Top 10 Historical Sites to Visit on Hanoi Tours

1. The Old Citadel Hanoi – Thang Long Imperial Citadel

• Address: 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 (Closed on Mondays)
• Entrance Fee: 70,000 VND (Night tour: approx. 300,000 VND)

Highlights:

• It is one of the most significant Hanoi historical sites, and it is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which illustrates more than 13 centuries of the dynasties from Dai La to Nguyen.
• The key features include the Southern Gate (Doan Mon), the Kinh Thien Palace platform, the North Gate, and archaeological excavation areas indicating the site of the ancient imperial buildings.
• Do not miss the interactive “Decoding the Imperial Citadel" night tour, which features sound and light shows and reenactments of royal history.

How to Get There:

1. Walking: A 5-minute walk from Ba Dinh Square or the Flag Tower of Hanoi along Hoang Dieu Street.
2. By Taxi or Grab: From the Old Quarter, you can expect to take about 10 minutes at 35,000-50,000 VND.
3. By Bus: There are nearby stops on routes 22, 33, and 45.

2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

• Address: 2 Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 07:30 – 10:30 (Closed Mondays and Fridays. Closed in October for body maintenance)
• Entrance Fee: Free. Arrive by 6:00 for the guard-changing ceremony.

Highlights:

• The resting place of President Ho Chi Minh, who is otherwise lovingly referred to as “Uncle Ho."
• Be there to watch the changing of the guard, the formal and ritualistic act of national respect.
• Notice the formal dress code is mandatory, and remember no photography is allowed within the mausoleum.

How to Get There:

1. Walking: It is a 5–10 minute walk on Hung Vuong or Ngoc Ha street from the Thang Long Citadel or the Presidential Palace.
2. By taxi or Grab: From the Old Quarter, the travel is 10-12 minutes at approximately 40,000 VND.
3. By Bus: The nearby routes 09, 33, and 45 stop on Le Hong Phong or Ngoc Ha street.

3. Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam)

• Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 (Last entry: 16:30)
• Entrance Fee: 70,000 VND (Night tour: ~199,000 VND)

Highlights:

• The nation’s very first university, established in 1076, and among the most revered   Hanoi historical sites
• Marvel at the 82-stone doctor steles on the backs of turtles – an emblem of longevity and wisdom in Vietnam.
• The nighttime tour provides magical lighting and sounds, re-enacting stories of Confucian scholarship.

How to Get There:

1. By Taxi or Grab: A 5-10 minute trip from Hoan Kiem Lake, at the cost of about 30,000-50,000 VND
2. By Bus: Quoc Tu Giam Street is served by Routes 02, 23, and 38.
3. Walking: It is 7 minutes on foot from the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts or the Flag Tower along Van Mieu Street.

4. Hoa Lo Prison – “The Hanoi Hilton"

• Address: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 daily
• Entrance Fee: 50,000 VND (Night tour: 300,000 VND)

Highlights:

• A very poignant historical places in Hanoi, reflecting Vietnam’s colonial resistance and wartime history.
• Experience the dismal conditions during the French occupation, witness the notorious guillotine, and hear about the revolutionaries who were behind bars.
• Light, sound, and dramatic narration come together to provide an emotionally vibrant experience in night tours.

How to Get There:

1. Walking: A mere 10 minutes from Trang Tien Plaza or the Hanoi Opera House.
2. By Taxi or Grab: It is just 5 minutes (~30,000 VND) from Hoan Kiem Lake.
3. By Bus: The nearby Trang Thi and Hai Ba Trung Streets are served by bus routes 32, 38, and 49.

5. One Pillar Pagoda

• Address: Near Chua Mot Cot, Doi Can, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 07:00 – 18:00
• Ticket Price: Free Entry

Highlights

• This symbolically significant lotus temple is a one-of-a-kind example of Vietnamese temple architecture, constructed in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong as the result of a vision.
• It sits on one stone pillar within the middle of a lotus pond, symbolizing enlightenment and purity.
• It is frequently photographed and appears on stamps, and is still a revered religious site and cultural symbol of Hanoi.

How to Get There

• The pagoda is situated next to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, inside the Ba Dinh Complex.
• It is just a 3-minute walk from Ba Dinh Square.
• From the Old Quarter, there’s a short Grab or taxi trip (10–12 minutes) that you can take to get there easily.

6. Tran Quoc Pagoda

• Address: 46 Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 07:30 – 11:30 and 13:30 – 17:30
• Ticket Price: Free Entry

Highlights

• Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi and has existed for more than 1,400 years.
• Its towering 11-step stupa is mirrored in the tranquil waters of West Lake, and is considered one of the capital’s most photographed Hanoi historical sites.
• An ideal place to take a serene walk and watch the golden sunset.

How to Get There

• Take a Grab or taxi (~15 minutes from the Old Quarter).
• Buses #33 and #50 stop near Thanh Nien Street, a short stroll from the pagoda.

