If you are planning a trip to Hanoi then there are a few must-sees you must not miss. These include the Ho Chi Minh Complex, Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake and many more!
Another must-do is to take a tour of the emerald waters of Halong Bay. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is only about 3 hours from Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh Complex
The Ho Chi Minh Complex is a group of attractions located in the heart of Hanoi, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh museum and One Pillar Pagoda. This complex is a must-see destination for visitors to Hanoi.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a 21-meter-high mausoleum, which was built to honor President Ho Chi Minh. The building is made of gray granite and marble from the Marble Mountains in Da Nang.
Ngoc Son Temple
The Ngoc Son Temple is one of the must-see attractions in Hanoi. Located on a small island in the northern part of Hoan Kiem Lake, this peaceful temple site honours scholars and war heroes.
The temple is accessed via the Rising Sun Bridge, a red wooden bridge. The bridge features 32 circular pillars, which look striking on the pristine water of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Upon entering, tourists will see Tran Ba Pavilion (Pagoda of Wisdom) and Dac Nguyet Lau Gate (Moon Gazing Pavilion). These structures were built to serve as a shield against evil cultural influences during the feudal period.
Hoan Kiem Lake
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is an oasis of peace and tranquillity in a busy city. It is the ideal place to get away from the chaos of traffic and bikes.
It used to be known as Luc Thuy Lake (roughly translated as Green Lake) or Thuy Quan Lake, before being renamed Hoan Kiem Lake around the 15th century. The name was based on the legend of King Le Thai To returning his sword to the Golden Turtle God.
Museum of Ethnology
The Museum of Ethnology is an excellent place to learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. It also serves as a research centre and is home to a collection of everyday objects representing each group.
The indoor exhibition displays a huge collection of artefacts, pictures and movies to offer a glimpse into the lives of various ethnic groups in Vietnam. It’s a must-see attraction for any visitor to Hanoi.
Temple of Literature
Originally built as a university for Confucius, scholars and sages, the Temple of Literature is an ancient landmark that’s steeped in Vietnamese history. Here you’ll find picturesque gardens, traditional architecture and a tranquil lake.
The Temple of Literature is split into five courtyards, each with its own unique appeal. The first two are surrounded by landscaped gardens, the third is home to a well known for its serene beauty and the fourth contains a shrine dedicated to sages.
Quan Thanh Temple
Located near West Lake, Quan Thanh Temple is a must-see attraction when visiting Hanoi. With its easy-to-find location and unique cultural value, this historic site is an attractive destination for both locals and tourists.
It was built in the 11th century to worship Xuan Wu, or Tran Vu in Vietnamese, one of the four principal deities guarding the ancient gateways of Thang Long (Hanoi’s former name). Over the years, the temple has been renovated several times, most recently in 1893.
Dong Xuan Market
One of the best places to explore and experience Hanoi’s local culture is the Dong Xuan Market. It’s a massive, non-touristy market 900m north of Hoan Kiem Lake and is filled with hundreds of stalls.
It’s a typical South-east Asian market with a wet market on the ground floor and clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs on the upper floors. There’s also a food court and a weekend night market.
Long Bien Market
Long Bien Market is a wholesale night market that’s popular with locals and tourists. You can find fresh produce, clothes and souvenirs here.
Getting there early is a must, as the stalls are packed at night with trucks from across Vietnam coming to sell their goods.
Located at the foot of century-old Long Bien Bridge, this market is one of the most popular attractions in Hanoi. Many tourists come to take photos of the historic landmark and the bustling market below.
The Old Quarter
A storied part of Vietnam's capital, the Old Quarter is home to historic architecture, a lively vibe and fresh-as-it-gets street food. Explore the area on foot or hop on a cyclo for a guided tour through its bustling streets.
The neighborhood was once a hub of trade and manufacturing. Today, it's still home to a number of old guilds and pagodas, which you can visit for a glimpse into ancient history.
