Choose from 67 Fun Things to Do in Northern Vietnam
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Sapa
The capital of Sa Pa District in the Lao Cai province of Vietnam, Sapa and its surroundings are home to eight cultural minorities, including H'mong, Dao, Tay, Giay, Muong, Thai, Hoa, and Xa Pho. As there are numerous markets in Sapa as well as locals selling their wares on the streets, a good chance for interacting with these people is by perusing their local goods. Sapa is known for its embroidery, so if you’re looking for an authentic local souvenir this is a good idea.
Along with being home to an array of rich cultures, the mountain town of Sapa is a haven for hikers. Sapa resides in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and is home to Indochina’s highest peak, Fansipan at 3,143 meters (10,312 feet). Spend some time exploring the mountain scenery, rice terrace and farms through treks like the one to the ethnic Cat Cat village or Y Linh Ho. All around Sapa there are booths where you’ll be able to pick up hiking maps that are easy to read, so you’ll have plenty of options for scenic hikes.
Along with being home to an array of rich cultures, the mountain town of Sapa is a haven for hikers. Sapa resides in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and is home to Indochina’s highest peak, Fansipan at 3,143 meters (10,312 feet). Spend some time exploring the mountain scenery, rice terrace and farms through treks like the one to the ethnic Cat Cat village or Y Linh Ho. All around Sapa there are booths where you’ll be able to pick up hiking maps that are easy to read, so you’ll have plenty of options for scenic hikes.
Address: Sapa, Vietnam
From $ 57
My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary is more than just the "beautiful mountain" its namesake describes. These Hindu ruins, which were constructed between the 4th and 13th centuries, pay homage to deities like Vishnu, Krishna and Shiva. Ancient and impressive towers and temples sit upon emerald hills in the Duy Xuyen District of the Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam. Visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site can wander through eight groups of 71 structures, which some visitors say are less impressive than Cambodia's Siam Reap.
Still, what was once considered the homeland of the Cham people today remains an incredible example of Vietnam's indigenous culture.
Still, what was once considered the homeland of the Cham people today remains an incredible example of Vietnam's indigenous culture.
Practical Info
Many hotels and hostels coordinate day trips to the park, located about an hour outside Hoi An. My Son is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $5USD to enter. Sunrise tours typically depart the city at 5 a.m., however travelers who arrive later in the day will find fewer visitors in the sanctuary.
Address: Duy Phu Commune, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $5USD
From $ 20
Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)
A key landmark in the historical center of Hanoi, charming Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) offers a peaceful escape from the hectic pace and crowds of the city. It’s a popular meeting spot, and also makes a great place to people watch and experience local culture.
The Basics
The best way to enjoy the lake is on foot. A walking path circling the lake can be completed in 30 minutes. Plenty of trees and benches offer shade and a place to rest around the lake. Along the way, take in views of Turtle Tower, or visit Ngoc Son Temple, situated on an island in the lake. Or stop at a café or restaurant nearby and watch life in Hanoi unfold in front of you.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular destination and most sightseeing tours will feature a stop here, along with other attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hoan Kiem Lake is a must-see for first time visitors to Hanoi.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera for, as there are many photogenic spots in and around the lake.
- It’s free to visit Hoan Kiem lake, but there is a fee to enter Ngoc Son Temple.
- It’s not possible to visit Turtle Tower.
How to Get There
The lake is located between the Old Quarter, to its north, and the French Quarter, to its south, making it easy to walk to from either location, as well as most of central Hanoi. It’s also accessible via taxi and the 9 or 36 bus.
When to Get There
In the early morning, catch locals exercising and doing Tai Chi. Come back at night to see the city lights reflected in the water. Weekend nights, the area around the lake is closed off to motorized traffic.
Lake of the Restored Sword
Hoan Kiem Lake is also known is the Lake of the Restored Sword. There are variations to the legend behind how the lake got that name, but they all feature Emperor Le Loi, whose borrowed magic sword enabled him to defeat the invading Chinese in the 15th century. In the center of the lake you can see Turtle Tower, which honors the magic golden turtle that delivered the sword back to its owner.
