Hanoi & the North, Vietnam: things to do, prices and tips 2026

Things to do in Hanoi & the North (Vietnam): Hoan Kiem Lake & the Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Train Street. Prices, opening times and the author’s tips.

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What to see

🏮Hoan Kiem Lake & the Old Quarter

The heart of Hanoi: a lake with the red The Huc Bridge and an island temple, ringed by 36 old streets, each of which once sold its own trade: silk, silver, paper lanterns.

Price Free; Ngoc Son Temple about 30,000 ₫

Insider tip From Friday evening to Sunday the streets around the lake are closed to cars and bikes: walk, eat and watch the street musicians. At 6 am locals dance and exercise by the water.

📜Temple of Literature

Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070. Five quiet courtyards with ponds and stelae on stone turtles, carved with the names of the country's best scholars.

Price About 70,000 ₫

Insider tip Go at opening time (8 am), before the school groups. In May and June graduates in gowns come here for photos: lovely and lively.

🚂Train Street

A narrow lane where the train passes half a metre from café tables and front doors. You sit with a coffee on a tiny stool as the train rumbles past, horn blaring.

Price Free entry; coffee at a café 50,000–80,000 ₫

Insider tip Access keeps opening and closing: in 2026 some entrances are blocked and only café customers are let in. Ask the café owner for the train times and pull your feet and bags back as soon as you hear the signal.

⛰Ha Long Bay

Almost two thousand limestone islands in emerald water: Vietnam's signature view.

Secret spot: details and the map pin are in the full guide

🛶Trang An, Ninh Binh

"Ha Long Bay on land": a rowing boat through caves among rice fields and karsts.

Secret spot: details and the map pin are in the full guide

All of Vietnam

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