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If you ask the VietGo editor for a place in Hanoi that is "not afraid of rainy days, has super cool air conditioning in summer, can buy all kinds of souvenirs, and take beautiful high-altitude photos," the editor will definitely recommend you to the "Lotte Center Hanoi" in Ba Dinh District right away! Many people think that when they come to Hanoi, they can only visit the ancient monuments and streets of the Old Quarter, but just by taking a Grab to this 65-story landmark building, you can immediately experience another side of Hanoi's modern prosperity. From the must-visit LOTTE Mart on the basement level, the LOTTE Department Store on the upper floors, to the LOTTE Hanoi Sky Observation Deck on the 65th floor where you can overlook the entire city in 360 degrees, and even the rooftop bar Top of Hanoi, this place is truly a one-stop destination for food, drinks, entertainment, and fun!
Introduction to Lotte Center Hanoi: A Perfect Blend of Modern Landmark and Áo Dài Aesthetics
Lotte Center Hanoi is located at the core intersection of Ba Dinh District in Hanoi, standing at 272.3 meters tall, with 65 floors above ground and 5 underground levels, officially completed and opened on September 2, 2014. [Wikipedia]
Wikipedia: Lotte Center Hà Nội ↗
This building was designed by the renowned American architectural firm Callison, featuring a smooth and curvy exterior that showcases the graceful and flowing skirt of Vietnam's traditional dress, the Áo Dài. The entire building extends upward in a dual-tower form, symbolizing the inheritance of traditional Vietnamese culture and the rise of the modern economy. Additionally, Lotte Center has obtained the international green building LEED GOLD O&M certification, making it a landmark building in Hanoi that combines sustainability and top-tier business experiences. [LOTTE Center Hanoi]
LOTTE Center Hanoi Official Website ↗
Floor Guide: One-stop Experience from B1 to 67th Floor
When visiting Lotte Center, if you are not familiar with the floor distribution, it's easy to get lost! The editor has organized the most essential floor planning for you:
- B1F: LOTTE Mart: The base for independent travelers to shop for souvenirs, providing air-conditioned environment, transparent pricing, and free packing services.
- 1F - 6F: LOTTE Department Store: Features many international brands, beauty and skincare products, trendy clothing, and unique foreign restaurants (such as Pizza 4P's and Tim Ho Wan).
- 8F - 31F: Premium Offices (Workflex / Office): Home to numerous international companies and foreign agencies.
- 33F - 64F: LOTTE Hotel Hanoi and serviced apartments: Offers a five-star luxurious accommodation experience with excellent views.
- 65F: LOTTE Hanoi Sky Observation Deck: Features a 360-degree glass environment, a transparent suspended skywalk (Sky Walk), and a multimedia interactive experience area.
- 67F (Rooftop): Top of Hanoi Rooftop Bar: One of the highest rooftop bars in Hanoi, offering unobstructed stunning night views.
Highlight 1: 65th Floor LOTTE Hanoi Sky Observation Deck and Transparent Skywalk
Take the high-speed elevator, and in less than a minute, you can reach an altitude of 272 meters! The LOTTE Hanoi Sky on the 65th floor is the most eye-catching tourist highlight of the entire Lotte Center. The most famous feature here is the "Sky Walk Glass Skywalk" that extends out of the building. The floor is made of completely transparent reinforced glass, allowing you to look down and see the traffic below moving like ants. For those who love high-altitude thrills and photo opportunities, this is definitely a must-visit photo spot!
The observation deck also features a VR virtual reality experience (such as VR paragliding), Korean Life4cuts photo booths, traditional costume experience areas, and the SKYL Lounge café, making it a perfect place for couples or families to enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening.
Highlight 2: B1 LOTTE Mart Must-Buy Souvenir List
Compared to traditional markets, LOTTE Mart offers a clean and bright environment, transparent prices, and the ability to pay with credit cards, making it very suitable for a big shopping spree on the last day of your trip! The editor recommends focusing on the following popular Vietnamese souvenirs:
- Vietnamese Coffee: Trung Nguyen G7 instant coffee, Archcafe coconut-flavored coffee, Mr. Viet espresso beans, and Vietnamese drip coffee filters.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: Vinamit mixed dried fruits, dried mango, and salted roasted cashews (such as Ba Baz / Oishi brand packaging).