Address: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 20
Quang Ninh Museum
Quang Ninh Museum is housed in a striking modern building located along the coast of Halong Bay. Spread across three blocks, the structure includes the main museum, a library, and a convention center, all connected by an overhead bridge system. The ground floor is dedicated to the flora and fauna of the region, and the second floor focuses on the history of the province, with displays of US wartime military and some fascinating ancient artifacts dating back to 2000 BC. The third floor of the museum is predominantly about the coal industry in the province, covering its history with stories of the miners and displays of various artifacts.
To get a real insight into the history and culture of this region, join a full-day Halong City tour and visit all of the important landmarks, such as Hon Gai Church, Long Tien Pagoda, and Quang Ninh Museum. If you’re short on time, you can include a visit to the museum on a private half-day Halong City tour, where you can enjoy the stunning views over Halong Bay from Bai Tho Mountain — the highest point in the city.
Practical Info
Quang Ninh Museum is located along the shoreline of Halong City. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm, but is closed on Mondays and from 11:30am to 2pm daily.
Did You Know? The museum building was designed by Spanish architect, Salvador Perez Arroyo. It is made up of 14,000 square-meters of dark glass panels that act as a giant mirror reflecting back the natural beauty of Halong Bay.
Address: Tran Quoc Nghien, Halong City, North Vietnam, Vietnam
Hours: Tues–Sun: 9am–6pm; (Closed from 11:30am to 2pm daily)
Admission: 30,000 VND
From $ 54
Long Bien Bridge
Designed by Parisian architects and built between 1899 and 1902, Hanoi’s Long Bien Bridge was the first steel bridge spanning the Red River and has long been a point of pride for the Vietnamese. During the war against the French in 1954, the bridge served as a vital transportation link for moving food into Northern Central Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, the bridge was bombed by American air attacks, and yet today, it still stands as a testament to the nation’s tumultuous history.
Apart from its historical significance, the bridge has a pedestrian path where vendors often set up stalls selling some of the city’s tastiest street foods. It’s also one of the best spots in Hanoi for watching a sunrise or sunset, and it’s not unusual to see young couples having their wedding pictures taken on the historic structure.
Practical Info
While the Long Bien Bridge has a footpath, pedestrians should still be careful of the often congested motorbike traffic crossing the bridge.
Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 31
Quang Ba Flower Market
The Quang Ba Flower Market in Hanoi is a night market situated on the edge of West Lake. It begins at around 2am and doesn’t wind down until well after the sun rises. As the largest flower market in Hanoi, Quang Ba has fresh flowers shipped in from all over Vietnam each and every day.
The Quang Ba market is at its busiest and most atmospheric when it first starts up in the early hours, when the bustle of commercial wholesale buyers arrive to strike their deals. Later in the morning, the market sees more individual buyers – locals shopping for flowers for celebrations, offerings, and other occasions. It is especially worth a visit here during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), when flowers are used in abundance to mark the festivities.
With its piles of fragrant blossoms – from chrysanthemums and roses to sunflowers and orchids – the beeping of moped horns, and teems of bustling locals, the Quang Ba Flower Market is one of Hanoi’s most colorful attractions.
Practical Info
The Quang Ba Flower Market is located not far from the Old Quarter and close to West Lake. It can be easily reached by taxi or cyclo.
Address: Au Co Street, Hanoi, North Vietnam, Vietnam
Hours: 2am- sunrise (often later)
From $ 46
Kenh Ga
The fishing village of Kenh Ga has been described by travel bloggers as amalgamation of Halong Bay, the marshy fens of England and Mediterranean Europe. And, perhaps visually, that’s true—Kenh Ga, is a working community set amidst limestone karst formations and rice paddies and its waterfront main drag is dominated by a bright yellow-steepled Catholic church. But it’s also a vibrant rural village whose residents, until recently, used to live entirely on the water as a floating village. The town retains its watery roots and the sleepy, green-brown Hoang Long River serves as its main drag. Villagers sell vegetables, fish along the riverbanks and even ferry children to the local school by boat, and it is still possible to find some families who continue to live aboard floating houseboats.
Kenh Ga, which loosely translates to ‘chicken canal,’ was supposedly named for its population of wild chickens and a local hot spring (included in some tours) that was used to soak chickens to ready them for plucking. The village is only accessible by boat and affords a glimpse into a community whose way of life has been little-changed by time.
