Top 10 Exciting Experiences to Try When Visiting Hanoi in 2026

If you are planning a trip to Hanoi in 2026, the following top 10 experiences promise to offer plenty of excitement.

What makes Hanoi travel so appealing?
👉 Visitors to Hanoi can explore the city via double-decker buses, discover the aquarium, and attend unique cultural shows like “The Quintessence of Tonkin” or water puppetry. They can also enjoy panoramic views from observation decks and participate in entertainment activities suitable for the whole family.

1. Explore Hanoi on a Hop-on Hop-off Double-Decker Bus
🚌 This is an exciting way to visit Hanoi’s highlights in a short amount of time.

✨ Sit on the upper deck to view the Old Quarter from a unique perspective and discover landmarks such as the Military History Museum, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Temple of Literature, and the Hanoi Opera House.

✔️ Suitable for:

▪️ First-time visitors to Hanoi.

▪️ International travelers, thanks to the multilingual commentary system catering to both domestic and foreign tourists.

2. Experience a Nighttime Double-Decker Bus Tour
🌃 Hanoi at night takes on a completely different beauty—shimmering and more peaceful.

👉 Highlights:

▪️ Watch the city light up.

▪️ Experience the atmosphere of Hanoi at night.

3. Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi
🐬 Immerse yourself in the beauty of the vast ocean and explore 67 large display tanks featuring over 31,000 marine creatures across more than 400 species.

💙 Visitors can explore a 650-meter-long route winding through the aquarium’s various zones. Each zone features a unique theme: Peaceful Countryside, Seaside Stroll, Blue Ocean Exploration, Ocean Square, and more.

✔️ Suitable for: Families with young children, couples, and groups of friends.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the vast ocean.

4. Fun at VinKE & Times City Aquarium
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 An entertainment destination offering enriching experiences, especially for children.

👮 Participate in exciting career-oriented role-playing games.

👉 Embark on a fascinating journey to an “ocean kingdom” right in the heart of the capital. Admire hundreds of unique marine species.

🐟 Hand-feed the fish and be captivated by the enchanting “Mermaid” performance.
A fascinating journey to the “ocean kingdom.”
5. Experience the “Hanoi 5 City Gates” Train
🚂 The train features five double-decker passenger carriages and two dedicated photo-op carriages, with interiors themed after the capital’s famous five ancient city gates.

✨ Enjoy live performances of traditional musical genres such as *Quan họ*, *Chèo*, *Ca trù*, and *Hát xẩm*.

6. Watch the “Quintessence of Northern Vietnam” Show
✨ Vietnam’s largest water stage, offering an experience that is both intimate and unique.

👉 Recreates stories reflecting the lifestyle of the Northern Delta people.

🌠 A visual and auditory feast featuring modern lighting and 3D technology.

Experience Vietnam’s first real-life outdoor spectacle.

7. Watch Thang Long Water Puppetry
🎊 A signature traditional Vietnamese art form.

✨ Immerse yourself in vibrant, lively performances. 💙 A recreation of rural village life and folklore, accompanied by lively traditional music.

8. Join the Temple of Literature night tour
✨ A site renowned as a symbol of Vietnamese wisdom and the tradition of valuing education.

✨ Admire the ancient atmosphere and, in particular, the “Essence of Confucianism” 3D mapping show in the Thai Hoc Courtyard.

9. View Hanoi from the Lotte Observation Deck
✨ Challenge yourself by walking on the glass Skywalk floor on the 65th floor—an experience that is both thrilling and exhilarating.

🚀 Ride the high-speed elevator that whisks you up to the Lotte Observation Deck in mere seconds.

🌆 Take in the full beauty of Hanoi from above and enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling capital.

10. KidZania – a paradise for children
🌟 Featuring over 40 career role-playing activities—such as engineer, doctor, chef, and pilot—that vividly simulate real-life professions for children aged 4 to 15.

👷 Develop life skills through engaging, hands-on experiences.

📍 A safe environment designed to international standards.