Things to do in Northern Vietnam

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Northern Vietnam

Types of activities

Where to stay

Northern Vietnam travel guide

Temple of Literature which includes a garden

Hoan Kiem which includes street scenes, motorbike riding and a city

Hanoi which includes shopping, street scenes and markets

Ho Chi Minh Museum which includes a park

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Top places to visit

1. Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoàn Kiếm Lake is a popular meeting spot in Hanoi and the location of one of the city’s most picturesque temples. Just a short walk from the old town, the lake provides a leafy escape from the city crowds and heat. Join the locals for a game of chess, stroll around the lake or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy beneath the trees.

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Hoan Kiem Lake which includes a lake or waterhole, a monument and heritage architecture

2. Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Vietnam thanks to its breathtaking natural landscape. Discover the bay from the comfort of a so-called junk, a traditional wooden sailing boat. The bay’s beauty, and its UNESCO heritage listing, is due mainly to the thousands of limestone islands that rise out of the sea.

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Halong Bay showing a bay or harbour and a sunset

3. Hanoi Opera House

Admire the architecture of the Hanoi Opera House from the outside or buy a ticket to one of the shows to really appreciate this grand venue.

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Hanoi Opera House which includes theatre scenes and heritage architecture

4. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

When the former Viet Minh leader died in 1969, his body was embalmed and placed in the grand Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This site is a place of great importance to many Vietnamese, and one of Hanoi’s most visited attractions.

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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum featuring a monument and a garden

5. St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi

St. Joseph Cathedral is a 19th-century neo-Gothic church built with the Notre Dame of Paris in mind. The church is a gathering place for the large Roman Catholic community of Hanoi and is also popular with tourists. Constructed when the French first occupied the city, St. Joseph Cathedral is a striking example of colonial architecture in Hanoi.

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St. Joseph Cathedral showing markets, heritage architecture and heritage elements

What to do in Northern Vietnam

Popular places to visit

Hoan Kiem Lake

4.5/5(160 reviews)

Wander around the banks of this peaceful lake and discover an historic temple, observe locals going about their daily life or enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade.

Ha Long Bay

Thousands of jagged, green peaks rising out of the emerald waters, surrounded by the colourful sails of traditional boats, give this bay an almost magical appeal.

Halong Bay Marina

4/5(1 review)

Explore the waterfront of Halong Bay Marina and enjoy other activities such as boating in Ha Long. You can seek out the local tours while in the area.

Sapa Lake

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Sapa Lake and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Sa Pa. You can seek out the hiking trails in this quaint area.

West Lake

5/5(4 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at West Lake during your travels in Hanoi. Amble around this culturally rich area's lakeside or seek out the local tours.

Hanoi Opera House

4.5/5(79 reviews)

This historic building is the centerpiece of Hanoi’s French Quarter and host to shows by many of Vietnam’s premier singers, dancers and musicians.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

4/5(95 reviews)

This massive tomb houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, a former Vietnamese president.

St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi

4/5(117 reviews)

At the heart of Hanoi stands a weathered neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church, a contrary sight in this predominantly Buddhist city.

Cat Ba National Park

5/5(1 review)

Explore the great outdoors at Cat Ba National Park, a lovely green space in Hai Phong. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Areas of Northern Vietnam

Old Quarter

Old Quarter is beloved for its panoramic lake views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street.

Hoan Kiem

4.5/5(549 area reviews)

The historic center of Hanoi, this maze of streets offers the city’s most traditional food, best souvenir shopping and lively nighttime entertainment.

Hanoi featuring street scenes, night scenes and signage

French Quarter

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to French Quarter. A stop by Hoan Kiem Lake or Vietnam Revolution Museum might round out your trip.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which includes a park and a monument

Ba Dinh

4/5(44 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Ba Dinh. A stop by Ho Chi Minh Museum or Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum might round out your trip.

St. Joseph Cathedral which includes a city, religious aspects and a church or cathedral

Hang Trong

If you're spending some time in Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street are top sights worth seeing.

Tay Ho

Escape the city and relax on the shores of Hanoi’s biggest lake. Enjoy local delicacies, gardens, historic sights, Buddhist temples and other attractions.