Practical Info
Motorboats to Kenh Ga depart from the boat pier 6 miles from Highway 1 north. Boat tours from here cost around 200,000VND ($9USD) for two people and last about an hour and a half round trip. Several tours companies include Kenh Ga in multi-day itineraries originating in Hanoi; it is possible to find a day trip specifically to the Ninh Binh region that will likely also include the region’s other popular sites. Though generally the rainy season from June to September is a time to avoid popular outdoor sites, this attraction is at its prime when water levels are highest.
Address: Gia Thịnh, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Admission: Boat tours from here cost around 200,000VND
From $ 62
Opera House (Nha Hat Lon)
The Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon) is a 100-year-old performance hall with architecture modeled on the Palais Garnier opera house in Paris. Nha Hat Lon was erected by the French colonial administration at the turn of the 20th century and is a landmark building in Hanoi. It was built in a typical French style with classic gothic features.
In 1997, the modernization and repair of the building was undertaken by Vietnamese French architects, and the decorative designs on the ceilings, arches, walls, and doors were renewed. Home to the Vietnam Symphony Orchestra, the Opera House also hosts the Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Ballet, plus both traditional and modern local productions.
No tours of the building are offered but the exterior makes for some good photo opportunities. In terms of atmosphere, the Opera House is best seen at night when it is illuminated by lights.
Practical Info
The Hanoi Opera House is situated on Trang Tien Street, near the Red River and not far from Hoan Kiem Lake.
Address: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hanoi, North Vietnam, Vietnam
Admission: Various
From $ 20
Hon Ga Choi Island (Fighting Cocks Island)
A distinctive pair of karst islets jutting out from the calm waters of Halong Bay; the unique Hon Ga Choi Island has become one of the bay’s most memorable landmarks and among the most photographed attractions for cruise visitors. Located right in the heart of the bay, the jagged rock formations loom 12 meters over the water, improbably perched on narrow, weatherworn bases and appearing to lean towards each other.
It’s this peculiar creation of nature that afforded the island its name - Hon Ga Choi (Fighting Cocks Island), or Trong Mai Island (Cock and Hen Island), depending who you ask. For the full effect, pass by the islands at sunrise or sunset, when the dreamy sunlight casts a red hue over the rocks, further enhancing their cockerel-like appearance.
Practical Info
Hon Ga Choi Island is located in Halong Bay, between Cat Ba Island and the mainland.
Address: Hon Ga Choi Island, Vietnam
From $ 48
Muong Hoa Valley
Located just over 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Sapa, the emerald green Muong Hoa Valley features some of the most breathtakingly picturesque landscapes in Vietnam. Home to Ban Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Hau Thao, Ta Phin and Su Pa ethnic minority populations, the valley is one of the biggest rice-growing areas in the region. The rolling emerald hills, epic views and fascinating traditional villages are just part of what greets travelers who opt to trek here.
Journeys ranging from two to six hours wind through low-lying grasslands, rice paddies and quiet villages where local women share fascinating stories about life in the countryside of Vietnam. Visitors can get an up-close look at the Hmong people’s way of life while peeking into homes, exploring farms and tasting traditional dishes. A voyage into Muong Hoa Valley is a multi-sensory experience that is not to be missed.
Trekkers follow the path of the Muong Hoa River through rice fields and sleepy villages, with stops to visit homes, taste traditional local dishes and learn about day-to-day life in a place that seems immune to the passage of time. Trekkers can participate in a homestay in one of several villages, where a local family plays host and offers a home-cooked meal.
Practical Info
A typical Muong Hoa Valley trek includes about 5 hours of walking with some altitude changes along the way. Some trails are steep and can be slick after rains. Local guides can be helpful with navigating the terrain and hiking-specific footwear is suggested during wet months.
Address: Muong Hoa Valley, Sapa, Vietnam
Hours: Daily
From $ 54
Mai Chau
Escape the kinetic energy and unmistakable chaos of Hanoi on a visit to the hillside destination of Mai Chau. Visitors can embark on a traditional homestay in the rural villages surrounding Mai Chan and spend the night tucked into old-school stilt houses amid wildlife and nature. The remarkable juxtaposition between city and country is never more evident than on a two-day escape to this popular stop.
