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Hanoi attractions: opening hours, admission fees, and how to get there at a glance
Find opening details and travel tips for everything from Old Quarter lakes and temples to museums and day trips.
Admission fees and opening hours at a glance
| Attraction | Admission | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hoan Kiem Lake · Hoan Kiem Lake · Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple | Lake: free · Temple: 50,000 VND for adults | Lake open at all times · Temple hours not listed |
| Hanoi Old Quarter and weekend pedestrian zone | Free | Pedestrian zone: Friday 19:00–Sunday 24:00 · Shop hours vary |
| Temple of Literature | 70,000 VND for foreign adults | Tue–Sun: 08:00–17:00 Nov–Mar · 07:30–18:00 the rest of the year |
| Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda | Mausoleum visit: 25,000 VND for foreign adults · Pagoda fee not listed | Mausoleum: Tue–Thu 07:30–10:30 Apr–Oct, 08:00–11:00 Nov–Mar · Sat, Sun, and public holidays 07:30–11:00 Apr–Oct, 08:00–11:30 Nov–Mar · Closed Mon and Fri |
| Hoa Lo Prison | 50,000 VND for foreign adults | Daily 08:00–17:00 |
| St. Joseph's Cathedral | Admission fee not listed | Visitor hours not listed |
| Hanoi Train Street | Admission fee not listed | Access restrictions change frequently |
| Vietnam Museum of Ethnology | 40,000 VND for adults | Daily 08:30–17:30 · Closed Mondays and New Year's Day |
| West Lake · Tran Quoc Pagoda | Free | Pagoda: approximately 07:30–17:00–18:00, varies by season |
| Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre | 100,000–200,000 VND for adults, depending on seat category | According to performance schedule |
| Dong Xuan Market | Free | 07:00–18:00 |
| Ha Long Bay day cruise | Varies by package | Varies by package |
| Trang An day trip, Ninh Binh | 300,000 VND for foreign adults | Listed as 07:00–16:00 |
Hoan Kiem Lake · Hoan Kiem Lake · Hoan Kiem Lake
This lake in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a signature spot to take a break while exploring downtown on foot. Ngoc Son Temple on the northern island is linked by the red The Huc Bridge, making it easy to visit along with a lakeside stroll.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Lake open at all times · Temple hours not listed |
| Admission | Lake: free · Ngoc Son Temple: 50,000 VND for adults |
| Dress code | Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended inside the temple. |
| Getting there | It is in the Old Quarter and can be reached on foot. |
- On weekends, the area around the lake becomes a pedestrian zone, so check your pickup and drop-off point in advance.
- Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended inside the temple.
Hanoi Old Quarter and weekend pedestrian zone
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a historic commercial district of narrow streets and traditional shops. In the weekend pedestrian zone, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and nearby streets and enjoy street performances.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | The pedestrian zone operates every Friday from 19:00 through Sunday at 24:00. Shop hours in the Old Quarter vary. |
| Admission | Free |
| Getting there | The area spans Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, and can be explored on foot from around the lake. |
- Vehicle access is restricted during pedestrian-zone hours, so arrange pickup and drop-off outside the zone.
- Schedules may change on public holidays, so check local notices before visiting.
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is a historic site built in honor of Confucius and Confucian learning. The Imperial Academy is known as Vietnam’s first university. Walk through the gardens, pavilions, and doctoral stele courtyards to explore Vietnam’s educational history and traditional architecture.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Tue–Sun: 08:00–17:00 Nov–Mar · 07:30–18:00 the rest of the year |
| Admission | Standard ticket: 70,000 VND for foreign adults |
| Dress code | Modest clothing appropriate for a temple complex is recommended. |
| Getting there | You can travel from Hoan Kiem Lake on foot, by Grab, or by bus. Buses 02, 23, and 38 stop at the Temple of Literature stop. |
- Closed every Monday. Night visits follow a separate schedule and require a separate ticket.
- According to the official information, buses 02, 23, and 38 stop at the Temple of Literature stop.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a national memorial on Ba Dinh Square, where the body of Vietnamese independence leader Ho Chi Minh lies in state. Nearby, the One Pillar Pagoda is a lotus-shaped temple built on a single pillar over a pond, and the two can be visited together.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Mausoleum visits: Tue–Thu 07:30–10:30 Apr–Oct, 08:00–11:00 Nov–Mar · Sat, Sun, and public holidays 07:30–11:00 Apr–Oct, 08:00–11:30 Nov–Mar · Closed Mon and Fri |
| Admission | Mausoleum visit: 25,000 VND for foreign adults · One Pillar Pagoda fee not listed |
| Dress code | Wear modest clothing and avoid shorts and sleeveless tops when visiting the mausoleum. Follow security procedures and photography restrictions. |
| Getting there | You can travel from Hoan Kiem Lake or the Old Quarter. Take bus 09, 22, 32, 34, or 45, get off on Le Hong Phong Street, and walk from there. |
- The mausoleum is open for visits only in the morning and is closed on Mondays and Fridays, so check the date and seasonal hours in advance.
- The mausoleum may close for annual summer maintenance, and the pagoda may also close for official events.
Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison is a museum and historic site presenting the history of the French colonial period and the Vietnam War. Explore the prison’s history and the experiences of its inmates through the cells, artifacts, and explanatory displays.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Daily 08:00–17:00, including public holidays |
| Admission | 50,000 VND for foreign adults |
| Dress code | Modest clothing suitable for a historic site is recommended. |
| Getting there | About a 15-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. |
- If you want to understand the exhibits in depth, ask at the entrance whether audio guides are available.
