Hanoi’s Must-Visit Attractions

Hanoi, the beautiful cultural capital of Vietnam, has many things to see and do. A few days in the city doesn’t do justice, but luckily, most attractions are located within walking distance of one another. You can easily map out an itinerary for yourself and enjoy a day of wandering around, taking in the contrasting beauty between the old and new. Make sure to visit as many of these attractions as possible to fully enhance your experience in Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese, who pay tribute to the man who led the fight for a unified Vietnam. Queues to see his corpse can stretch for hours, and once inside, talking, photography and hands in pockets are banned. Please behave and dress respectfully.

One Pillar Pagoda

One-Pillar pagoda

This pagoda is built on a single wooden pillar of 1.25meters in diameter. The story is that heirless emperor Ly Thai Tong dreamt that he met Quan The Am Bo Tat, the Goddess of Mercy. Soon after, he married a young peasant girl who gave him a son. The pagoda was built in 1054 to express his gratitude to the event.


Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, often used as a symbol of Hanoi, stands at 40 meters high. The complex comprises of the royal enclosures built during the Ly Dynasty. Close to many other attractions in Hanoi. Closed on Mondays.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Water puppet

The ancient art form of water puppetry has long been associated with Hanoi. Watch as puppets dance elegantly, controlled by a whole troupe of puppet masters, telling a story of the famous Legend of the Restored Sword of King Le which is about Hoan Kiem Lake and the giant tortoise.

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Hoan Kiem lake

Hoan Kiem Lake ( Sword Lake) is a popular hangout spot for locals and foreigners alike. On an island in the center lies Ngoc Son Temple, linked by a graceful red bridge. Ngoc Son Temple or the Temple of Jade Mountain is the most visited temple in the city. It sits on an island on Hoan Kiem Lake. This serves as a beautiful background for photos, and perhaps you may even catch couples doing their engagement photoshoots.

West Lake ( Ho Tay)

West lake

West Lake is a freshwater lake with a shore length of 17km. You will find many of the upscale hotels and beautiful villas surrounding West Lake. I didn’t spend much time around here but would be keen, as it’s becoming the more fashionable area of the city. Lots of new restaurants and boutiques can be found here along with the upscale hotels.

Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan market

Dong Xuan Market is the largest market in Hanoi. Four storeys tall, you can find all sorts of apparel, electronic items and food. Great for some shopping or to just experience the day-to-day life of the locals. You can practice some bargaining here as it is a popular tourist market, and prices quoted may be slightly inflated.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Street Hair-cut

The buzzing heart of Hanoi for more than 1,000 years, the Old Quarter is still a hub of everyday life for locals. Its 36 streets were originally named after the goods once traded there, and a few still specialise, such as P Hang Gai, lined with shops selling textiles. It’s a fascinating area to wander around, whether you’re haggling for souvenirs or people-watching over a cool Hanoi beer.

Temple of Literature

Temple of Liturature

This charming temple complex hosts the Imperial Academy, the oldest university in Vietnam. It was originally built in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong’s dynasty to serve as a center of learning, dedicated to the Chinese scholar Confucius.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

This museum showcases the 54 different ethnic groups in Vietnam, all under one roof. It is interesting to browse through the displays and learn about the ethnic history of Vietnam.

Vietnam Women’s Museum

Vietnam Women’s Museum

The Vietnam Women’s Union decided to establish this museum (womenmuseum.org.vn), exploring women’s contribution to the country’s culture. Admire elaborate bridalwear, learn of the toil of women’s agricultural labour and discover the female fighters who played a key role in the Vietnam War.

Vietnam Military History Museum

Vietnam Military History Museum

This is one of the seven national museums in the country and is perfect for those interested in wartime artillery. There are both, indoor and outdoor displays of military-related artifacts. The exhibitions depict times as far back as the Huong Vuong Era, which is considered the start of Vietnam as a country.

Hanoi Train Street

Railways

This is a narrow street in the Old Quarter, where train tracks run right down the middle, allowing trains to pass terrifyingly close to the houses. The daily life of the locals that live there have to be packed up multiple times a day when a train is scheduled to pass. Similar to Maeklong Railway Market in Thailand.