Visitors will find plenty of rolling country trails for biking and hiking nestled amid the emerald hillsides of this stunning landscape. The breathtaking scenery is just part of what attracts locals and tourists alike and the quiet splendor of nature proves pure relaxation for those who travel through it. Visitors can mingle with White Thai locals and learn more about the cultures and traditions that make this ethnic minority so unique. Incredible brightly colored textiles handmade by local women make for the perfect keepsake to remember a stay in Mai Chau.
Practical Info
Mai Chau’s close proximity to Hanoi makes it the ideal escape for locals, which means weekends are often busy due to Vietnamese travelers. Visitors who want to experience Mai Chau at its best would do well to visit during the mid-week when crowds are fewer and the town’s rural beauty is most evident.
Address: Mai Chau, Hòa Bình Province, Vietnam
From $ 42
Me Cung Cave (Bewitching Grotto)
The evocatively named Me Cung Cave, or Bewitching Grotto, stands out among the many caves of Halong Bay for more than just its beauty – it’s also an important archaeological find, where significant prehistoric remains have been found. Squeeze through the narrow doorway, a gaping hole etched into the cliff side, and you’ll find yourself in an underground wonderland, with small rocky chambers and tumbling stalagmites and stalactites, lit-up by trickles of daylight and sprinkled with fossilized shells.
Following the pathway out of the cave, a rock-cut stairwell leads to another dramatic sight - the shimmering Me Cung Lake, with its startling blue waters circled by karst cliffs and harboring a colorful array of coral, fish and sea creatures.
Practical Info
Me Cung Cave is located on Lom Bo Island, close to Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island in Halong Bay.
Address: Me Cung Cave, Halong Bay, Vietnam
From $ 312
One-Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot)
Legend has it that while Emperor Ly Thai Tong was troubled about being childless, he dreamt that he met the bodhisattva, Quan Am, who, sitting on a lotus flower, offered him a son. Soon after he married a peasant girl who bore him a son, and in gratitude he built the One Pillar Pagoda (or Chua Mot Cot) in the design of a lotus flower on its stem rising from a square pond.
The original temple was destroyed by the French Union in 1954, it was rebuilt on a single concrete pillar of 1.25 meter (4 foot) diameter. The temple itself is made from wood and bears a statue of Quan Am, to whom it is dedicated, inside.
Practical Info
The One-Pillar Pagoda is situated in the park behind Ho Chi Minh Museum.
Half-light at early morning or sunset gives a beautiful and mysterious photographic view of the temple and its reflection across the pond.
Address: Off Pho Chua Mot Cot, Ban Dinh District, Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hours: Open daily 6am - 6pm
Admission: Free
From $ 28
Hoa Lu
Over a thousand years ago, the stretch of sleepy countryside around Hoa Lu in northerly Ninh Binh province was a lot livelier as the site of the country’s former capital. Reportedly chosen by the Dinh dynasty (AD 968-80) to ensure enough distance between it and its northerly neighbor China, today much of the capital’s former splendor—fortress walls, temples, shrines and more—have been lost to time.
Still, visitors can explore two surviving temples built to honor emperors Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh and the dynasties they represent; the latter includes a small museum housing some artifacts excavated from an old earthen city wall. The Dinh Tien Hoang temple, perhaps the more impressive of the two, got a facelift in the 17th century. Just outside you’ll find the pedestal from his throne, and inside a statue of the emperor depicted with his three sons. A short walk away, some vestiges of the old palace’s foundation, unearthed by the Vietnamese Archaeology Institute in 1998, remain.
To truly soak in the full expanse of the just-over-a-square-mile complex, take the 20-minute walk up Ma Yen mountain via the path near the Hoa Lu ticket booth, it leads to the tombs of the temple’s two namesake emperors and overlooks the region.
Practical Info
The only way to access Hoa Lua is via an organized tour, often from Hanoi, or by taxi from Ninh Binh 10 miles south; the site is not serviced by public transit. Admission to the temples is approximately 12,000VND (about $.50USD) and usually included in day-trip tours.
