One Day in Hanoi [Part 2]
Where to visit for one-day-ish in Hanoi
Hello friends,
As last time I shared about what to eat and drink, today in this part 2 I’m gonna share about where to visit. If you missed part 1, no worries, you can catch up on it here.
And if you're new here, welcome welcome! I’m just someone who loves to share a good story and hopefully help make your own travel a little easier and more fun. Alright, let’s get into the places I visited!
Where to Visit in Hanoi for One Day
I visited the capital during a long weekend holiday, which meant: crowds everywhere. Since I only had one day to explore, I focused on spots I hadn't seen during previous visits. Let’s just say, my feet were not ready but I wasn’t tired as things were beautiful and interesting to see.
1. Vietnam Military History Museum
If you like stories from the past, the kind told through weathered tanks, bold red flags and planes that once roared across the sky, then this museum might be your thing.
Founded way back in 1956, this museum has just had a major glow-up, with a brand-new location opened in late 2024. It now sits proudly in Nam Từ Liêm District, telling stories that are a big part of Vietnam’s identity.
📍 Address: Km6+500 Đại lộ Thăng Long, phường Tây Mỗ, quận Nam Từ Liêm
⏰ Operating hours: 8.00 - 11.30AM | 1.00 - 4.30PM
Everyday of the week (except Mondays & Fridays)
🎟️ Ticket price: 40,000VND/person
To be honest, the day we went, it was packed. So, we chose to explore the outdoor section. There’s a surprisingly huge area with tanks and aircrafts, some from the Vietnamese army, some from the US.
We spent about 30–40 minutes outside before deciding to skip the inside exhibits and save the full experience for a quieter day.
Tips:
Check Google Maps to avoid peak times (and peak chaos).
Closed during lunch (11:30 AM–1:00 PM).
Wear shoes that don’t hate your feet.
Some outdoor displays can get hot under the sun, so bring water or a hat.
Photos are allowed in most areas, but check the signs just in case.
2. Temple of Literature
Back in the center of Hanoi, we headed to the Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first national university, built in 1070. It honors Confucius and has strong scholarly vibes.
📍 Address: 58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa
⏰ Operating hours: 8.00AM - 5.00PM everyday
🎟️ Ticket price: 70,000VND/person
The place is beautiful with peaceful gardens, ancient courtyards and turtle steles with names of scholars who passed the imperial exams. That’s some serious academic energy.
History of the Temple of Literature – Quốc Tử Giám
Built during the Lý dynasty in 1070 to honor Confucius.
Turned into a school in 1076 for royal and noble children.
Later opened to top commoner students.
Stone steles were added to honor those who passed imperial exams.
Under the Nguyễn dynasty, another Quốc Tử Giám was established in Huế. The Hanoi site was renovated and renamed the Hanoi Temple of Literature.
Fun fact: Students often visit before exams to wish for luck (many rub the statues for extra good vibes... not sure if that’s allowed though).
3. Wander Around the City Center
If you have time or want an alternative plan to stay in the center instead of going far, I’d suggest visiting the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It served as the political center of Vietnam for over a thousand years, from the Ly dynasty through to the Nguyen.
📍 Address: 19c Hoàng Diệu, Điện Biên, Ba Đình
⏰ Operating hours: 8.00AM - 5.00PM everyday
🎟️ Ticket price: 70,000VND/person
Or if you're into art, I'd suggest visiting Thang Long Art Gallery. We stumbled across this gallery on Hang Gai Street (as an art lover I loved it). It's one of the biggest in Hanoi, showcasing Vietnamese art from the post-colonial to modern period.
Thang Long Art Gallery
📍 Address: 41 Hàng Gai, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm
🎟️ Free entry
And while you’re at it, walk around:
Hoan Kiem Lake – becomes a walking street on weekends
(summer: 7PM – midnight | winter: 6PM – midnight)St. Joseph Cathedral – a slice of Europe in Hanoi
Tran Quoc Pagoda – one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam
Old Quarter – charming streets with names from their original trades
Fun fact about street names in the Old Quarter, for example:
Hàng Chĩnh: was the street for jars and pottery (Rue des Vases).
Hàng Bông (Rue du Coton): used to be packed with cotton traders and quilt makers.
Hàng Lược: originally known for many shops selling combs (wooden combs, horn combs, and later plastic ones).
If you’re curious the meaning of the names while visiting the Old Quarter, don’t hesitate to ask locals or translate them.
4. Weather in Hanoi
Hanoi’s climate is clearly divided into four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter; each with its own unique charm that sets it apart from the others.
Spring brings gentle, lingering drizzles and warm weather, creating ideal conditions for plants to grow and sprout.
Summer is quite hot and humid, but it comes with the familiar, nostalgic sound of cicadas humming in the trees.
Autumn is the most noticeable transition between seasons, with cool, crisp air and a light chill that makes it perfect for strolls, this is often considered the best time for a one-day trip in Hanoi.
Winter in Hanoi is dry and biting cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping below 10°C, so be sure to pack warm clothes if you're visiting during this time.
No matter when you come, just check the forecast before packing — shoes and jackets matter more than you’d expect.
5. Getting Around - Move Like a Local
If you know how to ride a motorbike and feel confident, renting one is super convenient and you can be flexible.
If not, you can use apps like Grab or Be (just like Uber). They offer bikes, cars, and even delivery.
Hanoi’s also got buses and a growing metro system if you’re up for a little public adventure.
That’s it for today’s Hanoi stroll. I hope this gives you some ideas, or at least brings a bit of Vietnamese energy to your screen. Let me know if you’ve been to any of these places, or if you have other spots to recommend. I’d love to hear!
Until next time ✨
thanks for sharing! thinking of visiting in 1-3months. and just my personal thought , but putting a USD conversion could be helpful, a lot more people are familiar with this currency and those entrance fees sound like a fortune.