Hanoi Travel Guide – Tourist Attractions, Sights, Tips & Things to do

Hanoi is the capital and one of the most vibrant cities of Vietnam. It offers a rich cultural heritage, a lively street life, and a variety of attractions for visitors. Here are some of the top sights to see in Hanoi:

• Hoan Kiem Lake: The heart of the city, where you can enjoy a stroll around the lake, visit the Ngoc Son Temple, and watch the water puppet show.
• Old Quarter: The historic and chaotic area of Hanoi, where you can explore the narrow streets, shop at the markets, and sample the local cuisine.
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The final resting place of the revered leader of Vietnam, where you can pay your respects and see his preserved body.
• Temple of Literature: The oldest university in Vietnam, dating back to the 11th century, where you can admire the architecture and the gardens.
• One Pillar Pagoda: A unique and iconic Buddhist temple, built on a single pillar in the middle of a lotus pond.
• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can learn about the history and culture of Vietnam through various exhibits and relics.
• Hanoi Opera House: A stunning example of French colonial architecture, where you can watch a performance or take a tour of the building.
• Tran Quoc Pagoda: The oldest pagoda in Hanoi, located on a small island in West Lake, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the views.
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: A fascinating museum that showcases the diversity and richness of Vietnam’s ethnic groups, through displays, artifacts, and models.
• Hoa Lo Prison: A notorious prison that was used by the French colonists and later by the North Vietnamese, where you can see the cells, torture devices, and propaganda materials.
• Hanoi Train Street: A narrow street that runs along a railway track, where you can witness the daily life of the residents and watch the trains pass by inches away from their homes.
• Dong Xuan Market: The largest and oldest market in Hanoi, where you can find everything from clothes and electronics to food and souvenirs.
• St. Joseph’s Cathedral: A neo-Gothic church that resembles Notre Dame in Paris, where you can admire the stained glass windows and the bell tower.
• Ba Dinh Square: The political center of Vietnam, where you can see the flag-raising ceremony every morning and visit the nearby monuments and museums.
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: A traditional art form that originated in the rural areas of Vietnam, where you can watch a show featuring wooden puppets that perform on a water stage.
• Hanoi Botanical Garden: A green oasis in the middle of the city, where you can relax and enjoy the nature and wildlife.
• Quan Thanh Temple: A Taoist temple that dates back to the 11th century, where you can see the impressive bronze statue of Tran Vu, the god of the north.
• Long Bien Bridge: A historic bridge that was designed by Gustave Eiffel and was heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, where you can walk or bike across and enjoy the views of the Red River.
• Vietnam Military History Museum: A museum that displays various weapons, vehicles, and artifacts from Vietnam’s wars with France, America, and China.
• Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural: A colorful mural that covers a wall along a road for nearly 4 km (2.5 mi), where you can see different scenes and motifs from Vietnam’s history and culture.
• West Lake: The largest lake in Hanoi, where you can enjoy various activities such as boating, cycling, or visiting some of the temples and pagodas around it.
• Vietnamese Women’s Museum: A museum that celebrates the role and contribution of Vietnamese women in society, through exhibits, stories, and photos.
• Lotte Observation Deck: A skyscraper that offers a panoramic view of Hanoi from its 65th floor, where you can also find a skywalk, a coffee shop, and a souvenir store.
• Bat Trang Ceramic Village: A village that is famous for its pottery production and craftsmanship, where you can see how ceramics are made and buy some as souvenirs.
• Hanoi Zoo: A zoo that houses more than 800 animals from different species, such as tigers, elephants, monkeys, and crocodiles.

These are some of the top sights to see in Hanoi. Have fun exploring this amazing city!