Address: Unnamed Rd Trường Yên Hoa Lư, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
From $ 33
Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Located in the Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc Districts of Northern Vietnam, Pu Luong Nature Reserve comprises 43,643 acres (17,662 hectares) and one of the largest swathes of limestone mountain forest remaining in the nation. The park attracts eco-tourists from around the globe with its incredible biodiversity: nearly 600 species of fauna, including the second largest population of Delacour’s langur in Vietnam.
While many visitors come – and rightly so – for the spectacular natural scenery and wildlife watching, the two mountain ridges that make up the reserve also sandwich a valley of agricultural land where a Thai ethnic minority live. In Hieu Hamlet, visitors can see traditional Thai water wheels, verdant rice terraces and traditional stilted houses. Homestays with local families living in the valley are also an option.
Practical Info
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located 112 miles (180 kilometers) from Hanoi.
Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 130
Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong)
One of Vietnam’s most important pilgrimage sites, the Perfume Pagoda is a vast complex of Buddhist temples, grottos, and shrines dotted around Huong Tich Mountain. The shrines lie amid a flooded valley of towering karst cliffs and lotus fields—a stunning backdrop that makes for some incredible photo opportunities.
The Basics
The journey to the Perfume Pagoda is as much a part of the experience as the destination. Cruise along the scenic waterways of the Yen River aboard a traditional row boat, then arrive at the Perfume Pagoda, where you can hike between the cliff-side temples, or ride the cable car to the mountaintop Huong Tich Cave, home to the most impressive shrines. Most visitors choose to take a Perfume Pagoda tour from Hanoi, and many tours include hotel pickup, lunch, and entrance fees.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Touts, hawkers, and unofficial guides are in abundance around the Perfume Pagoda—it’s worth pre-booking a guided tour with a reputable guide to ensure professional service.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you will be required to climb in and out of small boats and walk over uneven ground.
- There are plenty of street vendors selling water and snacks, but bring your own to avoid paying inflated prices.
- Due to its tricky-to-reach location, the pagoda is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Perfume Pagoda is located around 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Hanoi—about a 2-hour drive. From there, it’s a 45-minute boat ride from Ben Yen pier to Thien Tru harbor, followed by a short cable car ride or a 1.3-mile (2-kilometer) hike uphill to Huong Tich Cave.
When to Get There
By far the busiest time to visit the Perfume Pagoda is during the annual Tet (Vietnamese New Year) celebrations, normally held in January or February. Huge crowds of pilgrims descend on the shrines during the festivities, and it’s best to avoid visiting at this time. The high season runs from February to April, and it’s a good idea to make an early start during this period, especially if you are traveling down from Hanoi.
A Perfume Pagoda Pilgrimage
Pilgrims from all over the country bring offerings for Buddha to the Perfume Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most important religious sites. After descending the 120 steps into Huong Tich Cave, pilgrims often leave offerings by the various stalactites, each named after its appearance. The most revered are Nui Co (the Maiden) and Nui Cau (the Youth), where offerings are left in hope of fertility.
Address: Huong Tich, Hanoi, Vietnam
Admission: Free. Cable Car Roundtrip Ticket: VND 70,000
From $ 30
Lan Ha Bay
Sprawling off the southeast coast of Cat Ba Island, the remote Lan Ha Bay is an idyllic spot to escape the crowds of Halong Bay and those looking to venture off-the-beaten-track will find a natural playground ripe for exploring. Like the rest of Halong Bay, the best way to get around Lan Ha Bay is by boat and the startling turquoise waters are peppered with more than 300 karst islands and dozens of white sand beaches.
Aside from swimming, rock climbing, hiking and kayaking are the most popular activities in Lan Ha Bay. Additional highlights include the Monkey Island resort, so called for its boisterous population of free-roaming monkeys; camping on Hai Pai Beach (Tiger Beach); and visiting the Cai Beo floating village, one of the oldest of its kind in Vietnam.
Practical Info
Lan Ha Bay is located off the southeast coast of Cat Ba Island in Halong Bay.
Address: Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam
From $ 31
Phu Tay Ho
Upon first look, Phu Tay Ho appears to be a traditional Buddhist temple. But locals are quick to inform that this beautiful religious and historical structure is actually a palace dedicated to three Mother Goddesses.