- Special Snacks and Desserts: Huanglong mung bean cake, Tipo egg milk bread crisps, and Vietnamese Marou premium chocolate.
- Vietnamese Instant Noodles: Vifon purple packaging beef pho, Hảo Hảo pink packaging spicy shrimp noodles.
The supermarket exit also thoughtfully provides free boxes, tape, and packing tools, making it convenient for travelers to pack their items for return home or for luggage check-in.
Highlight 3: Rooftop Top of Hanoi Bar and High-altitude Cuisine
Located on the 67th floor, Top of Hanoi is one of the most iconic rooftop bars in Hanoi. There are no glass walls to separate you from the outside; enjoying the cool high-altitude breeze along with lights and music, you can take in the night views of the entire Hanoi city and West Lake. It’s perfect for couples or small groups of friends to order a special cocktail in the evening and quietly wait for the sunset.
Additionally, the building houses many famous restaurants, such as the Michelin-recommended dim sum "Tim Ho Wan" on the 36th floor, the upscale steakhouse Grill 63 on the 63rd floor, and the well-known wood-fired pizza restaurant Pizza 4P's on the 1st floor, offering everything from exquisite dinners to affordable meals.
Suitable Travelers and Recommended Activities
Lotte Center Hanoi is very suitable for the following types of travelers:
- Couples: Visit the observation deck to watch the sunset in the evening, then enjoy a romantic dinner at the 67th floor Top of Hanoi or high-altitude restaurant.
- Families: Enjoy the interactive facilities at the observation deck in a cool indoor environment, experience VR virtual reality, and shop in the mall and supermarket.
- Shopping and Photography Enthusiasts: Capture stunning high-altitude cityscape photos and buy quality Vietnamese souvenirs all in one place.
Transportation Guidance and Itinerary Suggestions
Lotte Center Hanoi is located on Liễu Giai Street in Ba Dinh District, about a 15 to 20-minute drive from Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter. Taking a Grab car or motorbike is very convenient, or you can also take a city bus that passes through Liễu Giai Street.
Special Reminder (Don’t go to the wrong place!): When taking a Grab or setting navigation, please make sure the target address is "54 Liễu Giai, Ba Đình" (Lotte Center Hanoi). Do not set it to the new "Lotte Mall West Lake" (樂天西湖綜合購物中心) by West Lake. Although Lotte Mall has an aquarium and a cinema, it does not have the 65th floor observation deck and Top of Hanoi bar!
Recommended Itinerary Pairing: It is suggested to schedule Lotte Center in the afternoon to evening. You can first visit the nearby "Vietnam Museum of Ethnology" or "Temple of Literature" around noon, arrive at Lotte Center at 16:30 to shop for souvenirs at B1 LOTTE Mart, go up to the 65th floor LOTTE Hanoi Sky Observation Deck at 17:30 to catch the sunset and night views, and then enjoy a meal at Top of Hanoi or the in-house restaurants, creating a rich and fulfilling half-day itinerary.
Visiting Notes
- Best Visiting Time: It is recommended to visit the observation deck between 17:00 and 18:30 to enjoy the daytime city skyline, the sunset glow towards West Lake, and the vibrant night views after the lights are turned on.
- Dress Code: Please pay attention to your attire when visiting the 67th floor Top of Hanoi rooftop bar; the establishment prohibits entry in flip-flops or sleeveless shirts; since the high-altitude winds can be strong, it is advisable to bring a light jacket for warmth.
- High-altitude Weather Considerations: If there is heavy fog or strong rain, visibility at the observation deck may be affected, so it is recommended to check the weather conditions before heading out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need to book tickets in advance for the observation deck at Lotte Center Hanoi?
A1: The on-site ticket office is located on the B1 floor, and you can purchase tickets directly on-site; if you want to save time waiting in line or enjoy online platform promotions, you can also purchase electronic tickets in advance through Klook or KKday and present the voucher on-site for redemption.
Q2: Is there an entrance fee for visiting LOTTE Mart?
A2: No! The main body of Lotte Center and LOTTE Mart are free to enter, only the observation deck on the 65th floor and some themed paid facilities require separate ticket purchases.
