2024 Guide to Explore Vietnam’s Capital - Hanoi and More!

Travel Bestie
11 Apr 2022 - 8 min read
Landscape city of hanoi

Photo by shutterstock

Hello, readers! Today we are going to give you the ultimate guide for your next trip to Vietnam - the place to be to release the travel deprivation during the pandemic of the last two years.

Today’s article will focus on Vietnam’s capital - Hanoi, and also other places as well because the more the merrier! We will be looking at:

1.
Ha Long Bay
2.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
3.
Hoi An Ancient Town
4.
Cu Chi Tunnels
5.
My Son Sanctuary
6.
Hue Imperial City
7.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Entry Requirements to Vietnam

Entry Requirements to Vietnam

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To enter Vietnam, you need to meet certain requirements which can vary based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Here's a general overview:

Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry into Vietnam.
Visa Exemption
Citizens of some countries are exempt from a visa for short stays (typically 14 to 90 days, depending on the country). You should check if your nationality is on the visa exemption list.
Tourist Visa: If you're not exempt, you can apply for a tourist visa. This can often be done online via the Vietnam e-Visa system for a stay of up to 30 days.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Available if you apply through an approved Vietnamese travel agency before departure. You'll receive a letter of approval to present upon arrival in Vietnam, along with your visa fee.
Business Visa: If you are traveling for business purposes, you will need a business visa, which typically requires a letter of invitation from a Vietnamese business entity.
Travel Insurance
While not always mandatory, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers potential medical costs.
Funds
You might need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Vietnam.

Flying Information to Vietnam

Direct and transit flights are available to your planned destination in Vietnam. Vietnam has 23 airports, but Tho Xuan Airport was not in service in 2012, while Na San Airport has had no regular route since 2001 from the list of airports.

Among all the airports, Tan Son Nhat international airport in Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam's main and busiest airport.

Flying Information to Vietnam

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It takes around 2 hours and 41 minutes to fly from Malaysia to Vietnam. Duration of travel is vary based on airports or routes.

Thai Smile Air, Air Asia, Malaysia Airlines, and Qatar Airways are the available airlines from Malaysia to Vietnam.

Depending on when you are planning to visit, the lowest price is RM 419, which is a direct flight, while the highest price is RM 13,776. The ticket price is different based on the transit flight and the weight of the baggage.

Top Places to Visit in Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, Gulf of Tonkin, Quang Ninh Province

Ha Long Bay,  Gulf of Tonkin, Quang Ninh Province

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Ha Long Bay is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its uniqueness. It is located in the Gulf of Tonkin, within Quang Ninh Province, in the northeast of Vietnam, which is 165 km from the capital of Hanoi.

Ha Long Bay is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforest. You can feel the tranquillity when you reach this place.

It would be approximately a four-hour drive from downtown Hanoi. The best way to travel from Hanoi is by car, minibus, or bus.

Exploring caves, cruise tours, kayaking, and watching the wildlife are the best activities in Ha Long Bay. It excites you and adds an unforgettable moment to your life journey.

You can go earlier before it opens to enjoy your day in Ha Long Bay without any obstacles.

Visitor information:

This place operates daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Admission ticket price charged from VND 1342061.15 for the travellers.
Make sure you bring or wear suitable clothes to explore caves and water-related activities.
Always keep in mind that safety is the main thing!

Ha Long Bay with Premium 5-star Cruise - 1 Day Tour

9.9/10

RM 200

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

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The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is known as a symbol of Hanoi. It was listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2010 for its significant history and culture.

This heritage site was a political centre for 13 consecutive centuries and known as the capital of Vietnam for eight centuries.

Hanoi Flag Tower in the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is captivating for its 40 metres tall stone fortress.

Many artefacts such as bronze coins, ceramics, pottery from China discovered by archaeologists are displayed here, and you should never miss gazing at the interesting excavated items.

Visitor information:

This place is open from 8 am to 5 pm daily except Monday.
Entrance fee is VND 30,000.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town 

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Hoi An ancient town is astounding for its ornate Chinese temples, Japanese bridges, wooden shop-houses, French-colonial houses, and old canals.

This ancient town is a well-maintained example of a small-scale trading port active in the 15th to 19th centuries.

The architectural monuments, commercial and domestic vernacular structures, an open market, ferry quay, and religious buildings such as pagodas and family cult houses are the attractions of this place.

It was also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 to preserve old shops into modern businesses like art galleries, souvenir shops, tailor shops, restaurants, and cafes to attract tourists.

Visitor information:

You can visit the town from 8 am to 5 pm every day.
Entrance fee is VND 120,000, which is required for foreign tourists whereas, for locals, it is VND 80,000.
Each ticket is valid for ten days and covers the entrance to Hoi An Ancient Town.

The Hoi An Memories Show Tickets

9.6/10

RM 20

RM 18

Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels

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The Chu Chi tunnels are one of the most iconic attractions in Ho Chi Minh. It is one of the war museums allowing visitors to experience the underground life of 1948’s Vietnamese soldiers.

The width of underground tunnels is 120 kilometres occupied by trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, armoury, hospitals, and command centres. It is a popular spot for both Vietnamese and foreigners to visit.

Never miss watching a short film of the Chu Chi tunnel and the pivotal role in understanding the tunnel system before you explore the underground tunnel.

