Hanoi, Vietnam's historically loaded capital, captivates all who drop by with its distinct allure. Located up in the north, Hanoi offers a mix of traditional heritage and lively city life that's totally spot-on.

You've got grand colonial architecture, buzzing traditional markets, and streets steeped in tales of yore. It's a total feast for the senses, creating an unforgettable adventure for anyone coming here. With the sheer beauty and cultural wealth of Hanoi things to do is act like a magnet, pulling in explorers from every corner.

Stick around, and we'll dive into why Hanoi's such a hotspot, inviting you to soak up the irresistible charm of this brilliant city's heritage and everyday life. Cheers!

Want to experience the fun atmosphere in Hanoi? Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, a tourist destination in this bustling city. Located in Hanoi's Old Quarter and French Quarter, it's like a peaceful oasis right in the heart of all the action.

The name Hoan Kiem translates to "Lake of the Returning Sword," referring to the story of an emperor who used a magic sword to expel the Ming Dynasty from China. After victory, the Golden Turtle God threw his sword back into the lake. Today, Turtle Tower stands tall, reminiscent of the epic legend. And hey, keep an eye out for the rare sea turtles paddling around the lake—it's a sight to behold!

Address: Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam

Price: Free

Check out the Big Church in the Old Quarter; it's also known as St. Joseph’s Cathedral. This French-built gem was one of the pioneers and is still standing strong. It's got this Notre Dame vibe from Paris, making it a must-see for tourists digging beautiful Gothic architecture and the best Hanoi things to do.

Don't just stop at snapping pictures outside; make sure to pop in and soak up all the beauty inside the church. It's a real treat!

Address: 40 P. Nhà Chung, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Price: Free

Up for another dose of history in Hanoi? Swing by the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, or as it was cheekily dubbed, Maison Central—the Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War. It hosted American prisoners of war, including the likes of Senator John McCain.

Before the Vietnam War, the French government used this spot to lock up Vietnamese revolutionaries. Inside the museum, brace yourself for some heavy stories showcased in galleries, featuring French guillotines and bits and bobs from American pilots who got shot down in the war.

Speaking of American POWs, the prison insisted, contrary to popular belief, that they were treated pretty decently. Worth a visit for a dose of history with a side of truth!

Address: 1 P. Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Price: 15,000 VND

It's not just Australia rocking an opera house—Hanoi's got one too! Checking out the Hanoi Opera House is definitely on the to-do list, and it's a gem nestled in the French Quarter, showcasing some stunning French heritage vibes.

This building's design game is strong, taking cues from the Paris Opera House, Palais Garnier. It's a real beauty, standing tall as one of Hanoi's colonial architectural marvels and the best Hanoi things to do.

For a dose of culture in Hanoi, snag a ticket for a night at the opera—catch some Vietnamese opera or ballet and soak in the artsy vibes!

Address: 1 Tràng Tiền, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Price: 20 individuals for 70 minutes: 120,000 VND; 250 individuals for 90 minutes: 400,000 VND.

Catchin' the Water Puppet Show is a must-do in Hanoi, especially for families. This ancient gig's been around for a cool 1000 years and usually goes down in ponds or lakes. Picture this: elegant puppets smoothly gliding on water, live tunes adding drama, the gentle gurgle of water, and a dim-lit hall—it's pure magic that you can't afford to miss.

The stage, a big water pool holding the puppetry secrets, reveals skilled puppeteers working their magic. Strings above, puppeteer submerged in waist-high water below—that's the puppetry charm in action!

Address: 57B P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Price: 250 VND - 100,000 VND

Ready for a fun day trip from Hanoi? Head to the Perfume Pagoda, aka Chua Huong. Located on a limestone cliff, this maze of Buddhist temples is a favourite of pilgrims and fortune-seeking tourists attracted by the cave's stunning stalagmites and stalactites.

The journey is a bit tiring—60 km from Hanoi by car or boat, then uphill for an hour to reach the Perfume Pagoda. It's a long journey, but the rewards are well worth it as Hanoi has things to do!

Address: JP9W+5H8, Hương Sơn, Mỹ Đức, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Price: 875.000 VND

If you're up for more than a quickie from Hanoi, make your way to Sapa. Nestled near the Chinese border, this mountain town is a train ride away from Hanoi. Brace yourself for jaw-dropping views of rice fields tumbling down cliffs in the mountains.

Stay at a homestay to soak up the local vibes and meet the mountain tribes—it's a trip that'll stick with you. And hey, before you hit Sapa, go to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology as one of the Hanoi things to do for a sneak peek into Vietnam's 54 ethnicities.

Address: side of Hoang Lien Son Mountains

Price: Ticket bus: 500,000 VND

Shopping in Vietnam? Absolutely one of the best Hanoi things to do! When you're in Hanoi, hit up Dong Xuan Market in the Old Quarter for all your souvenir, trinket, and clothing needs. This four-story shopping hub, standing tall since 1889, is a treasure trove with everything under the sun.

The ground floor's buzzing with a food market, offering up a lively spread of fruits, veggies, meat, and fish. It's a shopper's paradise you wouldn't want to miss!

Address: Đồng Xuân, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Price: There is no entrance ticket, price depends on the shop

Visit the National Museum of Vietnamese History, set in a cool old schoolhouse from the French Colonial era, right in the French Quarter. It captures the atmosphere of a French villa or Vietnamese palace in its design, divided into five sections.

You'll see things dating from the Stone Age to the Vietnamese Revolution—a real history feast. With more than 200,000 pieces, this museum is a goldmine of Vietnamese stories that you don't want to miss.

Address: 216 Đ. Trần Quang Khải, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 110000, Vietnam

Price: Adult: 40,000 VND, Student and Collage: 20,000 VND.

No trip to Hanoi is complete without an excursion to Halong Bay. And guess what? This isn't just a one-day show of Hanoi things to do; you'll enjoy so much more! Take an overnight tour on a junk boat directly from Hanoi; this is the best outcome for any adventure in Vietnam.

Imagine a stunning bay filled with Karst formations—more than 15,000 limestone islands emerge and paint a stunning view. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, so take at least one overnight cruise on the Gulf. Epic stuff, mate!

Address: Thành phố Hạ Long, Provinsi Quang Ninh, Vietnam

Price: 759,000 VND

Hanoi stands as a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From exploring the Old Quarter's architectural gems to immersing in the ancient traditions at water puppet shows, Hanoi offers an unforgettable adventure.

Don't miss the chance to venture beyond places like Sapa or Halong Bay for a deeper experience. For an immersive journey into Vietnam's rich heritage, the Hanoi things to do are as diverse as they are enchanting.

Are you ready for your Hanoi adventure? Book your flights exclusively on Traveloka and unlock the door to a world of discovery in this vibrant city.