What to wear

  • Top: shoulders covered; a T-shirt is fine, avoid tank tops and backless tops.
  • Bottom: knees covered; light trousers, a long skirt or long shorts. A sarong or scarf in your bag saves the day.
  • Shoes: easy to slip off. In a prayer hall, follow other visitors: take them off if shoes are lined up at the door.
  • Avoid: pointing your feet at the altar, touching statues, wearing a hat or sunglasses on your head inside the sanctuary.

Good manners

  • Keep your voice low, phone on silent, no flash at altars.
  • Ask before photographing a worshipper or a monk.
  • On the 1st and 15th day of the lunar calendar temples are busier: hours are sometimes longer, the atmosphere more authentic but more crowded.
  • A donation in the box provided is appreciated, never compulsory.

How to combine them

  • Morning, West Lake: Tran Quoc then Quan Thanh, a few minutes apart.
  • Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake: Bach Ma and Ngoc Son, on foot.
  • Culture: the Temple of Literature, one hour, the calmest.
  • A guide gives the context (legends, gods, offerings) that no sign explains: a guided city tour linking these sites saves you rushing from one temple to the next. See also Hanoi in 2 days.

FAQ

Do I have to cover shoulders and knees? Yes, it is the courtesy rule everywhere; follow it even if nobody checks.

Are Hanoi's temples free? Some, like Tran Quoc, are; others ask 10,000 to 70,000 VND.

Can I take photos? Yes, without flash at altars and without close-ups of worshippers unless they agree.