes, spring rolls, barbecues and salads. The school also offers international cooking classes and classes for kids.
Practical Info
Call the school to find out what's on their calendar for the day before you register.
Address: 44 Chau Long St, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 90
Tram Ton Pass (Heaven Gate Pass)
A winding mountain road that snakes the periphery of Fansipan, Vietnam's highest mountain, connects the outpost towns of Lai Chau and Sapa. This is Tram Ton Pass, also known as Heaven's Gate Pass for its elevated and sweeping vistas of the other peaks in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.
Nine miles north of Sapa at the start of the pass, a lookout more than 6,200 feet above sea level affords a taste for those not traversing the entire route"”from there you can see the two-lane road twisting above valley floors into the distance. Tram Ton Pass also follows a climactic division apparent in the contrast of green trees poking through resting clouds closer to Sapa in the east, and the sunnier, dustier and drier terrain nearing Lai Chau to the west. Along the route, ribbons of rainwater drain through crevasses high above forming thin roadside waterfalls.
Practical Info
The 75-mile Tram Ton Pass takes a minimum of three hours to cross by car, not including stops at the popular Thac Bac (Silver Waterfall) and its scenic loop trek. Several regional day tours"”most originating in Sapa"”drive a portion of the Tram Ton Pass to take in the views before stopping off for trekking to area villages. Motorbike, scooter or even mountain bike rentals are also available. However, many caution against attempting the full 75-mile route in this fashion due to the high winds and sometimes bumpy conditions of sections of the road. If you'd like to tackle the full Tram Ton Pass, it's best to do so as a passenger in a four-wheeled vehicle so you can soak in all of the views.
Address: Vietnam
From $ 2,000
Vietnam Military History Museum
Formerly the Army Museum, the Vietnam Military History Museum covers the country's combat history from ancient times to the American War (Vietnam War). Learn about the many battles that Vietnam has fought for independence throughout its history through extensive photos, propaganda videos, weaponry, war machines, and other war relics.
The Basics
The Vietnam Military History Museum's exhibits are spread across three buildings, as well as outside in the courtyard. Many museum highlights can be found outside, including a mound of plane debris that includes a B-52, F-111, and a French transport plane, surrounded by a selection of intact planes, tanks, and other war machines. Climb up Flag Tower of Hanoi (Cot Co Flag Tower), next to the museum, for panoramic views of the city.
Combine a tour of the museum with a sightseeing tour of other top war attractions, including the infamous Hoa Lo Prison (referred to as the Hanoi Hilton by American pilots during the Vietnam War) and Ngoc Ha Village, where part of a B-52 shot down in 1972 is preserved.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Vietnam Military History Museum is a must-visit for war and history buffs.
- There is an extra fee to take photos or videos inside the museum.
- Bags must be stored at the entrance; lockers are available.
- The museum includes some graphic photos and portrayals, which may not be appropriate for young children.
How to Get There
The museum is located in central Hanoi, near Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which are about a five-minute walk away. It's easiest to take a taxi there directly.
When to Get There
The museum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and also closes for two hours for lunch (11:30am to 1:30pm). Visitors tend to spend about 1"“2 hours here, depending on their level of interest in military history. The museum's proximity to to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, and also the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum and the Temple of Literature, makes it easy to visit the different sites together.
Flag Tower of Hanoi
The Flag Tower of Hanoi was built in 1812 and once formed part of the Hanoi Citadel, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the tallest site in Hanoi, it is 108 feet (33 meters) tall, topped by the national flag of Vietnam. One of the few structures not destroyed during the French invasion in the late 19th century, it offers panoramic views of Hanoi and of the courtyard to the Vietnam Military History Museum next door.
Address: 28A Dien Bien Phu St, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 314