What to do in Thanh Oai

Activities, attractions and tours

A row of colorful buildings reflected in calm water during twilight.

Thanh Oai Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Thanh Oai has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Thanh Oai, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Thanh Oai with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Thanh Oai

Thanh Oai is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Thanh Oai, and make it a breeze to explore Thanh Oai and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Thanh Oai to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Thanh Oai, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Thanh Oai.

Thanh Oai attractions

Thanh Oai has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Thanh Oai to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Thanh Oai.

Looking for things to do in Thanh Oai can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Thanh Oai or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Thanh Oai attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals.

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.
Learn more
A traditional temple with a dragon roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a calm lake.

2. 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.
Learn more
A Gothic cathedral with twin towers, a large rose window, and a cross at the top.

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.
Learn more
A classical building with white columns and yellow accents, featuring ornate decorations and a balcony with a balustrade.

4. Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s biggest marketplace, is a cavernous building full of tiny aisles. Built by the French at the end of the 19th century, the covered market today has stalls selling anything from household items and food, to clothes and shoes. Tourists visit the market mainly for the experience rather than the shopping.
Learn more
A shopping mall with a central fountain, multiple floors, and various shops.

5. 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.
Learn more
A large building with columns, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and trees.

What to do in Thanh Oai


Where to stay in Thanh Oai

Find the best Thanh Oai areas for the activities you enjoy most.

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

Panoramic lake views interesting history and top sights from Hoan Kiem Lake to Trang Tien Plaza – discover Hoan Kiem, a destination also famous for its shopping.

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 Hanoi Municipal Party Committee might round out your trip.

Hang Trong

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

Ba Dinh

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are just a few popular features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Ho Chi Minh Museum or Ba Dinh Square while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Cầu Giấy Station to get around town.


 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Thanh Oai

Frequently asked questions

Is Thanh Oai worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to discover the cultural attractions and local charm or try unique foods and explore in nature, there are plenty of things to do in Thanh Oai.
How do I spend a day in Thanh Oai?
After you've checked off the most popular attractions, spend the rest of your day exploring the shopping and food scene in Thanh Oai.
What is the top tourist attraction in Thanh Oai?
Plan your perfect escape by checking out our list of low-cost adventures, family-friendly activities and other amazing things to do in Thanh Oai.
Is three days enough to stay in Thanh Oai?
Three days is enough for a short trip to Thanh Oai — you'll hit the main sights and get a feel for the vibe of the place. But if you truly want to experience it all, book for at least a week or more to check out the nearby areas too.
What are some activities to do in Thanh Oai with kids?
Deciding what to do in Thanh Oai with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there's a range of family-friendly activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Thanh Oai for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of nature, there are many things to do in Thanh Oai for adults.
Are there free things to do in Thanh Oai?
You don't need to spend big to have a great holiday here. There are plenty of fun things to do in Thanh Oai for the budget-conscious traveller. Unwind in the parks, soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or ask a local tour guide for tips.