Hanoi Offers Free Admission to 17 Attractions on September 2, 2026
Hanoi will offer free admission to 17 tourist attractions, historic sites and cultural venues on September 2, 2026, as part of Vietnam’s National Day celebrations.
The offer covers several of the capital’s best-known attractions, including the Temple of Literature, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Ngoc Son Temple, Hoa Lo Prison, Huong Pagoda and Duong Lam Ancient Village.
For travelers staying in Hanoi during the National Day holiday, this creates a good opportunity to visit some of the city’s major sights without paying the usual entrance fees.
When Are Hanoi Attractions Free?
The free admission applies on September 2, 2026, Vietnam’s National Day.
The announcement comes shortly before the five-day National Day holiday period, which runs from August 29 through September 2 for public-sector employees.
Hanoi will also provide free public transport from August 29 through September 2, including subsidized bus routes and the city’s operating urban railway services. More than 17,000 bus trips are expected to operate each day during the holiday, while the urban railway lines are scheduled to run at intervals of around 10 minutes. Tuoi Tre News reported the details on August 28.
Which 17 Attractions Are Free in Hanoi?
The confirmed list includes:
- Thang Long Imperial Citadel
- Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam
- Ngoc Son Temple
- Hoa Lo Prison
- Co Loa Historical Site
- Huong Son Scenic Area – Perfume Pagoda
- 22 Hang Buom Heritage Site
- 87 Ma May Heritage House
- Hanoi Museum
- Bach Ma Temple
- Kim Ngan Communal House
- Quan De Temple
- Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center
- Quan Thanh Temple
- Duong Lam Ancient Village
- Thay Pagoda
- Tay Phuong Pagoda
The list was confirmed in the latest reporting on the September 2 program. Tuoi Tre News also confirms that the program covers several of Hanoi’s most popular tourist destinations.
Which Free Attractions Are Best for First-Time Visitors?
You do not need to visit all 17 locations. For most international visitors, the best strategy is to concentrate on the attractions in central Hanoi and leave the more distant sites for another day.
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is one of the easiest choices for a first visit to Hanoi. The historic complex dates back to 1070 and became home to the Imperial Academy.
If you are staying in Hanoi for only a few days, it is easy to combine the Temple of Literature with other central attractions.
Our Temple of Literature Hanoi Guide covers what to see, how long to allow and what to know before visiting.
Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple sits on Hoan Kiem Lake and is one of the most convenient attractions on the list for visitors staying in central Hanoi.
If you stay in the Old Quarter, the temple is within easy walking distance of many hotels, restaurants and other attractions.
This makes it particularly useful if you want to build a sightseeing route without spending much time in traffic.
Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison is another strong choice for travelers interested in Vietnamese history.
The former prison is located in central Hanoi, making it easy to combine with Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter and the Temple of Literature.
Our Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi Guide explains the history of the site and what to expect during a visit.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is one of Hanoi’s most important historical sites and is worth prioritizing if you want to understand the city’s long history.
It is also a good option for travelers who want something different from the smaller temples and Old Quarter streets.
Several Free Sites Are in or Near the Old Quarter
One of the biggest advantages of the September 2 program is that several locations are concentrated around central Hanoi.
The list includes 22 Hang Buom, 87 Ma May, Bach Ma Temple, Kim Ngan Communal House, Quan De Temple and the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center.
That means you can combine several free attractions with a normal walk through the historic streets.
Our Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Guide covers a practical route through Hoan Kiem Lake, Hang Bac, Ma May, Ta Hien, Hang Buom and Dong Xuan Market.
Where to Stay in Hanoi for the Free Attractions
If you are visiting Hanoi specifically during the National Day holiday, accommodation location can make a noticeable difference.
For most first-time visitors, staying in the Old Quarter or around Hoan Kiem Lake is the easiest option because many attractions, restaurants and pedestrian areas are close together.
If you are comparing hotels in Hanoi, look at the location as well as the room price. A slightly more central hotel can save considerable time during a busy holiday period.
You can also base yourself in Hanoi and explore the city on foot for the central attractions while using public transport or Grab for longer journeys.
Our Hanoi for First-Timers Guide explains the main areas of the city and where each type of traveler may want to stay.
