Top 10 Photography Spots in Hanoi: Hoan Kiem Ward & Beyond Guide

Capture the Soul of Vietnam’s Photogenic Capital

Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, enchants over 18 million visitors annually with its blend of ancient heritage and modern energy, making it a photographer’s paradise. Centered in Hoan Kiem Ward, the Old Quarter’s 76 historic streets and iconic Hoan Kiem Lake offer endless photo opportunities, from serene temples to bustling markets, with most spots free or low-cost ($0–$1.20). Beyond Hoan Kiem, landmarks like the Long Bien Bridge and Temple of Literature provide diverse backdrops for street, portrait, and landscape photography, perfect for Instagram or professional portfolios.

Hanoi’s 1,000-year-old legacy, rooted in the Thang Long capital, shines through its French colonial architecture and Vietnamese traditions, creating timeless frames. Eco-friendly practices, such as LED-lit pedestrian streets and digital tour bookings, align with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative, set in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F). Legend Travel Group’s sustainable photography tours guide you to Hanoi’s most photogenic spots, ensuring a green, unforgettable experience. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Update

Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with former Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward under Hanoi City’s administration, simplifying navigation to photography spots using ward-based maps.

Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly photography tours in Hanoi, tailored for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like electric cyclos, led by English-speaking guides who share top photo locations, cultural insights, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting local artisans and vendors, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and capture Hanoi’s beauty responsibly!

Hanoi’s Old Quarter in Hoan Kiem Ward, with its 1,000-year history, is a visual feast, blending Ly Dynasty temples, French colonial facades, and vibrant street life. The pedestrian street, active Friday to Sunday from 7:00 PM to midnight, transforms Hàng Đào and Đinh Tiên Hoàng into a car-free stage for night photography, hosting 50,000–100,000 visitors weekly. Beyond Hoan Kiem, landmarks like the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and Tran Quoc Pagoda offer historical depth, with minimal entry fees ($0–$1.20). Sustainable practices, like digital photography and eco-friendly transport, ensure low environmental impact, making Hanoi a must-shoot destination.

These free or low-cost, eco-friendly spots offer stunning photo opportunities, listed with Hoan Kiem Ward as the focal point and nearby areas included:

1. Hoan Kiem Lake and Huc Bridge (Hoan Kiem Ward)

Capture the iconic red Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple at sunrise (6:00 AM) for soft light, with temple entry at $1.20 (30,000 VND). Shoot from Đinh Tiên Hoàng for lake reflections.

• Cost: Free from shore; temple entry $1.20 adult, $0.60 (15,000 VND) child.

• Hours: Temple open 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; photography 24/7.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Digital shots reduce waste; walk from Old Quarter for zero emissions.

• Tip: Use a 24–70mm lens for bridge and lake; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Photography Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

2. Hanoi Old Quarter Streets (Hoan Kiem Ward)

Photograph the bustling “36 Streets” like Hàng Bạc or Tạ Hiện at 7:00 AM for vibrant vendor scenes, free, capturing scooters and tube houses.

• Cost: Free; street food $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Hours: 24/7; best 7:00 AM–10:00 AM or 7:00 PM–midnight.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support local vendors; use reusable bags.

• Tip: Wide-angle lens (16–35mm) for street candids; ask permission for portraits.

3. Long Bien Bridge (Hoan Kiem Ward to Long Bien Ward)

Frame this 1902 French-built bridge over the Red River at sunset (6:00 PM), free, for dramatic silhouettes and train tracks.

• Cost: Free; snacks from vendors $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Hours: 24/7; best at sunset or blue hour.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walk or cycle ($1–$3/day or 25,000–75,000 VND) to reduce emissions.

• Tip: Use a 50–200mm lens for bridge details; avoid rush hours.

4. Ngoc Son Temple (Hoan Kiem Ward)

Shoot intricate carvings and lake views inside Ngoc Son Temple, accessible via Huc Bridge, best at 8:00 AM, for $1.20 (30,000 VND).

• Cost: $1.20 adult; $0.60 child; incense $0.20 (5,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Digital tickets; biodegradable offerings.

• Tip: 50mm lens for temple interiors; dress modestly.

5. Hanoi Opera House (Hoan Kiem Ward)

Photograph the 120-year-old neoclassical Hanoi Opera House at 6:00 PM for golden hour, free, blending French elegance with urban life.

• Cost: Free; show tickets $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Hours: Exterior visible 24/7.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walk from Hoan Kiem Lake; digital photography minimizes waste.