After passing through stalls selling cakes, flowers and incense intended for worship and offerings, visitors can enter into a building that houses three ornate thrones intended for the goddesses. This room also houses a statue of the Jade Emperor, who is also worshiped at this palace. A well-kept courtyard showcases a golden buffalo and its calf, which is part of ancient Vietnamese folklore dating back to the Ly Dynasty.
Practical Info
Phu Tay Ho is located on the northern bank of Phu Tay Ho Lake, near Xuan Dieu Street. It is open daily from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Address: Xuan Dieu Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.
From $ 80
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh, located in the Red River Delta of Northern Vietnam, is an ideal base for exploring the nearby karst scenery, particularly at Tam Coc (Three Caves). At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, limestone formations tower above verdant rice paddies in what is considered one of Vietnam’s most spectacular areas.
The Basics
Most travelers visit Ninh Binh Province on a day tour from Hanoi, and activity options are plentiful. Take in the gorgeous scenery of “Halong Bay on Land” from a traditional sampan boat along the meandering Hoang Long River, cycle along quiet rural roads past rice fields and through small villages, or learn more about the region’s feudal dynasties cultural heritage with visits to the temples of Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ninh Binh is a must-see for nature lovers and photographers.
- Day trips from Hanoi can last upwards of 10 hours, depending on the option you choose.
- Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, as the area can get hot and humid.
- Be sure to have some cash with you; there are no ATMs in Tam Coc or the area.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Ninh Binh is by bus from the Giap Bat bus station in Hanoi. The trip takes two to three hours.
When to Get There
There’s not really a bad time to visit Ninh Binh. While the rainy season (May to October) can get hot and humid, the rainfall means the rice fields are at their greenest and most photogenic. Visitors in the dry season (November to April) enjoy cooler, drier weather.
Other Points of Interest in Ninh Binh
While many Ninh Binh visitors head directly to Tam Coc, the region boasts many other worthy sights. An easy bike ride outside of town, the Trang An Grottoes are a series of caves similar to those at Tam Coc but less touristed. Bird-watchers should set aside time for a visit to Thung Nham Bird Garden, where the trees teem with nesting birds during the early morning and late afternoon. Adventure travelers will find plentiful hiking and biking opportunities within Cuc Phuong National Park, a rain forest area with a botanical garden and primate rescue center.
Address: Ninh Binh, Vietnam
From $ 32
Ngoc Son Temple
Set on its own island on Hoan Kiem Lake, it’s easy to see why picturesque Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain) is one of the most visited places of worship in Hanoi. Full of history and scenic beauty, this fascinating 19th-century temple offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.
The Basics
Constructed in the classical Vietnamese style, the temple is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao (who defeated the Mongols), La To (patron saint of physicians), and scholar Van Xuong. Walk across the elegant Huc Bridge, painted in red, to Jade Island, where the temple is located. Admire the ornate Three Passage Gate, and take in the different structures, including the Pen Tower, Ink Slab, Moon Contemplation Pavilion, and Tran Ba Pavilion.
Many half-day and full-day sightseeing tours of Hanoi will feature a stop at Ngoc Son Temple, along with other top attractions such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. Or experience Hanoi like a local on a motorbike tour around the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees to enter the temple; appropriate clothing can be borrowed at the entrance with an ID deposit.
- Don’t forget to take in panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake from Huc Bridge.
- Periodic renovations can shut down significant portions of the temple grounds.
How to Get There
Ngoc Son Temple is located within Hoan Kiem Lake, just south of the Old Town and north of the French Quarter. You can walk to the temple from most areas of central Hanoi. It is also accessible by the 36 bus.
When to Get There
The temple is open daily. Visit early in the morning to see locals around the lake practicing Tai Chi, and to beat the crowds. The temple is very popular on weekends, with smaller crowds during the week. For the best photos, visit around sunset or in the evening, when the temple is lit up and reflected in the calm waters of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Turtle Tower
Turtle Tower is the other structure in Hoan Kiem Lake. A 3-tiered pavilion, it’s also known as Thap Rua. A key icon of Hanoi, it was built in the 19th century to commemorate the golden turtle and the returned sword of legend. Although it’s not accessible to the public, its illuminated after dark and offers a great photo opportunity, particularly with its shimmering reflection in the lake. accessible to the public.
Address: Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam
Admission: Varies
From $ 28