Staying Near the Attractions Can Save Time
If sightseeing is your priority, consider staying near Hoan Kiem Lake or staying around the Old Quarter.
This gives you easy access to Ngoc Son Temple, the Old Quarter heritage sites and many restaurants and cafes.
Travelers who prefer a quieter environment can choose accommodation slightly outside the busiest Old Quarter streets while remaining close enough to walk into the centre.
If you are not sure where to stay in Hanoi, the Old Quarter is generally the simplest choice for a short first visit.
Free Public Transport Makes the Day Easier
The free-admission program is even more useful because Hanoi is also providing free public transport during the National Day holiday.
From August 29 through September 2, the city will provide free travel on its subsidized bus network and urban railway services.
More than 17,000 bus trips per day are planned during the holiday, while the urban railway services will operate at around 10-minute intervals. A reserve fleet of 42 buses will also be available to handle unexpected increases in passenger demand. Tuoi Tre News reported the transport arrangements.
This could be particularly useful if you are staying around Hoan Kiem and want to reach attractions outside the immediate city centre.
For a broader overview of transportation options, see our Vietnam Transport Guide.
If you prefer ride-hailing, our Grab Vietnam Guide explains how the service works for visitors.
What About the Attractions Outside Central Hanoi?
Not all 17 free attractions are close to Hoan Kiem Lake.
Co Loa, Duong Lam Ancient Village, Huong Son, Thay Pagoda and Tay Phuong Pagoda require more travel time.
These locations can be worthwhile if you have several days in Hanoi, but they are not the best choices if you only have one day and want to see several attractions.
If you are staying in the city centre, it usually makes more sense to concentrate on central Hanoi first.
Is September 2 Likely to Be Crowded?
Yes.
September 2 is Vietnam’s National Day, and Hanoi will be busy with both local visitors and tourists.
The free admission itself is also likely to increase demand at the most popular attractions.
If you want to avoid the largest crowds, start early and prioritize the attractions that are most important to you.
Do not try to visit all 17 sites simply because they are free.
A Good One-Day Hanoi Route for September 2
If you have only one day, a central walking route is probably the most efficient option.
- Start at Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Visit Ngoc Son Temple.
- Walk through the Old Quarter.
- Visit the heritage sites around Hang Buom and Ma May.
- Continue to Hoa Lo Prison.
- Visit the Temple of Literature.
- Finish around the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
This route focuses on several of the most interesting free attractions without requiring long journeys across the city.
If you want to explore the Old Quarter in more detail, use our Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Guide.
Should You Visit the Free Attractions on September 2?
Absolutely, especially if your Hanoi trip already falls during the National Day holiday.
The combination of free admission and free public transport makes September 2 an unusually convenient day for sightseeing.
The main downside is that popular attractions are likely to be considerably busier than normal.
If you prefer a quieter experience, do not choose September 2 simply because admission is free. Paying for a normal visit on another day may be more enjoyable if you dislike crowds.
What Travelers Should Know Before Going
- September 2 is expected to be busy.
- Start early if you want to visit popular attractions.
- Do not assume all 17 locations are close together.
- Central attractions are easier to combine in one day.
- Check individual attraction information if you need specific opening times.
- Allow extra time for crowded streets and transport hubs.
- If you are booking accommodation for the holiday, consider staying near the attractions you plan to visit.
Hanoi September 2, 2026: Quick Answer
Hanoi will offer free admission to 17 tourist attractions, historic sites and cultural venues on September 2, 2026.
The list includes the Temple of Literature, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Ngoc Son Temple, Hoa Lo Prison, Hanoi Museum, Co Loa, Duong Lam Ancient Village, Huong Pagoda, Thay Pagoda and Tay Phuong Pagoda, as well as several heritage sites in the Old Quarter. Tuoi Tre News confirmed the full list on August 28.
Hanoi will also provide free public transport from August 29 through September 2.
For most first-time visitors, the easiest approach is to stay in the Old Quarter or near Hoan Kiem Lake and concentrate on the central attractions.
Sources
- Tuoi Tre News — Hanoi to offer free admission to 17 tourist attractions and historic sites on National Day
- Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports — Free admission to 17 Hanoi attractions
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