• Tip: 50mm lens for architectural details; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

6. Temple of Literature (Đống Đa Ward)

Capture ancient pavilions and gardens at Vietnam’s first university, best at 9:00 AM, for $1.20 (30,000 VND), showcasing Confucian architecture.

• Cost: $1.20 adult; $0.60 child.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walkable from nearby wards; digital tickets.

• Tip: 24–70mm lens for courtyards; avoid midday crowds.

7. Tran Quoc Pagoda (Tây Hồ Ward)

Shoot Hanoi’s oldest pagoda on West Lake’s goldfish-shaped island at 7:00 AM, free, for serene lake views and Buddhist elements.

• Cost: Free; incense $0.20 (5,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Cycle ($1–$3/day) for zero emissions; support local vendors.

• Tip: 50–200mm lens for tower details; respect worshippers.

8. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Ba Đình Ward)

Photograph the imposing mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square at 6:00 PM, free (no interior photos), capturing Vietnam’s revolutionary legacy.

• Cost: Free; nearby attractions $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Hours: Exterior visible 24/7; mausoleum open 7:30 AM–10:30 AM (closed Mondays/Fridays).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walk from nearby sites; digital shots reduce waste.

• Tip: 16–35mm lens for square overviews; respect security protocols.

9. Thang Long Imperial Citadel (Ba Đình Ward)

Frame 13th-century ruins and archaeological relics at this UNESCO site, best at 8:00 AM, for $1.20 (30,000 VND), showcasing Hanoi’s royal past.

• Cost: $1.20 adult; $0.60 child.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Digital tickets; support local guides ($5 or 125,000 VND).

• Tip: 24–70mm lens for ruins; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

10. One Pillar Pagoda (Ba Đình Ward)

Capture the lotus-shaped pagoda in Ho Chi Minh Complex at 7:00 AM, free, for unique Buddhist architecture amidst a square lake.

• Cost: Free; incense $0.20 (5,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walk from mausoleum; minimal waste from digital shots.

• Tip: 50mm lens for close-ups; avoid peak tourist hours.

Photograph Hanoi from September to November for cool, dry weather (20–28°C or 68–82.4°F), ideal for clear shots and outdoor comfort. The dry season (November–April) offers stable light, while the rainy season (May–October) adds dramatic reflections but requires rain gear. Shoot at sunrise (6:00 AM) or golden hour (5:00–6:00 PM) for warm tones, especially at Hoan Kiem Lake or Long Bien Bridge. Weekends (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight) are vibrant on the pedestrian street (50,000–100,000 visitors), but weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) are quieter for temples and markets (2,000–5,000 visitors).

Most spots are in or near Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 5–30 minutes from central Hanoi:

• By Walking: 5–10 minutes within Hoan Kiem Ward (e.g., Hoan Kiem Lake to Hàng Đào). Free, eco-friendly.

• By Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm): 1–5 km rides in Hoan Kiem Ward ($0.80–$2 or 20,000–50,000 VND, 5–10 minutes); to Ba Đình or Tây Hồ (5–10 km, $2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND). Book via Grab/Xanh SM apps.

• By Cyclo: From Old Quarter, 5–20 minutes, $4–$10/hour (100,000–250,000 VND) for 1–2 people.

• By Electric Bus (VinBus): Routes 08, 09, 36 to Hoan Kiem Lake or Ba Đình (5–20 minutes, $0.30–$0.40 or 7,000–10,000 VND). Departs every 10–20 minutes, 5:00 AM–9:00 PM.

• By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): To Hoan Kiem Ward or Ba Đình (5–20 minutes, $2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND one-way; round-trip $4–$12). Eco-friendly VinFast vehicles.

• By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND) round-trip for up to 4 people, ideal for multiple spots.

• By Air (to Hanoi): Noi Bai Airport (HAN), 25 km from Hoan Kiem Ward. Airport Bus No. 86 to Old Quarter ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min); taxi/Grab ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND). Flights: Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), Da Nang ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), Bangkok ($200–$600). Navigation Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “Hàng Đào, Hoan Kiem Ward”; locate via Hoan Kiem Lake or Hanoi Old City Gate. Pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight) restricts vehicles.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walking, cycling ($1–$3/day), or VinBus reduces emissions; Xanh SM taxis lower fuel use.

• Safety: Watch for pickpockets on Tạ Hiện; secure camera gear. Confirm xe ôm fares upfront.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable shoot:

• Clothing: Light layers, closed-toe shoes; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season.

