Must-Visit Attractions In Hanoi Vietnam

Hanoi, the cultural capital of Vietnam, is full of things to see and do – we’ve rounded up the best for you.

Keen to visit Hanoi? Let our local insider show you the best of the city on Culture Trip’s specially curated 12-day Vietnam adventure, led by our local insider.

A few days in Hanoi don’t do it justice, but, luckily, most attractions are located within walking distance of one another. So, you can easily map out an itinerary for yourself and enjoy a day of wandering around, taking in the contrasting beauty of the old and new. Make sure to visit as many of these attractions as possible to fully experience Hanoi.

1. Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long

Memorial

Doan Mon, the main gate to the palatial complex of later Le Emperors in the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hanoi, Vietnam

This Unesco World Heritage site, often used as a symbol of Hanoi, stands 40m (130ft) tall. The complex comprises the royal enclosures built during the Lý Dynasty and is close to many other attractions in Hanoi. It’s closed on Mondays.

3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Memorial

Ho Chi Minh was one of the most important leaders in Vietnamese history. His body is preserved in this mausoleum, laid to rest in a glass case so that visitors can pay their respects. Modest dress and quiet reverence are prerequisites while you’re inside the mausoleum.

4. Hoàn Kiếm Lake

Park

Hoàn Kiếm Lake (Turtle Lake) is a popular hangout spot for locals and foreigners. On an island in the centre lies Ngoc Son Temple, linked by a graceful red bridge. It serves as a fabulous background for photos, and you might catch couples doing their engagement photoshoots here.

5. Đồng Xuân Market

Market

Đồng Xuân Market is the largest market in Hanoi. It is four storeys high, and you can find all sorts of apparel, electronic items and food here. It is great for some shopping or to just experience the day-to-day life of the locals. You can practise bargaining here, as it is a popular tourist destination, and prices quoted are likely to be inflated.

6. Hanoi Old Quarter

Natural Feature

Hanoi Old Quarter is a lively area where travellers can enjoy many fine examples of colonial architecture packed into narrow streets. This is the ultimate shopping spot in the city, and it is full of cafes and restaurants, where you can indulge in some delicious Vietnamese cuisine. You can explore it with Culture Trip on our specially curated 12-day Vietnam adventure.

7. Perfume Pagoda

Buddhist Temple

Vietnam Perfume Pagoda river highlights Hanoi

Built in the 15th century, this series of Buddhist temples has been carved into the rock of the mountain range, with rich forests and flowing streams all around. It’s a little way from Hanoi – about 60km (40mi) – but definitely worth the trip.

8. Ba Vì National Park

Forest, Park

Located around two hours from Hanoi, Ba Vì National Park is a nature reserve famous for peaks, viewpoints, waterfalls and old French colonial churches and prisons. You can even find natural hot springs on the forest floor. It’s easy to spend a whole day here exploring before enjoying a meal at the restaurant near the entrance.

9. Hanoi Opera House

Opera House

Built in 1911, this is one of the most elegant buildings in all of Hanoi, and visitors can enjoy opera and dance performances here to this day. It was modelled on the Paris Opera House, and the intricate design is even more magnificent at night when the cream-coloured floodlights are turned on.

10. Temple of Literature

Buddhist Temple

Lotus pond and main gate of the Temple of Literature, Hanoi, Vietnam

This charming temple complex hosts the Imperial Academy, the oldest university in Vietnam. It was built in 1070, during Emperor Lý Thánh Tông’s dynasty, to serve as a centre of learning and was dedicated to the Chinese scholar Confucius.

11. Hoa Lo Prison

Museum

This prison was built by the French in the 1880s and was sarcastically named by American prisoners of war as the Hanoi Hilton. Hoa Lo literally means “stove” – it certainly was no Hilton. Senator John McCain was held here after his capture, and his uniform is on display.

12. Museum of Ethnology

Museum

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. It’s closed on Mondays.

13. One Pillar Pagoda

Buddhist Temple

This pagoda is built on a single wooden pillar that’s just 1.3m (4.3ft) in diameter. The story goes that heirless Emperor Lý Thái Tông dreamt that he met Quan Am, the Goddess of Mercy. Soon after, he married a young peasant girl who gave him a son. The pagoda was built between 1028 and 1054 to express his gratitude to the goddess.

14. St Joseph’s Cathedral

Cathedral, Church

This was one of the first structures built by the French colonial government in Indochina. Construction began in 1882 and finished in 1886, and the whole church was built in a neo-gothic style, modelled after the Notre Dame in Paris. Mass is still held inside several times a day.

15. Vietnam Military Museum

Museum

This is one of the seven national museums in Vietnam and is perfect for those interested in wartime artillery. There are both indoor and outdoor displays of military artefacts, some dating from as far back as the Hung Vuong era, which is considered the official start of Vietnam’s history.

16. West Lake

Park

Hanoi, Vietnam - February 22, 2016: Bridge at West Lake and Temple in Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi, Vietnam

This is the biggest freshwater lake in Hanoi. Located right in the centre of the city, it makes for a perfect evening walk. You can easily get to other places nearby, and there are plenty of restaurants, bars and shops here to explore. Great photo opportunities await.

17. Ho Chi Minh Museum

Museum

This museum is dedicated to the late Vietnamese leader, Ho Chi Minh, referred to lovingly as Uncle Ho. His life is chronicled in eight different sections, running from his upbringing and youth to his travels, ideologies and founding of the Vietnamese communist party. English descriptions are available, and the museum is closed on Mondays.

18. Bao Son Paradise Park

Park, Zoo, Amusement Park, Aquarium

This theme park features carnival rides, a small zoo, an aquarium and various restaurants, making it ideal for a family outing.

19. Long Biên Bridge

Bridge

Designed by the French and built by the Vietnamese with indigenous construction material, this bridge runs across the Red River, connecting the two districts of Hoàn Kiếm and Long Biên.

20. Hanoi Train Street

Train Station

Hanoi train street, old house and railroad in Hanoi, Vietnam

This is a narrow street in the Old Quarter, where train tracks running right down the middle allow trains to pass terrifyingly close to the houses. The daily life of the locals has to be packed up multiple times a day when trains are scheduled to pass. It’s somewhat similar to Maeklong Railway Market in Thailand.

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