Visitor information:

It will take an hour to reach this place from Ho Chi Minh City.
Operating hours for this place are daily from 7 am to 5 am.
The price is charged for a half-day tour VND 825,000 upwards.
You can contact +84 83 794 8820 if you have any inquiries about this historical place.

Cu Chi Tunnels - Half-Day Tour by SST Travel

9.7/10

RM 74

My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary

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My Son Sanctuary is located in Duy Tan Commune, Duy Xuyen District of Quang Nam Province.

It is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional example of the ancient Champa civilization in southern Vietnam.

If you visit this place, you will be astonished by the tower temples for their unique architectural design, which symbolises the greatness and purification of Mount Meru and the Hindu gods.

The amazing part of this historical place is the skilful artwork on designing the temple with red bricks and sandstones.

About 70 Hindu gods' structures can be viewed inside, including God Shiva, considered the Champa king's protector.

This site was utilised as a political centre, religious and cultural centre, and royal burial ground.

Visitor information:

You can visit any day but the best time to visit is early in the morning to enjoy the mystical and historic sanctuary.
You can travel to this destination about 70 km from southeast Danang and 40 km from Hoi An.
A group bus trip is available if you want a group trip that costs around VND 475,341.54 per adult.

[Traveloka Exclusive] My Son Sanctuary Ticket

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Hue Imperial City

Hue Imperial City 

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In 1802, this monument was established as the capital of unified Vietnam. Hue was the political, cultural, and also religious centre during the period of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1945.

The Complex of Hue Monuments is located in Hue City in Thua Thien-Hue Province in the geographical centre of Vietnam.

It is also set along the northern bank of the Perfume River and features hundreds of monuments, the Forbidden Purple City, royal tombs, pagodas, temples, royal quarters, a library, and a museum that dates back to the early 19th century.

If you want to visit Hue, never miss checking the weather. Usually, from September to February, the weather is cool to cold, rainy, and cloudy. From March to August, the weather is warm to hot, sunny, and clear skies.

Visitor information:

Don't miss cultural performances hosted by UNESCO World Heritage Site every day at 9 am, 10 am, 2.30 pm, and 3.30 pm.
The entrance fee of VND 150,000 covers the visits to Hue Imperial City and the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities.
It is just 30 minutes to drive from Phu Bai International Airport.
It is suitable to travel solo or in a group.

Hue Imperial City & Hai Van Pass Tour - Day Tour | Da Nang Departure

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Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

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World Heritage-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a karst mountain formation honeycombed with gorgeous caverns.

It is a protected area in north-central Vietnam bordering the Hin Namno Reserve in Laos.

Phong Nha Cave has myriad nicknames such as Buddha, Lion, and Fairy caves.

The place is over 7,700 metres long with an underground river. It's best to do caving.

The nearby attraction is the Paradise Cave, which extends for a staggering 31 kilometres below ground. It is one of the beautiful and longest dry caves in Asia.

Visitor information:

You can buy your tickets at the main gate, and a map of the area will be provided.
The tickets cost 250,000 VND.
You need between 2 to 3 hours to enjoy nature fully.
The yawning caverns here are truly stupendous. Tu Lan Cave is a "wet cave," which is a must-visit place of all time.
Swimming through the cave-systems river is indubitably the best experience you can cherish your whole life.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Ticket

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Things to do in Hanoi With Kids

VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium Times City Hanoi

VinKE (Vin Kids Edutainment) is an educational and entertainment complex designed for children. It provides an engaging environment where kids can learn and play simultaneously.

VinKE offers various career role-play activities where children can experience being a firefighter, doctor, chef, or pilot. These activities are designed to help children explore different professions in a fun and interactive way.

The center includes a range of interactive games, from digital to physical activities, promoting both mental and physical development.

Regular workshops and classes are conducted to encourage creativity and learning. These workshops cover a wide range of subjects, including arts, crafts, science, and technology.

VinKE hosts regular shows and performances that entertain children and provide a family-friendly experience.

VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium Times City Hanoi

8.9/10

RM 26

VinWonders Water Park

VinWonders Water Park is part of the VinWonders amusement park chain, known for providing thrilling water-based attractions and entertainment. Located in various parts of Vietnam, including Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Hanoi, VinWonders Water Park offers a variety of exciting experiences for visitors of all ages.

VinWonders Ha Noi Water Park

VinWonders Ha Noi Water Park Tickets

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VinWonders Ha Noi Wave Park

VinWonders Ha Noi Wave Park Tickets

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Mega Grand World Ha Noi

Mega Grand World Hanoi is an expansive entertainment, shopping, and cultural complex located in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam. It offers a comprehensive experience for visitors, combining luxury retail, diverse dining options, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions.

With dedicated play areas and family-oriented activities, Mega Grand World Hanoi is an ideal destination for families. Children can enjoy various entertainment options while parents explore shopping and dining.

Mega Grand World Ha Noi

See Price

Get ready to explore Hanoi's wonderful attractions. Book your flight via Traveloka for the best deals!

Discover flight with Traveloka

Thu, 1 May 2025

VietJet Air

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Hanoi (HAN)

Start from RM 271.64

Mon, 28 Apr 2025

Firefly

Penang (PEN) to Hanoi (HAN)

Start from RM 350.29

Tue, 20 May 2025

Vietravel Airlines

Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Hanoi (HAN)

Start from RM 206.45

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