Lotte Center Hanoi – The Tower Behind the Deck
Lotte Center Hanoi is a modern skyscraper with 65 floors, completed in 2014. It’s currently the second tallest building in the city after Keangnam Landmark 72, and stands in the Ba Dinh District—just west of the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.
The building itself is a mix of everything: there’s a hotel, office space, serviced apartments, a mall, a large supermarket in the basement, and several restaurants. It’s popular with both locals and expats, especially for shopping or grabbing a bite in air-conditioned comfort.
On the 65th floor is the Lotte Observation Deck, and if you head a bit higher, there’s also a rooftop bar called Top of Hanoi on the 67th floor. That’s where the views—and the photos—really begin.
Highlights of the Lotte Observation Deck
1. 360° Views Over Hanoi
The main draw of the Lotte Observation Deck is the view. From the 65th floor, you get a full 360-degree panorama through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. You can spot Truc Bach Lake, West Lake, and stretches of Hanoi’s chaotic traffic from far above. It’s a good way to take in just how big and spread-out the city really is.
Compared to Bitexco Tower in Ho Chi Minh City (49 floors), the view here is higher—but Hanoi’s skyline is less dramatic. Keangnam Tower is taller, but doesn’t have a public viewing deck like this.
2. The Glass Floor Skywalk
There are two glass-floor sections that extend outward from the building, letting you stand directly over the drop. It’s safe, but if you’re afraid of heights, you might not enjoy the feeling of floating over the city. For others, it’s one of the best spots for photos.
You’ll need to take off your shoes or wear disposable shoe covers to avoid scratching the surface.
3. Rooftop Bar: Top of Hanoi
Just above the viewing deck, a short set of stairs leads to Top of Hanoi, the building’s open-air rooftop bar. It’s quieter than expected, with simple seating and views in every direction. You can order cocktails, beer, soft drinks, or light snacks—and just stay as long as you like.
This level isn’t included in the standard observation deck ticket, but it’s worth checking if you want a more relaxed vibe than the enclosed deck below.
4. Interactive Experiences
The deck isn’t just about standing and staring. There’s a digital map of Hanoi, touchscreen displays, and fixed binoculars pointed toward landmarks. A VR simulator lets you experience a “Hanoi flight,” though reviews suggest it’s hit or miss—and sometimes not working.
Photo zones are scattered around the floor, including a giant heart frame and angel wings for selfies.
5. Chill Atmosphere & Photo Ops
Unlike some other sky decks around the world, this one is often quiet and uncrowded, especially on weekdays. That makes it easier to take your time, find a seat, or snap photos without too many people in the background.
Staff are usually helpful if you want a picture taken. The only downside is the strong interior lighting, which can cause reflections on the glass—especially after dark.
Visiting Lotte Observation Deck
Opening Times
The Lotte Observation Deck is open daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with the last ticket sold around 10:00 PM. That gives you flexibility to visit during the day, at sunset, or even later for night views. It’s open year-round, including weekends and holidays.
Entrance Fees
A standard ticket costs around 230,000 VND for foreign adults. Vietnamese citizens, students, and children usually pay a bit less—around 180,000 VND—though ID may be required for the discount.
There are also combo tickets available that include a welcome drink or access to the VR experience. These can be worth it if you plan to stay longer or want a drink at the top.
You’ll need to buy your ticket on the B1 level (basement) of Lotte Center. It’s not the same entrance as the shopping mall, and this confuses a lot of people. The correct entrance is marked by a neon tunnel-like hallway near the supermarket area.
Location & Address
The observation deck is located inside Lotte Center Hanoi, at:
📍 54 Lieu Giai Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
The deck is on the 65th floor, but the access point is on Basement Level B1. It’s easy to miss if you enter from the main mall or hotel—many visitors end up wandering around before finding the right place. Look for signs or ask for the “Sky Deck” entrance near the food vendors on B1.
Getting there
Grab (car or bike) and taxis are the easiest ways to reach Lotte Center, especially from the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem area. Travel time is about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
There’s currently no metro station nearby. Bus routes do pass Lieu Giai Street, but unless you’re already familiar with Hanoi’s bus system, it’s not the most convenient option.
Is Lotte Observation Deck worth visiting?
If you’re looking for a relaxed place to enjoy wide city views, the Lotte Observation Deck is a solid option. The price is reasonable, the space isn’t overcrowded, and it offers a few fun touches like glass floors and photo zones. It’s also one of the few tall buildings in Hanoi where you can actually go up and take in the full scale of the city.
That said, Hanoi’s skyline doesn’t have a lot of wow factor. There are no iconic skyscrapers or river views like you might find in other Asian cities. The charm of Hanoi is on the ground—in its old streets, cafés, markets, and daily life—not really from above.
If you simply want a nice spot to relax with a view, a rooftop bar in the Old Quarter may feel more atmospheric. But if you’re into photography, modern architecture, or just want to tick off a lesser-known sight, the Lotte deck is worth considering.
In short: not a must-see, but a good pick for those who enjoy a quiet high-up perspective of Hanoi.