- Open daily, including public holidays.
St. Joseph's Cathedral
St. Joseph's Cathedral is one of Hanoi’s best-known Catholic churches, recognized by its Neo-Gothic facade and twin bell towers. Access to the interior may vary depending on Mass and the church schedule.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dress code | Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended. |
| Getting there | It is within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. |
- Keep quiet during services, and follow on-site guidance about photography.
Hanoi Train Street
This narrow lane between homes and cafes offers a distinctive Hanoi scene, with real trains passing through. Tourist access depends on safety restrictions, so follow on-site instructions.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Getting there | It is in the Old Quarter, within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake. First check whether access at the lane entrance is allowed. |
- If an entrance is blocked or police or staff restrict access, do not try to go around the barrier.
- When a train approaches, move away from the tracks and platform edges and follow cafe staff instructions.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology exhibits the cultures and daily lives of the country’s many ethnic groups. Explore the indoor exhibits and traditional houses outdoors to learn about Vietnam’s diverse ways of life.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Daily 08:30–17:30 · Closed Mondays and New Year's Day |
| Admission | 40,000 VND for adults |
| Getting there | Head west from the Old Quarter. |
- If you plan to visit the outdoor exhibits, bring water and an umbrella for hot or rainy weather.
- Closed Mondays and New Year's Day. Check with the museum about Lunar New Year and public holiday hours.
West Lake · Tran Quoc Pagoda
West Lake is a large freshwater lake in northwest Hanoi, well suited for a lakeside walk and scenic views. You can also visit Tran Quoc Pagoda on the lake’s southeastern shore.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Tran Quoc Pagoda: approximately 07:30–17:00–18:00, varies by season |
| Admission | Free |
| Dress code | Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended. You may need to remove your shoes to enter the main hall. |
| Getting there | Head toward West Lake from Hoan Kiem Lake. |
- Dress modestly inside the temple and check whether you are asked to remove your shoes.
- Opening hours may vary by season and may be extended on Buddhist holidays.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre stages Vietnamese folk tales with wooden puppets performing on water. Enjoy scenes of rural life and legends accompanied by live traditional music.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | According to the performance schedule; the weekly schedule is available on the official website. |
| Admission | 100,000–200,000 VND for adults, depending on seat category. |
| Getting there | It is on the edge of Hoan Kiem Lake and easy to reach on foot from the Old Quarter. |
- Choose your preferred time and seat category when booking, and check the official weekly schedule again on the day of the performance.
Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is a large indoor market north of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, with wholesale and retail shops. Browse clothing, household goods, and food, then explore the nearby street food lanes.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 07:00–18:00 |
| Admission | Free |
| Getting there | About a 12–15-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. A Grab ride is listed at approximately 30,000–45,000 VND. |
- Visit during the day to browse the shops inside the market.
- Hours may change on public holidays, and individual shops set their own opening times.
Ha Long Bay day cruise
A day trip by boat to see Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands and coastal scenery. Depending on the package, it may include a cave and island visit, kayaking, meals, and round-trip transport from Hanoi.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dress code | Comfortable clothes and non-slip shoes are recommended for sun and wind. Bring a change of clothes if you plan to swim or kayak. |
| Getting there | Book a shuttle with your cruise operator from Hanoi’s Old Quarter or travel separately to the port. Ha Long Bay is about 160 km from Hanoi, and the one-way trip is listed as approximately 3.5–4 hours. |
- Before booking, check the departure port, return shuttle, port and attraction fees, and whether meals are included.
- Sailing schedules and routes may change depending on weather and port operations. An overnight trip is a better fit if you want to see sunset and early-morning scenery.
Trang An day trip, Ninh Binh
Trang An is a UNESCO mixed heritage landscape of limestone mountains, rivers, and caves. Take a boat along waterways through caves and past temples and natural scenery.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Listed as 07:00–16:00. |
| Admission | 300,000 VND for foreign adults, effective January 1, 2026 |
| Dress code | Comfortable clothing is recommended for the boat ride and temple visit. At temples, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. |
| Getting there | Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh on a day tour, bus, or train, then continue to the Trang An boat pier. Ninh Binh is about 100 km south of Hanoi, and travel by car, bus, or train is listed as approximately 1.5–2 hours. |
- Choose a boat route on site. The trip can take a while, so plan to arrive early.
- For a realistic day trip, plan for one boat tour at Trang An or Tam Coc and one viewpoint.
FAQ
Can I buy a combined ticket for Hanoi attractions?
Admission fees are listed separately for each attraction. Ha Long Bay cruise inclusions vary by package, so check the port, shuttle, admission fees, and meals before booking.
Is there a dress code for visiting temples or the mausoleum?
Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended at Ngoc Son Temple and Tran Quoc Pagoda. For a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, avoid shorts and sleeveless tops, and follow security procedures and photography restrictions.
When is the best time to visit Hanoi attractions?
Visit from Friday evening through Sunday to enjoy the Hoan Kiem pedestrian zone and street scene. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open for visits only in the morning and is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Can I visit Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh as day trips from Hanoi?
Both can be visited on day trips. Ha Long Bay takes about 3.5–4 hours each way, leaving around 4 hours on the water. Travel to Ninh Binh is listed as approximately 1.5–2 hours.
Official sources & check dates
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Site updated: 2026-10-28