7. Museum of Ethnology Hanoi

• Address: Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay District
• Opening Hours: 08:30 – 17:30 (Closed Mondays)
• Ticket Price: 40,000 VND

Highlights

• One of the most revealing cultural legacies in Hanoi, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology highlights the everyday life, rituals, and costumes of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
• Investigate the outdoor exhibit area featuring traditional stilt houses, longhouses, and full-scale replicas.
• Experience cultural shows on weekends with ethnic music and dance.

How to Get There

• From the Old Quarter, a Grab ride takes about 20–25 minutes.
• You can also take bus #14 directly to the museum gate.

8. Bach Ma Temple (White Horse Temple)

• Address: 76 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00
• Ticket Price: Free Entry

Highlights

• This is the oldest temple in Hanoi and was constructed originally in the 9th century.
• It is dedicated to the East’s guardian deity, Long Do, and the White Horse legend, which guided King Ly Thai To to construct the citadel.
• Within are ancient relics, wood carvings, and red-lacquered palanquins

How to Get There

• It is situated in the Old Quarter, within a 5-minute walking distance from Dong Xuan Market or 10 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake.

9. Hanoi Opera House

• Address: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Opening Hours: Guided tours on the hour; check in advance
• Ticket Price: Around 120,000 VND for a tour; show tickets vary

Highlights

• Modeled on the Palais Garnier of Paris, the Opera House of Hanoi is the quintessential gem of French colonial architecture.
• It has showcased everything from Vietnamese operas to global symphonies and cultural festivals.
• By far one of the most beautiful historical places in Hanoi to spend an evening of music.

How to Get There

• It is situated just off Hoan Kiem Lake and next to the Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel.
• From the Old Quarter, walk about 10 minutes or take a 5-minute Grab ride.

10.  The Old Quarter

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is commonly called the “36 streets" and has maintained its ancient street plan since the days of King Ly Thai To. Every street has always hosted one specific craft or guild, many of which survive to the present day.

Famous Cultural Streets

• Hang Ma Street: A riot of color, noted for celebratory ornaments, votive paper, and Tet holiday supplies.
• Hang Bac Street: Once the domain of silversmiths, today it is flanked by higher-end jewelry stores.
• Hang Gai Street: Where to find the finest handmade silk, traditional Ao Dai, and bespoke fashion.

What to Do

• Spend an evening watching a free cultural performance or street entertainment at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square on weekends.
• Stop by family-owned shops offering traditional handicrafts, antiques, and calligraphy.
• Capture the essence of ancient shophouses, vibrant-colored lanterns, and the energetic street life.

How to Get There

• The Old Quarter is situated to the north of Hoan Kiem Lake and is within walking distance of most central hotels.
• From the Opera House of Hanoi, it’s just a short 10-minute walking distance through Trang Tien Street.
• reachable by buses #09 and #36, or an easy Grab ride from any of the main districts of Hanoi.

Tips for Exploring Hanoi historical sites

Choose the Right Season for Cultural Immersion in Hanoi historical sites

The ideal period to travel to historical places in Hanoi is autumn (September to November) or spring (March to April). These seasons provide pleasant climatic conditions and clear skies, perfect for visiting outdoor locations such as the imperial citadel of Thang Long or serene moments at Tran Quoc Pagoda along West Lake.

Dress with Respect, Especially at Sacred Sites for Hanoi historical sites

Numerous heritage places, such as One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, or Voi Phuc Temple, are religious landmarks. Be sure to dress modestly; shoulder and knee coverings are essential if you are visiting temples or the President Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. It is a gesture of respect and is mandatory at several places.

Move Around with Ease in Hanoi historical sites

Getting around Hanoi historical sites is easier than you think:

• Grab or Taxi: Cost-effective, particularly for trips such as the Old Quarter to Ba Dinh Square or Ngoc Son Temple.
• Public Bus: Inexpensive and convenient. Routes #09, #33, and #45 cover major tourist venues including the citadel of Thang Long.
• Walking: If you find yourself in the Old Quarter, places such as Bach Ma Temple, Dong Xuan Market, and the Hanoi Opera House are within steps of each other.
• Join a Guided Tour: Participate in the half-day or full-day history-themed tour and listen to the in-depth stories behind the artifacts and architecture.

Bring Cash for Local Charm in Hanoi historical sites

Whereas large Hanoi historical sites monuments take cards, most small temples, street vendors, and local craftsmen still accept cash. Keep small bills ready for admission to ticketed places, street foods, or custom-made souvenirs from vendors at Hoan Kiem Lake.

Conclusion

From the ancient grace of the Old Citadel Hanoi to the reverent dignity of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the dynamic cultural spectacle at the Museum Ethnology Hanoi, these destinations of Hanoi historical sites significance in Hanoi provide an in-depth immersion into Vietnam’s resilient spirit. Every one of these places opens up a page in the country’s history, firmly established in heritage and meaning. 

Ready to venture beyond the travel guide? Book our Hanoi Tours with Impress Travel and discover the most famous historical places in Hanoi, one incredible landmark at a time.