• Photography Gear: DSLR/mirrorless camera, 16–35mm and 50–200mm lenses, tripod ($20–$50 or 500,000–1,250,000 VND), extra batteries, memory cards.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.

• Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM/timbuyt.vn apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable camera bag; biodegradable wipes for gear.

• Extras: Notebook for shot lists; cash for vendors.
  Tip: Carry small VND notes for entry fees ($0–$1.20), street food ($0.50–$2), or tips ($0.20–$0.50); secure gear against pickpocketing.

Costs for Photography in Hanoi

Photography and Activity Fees

• Hoan Kiem Lake/Long Bien Bridge/Tạ Hiện/Tran Quoc Pagoda/One Pillar Pagoda: Free.

• Ngoc Son Temple/Temple of Literature/Thang Long Imperial Citadel: $1.20 (30,000 VND) adult; $0.60 (15,000 VND) child.

• Hanoi Opera House Exterior: Free; show tickets $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Free; nearby attractions $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Street Food (Old Quarter): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Drinks (Coffee, Bia Hơi): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).

• Tripod Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Lens Rental (24–70mm): $10–$20/day (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Guided Photography Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

• Double-Decker Bus Tour (Scenic Shots): $7–$26 (175,000–650,000 VND) for 2–48 hours.

Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)

• Walking: Free.

• Xe Ôm: $0.80–$4 (20,000–100,000 VND) for 1–10 km.

• Cyclo: $4–$10/hour (100,000–250,000 VND).

• VinBus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).

• Electric Taxi: $4–$12 (100,000–300,000 VND).

• Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Airport Bus No. 86 + Taxi: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).

• Parking (Bikes/Cars): $0.20–$1.20 (5,000–30,000 VND).

• SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

Total Daily Photography Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $5–$15 (walking, free spots, street food).

• Mid-range: $20–$40 (xe ôm, tripod rental, guided tour).

• Luxury: $60–$100 (private car, lens rental, premium tour).
  Tip: Budget for entry fees ($0–$1.20), gear rentals ($5–$20), and transport ($0.80–$12); carry cash for vendors.

• Timing: Shoot at sunrise (6:00 AM) or golden hour (5:00–6:00 PM) for warm light; weekends (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight) for pedestrian street vibrancy. September–November for clear skies.

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s photography tours 3–5 weeks ahead for peak seasons; no permits needed for public photography.

• Sustainability: Use digital storage to reduce waste; support local vendors for snacks ($0.50–$2). Walk, cycle ($1–$3/day), or use VinBus for eco-friendly travel.

• Navigation: Save “Hàng Đào, Hoan Kiem Ward” or “Ba Đình Ward” in offline maps; use Hoan Kiem Lake or Hanoi Old City Gate as landmarks.

• Safety: Secure camera gear in crowds; avoid leaning over lake or bridge edges. Watch for pickpockets on Tạ Hiện.

• Weather: Dry season for sharp shots; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and lens wipes ($1 or 25,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Ask permission for portraits; say “cảm ơn.” Tip vendors $0.20–$0.50 for cooperation.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); apply mosquito repellent for evening shoots.

Our sustainable tours showcase Hanoi’s most photogenic spots:

• Hanoi Photography Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Cyclo to Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and Hanoi Opera House at 6:00 AM. Includes guide, transport.

• Hanoi Nightlife Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Pedestrian street, Tạ Hiện, Long Bien Bridge night shots, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.

• Hanoi & Ninh Bình Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Ninh Bình’s Trang An, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!

Hanoi’s top 10 photography spots, from Hoan Kiem Lake’s Huc Bridge in Hoan Kiem Ward to the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Ba Đình Ward, offer free or low-cost access ($0–$1.20, 0–30,000 VND), captivating 18 million visitors yearly with their cultural and visual allure. Whether shooting the vibrant Old Quarter’s streets, Tran Quoc Pagoda’s serene lake views, or the historic Long Bien Bridge at sunrise, eco-friendly practices like digital photography and electric transport, such as Xanh SM taxis, preserve Hanoi’s charm. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours guide you to these iconic locations, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience with visits to Ngoc Son Temple and Tạ Hiện’snight scenes. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly photography adventure today!
Ready to photograph Hanoi’s most beautiful spots in Hoan Kiem Ward and beyond? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and capture an unforgettable adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Hanoi Photography Spots Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, culturetrip.com, hanoilocaltour.com, lonelyplanet.com