Hanoi Sky Lotte Observation Deck

Hanoi is a low-rise city, so seeing it from above is a revelation. The Lotte Observation Deck sits on the 65th floor of Lotte Center Hanoi, one of the tallest towers in the city, on Lieu Giai Street in Ba Dinh district, west of the centre. From the glass walls of the deck the whole capital spreads out below: the many lakes, with West Lake the largest, the long curve of the Red River and its bridges, the green trees of Ba Dinh and the dense rooftops of the Old Quarter, and on clear days the hills beyond the city. The most famous feature is the Sky Walk, a section of glass floor where you can stand above a drop of more than two hundred metres, and there are photo zones and a small garden area for couples. A high-speed lift whisks you up in under a minute. It is a good way to understand the city’s geography on your first day, and a fine evening plan, when the lights come on across the lakes. The Tiqets admission ticket we link is a simple deck entry. It is nonrefundable, so choose your day with the weather in mind.

How it works: enter Lotte Center Hanoi at 54 Lieu Giai Street through the observation deck entrance and go down to the ticket counter on floor B1, where you show your mobile ticket. From there the lift takes you straight to the 65th floor. The ticket covers entry to the deck only; transfers are not included, so take a taxi or a ride-hailing car from the Old Quarter, about fifteen to twenty minutes away depending on traffic. The Tiqets ticket is nonrefundable and cannot be rescheduled, and combo versions add a drink, a laser game or a hop-on hop-off bus pass.

What to expect: the deck wraps around the building, with each side facing a different part of the city and information panels to help you pick out the sights. The Sky Walk glass floor is in one corner, and queues for photos there can build at sunset. A café on the floor sells drinks and snacks. The building also houses a hotel and a shopping mall, so it is easy to combine with lunch or dinner.

Making the most of it: check the weather forecast before you go, since haze or low cloud can hide the view, and November usually brings clearer air than summer. Arrive about an hour before sunset to see the city in daylight, at golden hour and lit up after dark in a single visit. Bring a light layer, as the air conditioning is strong.